Planning approved for 3x Passivhaus family dwellings on an infill site, Newham

The Plainview team have secured planning consent for a stylish infill development of 3 x family dwellings in the London Borough of Newham. The architect designed scheme embraces Passivhaus principles and makes efficient use of an infill site, helping to meet the need for family housing in the area.

Making efficient use of infill sites to meet housing need

The benefits of small-scale infill developments are well recognised within both National Planning Policy Guidance and within the London Plan, where housing needs particularly for larger family units, in a market dominated by 1 and 2 bedroom homes, are in high demand. However, the constraints of such sites are also apparent. For example; physical restrictions; the need for amenity and parking space provision; the potential for restrictive environmental designations such as the Flood Zone, particularly in the vicinity of the River Thames, as was this case for this project.

Working closely with both the architect and client, we undertook extensive research to understand the development capability of the site in terms of unit numbers; the need for the provision of high quality, sustainable design; ensuring a high standard of accommodation to future proof the site for residents; the key site constraints and ways and means to overcome or mitigate these issues in planning terms.

Residential development in a Flood Zone

Navigating Flood Zones for residential development can be a common feature in London given that it is a river city.  A key part of our problem-solving related to this particular site’s location within Flood Zone 3. We recognised that ‘more vulnerable’ development such as new dwellings can be difficult to achieve in such a location, given the risk to life (however small this may be) and therefore the design needed to provide appropriate above flood level areas for evacuation in emergency situations. On this basis and given the clear need for family accommodation in Newham, a 3x bed duplex unit scheme was proposed. Two thirds of the units would be family sized and would occupy a part 2/part 3 storey building to ensure an eye-catching corner site scheme, and in doing so, this design solution also protected the amenity of existing neighbours and future residents of the site.

The importance of a thorough planning policy review to support development

Our detailed policy review also established that the LPA supported biodiversity improvements and sustainability measures in line with local precedents. Given this and the brownfield nature of the site, in order to maximise the developable area evidence was provided to support the provision of the following elements, which weighed heavily in favour of the scheme:

• Ground floor planting and a green roof – offering significant biodiversity enhancements to a brownfield site;
• Over provision of cycle parking to ensure this mode of transport is encouraged and support the car free nature of the development – resulting in a greater developable area of the site – as none was lost to parking;
• The use of sustainable construction methods and renewable energy provision through the application of Passivhaus principles and use of air source heat pumps.

As a result of our carefully considered background work and use of the pre app service, we engaged in an effective dialogue across the project team and with the LPA, resulting in the application being approved at delegated officer level.  We are delighted at the positive outcome and that this innovative scheme, designed by London based firm Archio, will provide additional high quality family housing in Newham.
If you are seeking to explore infill development options or need planning support with a residential housing project then contact our planning team to see how we can best assist (enquiries@plainview.co.uk).

IMAGE SOURCE: Archio (2021)