The Brent Council Planning Committee convened to discuss and make decisions on planning applications, with a primary focus on a large residential development. The committee approved the Havenwood Garages redevelopment project, which includes the demolition of existing garages and the construction of 61 new social rent homes, subject to a legal agreement and specific conditions. There were no apologies for absence or other urgent business raised.

Havenwood Garages Redevelopment

The committee resolved to grant planning permission for application 25/1069, concerning the Havenwood Garages site opposite 1-9 Havenwood, garages at Davy House, Einstein House, Faraday House, car parks next to Darwin House and Harvey House, and the electricity sub station next to Currie House, Darwin House, Kingsgate, Wembley. The proposal involves the demolition of the existing garages and redevelopment of the site to provide five residential blocks, offering 61 new homes for social rent, along with the relocation of the existing substation and associated amenities.

The approval is subject to the completion of a legal agreement to secure planning obligations, including:

• Financial contributions towards a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) and Healthy Streets improvements.
• A 'car-free' agreement for future residents, restricting on-street parking permits.
• Employment and training opportunities for Brent residents.
• Biodiversity net gain and tree planting initiatives.

Additionally, the approval includes conditions and informatives addressing various aspects of the development, such as compliance with approved drawings, sustainable drainage measures, air quality mitigation, and protection of existing trees. A revision to the privacy condition for Block E was also mandated, requiring privacy screening and obscure glazing to prevent overlooking of neighbouring properties.

Councillor Robert Johnson, a Ward Councillor of Barnhill, declared a personal interest as he had received briefings on the scheme from MTVH¹. He remained present for the discussion, stating he could consider the application impartially.

The committee report outlined several key issues:

• Principle of Redevelopment: The development aligns with London Plan Policy H1 and Brent Policy BH1 by providing new homes to meet identified needs within the borough.
• Affordable Housing: The scheme proposes 100% affordable housing, which qualifies for the fast-track route, avoiding the need for a viability assessment.
• Design and Layout: The proposed development comprises five infill residential blocks, respecting existing building heights and improving activity and permeability within the estate.
• Neighbouring Amenity: While separation distances from existing properties do not fully comply with Brent's SPD1² document, the impact on neighbouring amenity is considered acceptable given the benefits of the scheme.
• Highways and Transportation: The proposal is car-free, except for disabled bays, with contributions towards a CPZ and Healthy Streets improvements.
• Environmental Impact: The application aims to achieve a 65% reduction in carbon emissions, with a financial contribution to achieve net-zero.
• Landscape and Biodiversity: The scheme includes tree planting and a Biodiversity Net Gain of over 10%.

The report also detailed consultations with various stakeholders and addressed objections raised by neighbouring properties.