2A and 3 Barnard Close, LONDON, SE18 6JQ

erection of roof extension to create an additional storey resulting in a three-storey building, erection of a first floor rear extension, erection of balconies and associated external works. Internal alterations to allow for the change of use of first floor level from office (Use Class E(g)(i)) to residential (Use Class C3) to accommodate 2no. studio flats and 2no. 1-bedroom flats across first and second floor level. Erection of flue extraction system to the rear of the building

Authority: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: residential · Change of use
Inspector: Wilkinson F

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

the effect of the proposal on the supply of employment floorspace
the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the host property, the surrounding area, and the Woolwich Conservation Area
whether the proposal would provide acceptable living conditions for future occupiers with regard to outdoor amenity space

What decided it

The harm to the Woolwich Conservation Area through the disproportionate increase in scale and massing, which would undermine the distinctive hierarchy of scale in the area and diminish the building's contribution to the conservation area's significance, was not outweighed by the limited public benefits of four residential units and short-term economic gains.

The public benefits of the proposal (contribution to housing supply of four dwellings and limited short-term economic and social benefits during construction and through future residents) did not outweigh the harm caused to the designated heritage asset (the Woolwich Conservation Area), resulting in dismissal of the appeal.

Framework references: 11, 77, 206, 208

Plan policies cited: Policy E4 of the 2021 London Plan, Policy E7 of the London Plan, Policy EA(a) of the 2014 adopted Royal Greenwich Local Plan Core Strategy with Detailed Policies, Policy H2 of the Local Plan, Policy HC1 of the London Plan, Policy D3 of the London Plan, Policy DH1 of the Local Plan, Policy DH3 of the Local Plan, Policy DH(h) of the Local Plan, Policy DH(j) of the Local Plan, Policy H5 of the Local Plan, Policy D6 of the London Plan, Policy D4 of the London Plan

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

The main issues and the deciding factor are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.