Constant and unnecessary delays in Barnet Council decision-making threaten delivery of new homes in London. Chase New Homes is urging the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to intervene in a planning deadlock that is delaying the delivery of much-needed homes at the former PB Donoghue site in Cricklewood.

Chase New Homes is urging the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to intervene in a planning deadlock that is delaying the delivery of much-needed homes at the former PB Donoghue site in Cricklewood.

Under planning permission 22/5238/RMA, Block B of the development was designated for affordable housing, providing 38 homes. However, despite a comprehensive marketing campaign led by a specialist housing association agent and contact with more than 30 registered providers, no housing association has come forward to acquire the units. The only offer — made by neighbouring Brent Council — was rejected by Barnet Council in January 2025 due to internal politics and conflicts with the Section 106 Agreement.

Following protracted negotiations, a payment-in-lieu agreement was eventually reached with Barnet Council on 26 August 2025. However, despite repeated follow-ups, no further communication has been received. Without this resolution, the scheme simply cannot proceed, since there are Section 106 obligations and restrictions that require this matter to be concluded before private units can be completed.

“We have taken every proactive step to deliver this development, yet Barnet Council's constant inaction and procrastination stance is stalling progress at a time when London and the UK in general, desperately needs new homes,” said Gary Barton, Managing Director of Chase New Homes. “Government has been clear about removing blockers and cutting through the unnecessary delays that Council's continuingly find themselves in and speeding up housing delivery, but in this case, the Local Authority is the sole blocker. We urgently need MHCLG's support to unlock this site to ensure that the delivery of these homes are not delayed any further.”

Chase New Homes warns that the issue reflects a wider challenge across London and the UK, where registered providers are showing declining interest in taking on affordable housing units. Payment-in-lieu agreements, which allow funds to be pooled for affordable housing delivery elsewhere, could offer a practical solution — particularly where councils already hold their own housing stock.

With Government considering penalties for developers who delay building, the company is calling for equal accountability for local authorities whose inaction slows down housing delivery.

Gary Barton added: “Failure by Councils to act is worsening the housing crisis and preventing thousands of homes from being delivered. We are ready to build — but we need decisions and positive actions to be made by Councils to unlock growth and to get Britain building again at the level that is required to hit the targets the Government has set itself."

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Editors Notes

About Chase New Homes

Chase New Homes is an independent housebuilder that has successfully been delivering new homes since 2005.

The company has grown exponentially in the last decade with an extensive portfolio of developments, from multi-million-pound properties to large-scale apartment schemes. Strong design and quality finishes can be seen in all Chase properties.

As an independent company the reputation of Chase New Homes is key. Whether acquiring land or building homes, they strive for exceptional service. This philosophy has created a strong brand among Chase customers and partners over the years.

In addition to the re-development of the former Friends' School in Saffron Walden, Claremont Quarter in Cricklewood is the re-development of a brownfield site within the Brent Cross Town regeneration area, one of the largest regeneration areas in London.

Chase is also excited to announce planning for their forthcoming sites in Islington and Cheshunt.

The staff at Chase New Homes are passionate and constantly seek to embody this passion within all elements of the business.