We were appointed by the owner of this commercial building to look at ideas to obtain consent to convert into a residential use. The original building was located centrally near the Old Town in Stevenage with close connections to public transport and local services. The office had now become redundant due to the owner selling the business and retiring. They appointed us to initially look at ideas to maximize the potential of the building for residential use. Via a number of feasibility options and ideas on how the addition could be finally built we suggested a two-prong attack to planning the first being to change of use which was via a prior approval application. This was supported by our Planning Consultant to help us get over the obstacles of this submission and was later approved for change of use for eight new residential flats including of one and two bed properties.
Commercial to residential conversion
The second submission included a full planning submission to the Local Authority for an additional storey on top of the existing building. This was designed so that the overall height of the new addition would still not be any higher than the surrounding buildings as well as incorporating an overall change of appearance to the existing commercial building. By using a second submission, we were able to create a striking front elevation, modernising the entire building and creating attractive residential accommodation. The final scheme achieved twelve one and two bed flats; this is now looking to be constructed on site in the next year.
Location
Stevenage, Hertfordshire
Client
Private
Services
Concept, planning
Status
Planning achieved in 2022
