Case Studies, Lawful & Permitted Development, Planning Applications
Residential Development

This office complex in the centre of Welwyn had fallen into internal disrepair. Our client proposed to convert it for residential use. We engaged constructively with the council through pre-application discussions. We then changed the use of the building from office to residential through the prior approval process – which allowed 10 apartments to be constructed within the existing building envelope.

But the prior approval process does not allow for any expansion to the size of the building. So, having established the principle that the site could be used for residential purposes we put in a planning application to extend the original building into the carpark and to increase the number of apartments to 24.

Working with Studio 11 Architects [hyperlink], we proposed a landscaped roof garden for residents, and incorporated balconies and gardens in the design, so all residents have access to private and communal outdoor space.

The site is opposite a listed building and within an area designated by local policy for employment uses, not residential. But, in a context of a lack of housing in the city, we successfully argued that our client’s proposals made best use of a prime brownfield site, and that the development was entirely appropriate. Planning consent was granted.