Plainview Planning were instructed to assist the Aspinall Group in securing consent for the conversion of a B1 office to a C3 residential property.
Issues
The property was Grade II listed so any conversion had to preserve and enhance the heritage asset.
Also, the City of Westminster had planning policies that restricted the loss of office space.
Solutions
We undertook significant research into the history of the site. It transpired that David Hume and Jean Jacques Rousseau lodged at the property in 1766, and the property had a rich residential history.
We also undertook an office market review to demonstrate that demand for office accommodation in this location was lower than demand for family accommodation.
Outcome
Planning permission was granted on time and on budget. We also managed to avoid any onerous conditions.