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.

Takeaway in East London

After two High Court challenges, multiple Committee meetings and now an appeal, we helped a businessman in the Shadwell area of East London finally get permission to open a takeaway.

He came to us after residents had twice successfully overturned the local Council's decision to grant permission through the Courts. The applicant was desperate to open his business in a vacant shop but, with objections mounting in the thousands, the Council refused permission again. We took the case to appeal, with the unusual issue of 'healthy eating' being a main topic for discussion. We demonstrated to the Inspector that there were no policies that prevent the opening of the takeaway, and there wouldn't be any harm to healthy living objectives. Highways and amenity grounds were also discussed in the decision. Now, after a very long time, this small business can finally get up and running.

Replacement house in the Green Belt

A local job: replacing a small bungalow in the Green Belt near Windsor for a larger house. This project involved careful analysis of previous decisions on the site to present a scheme, in conjunction with the architect, to show a larger house that complied with planning policy. There was a previous permission on the site granted many years ago, but the client is much happier with his new house!