19 - 06 - 2025
BPTW has submitted a full planning application for the transformation of garages at Havenwood and Kingsgate on the Chalkhill Estate in the London Borough of Brent, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of 61 new 100% affordable homes. This ambitious development, designed in close collaboration with Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH), is set to deliver high-quality affordable homes while enhancing the lives of existing and future residents.
The proposals will replace 105 underused garages with five sensitively integrated residential blocks ranging from 3 to 5 storeys. The scheme includes a diverse mix of 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom homes, with 25% designated as family-sized. Affordable housing has been maximised on the site, with all homes delivered at social rent and designed to meet or exceed Nationally Described Space Standards and accessibility requirements.
A landscape-led and community-focused design has been delivered from the outset. The new homes are carefully positioned to respect the existing estate’s character while introducing a contemporary identity. The new buildings align with the surrounding urban grain, their distinctive balconies echo the patterns of the existing estate, and other design features draw inspiration from the nearby Chalkhill Road Church. This thoughtful contrast enhances the estate’s visual identity while maintaining cohesion.
BPTW collaborated with landscape architects Turkington Martin to deliver a host of improvements for both existing and future residents. Existing communal amenity spaces have been designed to improve their functionality, and new multigenerational play spaces, communal growing gardens, and informal play areas have been introduced. A network of improved footpaths and new connections enhances walkability and accessibility across the estate, while rationalised parking and a car-free approach for new residents prioritise pedestrians and reduce vehicle dominance.
The site layout has been designed to maximise passive surveillance, with new homes overlooking green spaces and pathways. This addresses longstanding challenges of anti-social behaviour on the estate, creating a more secure and welcoming environment for all.
Sustainability is at the heart of the scheme. The new development achieves a 65% reduction in carbon emissions over the Part L baseline, incorporating air source heat pumps, water efficiency measures, and a robust Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS). Solar gain has been optimised through careful building orientation, and ecological enhancements will deliver a 10%+ biodiversity net gain and an Urban Greening Factor of 0.43.
BPTW also looked to improve the estate’s refuse strategy, with new bin stores for both existing and future residents, improved waste management, and better access routes which will help address historic issues with fly-tipping and overflow. Meanwhile, plant equipment has been consolidated into a single ground-floor location in one block, freeing up space in other buildings for additional ground-floor homes, enhancing street-level activity.
BPTW worked closely with the council, local authorities, and specialist consultants to ensure the final designs reflect the aspirations of the Chalkhill community. Through a series of design review panels, resident workshops, and engagement events, the design team gained valuable insight into local priorities, shaping a scheme that directly responds to concerns around safety, parking, and access to high-quality amenities.
With planning now submitted, BPTW is preparing technical tender information to carry the scheme into the next phase.