New Ground Cohousing
Number/street name:
5b Union St
Address line 2:
Chipping Barnet
City:
London
Postcode:
EN5 4HY
Architect:
Pollard Thomas Edwards
Architect contact number:
Developer:
Hanover.
Contractor:
Quinn London Ltd.
Planning Authority:
London Borough of Barnet
Planning Reference:
I/14/02223
Date of Completion:
Schedule of Accommodation:
1 Bed Apts x 11, 2 Bed Apts x 11, 3 Bed Apts x 3
Tenure Mix:
38% affordable, 62% market sale
Total number of homes:
Site size (hectares):
0.3
Net Density (homes per hectare):
78
Size of principal unit (sq m):
71
Smallest Unit (sq m):
54
Largest unit (sq m):
103
No of parking spaces:
9
Scheme PDF Download
Planning History
Hanover, OWCH and the design team had to overcome a number of hurdles to realise a third age cohousing project in this eminently suitable location. Barnet Adult Social Care needed to be convinced that OWCH would reduce rather than add to the burden on adult social care. The site had accommodated a school playground and classrooms. Although not big enough to meet DES guidance for a state primary school, the lack of demand for free school use had to be demonstrated as the same standards do not apply in that instance. Finally, the conservation area location led to the adoption of forms and elevational treatments based on neighbouring precedents.
The Design Process
The new development provides 25 new one, two and three bedroom flats for the Older Women’s Cohousing group (OWCH). Most of the women who are living in the new have been involved in a collaborative design process that has continued throughout the six year development period, and some who have been active in the group for eighteen years. The site was purchased and the development funded by Hanover, a not for profit retirement housing provider, and was handed over on completion to OWCH and Housing for Women, its RSL partner. Tudor Trust also supported the project with a £1m grant, as a co-production pathfinder project.
