Brentfield Road in Stonebridge may soon see a remarkable transformation as plans for the development of the first Community Land Trust (CLT) homes in Brent are set to be approved by the cabinet.
The project, spearheaded by the Brent Community Land Trust (BCLT) and supported by Community Led Housing London, aims to provide affordable housing solutions across the entire borough.
The proposed site for the new homes is currently a small parking lot and eight disused garages. If granted planning permission, these underutilised spaces will be converted into much-needed affordable homes. All of the homes will be priced at an affordable rent, aligned with the average local income of those already residing in the area.
Atara Fridler, Chair of Brent CLT, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration between Brent Council, the local community, and BCLT. Fridler stated, “We’re so pleased to be working with Brent Council and the local community to realize our vision of delivering much-needed homes in Brent. We can’t wait to see how a community-led approach to the design, planning, and management of homes at this site can help us deliver more affordable housing for local people controlled by local people.”
BCLT is actively exploring various designs that maximize the site’s potential, acknowledging the challenges faced by low-income individuals in securing affordable housing within the privately rented sector. By focusing on community-led solutions, BCLT aims to create a sustainable and inclusive housing environment that meets the needs of the local population.
Councillor Promise Knight, the Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness, and Renters’ Security, expressed excitement about the project’s potential impact. Knight stated, “This is the first, exciting step in BCLT’s journey towards providing genuinely affordable homes for Brent residents. I am looking forward to seeing how this project progresses in its engagement with the local community, who will be invited to share their ideas throughout the design, planning, and construction stages.”
