Reversion of house, Richmond

As many in the planning profession know, the London Borough of Richmond have had a long-standing (and sometimes controversial) policy that stops reversion of a property back to a single family house if it was once divided into flats. Some other Councils have followed this policy.

This policy stance is starting to change, and we recently gained planning permission for the reversion of a property back from 3 flats to one house. This now allows the family to reclaim their full home and live in it together.

Client: private client

The Wisley Golf Club, Surrey

The Wisley, one of the UK's most prestigious private members' golf clubs, is set in beautiful grounds and invests a great deal in providing facilities for the golfers. Unfortunately, one of their improvements involved creating a new access track through a woodland on green belt land and in an area liable to flood; they had quite innocently thought planning permission was not needed.

Following investigations from the local planning authority, they were faced with possible enforcement action against both the new track and a change of use of land to a golf course. We carried out detailed research into the planning records for the land and analysis of planning policy and precedent. We demonstrated to the Council that no change of use had occurred, and we submitted a planning application for retention of the track. Permission was granted through delegated powers, and the track can remain.

 Client: The Wisley

Old Barrack Yard, Belgravia

Planning permission has been granted for the Grosvenor Estate, for the conversion and alterations to an interesting mews property in Belgravia, Westminster. The ground floor was used as stabling, with accommodation above. The scheme sees the residential use come into the ground floor, with the re-use of historic features in the building. 

Work on the project involved research into the history of the property and presenting the case for renovation and change of use, in accordance with conservation guidelines and the Council's policies. The application was granted under delegated powers.

Residential extension

A small project, with a successful outcome. Large extensions and changes to a detached house in a conservation area, where submissions were made to argue for the contemporary design at the house in an area of more traditional appearance. Approved by the Council.

Change of use of shop to residential

Planning permission has been granted on appeal for the change of use of a vacant retail unit to residential, in the village centre of Thames Ditton, Surrey.

The Council objected to the change of use on the grounds of a loss of a shop in the defined village centre. We demonstrated to the Inspector that the marginal location of the shop and the limitations of the listed building meant that it had proven unviable to let. The Inspector agreed that the change of use would not be harmful to the retail environment of the village.

New stables

Planning permission granted for new stables and hay barn in the Green Belt, near Thorpe, Surrey. The Council had raised concerns relating to the 'need' for the stables, in terms of Green Belt policy, with adverse comments from their agricultural advisor. Their fears were shown to be unfounded, and reassurance given that the stables were necessary for the land.

Another nursing home

Another long-running case resolved. And another nursing home, this time in Woking, Surrey.

The nursing home had a number of outbuildings in its rear service yard. The Council took enforcement action against these, and unfortunately this meant they had to go - along with all the facilities they contained which were essential to the well-being of residents, many of which have acute nursing needs. A new permanent extension to the home was designed, but the Council refused permission for that, and also decided to prosecute the home through the Courts. We took it to appeal and permission was granted, and court action stopped. A good result for the home and for the residents.