Juniper Crescent Redevelopment: Summary for Neighbouring Residents

Based on Planning Application - 2025/3057/P
Application Registered 15-07-2025
Comments Until. 05-08-2025   View Council Application and Add Comments Here

Introduction to the Proposed Project

The proposed development, known as Juniper Crescent, involves the comprehensive redevelopment of the existing housing estate located in Chalk Farm, Camden, NW1 8HQ. The current site, which comprises 120 homes built in 1997, arranged in a semi-circle around a central green space with car parking, will be demolished.

The redevelopment is being led by Riverside Group, a social landlord, and their development partner, Countryside Partnerships, a mixed-tenure housebuilder. This project has been informed by extensive pre-application discussions and consultation with existing residents, local stakeholders, and the London Borough of Camden (LBC). A resident ballot in December 2022 showed 63% support for the proposed redevelopment.

Key Details of the Redevelopment

• New Homes & Affordable Housing The site will feature 478 new residential homes across five buildings (Blocks A to E), ranging from 5 to 15 storeys in height. This represents a net increase of 358 additional homes for the borough. The proposal includes 50% affordable housing (based on habitable rooms), with a total of 208 affordable homes. All 111 existing affordable homes will be reprovided on-site. Existing residents will have the right to return to a new, energy-efficient home that meets modern space standards.
  
  

• Community Facilities & Open Spaces A 163 m² community hub will be provided on the ground floor of Block A, designed as a flexible space for the local community (Use Classes F1(e), F2(b)). The development will provide 3,809m² of public open space, an increase of 330% from the existing open space on site. There will also be 1,615.3 m² of play space catering to children aged 0-17.
  
  

• Parking & Transport The development will be largely car-free for new residential units. A total of 54 car parking spaces will be provided, primarily in a single basement. This includes designated accessible spaces (20 initially, with potential for 38 total) and car club spaces, primarily for existing residents with permits. There will be 861 long-stay and 16 short-stay cycle parking spaces. The new design will reduce overall vehicle movements into the site and will include improved pedestrian and cycle routes, promoting active and sustainable travel.
  
  

Project Timeframe

The Juniper Crescent redevelopment is an extensive undertaking, with an estimated timeframe spanning approximately 8 to 9 years from start to finish.

• Overall Project Start: Demolition and enabling works are projected to begin in Q4 2025.

• Overall Project Completion: The entire development is anticipated to be completed by Q3 2034.

The project will be constructed in two main phases:

• Phase 1 (Blocks A, B, C):
  
  

  • This phase is expected to run from February 2026 to February 2031.

  • Key activities include enabling works and demolition (February 2026 – November 2026), followed by basement excavation and piling (November 2026 – March 2027).

  • Residents currently living in the Phase 1 area (45-120 Juniper Crescent) will be temporarily relocated, with the option to return to the newly constructed homes within Phase 1 once completed.

• Phase 2 (Blocks E, D1 & D2):
  
  

  • This phase is expected to run from December 2030 to April 2034.

  • Construction works are anticipated to conclude with the completion of Block E by Q3 2034.

  • Residents from Phase 2 (1-44 Juniper Crescent) are expected to remain in their homes while Phase 1 is built, then move directly into new homes in Phase 1 once ready, before Phase 2 construction begins. Existing residents of the Juniper Crescent estate will be occupying Phase 1 whilst Phase 2 is being constructed.

Anticipated Impacts & Benefits for Neighbours

• Environmental Considerations
  
  

  • Air Quality: An assessment concluded that the development's impact on local air quality is expected to be insignificant during operation, and air quality exposure effects on new occupants are also 'not significant'. The site is within an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA).

  • Noise and Vibration: The site's proximity to railway lines means noise and vibration are key considerations. Mitigation measures will be implemented to ensure internal noise guideline levels are met. Construction noise is anticipated to have a "moderate but not significant effect" on residential properties, with residents generally understanding that some noise will occur during construction. Environmental Health has no objections, provided conditions for internal noise levels are met.

  • Daylight and Sunlight: Some existing neighbouring properties along Chalk Farm Road may experience "limited adverse effects" on daylight and sunlight. More "material effects" are anticipated on the future Morrisons site due to close proximity.

  • Wind Microclimate: The demolition of existing buildings may slightly increase the exposure of the immediate surrounding area to prevailing south-westerly winds, but this is not expected to materially affect the suitability of conditions for existing uses and would be short-term. No significant effects are expected for pedestrian and occupant safety.

  • Biodiversity: The development is expected to result in a net gain of approximately +44.20% for habitats on the site.

  • Water Management: The development will reduce water demand through efficient fixtures (targeting no more than 110 litres/person/day) and manage surface water disposal through sustainable drainage systems.

• Heritage & Townscape The design has carefully considered local heritage and protected views, including those of the Roundhouse and the London Panorama 2A.1 from Parliament Hill. While there may be a minor adverse impact and less than substantial harm to the Roundhouse and Regent's Canal Conservation Area from certain viewpoints, this is considered acceptable given the significant public benefits of the proposal, such as increased housing, open space, and community facilities. An archaeological watching brief has been agreed for potential impacts on industrial archaeological remains during groundworks.
  
  

• Sustainability & Waste The project aims for a 95% reuse/recycling/recovery rate for demolition waste from landfill. Although existing buildings are being demolished to achieve higher housing density, efforts will be made to reclaim and recycle materials where feasible (e.g., bricks for planters). A Whole Life Carbon Assessment has been undertaken, and efforts will be made to reduce operational carbon through energy-efficient design, including a site-wide heating network powered by Air Source Heat Pumps.
  
  

• Community & Employment The demolition and construction phases are expected to generate temporary employment opportunities, supporting an average of approximately 110 full-time equivalent jobs per month during Phase 1, and 70 jobs per month during Phase 2, equating to around 180 jobs over the entire construction period. The community hub and other operational aspects will also create permanent jobs. The project emphasises supporting the Juniper Crescent community to stay together, providing moving support, financial assistance, and establishing new programmes to promote community spirit with the introduction of the new community hub.
  
  

Overall, the proposed redevelopment aims to deliver a significant number of high-quality homes and community benefits, while addressing environmental considerations and maintaining extensive engagement with existing residents and local stakeholders.