Welcome to the consultation website for Brook House, a proposed residential development within walking distance of Newbury Park Underground Station in Ilford.
CGI’s of the proposed development
Brook Apartments Ltd are bringing forward plans to transform an underused brownfield site into a thoughtfully designed, high quality residential building. The proposals represent an important opportunity to make better use of previously developed land, creating new homes in a highly accessible location that supports sustainable travel and regeneration along Eastern Avenue.
Brook House has been designed to contribute positively to the continued transformation of this area of Ilford.
This website provides detailed information about the proposals and explains how you can share your feedback. We encourage local residents to review the proposals and provide feedback via the have your say page before an application is submitted to the London Borough of Redbridge.
Site Location plan (click to enlarge)
About the Site
The Brook House site sits directly beside Newbury House on Eastern Avenue, adjacent to Newbury Park Underground Station. To the east stands Newbury House, a larger mixed-use building that is entirely separate to this application. It is bound by Hertford Road to the south and west, while the north side faces Eastern Avenue itself.
The site is currently used as a surface car park space for nineteen vehicles and some servicing areas associated with Newbury House. The land is almost entirely hard surfaced, with minimal greenery and no active frontage to the street.
Having remained largely unused for many years, redeveloping it will unlock the potential of this narrow wedge-shaped plot, allowing the creation of new homes in a highly sustainable location, reactivating the street frontage along Eastern Avenue.
The proximity to Newbury Park Station and multiple bus routes makes this a particularly sustainable location for new housing, fully consistent with both Redbridge Council and London Plan policies that encourage growth on previously developed brownfield land.
Overview
The development will deliver eighteen new homes across a five-storey building with a recessed communal roof terrace, improved landscaping and a more attractive streetscape that complements its surroundings and strengthens the local sense of place. The building has been carefully designed to sit comfortably alongside Newbury House and to step down sensitively towards nearby homes.
New homes across a five-storey building
This redevelopment will not only provide much needed housing but will also improve the appearance and vitality of Eastern Avenue. By replacing a blank, impermeable site with an attractive new building, Brook House will help to create a more engaging, people friendly streetscape and will support the borough’s wider objectives for regeneration.
Each home will be designed for modern living, with efficient layouts, natural light and access to private outdoor space. Three duplex family homes (one two-bedroom and two three-bedroom) will occupy the lower floors, while fifteen one and two-bedroom flats will sit above, all benefitting from south-facing balconies or winter gardens and access to the communal roof terrace. Residents will benefit from shared landscaped areas, new planting and convenient access to local shops, services and public transport.
Design and Architecture
The building’s front uses blue-grey brick, window recesses, and slim metal balconies. These materials have been selected for their durability and visual connection to the surrounding area. The tall, evenly spaced windows give the building a balanced feel, and the set-back top floor helps the building blend more gently with the neighbouring homes.
The design takes full account of daylight, sunlight and privacy, ensuring a sensitive relationship with nearby properties. Each element of the building has been designed to enhance the setting and contribute to the character of Eastern Avenue, combining contemporary form with contextual references to the area’s established urban character.
CGI of the proposed development (click to enlarge)
Flats and Living Spaces
Brook House will provide a total of eighteen homes, offering a balanced mix of family and smaller flats. Each home has been planned to maximise light, comfort and energy efficiency, meeting London Plan standards for internal space and accessibility.
Private balconies, terraces or winter gardens will provide outdoor space for each home, while shared landscaped areas at ground and roof level will give residents access to greenery and provide communal spaces to socialise and relax.
By introducing new residents to the area, the development will also help support local shops and services, contributing to the continued vitality of Ilford’s growing community.
Sustainability and Environmental Design
Sustainability is important to the vision for Brook House. The building will achieve high standards of energy efficiency and environmental performance through its design, materials and systems.
Key sustainable measures include:
High performance insulation and airtight construction to minimise heat loss
Heating, cooling and hot water provided by air source heat pumps (ASHP) rather than gas
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) for fresh, filtered air
Green roofs and sustainable drainage features to manage rainwater and reduce run off
Photovoltaic (solar) panels on the roof to generate renewable electricity
New planting and landscaping to encourage biodiversity and improve air quality
The use of robust, recyclable materials that will weather well over time
The proposals reflect a long term approach to environmental responsibility. By reusing a brownfield site in an already developed area, the scheme avoids the need to build on greenbelt and helps deliver new homes in a location that supports sustainable transport choices.
CGI of the proposed development illustrating the green roof (click to enlarge)
Landscaping and Public Realm
Landscaping heavily influences the design approach. The existing hardstanding will be replaced with green planting, trees and defensible garden spaces along Hertford Road, creating a softer, greener frontage along Eastern Avenue.
Within the site, residents will enjoy private courtyards for the duplex homes and communal roof terrace space. The landscaping will use native and pollinator friendly species, contributing to local biodiversity while creating a calm and welcoming environment. Secure access, good lighting and natural surveillance will ensure that these areas feel safe and well cared for.
Access and Transport
Brook House will be a car free development, reflecting both its sustainable location and helping meet the Council’s commitment to reducing reliance on private vehicles. Residents will be encouraged to walk, cycle and use public transport.
Secure cycle storage for 31 bicycles and four buggies will be provided at ground level, with direct access from Eastern Avenue. Pedestrian routes will connect to Eastern Avenue and Newbury Park Station, improving accessibility and contributing to a safer and more active street frontage.
With excellent transport links on the doorstep, including Central Line services and multiple bus routes, the site is ideally placed for sustainable travel.
CGI of the proposed development illustrating sustainable travel methods (click to enlarge)