Modern mansion blocks

First Base, which specialises in key-worker housing, has won planning consent to redevelop the Mann & Overton garage, close to Arsenal’s Emirates stadium, into 119 flats. More than half will be for private sale.

Mansion flats will overlook an inner courtyard garden, some with views of leafy Highbury Fields.

The traditional design by Porphyrios Associates, preferred architects of the Prince’s Foundation, features mansard roofs with solar thermal panels. Other low-energy measures will give the scheme an “excellent” score on the Government’s new eco homes rating system.

First Base is one of the few developers that directly manages the flats it builds. Completion is scheduled for summer 2010. The flats will be sold off-plan: call Savills on 020 7613 1888.

The scheme is part of English Partnerships’ London-Wide Initiative to increase affordable housing — a five-year programme to deliver 4,500 homes at 15 sites across the capital.

First Base’s development is part of a wider plan to improve streetscaping along traffic-choked Holloway Road. The goal is to create a series of “drive-through” squares along the thoroughfare. The squares would be part-pedestrianised and people-friendly.