Plans approved for 130-home Barnet scheme funded by Aviva and council

Barnet Council has granted planning permission for a 130-home rental scheme which it intends to fund in partnership with investor Aviva Capital Partners.

The Bunns Lane scheme, which was designed by architect Metropolitan Workshop, will be built on a council-owned car park next to Mill Hill Broadway station, with half of the build-to-rent homes intended to be for affordable tenures.

Aviva Capital Partners, the in-house capital unit of insurance giant Aviva, will work alongside property development company Stories on the scheme.

It’s the first time the north London council has partnered with an institutional investor of the scale of Aviva Capital Partners, which invests in urban regeneration, housing and infrastructure across the UK.

Ross Houston, Barnet Council’s deputy leader, said: “This development is a great example of how we can use council land to directly benefit residents, providing much-needed, high-quality homes for local people, with half offered at affordable rent.

“Whether through new council homes, regeneration projects, or partnerships like this one, we’re focused on creating homes in the borough that meet the needs of residents and help strengthen our communities.”

Sophie White, sector head for regeneration at Aviva Capital Partners, added: “This project demonstrates how institutional capital can support the delivery of better places – not just homes, but thriving, sustainable communities. 

“We’re delighted that Barnet Council has backed this vision, which will unlock long-term benefits for residents and the local economy.”

>>See also: Norwich City Council and Aviva Capital strike deal for 1,100-home development

The scheme has been designed to Passivhaus principles and will be served by exhaust air heat pumps. The design proposals aim to realise a 10% net gain in biodiversity and will include sustainable urban drainage solutions including green roofs and permeable paving.

The design team includes project manager and quantity surveyor Cast, structural and civil engineer Whitby Wood, and MEP and environmental consultant XCO2.

Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion targeted for 2028.