Sir Sadiq Khan has faced accusations of endorsing a 'crusade' against London's Green Belt, following revelations of plans to build 10,000 new homes on historically significant land once frequented by British royalty. 

Transport for London (TfL), under the Mayor's jurisdiction, has approached Enfield Council to propose the development of thousands more properties within Trent Park. This park, located in north London, boasts ancient woodland and an 18th-century country house built by George III, with historical ties to monarchs like Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and James I.

Notable figures such as Charlie Chaplin and Sir Winston Churchill also visited the stately home, which served as a holding camp for German officers during World War II.

TfL has indicated that approximately 570 acres of this Green Belt land could be developed for housing, surpassing the 412 acres proposed by Enfield Council.

This is despite its chairman, Mayor Khan, insisting that Green Field land in London must only be used for houses in 'exceptional circumstances'.

Enfield Tory councillor Alessandro Georgiou had urged Sir Sadiq Khan to step in over Trent Park. The Mayor insists he didn't know anything about it, a claim questioned by Mr Georgiou.

'If TfL is going rogue and putting forward suggestions that go against your wishes, which I think are very reasonable when it comes to the Green Belt, then it doesn't reflect well on you', Mr Georgiou said.

'The Mayor's inability to commit to protecting historic parkland, let alone other green belt space, deeply worries me and I will not let this go until TfL's crusade against our parks is stopped.'

Speaking at Mayor's Question Time last week, Sir Sadiq said he was 'unaware' of TFL's response to Enfield.

The Labour Mayor has said repeatedly that he would not allow building of new homes on the capital's Green Belt unless there are 'exceptional circumstances'.

TFL does not own the land at Trent Park. The plans for homes there will be discussed at a public meeting on Wednesday.

A Local Plan is a planning documents that would allow the council to designate Green Belt for several thousand homes to be built by developers - but only if approved.

TFL has put in a written submission saying that Green Belt suitable for the borough, including Trent Park, has been underestimated.

'We would like to work positively [with the council] with a view to a significant development focussed on Chase Park to deliver between 10,000 and 12,000 homes and necessary infrastructure,' TfL said.

'Release of Green Belt sites as set out in the draft Local Plan would represent a significant opportunity loss and under-optimisation.'

Sir Sadiq Khan, who is chairman of TFL, has said that his priority remains brownfield land over Green Belt.

He has asked his Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, to look at the Enfield row.

A spokesman said: 'The Mayor has always made clear his preference for developing on brownfield sites first when identifying land for development. Sadiq is determined to help deliver the homes Londoners desperately need as he continues to build a fairer London for everyone.'