HTA Planning led the successful application for 55 additional homes and a new community centre at the Redbrick Estate, intensifying an inner London estate while preserving its social infrastructure and open space. The approach focused on rationalising low-quality garages and underused buildings to unlock new housing opportunities. A key strength of the application was its affordable housing offer – 39 of the 55 new homes were secured as affordable, exceeding policy targets and addressing a pressing local need. The site’s proximity to Old Street supported a taller element, with a 9-storey building incorporated alongside smaller infill developments to create a balanced and contextually responsive form. Extensive consultation with residents shaped the proposals throughout. Planning played a critical role in managing the parallel consent process for off-site relocation of existing estate services. This included a local dentist and Spectrum, a youth-focused recording studio – both were re-provided to meet local needs, with HTA successfully justifying the change of use and continuity of provision. Beyond housing, the planning strategy was designed to reduce anti-social behaviour. Clearer estate gateways and improved lighting supported a safer and more defined public realm, while protected open spaces – designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) – were retained and enhanced. The result is a consented scheme that intensifies the estate sensitively, preserves vital community infrastructure, and strengthens the identity and function of the neighbourhood.
