Trinity House, Wembley

Client - Abbey New Homes

Stage - Feasibility & Planning

Accommodation - 58no. Units

Our client purchased a site with Full Planning Approval to demolish an existing building and erect a new block of up to 50 apartments on the former commercial property site known as ‘Trinity House’, in Wembley, North London. The permission included a range of apartment sizes (from 1 bedroom to 3 bedrooms), of both private and affordable tenures, together with a commercial unit on the ground floor. The apartments were spread over four storeys with a contemporary façade.

After obtaining the site, our client engaged CMYK to review the scheme to see if improvements could be made to the commercial viability of it. This included costly construction techniques, difficult changes in level, the design and size of some apartments and other matters. After a thorough analysis, it was agreed that a completely new design should be undertaken (based on a similar footprint).

We submitted the application to Brent Council and worked closely with Officers to refine the design. Planning approval was gained, via delegated powers, for a new block containing 50 apartments but no commercial unit. Architecturally, the design was rationalised but featured a contemporary façade that includes brickwork, render, large openings and balconies.

Once construction had commenced, we were engaged by our client to look at the possibility of adding additional apartments to the scheme by the creation of an extra floor. The result was scheme for an additional 8 apartments and we then engaged with the Local Authority to devise a strategy and mechanism to enable an Application to be made.

The apartments on the extra floor, were set back from the frontage to observe minimum distances and sight-line requirements from the street and the existing properties opposite. The additional apartments are true ‘penthouse’ suites, each enjoying large roof terraces and far-reaching views. In addition, communal roof gardens were also created for the enjoyment of other residents.

The scheme was subsequently approved and is now nearing completion and looking really good.