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Green light for women’s only social housing block
in Ealing, West London

 

  • New 15 storey tower for women’s only social housing gets planning permission from Ealing Council
  • Approved plans will deliver 102 new social rent flats to replace existing buildings and 39 homes on site
  • The new homes will be occupied by single women, particularly those who face inequality, abuse and disadvantages
  • The estate will be developed and managed by Women’s Pioneer Housing and supported by L&Q through their Build London Partnership programme for small housing associations

Brook House, a women’s only social housing estate in Acton, London, has recently secured planning permission from Ealing Council, for a new 15 storey tower to replace the existing building.


The approved plans will see the delivery of 102 100% social rent affordable flats for single women, particularly those who face inequality, abuse and disadvantages, especially in the housing market.


The application is supported by Women’s Pioneer Housing, who are only one of two such specialised housing associations in the country, and L&Q, one of the largest social housing provider in the UK.


The existing building is located on Gunnersbury Lane, opposite Acton Town underground station in Ealing, West London,
The original estate at Brook House was built in the 1930s, with additional homes and blocks built in the 70s, however many of these are now nearing the end of their build-life are not suitable for refurbishment. Moreover, the cost-of-living and energy crisis has made the need for this type of housing for women more important than ever.


The proposal is to replace the existing 39 flats, with 102, 100% social rent affordable flats for single women, for which there is a significant, strategic housing need. The proposed new flats will be for existing tenants wishing to return as well as for new ones. Works are expected to start on site as early as this summer.

The design of the scheme was also commended by the planning committee, as all flats have dual aspect and a balcony. The proposal’s landscape strategy also seeks to provide a range of recreational spaces for residents while enhancing biodiversity and greening.

With rising levels of inequality for women in the UK, particularly those who are older, have a disability or are BAME women, there is a huge existing demand for this type of housing. In Ealing alone there are over 600 single women on the social housing waiting list. Moreover, Women’s Pioneer Housing work closely with women’s refuges, homelessness agencies and women’s organisations to provide long term safe secure affordable homes for women.


The scheme is brought forward with support from L&Q, through their innovative scheme Build London Partnership (BLP), which seeks to find a tailored solution to London’s housing crisis. Through the BLP, L&Q partners with smaller or specialised housing associations to work in collaboration to develop small, disused, infill and challenging sites across the capital, while supporting our partners’ needs through a dedicated service. This helps unlock key sites in London and deliver much needed affordable and social housing, often for hard-to-reach communities.