We wrote a short piece for the monthly newsletter of the Belgravia Society, following research into a site that formerly housed a 'sun ray therapy' building from the inter-War period. This was a popular health movement at the time which saw thousands bathing in artificial sunlight, until post-War the problems of over exposure became evident.

We have been working with recent start-up company Karma Kitchen in securing planning permission for their new programme of opening kitchens in commercial buildings. They are expanding into new ventures and regenerating redundant buildings to provide easy to use commercial kitchen areas by the hour or day for the hospitality sector.

Client: Karma Kitchen 

After long-running discussions, applications, appeals and negotiations with the local authority, we have finally managed to resolve dispute regarding commercial buildings near Chertsey Station, Surrey. The case had involved the redevelopment of dilapidated buildings where the Council had only wished to see a very limited amount of new commercial space. Over some time we managed to secure a mixed commercial and residential scheme, and then resolve disputes regarding the discharge of conditions and variation to the permission.

Client: private developer

Dark kitchens are increasingly common, often being set up in commercial premises to provide short-term space for companies to prepare food for takeaways or other catering outlets. They can raise some complex planning issues about change of use and effect on the area, as well as policies concerning concentration of certain activities. We have been advising on this matter for clients, which is a particularly sensitive issue at the moment with the coronavirus leading to more home deliveries and takeaways.

Client: private companies

A project where we got planning permission some time ago, and now built-out and occupied. The redevelopment of a brownfield site within the Green Belt, south of Windsor. The coverage of housing and scale of development - and design in the streetscene - were all issues, along with highways too. We negotiated a successful permission for the client.

Client: Jordan Construction

A long-running saga has taken a step closer to being resolved. We have worked for a commercial client undertaking vehicle repairs under a lawful planning permission. We sought to extend the opening hours for the business, with new mitigation measures to ensure no noise to the neighbours. Planning permission was granted for this change, but the Council imposed conditions on the grant of permission that meant the permission was effectively useless. We appealed against the conditions and the Inspector agreed with our case, so varied the permission to be something our client can actually implement. Partial costs were awarded against the Council for them imposing unreasonable conditions.

Client: National Rescue Group

Planning permission has been granted for the creation of two flats at premises above an existing commercial use in central Hampton, near the River Thames. There were issues of access, flooding and affordable housing in the case following a previous application submitted by an architect that had been refused, and we successfully negotiated to secure a permission from the local planning authority.

Client: commercial client

We were pleased to see a project that we were involved in featured in the Grosvenor Estate's London Development Yearbook for 2018. The property was a former mews in Mayfair, with garaging still on the ground floor. The works saw refurbishment of this listed building and changes for the continued residential use above. We provided advice for these changes as part of the multi-disciplinary team.
​Client: Grosvenor Estates London

As a follow-up from the last posting.... Longman's sweet shop was the sponsor for Chertsey Town FC in the FA Vase final. And on Sunday they won in Wembley! Here they are, celebrating with their 'Longmans Traditional Sweet Shop' shirts.
​Well done Chertsey, and if you want some sweets and ice cream then head off to Longmans!

Another project from a few years ago that is now complete - this time the conversion of a listed building in Mayfair to a new retail unit on the ground floor. We were again involved in research into the history of the building and presenting the case for modifications to the historic fabric in order to provide a new retail unit. The shop is now open in the new space.
Client: Grosvenor Estates