Planning Approval Granted – Bush Hill Park Club, Enfield
MSK Design Ltd are delighted to announce that planning permission has been granted today by Enfield Council for a new indoor bowls and mini-tennis pavilion at Bush Hill Park Bowls, Tennis & Social Club, Abbey Road, EN1 2QP.
The approval supports the long-term sustainability of this valued community sports club and enables year-round participation in bowls and tennis.
About the Proposal
The approved scheme delivers a single-storey, purpose-built sports facility designed to enhance on-site provision while remaining sensitive to its setting within the Bush Hill Park Conservation Area.
The pavilion accommodates indoor bowls and mini-tennis lanes, providing accessible, all-weather recreation space for club members and the wider community.
Design and Contextual Approach
To minimise visual impact and preserve the open character of the site, the building is partially sunken into the ground, reducing overall height and maintaining a low profile when viewed from surrounding streets and pathways.
The structure incorporates a wild-meadow green roof, promoting biodiversity, assisting water management and blending the form into the landscape. Materials and detailing have been developed to sit harmoniously within the established conservation area character.
Planning Considerations
The application received a positive officer assessment, noting:
Sensitive integration into the Conservation Area
Provision of enhanced community sport and leisure facilities
Adoption of green infrastructure and biodiversity measures
A SuDS-compliant drainage strategy
Appropriate controls on lighting, materials and finished ground levels
Conditions securing the 09:00–22:00 hours of use and restricting the building to sport and leisure only
The scheme was therefore considered compliant with Enfield’s Local Plan, London Plan policies and relevant design and environmental guidance.
Planning Policy & Officer Assessment
The proposal was assessed against the London Plan, Enfield Local Plan, Development Management Document, and Bush Hill Park Conservation Area Character Appraisal. The Planning Officer concluded that the development represents an appropriate and well-integrated addition to the site, providing enhanced sports facilities while respecting its heritage and landscape setting.
Key points highlighted in the assessment include:
The building’s sunken design successfully mitigates massing and preserves the openness of the site.
The wild-meadow green roof delivers measurable biodiversity enhancements and aligns with London Plan policies on Urban Greening and sustainable design.
The scheme provides improved community leisure facilities, supporting Local Plan objectives for accessible recreation space.
The pavilion’s form, scale and materiality were found to be in keeping with the Conservation Area, with no harm to heritage significance.
The SuDS strategy, lighting controls, landscaping, materials, and finished levels are secured through conditions to ensure high-quality execution.
Overall, the proposal was judged to deliver clear community benefits, comply with relevant policy and guidance, and maintain the site’s character within the Conservation Area.
Outcome and Decision
Planning permission was granted under delegated authority, recognising the scheme’s sensitive design response, environmental benefits and contribution to sustainable community sports provision.
MSK Design Expertise
This successful approval highlights MSK Design’s commitment to delivering thoughtful, context-led architecture that supports local communities while navigating the complexities of planning policy in heritage and open-space settings.
Do you represent a club, organisation or community group exploring a new building or facility?
Contact MSK Design Ltd to discuss feasibility, planning strategy and design development.
Call us: 020 3021 2236