The Eyre Estate has finally won permission for its redevelopment of the St John’s Wood Barracks, NW8.
Westminster council last night approved plans for the 5-acre military barracks, currently home to the King’s Troop, to be transformed into a John McAslan and Partners-designed residential scheme.
Plans include 133 flats and houses – of which 50% will be affordable housing – as well as a new private leisure centre.
The decision comes more than a year after the local authority told the Eyre Estate that it needs to “radically revise” its plans to “bring the scheme into keeping with the surrounding area”.
The King’s Troop is due to leave the barracks next year after which the existing army buildings will be demolished and replaced with 12 apartment blocks, eight semi-detached villas and seven terraced town houses to provide 74 private homes and 59 affordable homes.
The proposal includes refurbishing 16 flats in Queen’s Terrace, so the number of new properties will total 117.
The site’s Grade II listed riding school building will remain and be converted to provide the new private leisure centre.
As part of the s106 agreement the developers – The Trustees of the Eyre Estate – will contribute more than £1m towards local early years provision, primary and secondary education.
They have also agreed to invest £100,000 in an adventure playground and provide a tenant’s hall at a peppercorn rent for local residents.
Cllr Robert Davis, deputy council leader and chairman of the planning applications committee, said: “This marks an exciting new phase for this historic site, and although it will be sad to see the King’s Troop leave, the proposed development will greatly enhance the local area.
“The scheme skilfully combines modern and traditional architecture, and is of a high quality design which is sympathetic to the surrounding area.
“The fact that half the homes will be affordable along with the creation of a leisure centre in the Grade II listed riding school, ensures the development benefits the whole community, while protecting the architectural heritage of this wonderful site.”
bridget.oconnell@estatesgazette.com
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