Regal gets green light for London’s Swiss Cottage
Regal gets green light for London’s Swiss Cottage

Regal has secured planning permission for a revised development at 100 Avenue Road in Swiss Cottage, breathing new life into a site that has remained stalled for years. The updated scheme prioritises housing delivery, affordability, sustainability, and community benefit.

The approved plans maintain the original scheme’s height and massing but introduce significant improvements. The number of homes has increased from 184 to 237, including 70 affordable units—nearly double the 36 previously approved. This makes up 36% of the total by unit count, with homes designed to address Camden’s most pressing housing needs. The affordable offering includes 36 homes at social and affordable rents, 34 intermediate homes, and 50 family-sized units.

The development also aligns with modern fire safety regulations by incorporating a second staircase and adopts a gas-free, net-zero carbon approach. The façade has been reimagined using brick and textured materials, offering improved detailing and reduced glazing to minimise overheating and enhance energy efficiency—design choices that better reflect the surrounding conservation area.

Enhanced public spaces are another key feature of the revised plans. These include multifunctional open spaces, play areas, seating, and significant tree planting that will tie in with Camden Council’s own improvements to the Swiss Cottage Open Space. A new community facility, delivered in partnership with local youth charity The Winch, will also form part of the scheme.

Steve Harrington, Planning Director at Regal, said: “100 Avenue Road has long been a source of frustration for the local community. We’re proud to be unlocking the site and delivering a better scheme that reflects Camden’s current priorities — more affordable homes, stronger community infrastructure, and a greener, safer environment. We’re committed to working closely with local stakeholders as we bring the project forward.”

Regal took over the site in 2024 and submitted a Section 73 application to improve the previously consented plans. The updated scheme followed extensive community consultation and pre-application engagement with council officers, local councillors, and community groups, including two design review panels and a Development Management Forum.

In addition to the increased affordable housing provision, the revised proposal includes greater financial contributions via Section 106 and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). It will also support local employment throughout the construction and operational phases and enhance retail and commercial spaces at ground level.

Construction logistics will follow previously approved routes, and a Construction Working Group will be reassembled to ensure continued community engagement during the build. Regal will act as both developer and contractor and will manage the building post-completion, ensuring long-term stewardship of the site as a community asset.

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Issue 330 : Jul 2025