Fuller Long are delighted to have achieved planning permission for the conversion of a defunct care home into four residential flats in the Borough of Wandsworth in South London.
Having completed an initial planning appraisal of the property located in Streatham Vale SW16, between Streatham Park and Tooting SW17, we explored the possibilities of changing the use from what was considered to be a C2 Residential Care Home to C3 Residential Homes.
The property in question was once utilised as a Residential Care Home for adults with mental health problems. However, the house ran into viability issues and subsequently had to close. Our review of the property and policy parameters identified that a change of use from a Residential Care Home to Residential Homes could be supported as there was an identified need for housing in the area in which the property was situated. The AMR at the time (2013/14) stated that in 3 of the last 5 years Wandsworth had not met its annual housing delivery targets.
The creation of new residential properties from an existing building needs to be assessed against considerable policy requirements. This particular development not only required the change of use of the existing building, but included the need for a roof extension, two rear extensions, the formation of roof terraces and excavation to create a basement.
During the application process, the client was met with several difficulties in relation to the Council’s records and in particular what they considered to be the lawful use of the site. We were able to further assist the client by utilising the building’s space most effectively suggesting that unused loft space could be utilised. In doing so, planning permission was granted, and a very happy client was able to commence work on the property without any delays.
Our involvement, in this case, demonstrates how useful it can be to have a professional planning consultants to guide you through complicated planning proposals.. If you are looking to create a fit for purpose care facility or have existing unviable business use, Fuller Long is here to help. Please contact hello@fullerlong.com or call 0808 164 1288 for a no-obligation call with one of our experienced team of consultants.
