On the fringes of north London, Crews Hill near Enfield is home to a cluster of horticultural businesses known as the 'golden mile'. These family-run garden centres, selling plants, fencing and paving, fear they could be forced to close or move if the government selects the area for one of its next generation of new towns.
The new towns taskforce has recommended Crews Hill and nearby Chase Park among a dozen locations across England. Housing secretary Steve Reed identified it as one of the most promising sites, alongside Tempsford in Bedfordshire and Leeds South Bank. The project is significant for Labour's goal of building 1.5m homes this parliament, especially after figures showed housebuilding at its lowest since the pandemic.
Crews Hill spans 884 hectares with just 500 residents, garden centres, a golf course, hospital and railway station. A plan for 21,000 homes, with 50% affordable, would see the population soar. Proponents argue it would provide much-needed housing and local services, with improved transport links to central London. Ministers will decide on locations this spring.
Business owners say the uncertainty is already hurting trade. Emma Breeze, who runs Three Counties Garden and Leisure Buildings, said customers question the 10-year guarantee on products. 'We're in limbo,' she said. Simon Aylward, owner of Aylwards fencing, said his son and niece are the third generation in the business. 'We have become part of the fabric of the local area,' he said, adding that opposition is widespread but voices 'fall on closed ears'.
