Project Summary

• Delivery of 10 new townhouses on a car park ‘gap site’
• Conversion of vacant Grade II listed building to deliver 22 apartments
• Sympathetic repair and intervention works to facilitate the conversion of the listed building

Development Description

The development involved the refurbishment, conversion and extension of a grade II listed building, formerly used as a boxing gym.  This element would deliver 22 apartments.  It was also proposed to develop the club car park to deliver 10 new townhouses.  The Listed Building was in a state of disrepair, though still had a number of valuable elements, including a large hall with roof timbers.  A sensitive design solution was achieved through an intelligent use of space and liaison with the council’s Conservation Officer.  By contrast, the new build townhouses were modern and striking.  Together the development will deliver an enhancement to the streetscene and the wider Conservation Area.

Planning Process

The planning process for this site was long and convoluted.  Two applications were submitted in late 2015, one for the townhouses and one for the conversion of the listed building.  Significant concerns were raised by the Conservation Officer regarding the latter, particularly in respect of the proposed subdivision of a large hall.  Concerns were also raised over the loss of a community asset (former boxing club).  CSJ Planning were appointed to negotiate on behalf of the applicant and provided a robust justification for the proposed works and demonstrated that there was no opportunity for continued community use.  The LPA accepted that residential conversion was the only viable way to secure the long term future of the listed building and that this would need to be cross-subsidised by the adjacent townhouse development.  Both applications were eventually approved and conditions have been discharged.