Case Study : Conversion of Listed Offices to Dwelling
BRIEF
We were instructed to secure consent for a change of use from B1 office to C3 residential on a Grade II listed property in central London
KEY ISSUES
Change of Use; Appraisal and Strategy; Planning Application; Specialist Reports; Listed Building; London.
LPA
City of Westminster
CHALLENGES
There were two key issues: the first being that planning policies in the City of Westminster restrict the loss of office space; the second complication was that the property is Grade II listed. Any conversion would have to preserve and enhance the heritage asset.
SOLUTION
We undertook an office market review in order to demonstrate that demand for office accommodation in this location was lower than demand for family accommodation.
We also explored the history of the site. Our extensive research revealed that David Hume and Jean Jacques Rousseau had lodged at the property in 1766, indicating that the site had a rich residential history.
Planning permission was granted on time and on budget. We also managed to avoid any onerous conditions.
RELEVANT NEWS
- Retrospective application to secure changes to a listed building in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
- Negotiating our way to planning success – converting a milking parlour into a 2-bed cottage
- The draft revised NPPF – the importance of small sites
- Planning success for a change of use and alterations to a Grade II* listed building in central Cheltenham