The Conservation and Heritage Advisory Board met for its inaugural session, receiving an update on the council's heritage functions and work programme, and discussing the draft work programme for the upcoming year. The Board noted the overview of heritage functions and the proposed programme for renewing the Heritage Strategy, with amendments and additions to be finalised by officers in consultation with the Chair.

Update on Conservation and Heritage within the Borough

Nicholas Page, Principal Heritage Officer, and Yu Tung, Senior Conservation Officer, presented an overview of the council's heritage functions and current work programme. Mr Page explained that the Local Heritage List, compiled with the help of volunteers, aims to highlight industrial and wartime heritage, as well as heritage outside of conservation areas. He also detailed the processes for identifying listed buildings and conservation areas, distinguishing them from registered parks and monuments.

John West from The Enfield Society expressed appreciation for the Board's establishment and suggested a review of shop front policies, noting that some shop fronts had negatively impacted the aesthetic quality of conservation areas. Mr Page acknowledged this concern, mentioning that Enfield Town had been added to the Heritage at Risk Register due to shop frontage issues. He stated that a new Shopfront Design Guide is intended to help curate town centres with greater aesthetic appeal. Discussions also covered the archaeological heritage of the borough, with the potential for a revised Local Heritage List to better reflect this, particularly following the publication of updated Archaeological Priority Areas. Views studies, which identify protection-worthy views such as that of Alexandra Palace from Palmers Green railway bridge, were also discussed. Officers clarified how the Heritage Team works to preserve or enhance heritage through the planning system, balancing heritage benefits against development impacts. The Board noted the overview of the council's heritage functions, work programme, and the proposed programme for renewing the heritage strategy.

Draft Conservation and Heritage Advisory Board Work Programme 2026/27

Tom Devonshire, Governance Advisor, introduced the draft work programme for 2026/27. Nicholas Page, Principal Heritage Officer, outlined the planned phases for updating the Heritage Strategy. A discussion ensued about adding an item focused on the Enfield River Loop to the work programme, with assistance from the Blue and Green Team. Mr Page also explained the proposed Major Planning Upcoming update, which aims to provide early information on significant planning applications with heritage implications. Councillor Reece Fox, Chair of the Conservation and Heritage Advisory Board, suggested additional priorities for future meetings. The Board noted the draft work programme, with any suggested amendments and additions to be finalised by officers in consultation with the Chair.

The Board's work programme for 2026/27 includes regular updates on the Heritage Strategy and Major Planning Applications, as well as specific items such as Registered Parks and Gardens. The process for renewing the Heritage Strategy was outlined, involving stakeholder feedback, drafting, and public consultation, with the aim of adopting a new strategy by January 2027. The Board's role in this process is to raise awareness, provide community insights, and champion the borough's heritage.