Project Overview
The Alperton Manufacturing Estate in North West London is to be replaced with a substantial mixed-use scheme. The new development ranges from 3 to 14 storeys in height and comprises 581 residential units, flexible commercial floorspace and associated car parking and landscaping.
The planning permission was the culmination of several years of land assembly and design evolution, working closely with the Council to achieve a strong recommendation for approval. The scheme was also well received by local residents as the development will bring significant enhancement to the area: opening up the canalside for public access, creating attractive areas of public open space and introducing affordable workspace and community facilities.
Despite an in depth viability appraisal being submitted together with a policy compliant tenure mix being offered, the application was refused by the planning committee. The sticking point was the mixture of social or affordable rented housing tenure units and whether a greater number was possible if they were slightly less affordable.
Following an appeal, the Inspector concluded that the affordable housing provision did represent the maximum reasonable amount and, therefore, accorded with the relevant policies. The Inspector considered that our proposal reflected the aspirations of the latest London Plan, which forms part of the development plan for the area. It also accorded with the Council’s emerging Local Plan policy so the appeal was allowed.
Bell Cornwell worked on the scheme from the pre-application stage, all the way through to representing Zed Homes Ltd at the appeal. The end result achieves a scheme that will offer significant benefits to the site and its surroundings.
