The two developments will create over 180 homes in the capital between them

BARNET

Barnet Council has granted planning permission for a new residential development in Mill Hill, delivering 130 Build to Rent homes, fifty per cent of which will be affordable.

The homes, which will be owned and managed by the Council, will be built on a council-owned car park next to Mill Hill Broadway station.

Aviva Capital Partners will be working alongside property development company, Stories and the development at Bunns Lane marks the first time Barnet Council has partnered with an institutional investor of Aviva’s scale to fund local development.

Barnet Council’s Deputy Leader Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration, Cllr Ross Houston, said: “This development is a great example of how we can use council land to directly benefit residents, providing much-needed, high-quality homes for local people, with half offered at affordable rent.

“Whether through new council homes, regeneration projects, or partnerships like this one, we’re focused on creating homes in the borough that meet the needs of residents and help strengthen our communities.”

Sophie White, Sector Head Regeneration at Aviva Capital Partners, said: “This project demonstrates how institutional capital can support the delivery of better places – not just homes, but thriving, sustainable communities. We’re delighted that Barnet Council has backed this vision, which will unlock long-term benefits for residents and the local economy.”

Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion targeted for 2028.

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TOWER HAMLETS

Tower Hamlets Council has approved plans to demolish a former council office building in Bethnal Green East to make way for over 50 affordable homes.

Albert Jacob House, in Roman Road, will be demolished and turned into a new development of five to nine stories, containing 53 homes and five commercial units on the ground floor for local businesses.

The project is part of the council’s own home-building programme and delivery of 4000 new social homes for rent.

Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: “We are determined to meet the urgent demand for social housing in Tower Hamlets, with far too many families currently living in overcrowded or unsuitable conditions.

“This is an important project that will provide 53 much-needed social rent homes for our residents.”

The development, which was approved subject to planning obligations and conditions, has been designed by London architecture practice Child Graddon Lewis.