Overlooking / Privacy

The closest residential properties are located at the rear of the site, fronting Southcombe Street and Munden Street. There are no facing windows between these existing residential properties and the proposed flats and therefore, there will be no direct overlooking. There are two properties located on Charlotte Mews, however, these are at least 18m from the proposed flats (including top floor balconies) and as such, are sufficiently separated to avoid overlooking between properties. Nevertheless, some overlooking between residential properties is unavoidable and accepted in dense, urban locations such as inner London.

Daylight / Sunlight

In order to ensure that neighbouring residents continue to receive adequate levels of daylight and sunlight, a Daylight and Sunlight Assessment will be undertaken to assess the impacts of the proposed single storey upward extension upon the neighbouring properties and the amount of natural light they will receive.

Noise

The proposed flats are not a noise intensive generating use; however, they will be served by mechanical ventilation and other plant which is included in the proposals. As such, a Noise Impact Assessment will be undertaken and, if necessary, include mitigation measures to ensure that all nearby residential properties are not subject to unacceptable noise from the proposed plant and machinery.

The proposed development is car free, except for retaining onsite parking spaces for disabled persons. Should the application be granted consent, it is likely that a legal agreement (known as a Section 106 agreement) will be utilised to remove future residents’ eligibility to apply for parking permits.

On this basis, there should be no pressure on existing parking infrastructure.

The development proposals do not extend to the groundfloor commercial units. The proposals will likely include the creation of new access arrangements into the building and incorporation of groundfloor storage, however, this will be on the basis of retaining all existing commercial floorspace.

Construction activities and their resulting impact (including the impact upon traffic as well as the amenity of residents) are factored into the planning process. The development team will prepare a ‘Construction Logistics and Management Plan’ following any grant of planning permission in order to reduce the impact construction will have upon the lives of residents and occupiers in the vicinity of the site.

The construction can commence after the planning permission is granted and the relevant planning conditions have been discharged. It is anticipated that the construction phase will take up to 24 months.

Bentry Capital will appoint a Financial Viability Consultant to assess whether the development can support a contribution to affordable housing within the Borough.

The historic significance of the Listed terrace solely comprises the first and second floor levels (including features) of the Hammersmith Road elevation. The proposals, including the single storey upward extension, have been designed to preserve and retain the historic facade. It is likely the Council will attach a planning condition requiring suitable protection of the historic facade through the construction process.

The design concept behind the upward extension itself is based upon the existing appearance of the building and roof form and incorporating traditional materials and features (such as London brick stock, timber frame sash windows and slate roof tiles). Therefore, the proposed upward extension will appear sympathetic to and in-keeping with the character and appearance of the Listed terrace and Dorcas Estate Conservation Area, without harming the setting of these heritage assets.

The proposed development will deliver a variety of social, economic and environmental benefits making efficient use of this predominantly vacant, underutilised, highly sustainable site.

Social benefits

The social benefits primarily involve the delivery of new, high-quality homes which are sensitively designed that will contribute to the alleviation of housing pressures in the local area by delivering a variety of flat sizes, including studio, 1bed, 2bed, 3bed and disabled units.

A high-quality single storey upward extension which responds positively to the character and appearance of the area and significance of the Listed terrace. 

Environmental benefits

The proposed development will make an improvement to the site sustainability and result in carbon reduction benefits including the following:

• Development of ‘brownfield land’, being the conversion of underused office space.

• Delivery of a ‘car-free’ scheme (except disabled parking spaces)

• Renewable energy features such as air source heat pumps

• New soft landscaping will be introduced contributing to providing greening and biodiversity benefits onsite.

Economic benefits

The existing commercial uses at ground and part of the basement level will be retained and local businesses will be able to continue to operate as normal.

A number of local jobs will be created during the construction process. It is likely that Hammersmith & Fulham Borough Council may include an obligation to provide local training and offer apprentices an opportunity to learn and broaden their experience through working on the scheme during construction.

Once occupied, expenditure in the local shops, services and facilities within the area will increase as well as the amount of Council tax paid.