The Overview & Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 26 January 2026 to consider a call-in of a Cabinet decision regarding the disposal of surplus property. The primary focus of the meeting was to review the decision concerning the land at New Cottage Farm, J24, M25, The Ridgeway, Enfield, and to discuss the reasons for its call-in.

Call-in of Cabinet Decision: Surplus Property Disposal – Land at New Cottage Farm, J24, M25, The Ridgeway, Enfield

The committee was scheduled to consider a call-in of the decision made by the Cabinet on 14 January 2026 concerning the disposal of surplus property at Land at New Cottage Farm, J24, M25, The Ridgeway, Enfield. This item formed the core of the meeting, with several supporting documents outlining the procedure, the councillors who called in the decision, the reasons for the call-in, and the original report to the Cabinet.

The call-in was initiated by a group of councillors, including Councillor Edward Smith, Councillor Chris Joannides, Councillor Tom O'Halloran, Councillor Reece Fox, Councillor Andrew Thorpe, Councillor Joanne Laban, Councillor Andy Milne, and Councillor Chris Dey. The primary reason cited for the call-in related to Green Belt Issues. It was argued that the decision to sell the land was premature, given that the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) had not yet announced a decision on the proposed Local Plan, which would determine the planning status of the land. Concerns were raised that this premature sale could add to uncertainty regarding the development timescale for any proposed scheme. The Conservative Group's position of protecting the Green Belt was reiterated, with the call-in focusing on value for money rather than the administration's policy on developing Green Belt land.

The officer's response indicated that land ownership and disposal decisions are separate from plan-making and development management functions. It was stated that any change in planning policy or land use can only occur through the Local Plan Examination or a subsequent plan-making process. The Council considered that proceeding with the disposal was not premature and presented a good opportunity. The response also noted that the decision to sell does not prejudice the Inspector's role in the Examination and that any future development would require planning permission determined in accordance with the development plan. Further safeguards were mentioned, including statutory consents required from the Department of Levelling Up Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and the Duchy of Lancaster, which relate to the disposal of land held for open space purposes and do not alter the Green Belt designation itself.

The original report to the Cabinet, authored by James Raven, Director of Property, detailed the purpose of the report as seeking approval for the disposal of Green Belt land totalling 27.6 acres. The land, situated south of the M25 motorway, north of The Ridgeway, and adjacent to Junction 24 of the M25, spans both the London Borough of Enfield and Hertsmere Borough Council. The report highlighted that the land was declared part of the Green Belt round London by Deeds of Declaration in 1937 and 1941. To sell the land and release it from restrictive covenants, the Council would need to apply for consent from the DLUHC and the Duchy of Lancaster. The report recommended agreeing to the sale, subject to obtaining these consents, and authorised the Director of Property to finalise the Heads of Terms.

The report also addressed financial implications, noting that the sale would generate a capital receipt for the Council, contributing to its capital strategy targets. It was stated that the purchase price exceeded the existing use market value and that the offer represented best consideration for the Council with minimal expenditure. Legal implications were also outlined, including the Council's duty under Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972 to achieve best consideration and the need to comply with the Constitution and Property Procedure Rules. The report detailed the statutory requirements for disposing of land designated as open space, including advertising notices and considering objections. It also explained the process for obtaining consent from the DLUHC and the Duchy of Lancaster, which involves making a case for an exception to Green Belt policy.

The report included an Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA) at Stage 1, which indicated no significant equality impacts.

A subsequent document, the Record of Decision Taken, signed by Councillor Ergin Erbil, Leader of the Council, on 19 January 2026, indicated that the decision to approve the freehold disposal of the land, including overage provisions, had been made. This decision was taken after considering representations made in response to statutory advertisements. The Leader stated that the approval of the disposal did not prejudice the Local Plan Examination process.

Dates of Future Meetings

The committee was also scheduled to note the dates of future meetings: 11 February 2026 and a provisional date of 23 February 2026.