Hostel for 36 homeless men at John Wilkes House 79 High Street, Enfield

What was proposed

Permanent use of John Wilkes House as a short-stay hostel with 36 rooms for single homeless men, shared facilities and support staff.

“Permission is sought for the permanent use of John Wilkes House as a hostel providing residential accommodation for 36 single homeless men (sui generis).”

“The proposed scheme would retain its 36 single rooms, described as pods, to house homeless men, as well as shared kitchens and bathrooms, communal areas for residents, and office space for staff providing welfare support services to residents. This would be a short-stay facility, which the applicant describes as providing a ‘Rapid Assessment and Resettlement Service’, generally for up to five or six weeks per user.”

Officer report

Earlier permission and use

Members previously approved a two-year hostel use, which began operating in March 2025 and was due to expire on 2 July 2026.

“On 18 th June 2024, Members resolved to grant planning permission (ref: 24/01102/RE4) for the temporary conversion of JWH to a hostel providing residential accommodation for 36 single homeless men (sui generis), for a temporary period of two years 1 . The decision was issued on 2 nd July 2024 and the…”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the proposal suitable because it meets acute homelessness need, reuses a vacant office, provides good accommodation and has safeguards against harm.

“The site is located within a sustainable High Street location with good access to services and public transport. The proposal provides an acceptable standard of accommodation, retains appropriate servicing, access, and parking arrangements, and does not result in harm to the character of the area or neighbouring amenity.”

Officer report

Consultees and public comments

Key consultees raised no objections, while 48 objections and a 112-signature petition raised concerns about safety, amenity, consultation and service capacity.

“Number of comments Summary Objections (48) 3 , and Petition (1) – with 112 signatures Consultation & Process Concerns…”

“Fears of increased: Anti-social behaviour, Street drinking and drug use, Begging and intimidation, Crime (including theft, shoplifting, drug dealing) • Reports/perception of worsening safety and fear of crime locally, particular concerns regarding: Children and proximity to multiple schools, Elderly and disabled residents, Women feeling unsafe or intimidated • Safeguarding concerns and lack of clear mitigation measures.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two local residents spoke against the recommendation, followed by an officer speaking for the applicant.

What members discussed

Members asked about residents’ stays and move-on arrangements, complaints, security, risk changes, oversaturation, finances and room sizes.

“In response to Members’ questions and comments regarding complaints and anti-social behaviour, officers replied that as set out in paragraph 9.42, from June 2026 the had only been 2 service calls to the Police for the location in the last 6 months which were unrelated to crime; likewise there were no recorded crimes relating to the property on police.uk and the Environmental Health and ASB teams had raised no complaints on the application.”

“In response to Members’ queries relating to control measures, officers outlined the secured by design accreditation and invited the applicant to add that they were confident there were stringent management measures in place including risk assessments before residents were admitted, designated safeguarding staff and security who circle the building internally and externally 24 hours a day, and CCTV.”

Minutes

The vote

Members voted unanimously in favour, with 12 votes for, no votes against and no abstentions.

“The proposal having been put to the vote; Members voted:”

Minutes

The committee decision

The committee agreed that the Director of Planning and Growth could grant consent subject to conditions and amend those conditions if needed.

“1) That in accordance with Regulation 3 of the Town and Country Planning General Regulations 1992 the Director of Planning and Growth be authorised to GRANT consent subject to conditions. 2) That the Director of Planning and Growth be authorised to make any alterations, additions or deletions to the recommended conditions as set out in this report.”

Minutes