IBSA House and Former Printworks, Mill Hill

Firstplan successfully secured a resolution to grant planning permission for the redevelopment of this high profile, designated employment site to provide no.197 new Build to Rent residential units.

Following the construction of a new purpose-built facility, IBSA’s printery and factory buildings in Mill Hill, formerly associated with the production and distribution of its ‘Watchtower’ magazine, became redundant and available for redevelopment.  Informed by extensive pre-application consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, local residents and statutory consultees, Firstplan prepared a comprehensive planning application to support the demolition of the industrial buildings and the conversion of the existing IBSA office building to deliver much needed new housing.

Firstplan led complex negotiations with Barnet Council and the Greater London Authority to established the acceptability of residential use on the allocated employment site.  We also engaged with officers and Members to gain support for a 100% Build to Rent scheme, of which 20% will be Discounted Build to Rent, by demonstrating the role that this relatively new tenure model can play in meeting local housing requirements and advocating the wider benefits of the proposals in supporting the Council’s ambitions for this identified growth area.