Expanding a Backland Site for a PRS Developer

The Brief

Our client is a commercial PRS developer/landlord who acquired an attractive detached property divided into apartments in Beulah Hill, South London. Planning permission had been granted for a five unit development at the far end of the large rear garden, although the consent had lapsed. Our brief was to enhance the commercial viability of the existing consent and achieve approval for a new and improved scheme.

The Solution

We analysed the current scheme, and by working with the local planning authority (Croydon Council) throughout the pre-app and planning process, we were able to address their concerns and find an additional four units on the site.

The site has numerous challenges. It’s in a conservation area, has a steeply sloped topography, and is surrounded by mature trees. Alongside the regular difficulties of development – overlooking, daylight, and amenity space – these posed significant challenges to developing the site further than the existing consented scheme, both at planning, detailed, and technical design stages.

We worked with numerous third-party consultants to enhance the site—a structural engineer aided with the basement elements, including complex underground drainage requirements. Mechanical and electrical engineering assisted in the coordination of all services. A fire consultant advised on challenging access for the fire brigade and the requirement for a dry riser. Finally, we also required the assistance of an acoustic consultant.

There were also a lot of employer’s requirements to ensure the new scheme incorporated the client’s prescribed bathroom and kitchen configurations.

The Result

After carefully redesigning the scheme and submitting a new planning application, we achieved consent for four additional units, making nine apartments in the block. This gain has significantly enhanced the GDV of the site. The design is contemporary in appearance yet sympathetic to the historic surroundings.

Granit is also appointed to develop and coordinate the design through to tender.