FBM were appointed in April 2021 to develop proposals across 16 sites within the borough as part of their New Council Homes Programme. The London Borough of Brent aims to deliver 5000 new homes over the next five years, with a 1000 of which will be through the New Council Homes Programme. The schemes range from one off new build homes, to small development blocks on a range of backland & infill sites, to wider strategic interventions within existing estates, including new homes, community facilities and public realm improvements.

The complex local site conditions require a sensitive design approach in order to minimise impacts on neighbours, whilst gently increasing density within underused land in a principally suburban context.  A range of innovative housing typologies have been developed in order to meet both local planning policy and to act as a “good neighbour” in regards to impact, daylight and overlooking.  The unit types are primarily aimed at providing larger sized family homes for residents.

A shared palette of high quality, robust materials and a “kit of parts” of key detail elements have been developed. This strategy allows scope for each scheme to have its own character whilst allowing for enough commonality for quality control and economies of scale for the local authority client.