Claremont Quarter: A Landmark Development in Cricklewood – Council in-decision delays Affordable Housing
Situated in the heart of North London, Claremont Quarter is Chase New Homes’ latest flagship development, bringing 251 beautifully designed one, two, and three-bedroom apartments to Claremont Road, Cricklewood — one of the capital’s most dynamic areas of regeneration.
Set across three architecturally distinctive blocks, this ambitious new scheme blends modern city living with community focus. Two of the blocks are designated for private sale, while the third was intended to provide affordable housing in line with Section 106 obligations.
Despite a comprehensive marketing campaign through a specialist housing association agent, over 30 registered Housing Associations declined the opportunity to acquire the affordable housing units for various reasons associated with a lack of funding and support from the Government. However, the only offer received from a neighbouring Borough ‘Brent Council’, was refused by Barnet Council for internal political reasons.
The only alternative in this situation is to make a financial contribution to Barnet Council so that they can directly fund an equivalent provision of affordable housing elsewhere. Agreement and progress on this matter are significantly lacking and further frustrated by Barnet’s intention to review a direct purchase of the units without an offer ever materialising. Seven months on and with no decision in sight from Barnet, we have regrettably been forced to halt construction of the affordable housing block given the breach in our funding agreement.
This indecision is not only placing the wider Cricklewood development at risk but is also impeding housing delivery at a time when national supply is under critical pressure. A spokesperson for Chase New Homes said:
“This is a stark example of the systemic issues undermining housing delivery in the UK. There is absolutely no way the Government will hit anywhere near the number of houses this country needs with this level of in-decision and in-action from Councils. The Government needs to get tougher with the Councils to help kick start the housing growth that is required to tackle the growing population in the UK. Without practical solutions from local authorities — particularly where Housing Associations are unwilling or unable to engage — the Government’s housing targets will remain out of reach. We’re already seeing this reality take shape.”
The situation highlights a wider national issue: if Housing Associations are unable or unwilling to acquire affordable units, local authorities must act swiftly to accept commuted sums — enabling affordable homes to be built or purchased elsewhere. Failure to do so is worsening the housing crisis and stalling developments that would otherwise benefit thousands.
Chase New Homes remains committed to working with all stakeholders to find a resolution and deliver high-quality homes for North London. However, without positive action from Barnet Council and breaking down the unnecessary internal politics that hinders all councils, the delivery of much-needed housing at Claremont Quarter — and across the borough — remains in jeopardy.
