An update on Whitewebbs
I am grateful for all correspondence I have received from constituents on this issue.
As a regular user of Whitewebbs grounds, I want to assure you that I recognise the significance of the woodlands, footpaths and bridal ways to our community.
They provide a real benefit to residents, and I am clear these spaces must continue to be open and accessible to everyone.
When Enfield Council went to tender expressions of interest for the golf course, I made clear my view to the Council and local residents.
Whilst I understood the Council’s concerns around financial pressures, and the wish to maximise the revenue from the site, I was clear that residents’ views must be listened to through an in-depth consultation before any decision was made.
At the time, I was pleased to hear about plans which would protect this existing green space at Whitewebbs, that is valuable to many of us in Enfield, and enhance public access, protect the woodlands, and improve biodiversity.
The level of resident engagement on this proposal by the Council at the time was poor, which was made very clear to the Council by residents and myself
I joined residents in calling on the Council to do better.
The competitive process resulted in Tottenham Hotspur being selected as the preferred bidder, subject to obtaining planning approval for their proposals.
Both residents and I were reassured that the proposals would require planning approval and no lease would be entered into unless this was obtained, following a rigorous local consultation.
This would have been the opportunity for residents to shape and influence the proposals.
It is most disappointing that despite reassurances given by the council, this has not been the case.
I therefore completely understand and share the anger and frustration of residents who feel like their voices have been ignored.
The lack of clarity that residents have received on all stages of this project, could have been averted by a more rigorous and meaningful engagement and consultation process.
It is the failure to carry out such a process that has led to this situation.
Furthermore, good consultation practice dictates that consultations should not be launched during major public holidays, when residents will be otherwise preoccupied.
By launching this consultation on 14th December, when many will have been making plans for Christmas, the Council further failed in their obligations to residents.
Once the consultation was launched, the map provided in documents to residents (showing the plan of the property) was completely contrary and unhelpful, given the bid from Tottenham Hotspur is for only a section of the previous golf course.
Unfortunately, I have lost confidence in the Council’s ability to involve local residents and user groups, in its plans for this public space.
Henceforth, I am taking this issue up as a matter of urgency with council officers, seeking the answers that residents have so far been denied.
Local communities must be at the heart of decisions that affect them, and I will continue to do all I can to make your voices heard.