Bridgewater Gardens

Description

The new homes overlook Gladstone Park, one of north-west London's largest green spaces, and residents will have easy access for children's play, sport, recreation and walking the dog. The awkward shape of the site, with its no-build zones, has been turned into a virtue by arranging the homes around three shared spaces: tree-lined driveway, triangular 'square' and 'village green' providing shared play space and amenity.\r\n\r\nEvery house has private front and rear garden, and every flat has a garden or balcony. Given the wealth of shared open space, the rear gardens are compact 'outdoor rooms' for 'al fresco' meals.

Planning History

The site was formerly part of the water works and backs on to a raised and covered reservoir. Retained pipes and easements are a major constraint on the layout. It was used as a depot for TWU operatives and generated significant traffic. The principle of residential development was welcomed by the planning authority and local people.\r\n\r\nThe frontage to Gladstone Park, and views towards the locally listed Victorian pumping station, were very sensitive. The agreed strategy was to retain the mature laurel hedge, create a series of 'linked villas', and model the upper storey with roof terraces.\r\n\r\nThe planning application was submitted in May 2011 and approved in 2012.