Brent Council's planning committee has approved plans for 108 new homes on the site of the former Wembley Centre for Health & Care, with construction set to commence next month and first completions forecast in early 2028.
The decision, made by a casting vote from the committee chair, followed a lengthy debate and a tied vote on the proposal for the Chaplin Road site. The development will include a total of 11 affordable homes, with the applicant agreeing to provide an additional three-bedroom affordable unit. The revised affordable housing mix comprises 2 x 1-bedroom, 4 x 2-bedroom, and 5 x 3-bedroom dwellings. Overall, the development includes 28 x 1-bedroom units, 54 x 2-bedroom units, and 26 x 3-bedroom units.
Concerns were raised by councillors and local residents regarding the low level of affordable housing, insufficient parking, and the impact on neighbouring amenity. Residents specifically raised concerns about loss of daylight, overlooking, noise, dust, and the impact of the development's scale and height on neighbouring amenity. Measures to mitigate these include:
- Daylight: While some reduction in daylight to a kitchen window at 15 Fairview Avenue is acknowledged, the living room and rear garden would retain acceptable levels. A mirrored baseline assessment shows the proposed development is less impactful than a reciprocal development.
- Overlooking: Obscure glazing and angling of upper windows facing neighbouring properties are proposed, and these will be secured by condition.
- Noise and Dust: A Construction Management Plan and Construction Logistics Plan will be implemented to minimize noise and dust during demolition and construction.
- Scale and Height: The buildings step down in height towards the eastern boundary to respond to the existing residential context. Several councillors voted against the proposal, citing these issues.
Officers recommended approval, highlighting the efficient use of a vacant brownfield site and the delivery of much-needed housing. The applicant, Fairview New Homes, amended the scheme to include the additional affordable home and some on-site play features for older children.
The development will involve the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of new homes ranging from three to six storeys. The demolition and enabling works are expected to last for four months, followed by an 18-month construction period. The scheme also includes associated parking, landscaping, and public realm works. A car-free agreement for future residents is to be secured, preventing them from obtaining on-street parking permits.
The decision was made subject to the completion of a satisfactory Section 106 legal agreement to secure planning obligations. This includes contributions towards active travel improvements, play space enhancements, and employment and training initiatives for local residents. Specifically, the agreement includes a £20,000 financial contribution towards 'Healthy Streets' improvements in the vicinity of the site, as recommended in the Healthy Streets Assessment. Additionally, a Travel Plan will be secured to promote non-car modes of travel. The Section 106 agreement will also secure an Employment and Training Plan for the construction phase, aiming to provide a minimum of ten full-time construction jobs, with 50% to be secured as apprenticeships for Brent residents, managed in partnership with Brent Works. Conditions were also imposed relating to construction management, landscaping, and fire safety.
More details on the planning committee meeting can be found in the Public reports pack and the Decisions document.
