Plans to demolish 105 garages and redevelop a North London site to make way for five apartment blocks for social rent homes is to go ahead.
This is despite a number of concerns about the development raised by local residents, particularly regarding privacy and parking issues.
Developers Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH) have been given the green light to redevelop the Havenwood and Kingsbury garages site on the Chalkhill Estate in Wembley. The scheme will deliver 100 per cent affordable housing, with 61 social rent homes spread across the five blocks.
The plans were approved by Brent Council’s Planning Committee at a recent meeting (December 10), which heard objections from both residents and the ward councillor. They acknowledged the need for more housing in the area but said they were worried about the impact this development would have on their lives.
A total of 105 garages across the site will be demolished in order to build the five blocks, which will have a maximum height of five storeys. These include the Havenwood garages opposite 1-9 Havenwood, as well as the garages at Davey House, Einstein House, and Farraday House. It will also include redeveloping the car parks next to Darwin House and Harvey House.
Of the 61 new social rent properties to be built, 18 would be one-beds, 28 two-beds, 11 three-beds, and four would have four bedrooms. A new play area would also be provided on the site, as well as the developers making a £30,000 contribution to a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ).
Addressing the committee, Marianna – who lives in Einstein House – raised concerns that she would be directly affected by the proposed Block E – a three storey building comprising 11 apartments. She said, whilst not being opposed to the whole development, the height and position of the block will “significantly reduce light” to her home, as well as her being impacted by a loss of privacy.
Marianna said: “We need housing and I understand that. […] But Einstein House will be the worst overlooked. […] The balconies and windows of Block E face directly into our bedrooms and living rooms.”
Residents raised other issues regarding the impact the car-free development would have on existing parking issues, as well as criticising MTVH’s current management of the site with regards to litter. Ward Councillor Kathleen Fraser acknowledged the benefit of the 61 social rent homes as “substantial and welcome” but added that the concerns are “very real” for those living on the estate.
Cllr Fraser said: “While many accept the need for new homes, they are understandably worried about the day-to-day disruption that this development will cause to their lives.”
A representative for MTVH said the project will develop “underutilised and mostly unoccupied garages for new homes, with the proposal reflecting “extensive resident and public engagement”.
They added: “The proposal has been designed in line with the Brent Design Guide to protect the privacy and amenity of neighbouring properties. A specialist daylight and sunlight report supports acceptable results.”
Parking issues will be addressed fully during an assessment at a later stage, but mitigation measures for existing residents could include reduced permit costs for a set period, particularly as many are on low incomes.
However, a condition was attached to the approval of the scheme regarding the concerns around privacy of Einstein House after it was also raised by a number of members of the committee. It means Block E will require screening at the edge of the balcony for flat 5 on the first and second floor, as well as obscured glazed windows of the living room, kitchen and dining room to prevent overlooking of neighbouring properties.
Grant Williams is a journalist and Local Democracy Reporter (LDR) for Reach PLC, reporting on local government, politics and community issues across London. As part of the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he has contributed to Harrow Online, covering council decisions, housing developments, transport, planning matters and stories affecting local communities across Harrow and Brent.
