London architects unveil plans to convert Enfield golf course into modern housing

A group of London architects has unveiled plans to convert a golf course in Enfield into stylish, modern homes in a bid to help plug the capital’s chronic housing shortage.

The proposal, dubbed ‘holes to homes,’ would see the council-owned 18-hole course split in two, with nine holes transformed into mid-density housing for up to 2,000 people and the remaining nine left to golfers.

Dozens of golf courses in London are owned by local authorities, suggesting that homes for as many as 100,000 Londoners could be created if the plans were adopted across the capital.

Russell Curtis from London architect group RCKa told the Standard the proposals were carefully considered though it was not yet clear whether Enfield Council would take them seriously.

“If you’d asked me a year ago, I’d have said it’s ridiculous but if you look across London several boroughs are considering options for what they do with their golf courses,” he said.

“People are questioning whether golf is an equitable use of space that’s heavily contested in this city. Enfield is already suffering heavily from homelessness, while temporary accommodation is costing the council millions. This could give people a home.”

The proposal, which includes a detailed illustration, above, aims to create “space for 650 homes within a series of efficient, low- to mid-rise villa blocks, set within a green landscape, and linked by cycle and walking routes and close to public transport.”

The design, which would see no existing trees on the site felled, includes a series of nature trails, with community facilities placed in the centre of rewilded parkland to create teaching areas for local schools. Elsewhere within the development are a new health clinic, gym, pharmacy, mobility hub, heritage centre and café.

It also features allotments and growing areas to allow for zero-mile food, but would have minimal parking to reduce car dependency and encourage active travel.

The plan aims to “show how the introduction of a new east-west pedestrian and cycle link helps knit the neighbourhood together, providing existing residents with new and enhanced access to schools, natural landscapes and local amenities.”

Curtis said many local authorities were actively exploring options to redevelop large golf courses, which make little to no contribution to the local economy and council tax receipts.

But councillors could be hampered by planning restrictions, including green belt and Metropolitan Open Land rules.

“The tide is turning and the boroughs are starting to question whether they’re a good use of land,” he said.

“It feels as though we’re pushing against an open door.”