Kennaway Estate granted planning consent

Waugh Thistleton Architects’ design for the Kennaway Estate was approved on Wednesday 6 November when councillors for the London Borough of Hackney voted in favour of Southern Housing Group’s proposal to regenerate the estate.

The scheme will deliver 61 new homes, enhance the existing natural landscape and create designated pedestrian routes, play spaces, cycle storage facilities and other amenities. An exciting new workspace and much needed community centre will help ensure that the scheme benefits the whole neighbourhood.

The 12 existing homes at Taverner House will be replaced by 61 new homes of between one and four bedrooms, together with new landscaping that will enhance and reinforce pedestrian connections across the site. More than 50% of the new homes provided will be affordable, comprising a mix of tenures including social rent, Hackney living rent, shared ownership, and outright sale to help contribute to the area’s vibrant community.

In collaboration with Source Partnership, Southern Housing Group consulted extensively with estate residents and neighbours during the design development to ensure a sensitive and characterful building proposal. Southern Housing Group has also created a Residents’ Charter that provides residents with assurances and security that protects their tenancy and offers them the right to return.

The proposed development is comprised of three distinct volumes linked by external walkways, and seven townhouses that echo the form and character of adjacent Victorian terraces. External materials and detailing take their inspiration from the immediate surroundings, ensuring that the building will sit comfortably within its context overlooking Clissold Park.

Kirsten Haggart, Senior Associate at Waugh Thistleton said,

“We are delighted to be working with Southern Housing Group and local residents to deliver much needed new affordable homes in Hackney.”

All homes are dual aspect, maximising daylight and natural ventilation, while the palette of robust materials ensures it will be a handsome new addition to the family of buildings on the Kennaway estate. The provision of a community room and workspace, together with comprehensive new landscaping, will also enhance the strong sense of community that already exists here.”

Oliver Boundy, Southern Housing Group’s Executive Director Development & Growth said: “From the outset, we promised to invest in the Kennaway Estate and to support the community it serves. Receiving planning consent means we can start working to create new, high-quality affordable homes in an area where these are in desperately short supply.”

“As one of London’s largest housing associations, we’re proud of our social purpose. Building more genuinely affordable homes is a fundamental part of Southern Housing Group’s Growth Strategy and corporate plan.”