A 15-storey tower block providing more than 100 social rent flats for single women has been approved by planners.

According to Women’s Pioneer Housing, who will develop and manage Brook House in Acton, West London, priority for the properties will be given to women “who face inequality, abuse and disadvantages, especially in the housing market”.

The plans, approved by Ealing Council, will see the delivery of 102 100% social rent flats built in partnership with L&Q through the Build London Partnership (BLP) scheme. The homes will be for existing tenants wishing to return as well as for new ones. Works are expected to start on site as early as this summer.

Following the approval of planning permission, Women’s Pioneer Housing, said: “With rising levels of inequality for women in the UK, particularly those who are older, have a disability or are BAME women, there is a huge existing demand for this type of housing. In Ealing alone there are over 600 single women on the social housing waiting list.

“Moreover, Women’s Pioneer Housing works closely with women’s refuges, homelessness agencies and women’s organisations to provide long term safe secure affordable homes for women.”

The original estate at Brook House was built in the 1930s, with additional homes and blocks built in the 70s, however many of these are now nearing the end of their build-life are not suitable for refurbishment. Moreover, the cost-of-living and energy crisis has made the need for this type of housing for women more important than ever.

Through the BLP, L&Q partners with smaller or specialised housing associations to work in collaboration to develop small, disused, infill and challenging sites across the capital, while supporting our partners’ needs through a dedicated service. This helps unlock key sites in London and deliver much needed affordable and social housing, often for hard-to-reach communities.