Enfield Council is set to purchase Wadham House compulsorily as part of its ongoing efforts to increase housing stock in the borough. The council aims to achieve a quantitative and qualitative housing gain following confirmation of the Compulsory Purchase Order.
The decision, made at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 10 September 2025, will allow the council to demolish the existing structure and construct new housing on the site, as well as adjacent council-owned land. The move is enabled under Section 17 of the Housing Act 1985, which grants local authorities the power to acquire land for housing purposes, including through compulsory purchase if necessary.
The Cabinet approved the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire all land and rights within the area, comprising Wadham House. This decision was made to enable the council to demolish Wadham House and construct new housing on the site and adjacent council-owned land.
The Executive Director of Housing and Regeneration has been delegated authority, in consultation with the Director of Law and Governance, to make necessary changes to the draft Statement of Reasons, the Order Schedule, and the Order Map. They are also authorised to take all necessary steps to implement the Order, including finalising the Order documents, making General Vesting Declarations, and serving notices to treat and notices of entry.
The Cabinet also approved the appropriation of the land for planning purposes to enable delivery of phases 0-1 of the Estate masterplan, under Section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972, subject to Secretary of State consent and the council being registered as the owner of the freehold interest in the land. The Executive Director of Housing and Regeneration was delegated authority to consider any representations made in response to the land appropriation statutory consultation process and to decide whether to continue with the appropriation.
They were also delegated authority to approve the payment of any statutory compensation that may be due to affected parties if Section 203 powers are engaged.
