Camden Infill: Jas Bhalla Wins 28 Social Homes Approval, 2026

Key Points

• Architects Jas Bhalla Works and Mikhail Riches have secured planning approval for 28 affordable homes on two infill sites in Camden, north London.
• The schemes received support from Camden Council’s planning committee last month.
• The developments form part of Camden Council’s Community Investment Programme, targeting 100 per cent affordable housing on underused sites.
• Highgate Road site by Jas Bhalla Works replaces a car park with a six-storey building, featuring active frontages on Glenhurst Avenue and Highgate Enclosures.
• The design echoes Haddo House, a locally listed 1960s building by Robert Bailie, using stacked grey-brown brickwork and hung tiles.
• Raglan Street site by Mikhail Riches replaces garages with a four-storey building in two wings, reinstating the historic street frontage and creating a new mews link to Old Dairy Mews.
• Both practices engaged closely with estate residents and Camden’s urban design and conservation teams.

Camden (North London News) – Jas Bhalla Works and Mikhail Riches have won planning approval for 28 affordable social homes across two infill sites, as reported on 19 March 2026.

Why Did Jas Bhalla Work and Mikhail Riches Win Planning for Camden Homes?

The two architectural practices secured backing from Camden Council’s planning committee last month for schemes backed by the local authority. These are the first projects under Camden Council’s Community Investment Programme, which aims to deliver fully affordable housing on underused borough sites. As stated by Jas Bhalla Works in their project description, the Highgate Road scheme replaces a surface car park with a six-storey infill building that provides active frontages on Glenhurst Avenue and Highgate Enclosures.

The practice noted:

“The language and material strategy of the building has been developed through a close reading of the existing estate and informed by extensive dialogue with the LPA’s urban design and conservation teams.”

This approach ensured the new structure’s proportions echo those of neighbouring Haddo House, a locally listed building designed by Robert Bailie in the 1960s. Stacked grey-brown brickwork aligns with the estate’s hung tiles, while a ground-floor apartment gains its own front door on Glenhurst Avenue, matching the scale of adjacent terraced properties.

Mikhail Riches’ Raglan Street scheme similarly replaces existing garages with a four-storey infill building comprising two wings. One wing reinstates the street’s historic frontage, while the other extends into the estate to form a new mews connecting to Old Dairy Mews. Both sites prioritise resident engagement, with architects working closely with estate residents to shape the proposals.

What Designs Feature in the Highgate Road Infill Project?

Jas Bhalla Works’ Highgate Road building introduces generous balconies along the road, mirroring Haddo House’s form. The design integrates with the local context through material choices like grey-brown brick, resonating with the estate’s aesthetic. A new ground-floor unit continues the terraced language with direct street access.

The practice emphasised sensitivity to heritage:

“The building’s proportions echo the neighbouring Haddo House.”

This six-storey structure activates underused space while respecting conservation guidelines. Planning documents highlight how dialogues with council teams refined the urban design.

How Does Mikhail Riches’ Raglan Street Scheme Work?

The Raglan Street development consists of two wings on a four-storey scale. The front wing restores the historic street edge, maintaining visual continuity. The rear wing creates a new mews pathway to Old Dairy Mews, enhancing connectivity.

As described in project updates, the scheme repurposes garage spaces efficiently. Resident consultations informed layouts, ensuring the infill fits estate dynamics. Camden’s planning committee approved it alongside Highgate Road last month.

Which Programme Funds These Camden Affordable Homes?

Camden Council’s Community Investment Programme drives both projects, focusing on 100 per cent affordable housing. These 28 homes mark the initiative’s first delivery on infill sites. The council-backed effort targets underutilised land across the borough.

Both architects collaborated with residents from the outset. This community focus supported committee approval. The programme aligns with local needs for social housing.

How Did Resident Engagement Shape the Proposals?

Jas Bhalla Works and Mikhail Riches held extensive dialogues with Highgate Road and Raglan Street estate residents. Feedback influenced designs, from material palettes to frontage treatments. Council urban design and conservation input further refined the schemes.

At Highgate Road, residents’ views helped develop active street interfaces. Raglan Street consultations ensured the mews and historic reinstatement suited estate life. This process built planning support.

What Materials and Features Define the Highgate Road Building?

Stacked grey-brown brickwork features prominently, echoing estate hung tiles. Proportions match Haddo House, with balconies adding depth. The ground-floor apartment’s front door blends with terraces on Glenhurst Avenue.

Jas Bhalla Works stated:

“The language and material strategy… informed by extensive dialogue.”

These elements create cohesion without dominating the context. The car park replacement maximises housing on a compact footprint.

Why Replace Garages and Car Parks with Homes Here?

Underused sites like the Highgate Road car park and Raglan Street garages offered ideal infill opportunities. The schemes deliver 28 social homes without sprawling development. Camden’s programme prioritises such locations for affordability.

Planning approval followed committee review last month. Designs respect scale and heritage, as per council guidelines. Active frontages and mews enhance public realm quality.

Background of the Development

Camden Council launched the Community Investment Programme to address housing shortages through targeted infill on council-owned underused sites. Highgate Road and Raglan Street represent early outputs, selected for their suitability in dense urban areas. Jas Bhalla Works and Mikhail Riches were appointed via local authority processes, bringing expertise in social housing and contextual design. Haddo House’s local listing influenced Highgate Road’s form, while Raglan Street’s garages had long been redundant. Resident workshops began pre-planning, aligning with Camden’s participatory ethos. Committee approval in early 2026 followed detailed submissions. These 28 homes contribute to borough-wide affordable targets.

Prediction

This development can affect Camden residents by providing 28 new social rent homes, easing pressure on local waiting lists for estate communities. Highgate Road and Raglan Street tenants gain improved amenities through active frontages and better connectivity, potentially enhancing daily life without disrupting established neighbourhoods. Broader borough households may see reduced competition for social housing as infill expands supply. Future programme phases could accelerate delivery on similar sites, stabilising communities amid London’s housing challenges. Estate residents benefit from preserved character via sensitive designs, fostering long-term cohesion.