West Kentish Town development given the go-ahead for 300 new council homes and neighbourhood improvements
An application for the redevelopment of the West Kentish Town Estate which is set to build 850 new homes, including 326 new council homes, was given the resolution to grant planning permission by Camden’s planning committee today [Thursday 11 December].
The redevelopment is set to replace outdated blocks with safe, modern, energy efficient, family-sized homes, complemented by neighbourhood improvements including new outdoor play and open spaces.
Over 850 homes, including at least 326 council homes, will be built in a phased approach alongside a new estate layout and improved public spaces.
The first phase will build 52 new homes, four of which are for returning leaseholders and 48 will be affordable council homes for returning council residents.
In a 2020 ballot with estate residents, 93 per cent of residents voted in favour of a full estate regeneration, with a turnout of almost 85 per cent, so this decision marks a major milestone.
A third of families living on the estate are currently in overcrowded conditions, so this decision is a great step towards building the safer and larger homes our resident’s need. Over 90 per cent of residents voted in favour of the redevelopment - a clear mandate for change and what our residents want.
This redevelopment is set to deliver more than 850 new homes, including over 320 affordable council homes, alongside a range of improvements to the local area including new outdoor play areas and open spaces. This will make a huge difference for families currently living in overcrowded conditions and in need of spacious, new, good quality homes.
Throughout this journey, the scheme has been informed by residents. We have been working closely with residents for the past ten years about their experiences living on the estate, including overcrowding, access and repairs issues and no outdoor space for families. This redevelopment will enable us to address these concerns to ensure families can stay and thrive in Camden. We have also worked hard to ensure that our plans take on board and acknowledge concerns raised by residents in the estate’s neighbouring communities.
This redevelopment will bring huge benefits to the local community, and it is part of our ongoing commitment to building more much-needed homes to ease housing pressures and address the housing crisis in Camden and across London.
The West Kentish Town Estate redevelopment is set to be the largest project as part of Camden’s Community Investment Programme - the Council’s leading house building programme set to build 4,850 homes in the borough, of which 1,800 will be affordable council homes.
Three community members have joined a procurement panel that will select the contractor best fit for the project, ensuring local voices are involved in the process.
Find out more at West Kentish Town Estate