Out-Law News 1 min. read
14 Oct 2014, 4:43 pm
RH applied to the Council in July for permission to demolish the existing 3,199 square metre warehouse at 277A Grays Inn Road in central London and replace it with five new blocks housing 53 flats, seven maisonettes and space for commercial and food and drink uses.
The five buildings would range from one to eight stories in height and be arranged around a new 700 sq m public courtyard under the proposals. A row of seven terraced maisonettes has been proposed for the eastern side of the courtyard, with two blocks of flats on the western side. A three storey residential building would front onto St Chad's Street to the north.
Affordable housing provision of 14 homes, representing 21% of the residential floorspace, has been proposed against a local policy requirement for 50% of residential floorspace. According to a planning officer's report relating to the application, chartered surveyors BPS considered that the scheme would not be viable with affordable housing provision of more than 23%.
A single storey commercial building to the south end of the courtyard would contain 1010 sq m of flexible office space and 80 sq m for use as a cafe and gallery. A basement gym for use by residents has been proposed beneath the courtyard.
The Council granted planning permission for the scheme on 10 October, subject to a section 106 agreement being agreed.