The fate of the 'golden mile' of garden centers hangs in the balance as a new town development looms over Crews Hill, a picturesque area on the outskirts of north London. This idyllic spot, nestled within the M25, has been dubbed the 'golden mile' due to its decades-long history of hosting a cluster of thriving horticultural businesses. However, the government's plans to designate Crews Hill and nearby Chase Park as part of a new generation of towns could potentially displace these small, family-run enterprises.
The garden centers, along with other local businesses, fear they may be forced to close and relocate if the government proceeds with the development. This proposal, part of a broader plan to build 12 new towns across England, has sparked concern among residents and business owners alike. The housing secretary, Steve Reed, has identified Crews Hill as one of the most promising sites for development, alongside other locations like Tempsford in Bedfordshire and Leeds South Bank.
The significance of this project is heightened by the current slump in housebuilding, which has reached its deepest point since the Covid pandemic. The Labour government's ambitious goal of constructing 1.5 million homes during this parliament makes the proposed development all the more crucial. Crews Hill, spanning 884 hectares, is currently home to just 500 people and a variety of businesses, including garden centers, a golf course, a hospital, and a railway station.
The proposed development aims to build 21,000 homes, with a focus on making 50% of them affordable. Proponents argue that this project will provide much-needed housing for families and workers in the capital while also enhancing local services and transport links. However, critics raise concerns about the potential strain on existing infrastructure during construction and the lack of ambition in the social housing commitment.
As the decision looms, business owners like Emma Breeze are already feeling the impact. Her family-run business, Three Counties Garden and Leisure Buildings, has been selling garden sheds and workshops since 1988. Breeze expresses her reluctance to move, emphasizing the uncertainty and potential disruption the development could bring. The taskforce's report, which suggests releasing poor-quality green belt land for sustainable development, has further fueled tensions.
Local traders, such as Simon Aylward, owner of Aylwards, a fencing business, share similar concerns. They argue that the area's unique character and history should be respected, and that the development could disrupt the local community. The history of Crews Hill dates back to the 18th century when William Crew, a local folk hero, shot deer thieves at Enfield Chase, an ancient royal hunting ground.
Before the M25, the site was arable land, and later, glasshouses were built to grow fresh produce and cut flowers to meet London's demands. As cheaper imports from Holland became popular, the greenhouses transformed into garden centers. This is not the first time Crews Hill's potential has been recognized to address the housing shortage. Enfield Council previously proposed building 5,500 homes there, but faced opposition from private landowners who were not willing to sell.
Nina Barnes, a long-time resident, expresses her concerns about the development, emphasizing her family's deep roots in the area. She argues against the notion of 'nimbyism' and highlights the broader impact on the community, including the employees and tenants who rely on these businesses. The Enfield Bird Centre, established 40 years ago, is another example of the area's rich history and the potential disruption the development could bring.
Critics of the development point to the Enfield Council's track record of delivering housing projects, such as the delayed Meridian Water project, which has fallen behind schedule. Housing campaigners welcome the Crews Hill proposal, recognizing the need for large-scale development to meet Labour's ambitious housing goals. However, they also emphasize the importance of working with local businesses to ensure a more sustainable and inclusive approach.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) spokesperson acknowledges the value of local businesses and promises close collaboration with communities to understand the development's impact. The leader of Enfield Council, Ergin Erbil, emphasizes the project's potential to bring significant investment and improved infrastructure to the borough.
Despite the controversies and concerns, the development's potential to address the housing crisis and revitalize the area remains a topic of debate. Matt Burn from the campaign group Better Homes for Enfield suggests that Crews Hill can play a role in providing affordable social rental homes, but emphasizes the need for careful consideration of current businesses.
As the decision approaches, the future of Crews Hill's 'golden mile' of garden centers hangs in the balance, with the community eagerly awaiting the government's verdict.
