In June Brent Council gave planning permission for a redevelopment in Kingsbury. It will involve the demolition of a detached house and the creation of a new modern structure with flats. We want to have a closer look at the project today. Then, if you want to arrange block management in Brent or other services like guaranteed rent, you can rely on us.

New housing

While the project will mean the loss of a detached home, it will increase the amount of housing in the area. It will create 13 flats, including a trio of studios, a pair of one-bed, and four each of two-bed and three-bed.

CGI images of what the new building will look like were available with the planning application. The architects have designed an interesting structure, with one part reaching three storeys and the other hitting four storeys. The design aims to deliver a “high quality living environment” and also want to ensure it will sit nicely amongst the adjacent properties.

There are a couple of interesting conditions with the project. Sadly, there will be no affordable housing. The conclusion of a viability assessment was providing it would put the development over budget. So, in light of this, the developers Salmon Street Property Ltd will contribute £41,000 for housing provision elsewhere in the area.

The project will also include a contribution to the ‘healthy streets’ programme. There will be £29,000 to improve highways in the area to address safety issues. This part of Kingsbury has a bad reputation for narrow streets and congestion. The hope is the funds will allow improvements.

Response

We have a lot of experience with properties like this thanks to our ability to provide block management in Brent. As a result, we know that the plans can divide opinion. That is definitely the case here.

While the proposal did get a green light, it was only by a narrow margin. Brent Council’s planning committee was split on the plans, with two counsellors voting against. However, ultimately they chose to agree with the recommendation from planning officers.

There was a backlash against the plans too. A number of locals were unhappy, criticising the design, the impact on parking, noise, and disruption. St Nicholas Nursery even said it would make congestion worse in the area so it could impact the safety of attendees. In total, there were 25 letters of objection to the plans.

The planning committee had to decide if the redevelopment would bring more benefits than any potential harm to the area. In giving permission, they say the pros outweigh the cons. Work can now begin to redevelop the Brownfield site.

Talk to us about block management in Brent

Finefair Ltd is the perfect company to talk to if you need help with assets. We are incredibly flexible, able to manage blocks, estates, and different types of individual properties. We can also provide guaranteed rent, working with councils all across London. That means you can get great services and financial security.

So, if you want to arrange block management in Brent or would like to find out more about anything we can do, please get in touch. We’d love the chance to work with you.