Enfield Council faces ongoing occupation of former Southgate Police Station
Residents remain in the building after enforcement notice appeal was dismissed and compliance deadline passed.
Incident → evidence → outcomeIndividuals continue to reside at the former Southgate Police Station in Chase Side, Enfield, without official permission. Enfield Council issued an enforcement notice concerning the occupation, but an appeal against this notice was dismissed. The deadline for compliance with the council's notice passed in May 2026, yet people remain at the site.
Background to the Occupation
The Southgate Police Station building was acquired by DN Property London Limited for £4.1 million in February 2022, according to Land Registry records. In May 2024, a managing agent submitted a planning application on behalf of DN Property to convert the station into 65 rooms for temporary accommodation. Enfield Council rejected this proposal due to concerns about antisocial behaviour and safety.
Despite the planning rejection, the building began housing residents from October 2024. The council subsequently issued an enforcement notice in December 2024. DN Property appealed this notice to the Planning Inspectorate, but the appeal was dismissed last summer. A deadline of May 2026 was then set for residents to be relocated.
Sajad Al-Hairi of Log Creation Ltd, who lodged the rejected planning application, stated in January 2025 that the former police station was providing housing for single mothers, disabled individuals, and those out of work, preventing the building from remaining vacant and vulnerable to squatters. Attempts to contact Mr Al-Hairi and DN Property for comment have been unsuccessful.
Council Response
Local ward councillor Stephanos Ioannou acknowledged a commitment made by councillors before the May local elections to remove residents from the former Southgate Police Station. He expressed apologies for the ongoing situation, citing legal issues that prevent further comment. Councillor Ioannou stated that Conservative councillors remain committed to the removal of the tenants and are in weekly communication with the council's legal team for updates. Enfield Council has declined to comment on the current situation.
Questions this report answers
01Why are people still living at the former Southgate Police Station?
Residents continue to occupy the former Southgate Police Station without permission. An enforcement notice issued by Enfield Council was appealed and dismissed, with the compliance deadline of May 2026 having passed.
02Who owns the former Southgate Police Station?
The former Southgate Police Station was purchased by DN Property London Limited for £4.1 million in February 2022. A subsequent planning application by the owner to convert the building into temporary accommodation was rejected by the council.
03What is Enfield Council doing about the occupation?
Enfield Council issued an enforcement notice regarding the occupation, which was appealed and dismissed. The deadline for compliance has passed, and local councillors state they are in weekly communication with the council's legal team regarding the ongoing situation.
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