Naked House

Informed feasibility studies enabling adaptable, low-cost homes on constrained plots as part of a pilot programme to remove barriers to home ownership

Clients
Information
Collaborators

Naked House is a GLA-backed initiative that reimagines affordable housing by offering first-time buyers customisable homes that grow with them. HTA Planning supported the pilot by assessing 10 brownfield sites in Enfield, creating a planning pathway for homes that can be extended by residents from day one.

One Place, Many Stories

Planning

HTA Planning was appointed by Naked House in 2020 to explore the planning feasibility of 10 brownfield sites offered by the London Borough of Enfield at a discounted rate. The ambition was to pilot a new model of genuinely affordable home ownership, backed by the Greater London Authority, that gives residents more control over how and when their homes grow.

The Naked House concept strips away unnecessary finishes, fittings and partitions to keep upfront costs low. This allows residents to shape their space to meet their needs and budget. Critically, the homes are designed for flexibility — typically starting as compact 1B2P units with the potential to expand to family-sized 3B6P homes. This approach supports a wider range of household types, enabling people to stay and grow in place over time.

HTA Planning developed a strategy to support resident-led extensions from day one, integrating these ambitions into the planning framework. Over a two-year pre-application process, we worked closely with the Local Planning Authority to align policy with a flexible delivery model that prioritises affordability, adaptability, and long-term use. The result is a planning approach that puts future residents at the centre — and paves the way for a more inclusive model of home ownership.