On behalf of Rengen Developments, AGM were successful in securing Full planning and Listed Building consent for the change of use of the ground floor from an office use (Use Class E(g)(i)) to three residential flats (Use Class C3).
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the previous tenants of the building had expressed their desire to exercise the associated break clause and vacate the property. This presented the client with a serious conundrum on how best to utilise the property, whilst facing a rapidly changing market.
Policy ED1B of the Local Development Plan sets out the basis for considering changes of use where planning permission is required. It states that the redevelopment of office space to residential will be permitted unless there are strong economic reasons for refusal. It is considered that a strong economic reason will exist if the loss of the space would be a significant loss to strategically important office accommodation in B&NES and significantly harm the Council’s ability to plan positively for economic development.
As such, AGM had to present to the Council a Market Advice Report which was completed by a local estate agent. This concluded that retaining the ground floor of Henry Street (for office use) would have little impact in the economic growth of the city. Furthermore, a detailed case was put together which demonstrated that the building was no longer capable (or indeed desirable) to be adapted for the needs of modern office space.
Upon receipt of this evidence, the Council were satisfied that the development would not harm the District’s ability to plan positively for economic development, nor would it trigger the clauses of Policy ED1B. The scheme was therefore allowed and both Full planning and Listed Building Consent granted.
