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6 Deerhurst Road

Overcoming Planning Obstacles for 6 Deerhurst Road

Introduction

6 Deerhurst Road, a three-story dwelling house located in Willesden, London, presented a complex planning challenge due to its size and underutilisation. The property is owned by the Shree Swaminarayan Temple Willesden, and is an almost derelict three story dwelling and is unsuited to the needs of modern day living.

The Client and Project Goals

The client, Shree Swaminarayan Temple Willesden, has been a longstanding client of Saloria Architects, as we had previously designed the Temple 20 years ago.  Our initial proposal provided the Temple with two options; to demolish No. 6 Deerhurst Road, with the neighbouring property No.8 Deerhurst Road, which the Temple also owned and build a new development of flats; or to convert No.6 into five flats.  The Temple’s trustees decided to go with the option of developing the property into 5 individual flats and provide additional housing options for the community.

Planning Challenges and Obstacles

Brent Council initially opposed the conversion, issuing two consecutive refusals. The Council raised concerns about the impact on the local area and the potential for increased traffic. Despite these setbacks, Saloria Architects and the trustees of the Temple worked hard to overcome these obstacles and find a solution that would enable the project to go ahead.

Overcoming Obstacles and Securing Approval

Through a series of appeals and negotiations, the project team successfully addressed the Council’s concerns. A key factor in securing approval was the submission of a revised planning application that incorporated changes to the design and layout. Additionally, the team successfully negotiated a reduction in the required affordable housing contribution from £500,000 to £83,000.

The Planning Committee Approval

The final hurdle came before the Planning Committee, where Saloria Architects presented the case. The Committee unanimously approved the project, paving the way for the project to go ahead.   Once the building work is complete No. 6 Deerhurst Road will include

A – 3 bedroom/4 person flat,

A – 2 bedroom 4 person flat

A – 2 bedroom 3 person flat

A 1 bedroom 2 person flat

A Studio flat.

Conclusion

The successful granting of planning permission to convert 6 Deerhurst Road demonstrates the importance of perseverance and strategic planning in overcoming planning challenges. By working closely with the local authority and addressing their concerns, the project team was able to secure approval for a project that will benefit the local community.