Adding extra storeys to blocks of flats could become more common as the council looks to boost the supply of affordable homes.

A report for Enfield council states that low-cost building projects such as adding storeys will enable it to increase housing supply despite facing ongoing financial constraints.

June saw the completion of work to add extra floors to buildings on Lytchet Way Estate, which provided 24 flats at a cost of £125,000 each in the first project of its kind in London

The council claims innovative methods such as this are key to solving the housing crisis as a government cap on borrowing limits funding for new homes.

Other options under consideration include applying for extra grant funding from the Greater London Authority and negotiating with developers to provide more affordable homes on regeneration projects that are already in the pipeline.

The council will also look at building more affordable homes on existing estates through garage conversions and other under-used areas.

A new master plan for the Snells Park and Joyce Avenue estates could also boost the number of affordable units, the council said.

The report was discussed at a meeting of the council’s cabinet on Wednesday, July 4.

Cabinet member for public health Cllr Yasemin Brett suggested the council consider adding more rooftop gardens to properties.

Council leader Nesil Caliskan welcomed the proposal, adding: “We must be in a place where we are delivering long-term, big, strategic projects, but also looking at smaller projects, too – and where we can utilise those sorts of ideas to have a positive impact on public health for our residents, independent living, all sorts of other aspects that getting housing right depends on.”