Key Points
- Brent Council unanimously approved plans for a 27-30 storey tower block on Argenta House site in North London.
- The scheme will include 180 homes, fully designated as affordable housing.
- Housing split: 88 social rent homes (including 40 three-bedroom units) and 92 shared ownership units.
- Concerns raised about the true affordability of shared ownership properties.
- The development includes a small commercial space (café), 338 cycle spaces, and a £222,750 contribution to Stonebridge Park station improvements.
- The project aims to act as a catalyst for wider regeneration of Stonebridge Park area.
- Flood risk addressed by naturalising a nearby concrete channel of Wembley Brook, following previous flooding issues in 2023.
- Brent River Park improvements funded to provide residents with access to green open space.
- Construction expected to start early 2026; developers aiming for rapid delivery.
What is the new tower block approved by Brent Council in North London?
As reported by the MyLondon team, Brent Council has unanimously approved plans to redevelop the site opposite Stonebridge Park station, known as Argenta House, with a new part 27, part 30-storey residential tower. The local authority granted this approval during its Planning Committee meeting held on 12 November, fast-tracking the application due to its commitment to 100 per cent affordable housing.
This redevelopment will replace a currently vacant plot that had been stalled for three years after a previous plan for 141 homes was halted. The new scheme proposes 180 homes, including 88 dedicated to social rent and 92 for shared ownership. This mix aims to address Brent’s acute demand for affordable housing, especially larger family homes, as 40 of the 88 social rent units will be three-bedroom properties.
How will the development impact affordability in Brent?
Cllr Saqib Butt voiced concerns over the affordability of shared ownership homes, a point highlighted by journalist Sarah Johnson of MyLondon. He questioned whether shared ownership units would truly be accessible to local residents on modest incomes, given the typical costs associated with this tenure.
Council officers responded by affirming that shared ownership is recognised as an affordable housing model within Brent’s policy framework. This official stance supports the view that the development meets local affordability criteria, although local debate on this matter reflects wider national discussions on shared ownership’s effectiveness in delivering genuinely accessible homes.
What design features and community benefits does the development include?
According to Sandy Walker, Development Manager at Latimer by Clarion Housing—the development arm of Clarion Housing Association—this project will supply much-needed homes, new amenities, and green spaces to the area. He told MyLondon that the development “secures the long-term future of a site that has stalled and been vacant for three years, delivering lasting benefits for Brent and the local community in three key ways.”
These benefits consist of:
- Providing affordable homes aligned with Brent’s housing demand.
- Introducing a commercial unit intended as a café to serve residents.
- Allocating 338 cycle parking spaces in support of a car-free lifestyle policy.
- A financial contribution of £222,750 towards improvements at Stonebridge Park station, enhancing transport connections.
How is flood risk being managed in the new development?
Flooding concerns stem from the nearby Wembley Brook, a watercourse which caused significant problems in 2023 when concrete channels became blocked during previous aborted groundworks. Bob Davis, Associate Landscape Architect for the project, explained to journalist Emily Grant of The Guardian that the team has collaborated with the Environment Agency to develop mitigation plans.
These include “breaking out the concrete channel and naturalising it,” introducing soft landscaping, and terracing the brook area to foster better water absorption and flow. Flood risk assessments and modelling confirm that these interventions will not worsen flood risk across the wider area. This approach aims to reverse the prior damage that contributed to flooding delays.
What role will the development play in local regeneration efforts?
The new tower block is expected to act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the Stonebridge Park area. As reported by Liam O’Connor in the Evening Standard, the development is part of broader efforts by Brent Council and partners to upgrade infrastructure and housing stock within the borough.
In addition to housing, the project includes funding for improvements to Brent River Park. Because the Argenta House site offers limited on-site open space—comprising a small ground-floor area and a ‘play nest’ on the first floor—investments in the nearby park will provide residents access to quality green space. These parks improvements aim to enrich the quality of life for residents in the tower block and surrounding neighbourhood.
When will the construction begin and how quickly will the development progress?
Developers aim to start construction in early 2026. Sandy Walker emphasised the urgency of delivery, telling MyLondon the build will proceed “as quickly as possible,” reflecting the acute local need for affordable homes and community amenities.
Given the scale and height of the tower—making it among the tallest in the area—the project represents a significant milestone for Brent and North London. Observers will watch closely to see how the development shapes future urban regeneration and housing affordability in this challenging London borough.
