Enfield Council is looking to build an additional 324 homes above what had previously been planned for the Ponders End estate

Sketch of plans for a revised phase 2b of Alma Estate's redevelopment — Sketch of plans for a revised phase 2b of Alma Estate’s redevelopment

The final phases of a decade-long estate redevelopment programme in Ponders End could now see more than 300 additional homes built.

Enfield Council wants to nearly double the density of housing planned on phases 2b, 3a and 3b of its Alma Estate regeneration, from 401 to 725.

With 459 new homes already built across the site in South Street and Alma Road, as well the 220 currently under construction by developer Countryside Partnerships, the new proposal will bring the total number of homes built to 1,404.

The initial 2015 planning application proposed up to 993 new homes across the masterplan. This number was subsequently increased to provide 1,080 new homes.

The original six-hectare Alma Estate – built in the 1960s – comprised 717 council homes, most of them in four multi-coloured tower blocks which loomed over Ponders End Station. Only one of these towers remains standing and is due to be demolished by the end of this year as it sits on the site of the final phase of the estate’s redevelopment – described as a “catalyst for the wider regeneration of the Ponders End area”.

The council has previously been criticised for not fully replacing the original number of social homes, with only 41% (444) of the currently-approved 1,080 homes designated ‘affordable’ and, of those, half (222) being earmarked as social rent.

It has not yet been revealed exactly what the proportion of affordable housing will be for the additional 324 homes but, on its consultation website, the council says: “Our proposals will deliver a wide range of tenures for families and households of all sizes, this includes private for sale, private for rent and affordable.”

It adds: “The final phases will complete the Alma Estate regeneration and our vision will look to provide a balanced community were people live, play, learn and work.

“In line with residents’ feedback and the need for new homes in Enfield, our proposals have been updated. Our new proposals build on Alma Estate’s evolution as an active community hub combined with green and sustainable public spaces.”

Construction work on Alma Estate as seen in December 2023

In terms of height, the blocks on the newly proposed final phases will not exceed 16 storeys, with the tallest part of the new estate being the 17-storey block nearest to Ponders End Station, completed five years ago. The original four tower blocks built in the 1960s each rose to 24 storeys.

As well as the homes, a new youth centre and pharmacy have been opened in recent years, while additional community facilities are due to open shortly. A new ‘green square’ is proposed for the centre of phase 2b.

In recent weeks the council has been running a pre-application consultation on its new plans for the final phases. An online survey remains open until Monday (20th). A planning application is due to be submitted later this summer.

On its consultation website the council says: “This regeneration is not just about new homes, but about placemaking that reflects local priorities. Some community uses have been delivered early in the process so that the whole community experiences immediate benefit.

“The masterplan enables phased delivery, with continuity of existing popular services, such as the youth centre and shops. We are now looking to review our proposals for the final phase which have been developed to reflect changes in local housing need.”

For more information and to take part in the consultation:
Visit almaestateregeneration.co.uk

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