11 July 2025
Summary: Plans have been submitted for the transformation of garages on Wembley’s Chalkhill Estate into 61 new affordable homes
MTVH has submitted plans for the transformation of garages at Havenwood and Kingsgate on the Chalkhill Estate in Wembley into 61 new affordable homes. This development, designed by architecture firm BPTW, is set to deliver high-quality affordable homes, enhancing the lives of existing and future residents.
The proposal is to replace 105 underused garages with five sensitively integrated residential blocks ranging from three to five storeys. The scheme includes a diverse mix of one, two, three and four bedroom homes, with a quarter designated as family sized. All homes will be delivered at social rent and designed to meet or exceed nationally described space standards and accessibility requirements.
The design is landscape-led and community-focused, with new homes carefully positioned to respect the existing estate’s character while introducing a contemporary identity. The new buildings will align with the existing estate, and other design features were inspired by the nearby Chalkhill Road Church.
The development will deliver improvements for existing and future residents. It includes new multigenerational play spaces, communal growing gardens, and informal play areas, as well as a network of improved footpaths and new connections to enhance walkability and accessibility across the estate.
There will be a rationalised parking for existing residents who reside within the development red line and car-free approach for new residents to prioritise pedestrians and reduce vehicle dominance, and a layout that maximises passive surveillance, with new homes overlooking green spaces and pathways to discourage antisocial behaviour.
The scheme has sustainability at its heart, with the new scheme achieving a 65% reduction in carbon emissions, incorporating air source heat pumps, water efficiency measures and a robust Sustainable Drainage System. The plans have also improved how refuse and recycling is managed on the estate, with new bin stores for both existing and future residents, improved waste management, and better access routes to reduce fly-tipping and overflow. 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 and enhancing street-level activity.
This planning application has been shaped through conversations with residents, local authorities, and BPTW to make sure it properly reflects what the Chalkhill community wants. We are now looking forward to bringing the next phase of the plan to life.
Andrew Gatehouse, Regeneration Manager, MTVH, said:
“These plans will breathe new life into an area of the Chalkhill Estate currently occupied by underused and dated garages.
“The design has community, walkability and safety at its heart, and we’re excited to see it move forward and deliver real benefits for residents.”