The Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel of Enfield Council was scheduled to discuss the procedural update on the Enfield Local Plan Examination, advancements in digital working within the Planning Tech Team, and an update on licensing schemes. The panel was also set to review its work programme for the upcoming year.

Enfield Local Plan Examination – Procedural Update

The panel was scheduled to receive a report from May Hope, Head of Strategic Planning & Design, providing a procedural update on the examination of the Enfield Local Plan. The report was intended to inform members about the current stage of the examination, the role of the independent Inspector, and the anticipated next steps. This includes any potential programme for Main Modifications and statutory consultation. The examination, which began in August 2024, is being conducted against the National Planning Policy Framework (December 2023). The report noted that while hearing sessions may have concluded, the examination remains ongoing until the Inspector issues their final report. Recent representations and public interest following the Government's New Towns announcement have been addressed procedurally through the Examination. The report stated that any future stages, including Main Modifications and consultation, remain indicative and subject to the Inspector's direction. The Council's role is to respond to Inspector correspondence and progress subsequent statutory steps when directed. The report highlighted that the Local Plan is the Council's primary statutory planning document and underpins the delivery of the Council Plan, including objectives relating to housing delivery, regeneration, infrastructure provision, climate resilience, and inclusive growth.

Planning Tech Team, Digital Ways of Working and Impacts on Customers

A report from Su Whybrow, Head of Technical Planning Support, was scheduled to provide the panel with an update on the digital tools being used or developed by the Planning Service. The aim of these tools is to make planning services more accessible to residents and applicants, while also streamlining operations and improving cost efficiency. This digital transformation aligns with broader industry trends and government strategies, such as the Government's Digital Planning Programme, which seeks to deliver better access to planning data, faster decisions, and improved community engagement. The report indicated that the Planning team is transitioning from its current case management system, IDOX, to a new cloud-based solution called Arcus Built Environment (BE). This new system is designed to streamline the entire planning process, offering automated workflows and mobile accessibility. Residents will continue to have access to an online planning register, with enhanced features for submitting comments. The service is also replacing its digital mapping system, MapInfo, with Cadcorp, a geospatial software provider. Additionally, the team is utilising Microsoft Copilot Chat as an assistive tool for clearer communication with customers and has made Heritage datasets publicly available. The report also mentioned a partnership with Planning Hub to progress an AI-driven Prop Tech platform, supported by government funding, to provide immediate, site and project-specific insights for development feasibility. The report noted that the Council's Digital Data and AI Strategy commits to smarter use of resources enabled by digital innovation, and the Workforce Strategy aims to ensure positive and inclusive experiences for all who engage with the Council.

Update on Licensing Schemes

The panel was scheduled to receive an update on additional and selective licensing schemes from Tina Fasi, Head of Private Rented Housing Licensing & Enforcement. The report was intended to provide an overview of these schemes, their progress, and the outcomes achieved in raising property and management standards within houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and privately rented homes. The report highlighted that the Private Rented Sector (PRS) in Enfield has seen consistent growth, now making up 33% of the housing tenure. A borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme, first introduced in September 2020, was renewed for a further five years from September 2025. The Selective licensing scheme, covering 14 wards, was introduced in September 2021 and is due to end in August 2026, with proposals to renew it in 17 wards subject to public consultation. The report indicated that these schemes have been pivotal in understanding the PRS and improving standards, establishing a regulatory framework that encourages landlords to meet their responsibilities. The report detailed enforcement actions taken under both schemes, including the number of licences granted, inspections carried out, statutory notices served, and civil penalties issued. It also noted Enfield's ranking nationally for its use of civil penalties and prosecutions against landlords. The report mentioned that the Council is proposing to introduce a new selective licensing scheme when the current one expires, extending licensing requirements to all privately rented homes within seventeen wards. The financial performance of the schemes, covering income and expenditure, was also to be presented. The report also detailed partnership working with various organisations to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and criminal landlords, and highlighted the impact of licensing schemes on homelessness prevention.

Work Programme

The panel was scheduled to note the Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Panel Work Programme for 2025/26. This document outlines the topics planned for discussion throughout the year, including updates on social housing regulation, temporary accommodation and homelessness, housing delivery programmes, and specific regeneration projects. The work programme also details the lead officers and members responsible for each item.

Dates of Future Meetings

The panel was scheduled to note the dates of future meetings, with the next one planned for Wednesday, 4 March 2026, at 7:00 pm.