The Planning Committee of Enfield Council met on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to discuss two planning applications. The committee granted planning permission for a significant redevelopment of a Hindu temple site and for a householder extension.

59-71 Church Lane, N9 9PZ and 34-36 Latymer Road N9 9PU

The committee granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the Hindu temple site at 59-71 Church Lane and 34-36 Latymer Road. The decision was made by 7 votes to 1, with 0 abstentions. The Director of Planning and Growth was authorised to grant planning permission subject to conditions and the prior completion of a Section 106 Agreement.

The application sought permission for various works, including the erection of an 8.6-metre-high Rajagopuram (temple gateway tower), a conservatory, a glass shelter, and a chariot store. It also included the change of use of part of the ground floor of No. 71 Church Lane from residential to community use to provide a hall, and the change of use of private garden land at Nos. 34 & 36 Latymer Road for car parking and an access road. The proposal also involved the demolition of No. 34 Latymer Road to facilitate a new vehicular access and rear car park, and the reconfiguration of No. 36 Latymer Road into two self-contained flats. Part of the application was retrospective, seeking consent for the change of use of No. 71 Church Lane to a community hall and an outbuilding to the rear of No. 69 Church Lane.

During the meeting, Edith Leung, Principal Planning Officer, presented the application. A deputation was received from Rachelle Romeo, speaking against the officers' recommendation. Councillor Mahym Bedekova also spoke against the recommendation. Mrs Gayathiri Muthuraaman and Dr Param Nandha spoke in support of the application.

Members raised questions regarding parking, historic compliance, footpath access, and flood authority objections. Officers advised that parking surveys had been conducted, and a 100-person attendance cap would be maintained, with low car ownership in the area suggesting sufficient parking. Regarding historic compliance, new conditions, including a temple management plan, would provide greater control over operations. For footpath access, a revised layout would be sought through a condition to ensure minimum width requirements. The flood authority objection was noted, with officers confident that risk assessment for parking spaces could be addressed through conditions.

The decision to grant planning permission was based on the belief that the proposal would provide improved management of activity, safer access, formalised parking, enhanced community facilities, and environmental and amenity mitigation. The public benefits of enhanced community and religious facilities were considered to outweigh policy conflicts and harms.

6 26/01120/HOU - 74 Houndsden Road N21 1LY

The committee unanimously agreed to grant planning permission for a householder extension at 74 Houndsden Road, with 9 votes for, 0 against, and 0 abstentions. The Director of Planning and Growth was authorised to grant planning permission subject to conditions, with delegated authority to agree the final wording of these conditions.

Claire Williams, Planning Decisions Manager, introduced the application. The proposal involved a part single, part two-storey rear and side extension, including the demolition of the garage, a new side door, and a rear dormer. The site is located within Flood Zone 3a, and revised plans and a Flood Risk Assessment were submitted to address concerns raised by residents and the Council's SuDS Officer.

The committee considered the impact on the character and appearance of the area, neighbouring residential amenity, and flood risk. Officers concluded that the scale, design, and appearance of the extensions and dormer were sympathetic to the existing dwelling and the surrounding area. The development was not considered to have an unacceptable impact on neighbouring amenities, and the revised flood risk measures were deemed acceptable, subject to a condition requiring a verification report.

The decision to grant planning permission was made after considering the proposal against national, regional, and local planning policies, including the National Planning Policy Framework, the London Plan, and the Enfield Core Strategy and Development Management Document.

The meeting also noted the dates of future meetings.