Plans submitted for 'memorialisation' of Broomfield House

The National Lottery-backed project for the historic building in Palmers Green has been in the works for several years

The memorialisation plans submitted for Broomfield House (credit Studio ONB/Sally Prothero Landscape Architecture)

Planning applications proposing to demolish and “memorialise” Broomfield House have been submitted to Enfield Council.

The submitted plans represent the next stage of the ‘Unlocking Broomfield Park’ project, funded through the National Lottery, which “focuses on restoration and renewal of the landscape in the core areas around the historic ruin of Broomfield House”.

Broomfield House had been used for various purposes over the centuries but remained derelict following a series of fires in 1984, 1993, 1994 and 2019. The building is now surrounded by scaffolding, with more than 80% of the historic fabric lost, although some interior elements have been saved.

Now beyond repair, the 16^th Century building is set to be demolished and memorialised, with the council winning funding of just over £530,000 to progress the plans in 2024, but still needing to apply for the full £3.7million to deliver the whole project.

In collaboration with the Friends of Broomfield Park and other local groups as well as local councillors, Studio ONB and Sally Prothero Landscape Architecture have drawn up plans for the memorialisation project which have now been submitted to the council for approval.

The plans state: “Proposals will memorialise Grade 2* Broomfield House as a ruin in the landscape and reconnect it with the wider landscape, which is a Grade 2 registered park and garden. The scheme will include many public benefits. With hoardings
removed, more space will be given back to the park and a new space within the remains of Broomfield House will be delivered.

“The vision if for the former site of Broomfield House to be a garden which tells the story of the site through its layout and detailing. It is intended to be a peaceful contemplative space, which has clear views across the lakes to the wider park.

“The proposals have been developed in conjunction with historic research and analysis of the park and house’s heritage assets and their associated values.”

Two separate but very similar planning applications have been submitted, as any work to Broomfield House requires listed building consent as well as the usual permissions.

The plans add: “The Unlocking Broomfield masterplan has been developed to address the urgent need to create a safe environment in and around the remains of the Grade 2* listed centre piece of park, Broomfield House, removing the hoardings and stitching this
part of the park back into the gardens and the wider historic park.

“The proposed ‘memorialisation’ of Broomfield House will conserve as much of the built fabric as feasibly possible whilst ensuring clear sight lines through the house remains.”

The two planning application reference numbers are 26/02136/RE4 and 26/02137/LBC. The deadline for people to comment on either application, which can be done via the council’s online planning portal, is Friday, 26th June.

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