Creative workspace extension at The Matrix Studios Complex, Fulham, London SW6

What was proposed

The application proposed two roof floors, 1,229 square metres of Class E(g)(i) workspace, solar panels, rooflights, extensions and facade changes.

“Description: Erection of two additional floors at roof level to form a second and third floor level in connection with the creation of 1,229 sqm of new Class E(g)(i) floorspace; installation of new solar panels and rooflights at roof level; erection of ground and first floor extensions; alterations to external facades to include the installation of new doors and windows; associated external changes.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The Matrix Studios complex is a backland creative-industry building enclosed by residential terraces, a school campus, conservation areas and a listed building.

“SITE DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY 1.1 The application site comprises the Matrix Studios complex, a substantial industrial-style building of approximately 3,430sqm. It accommodates over 50 businesses within the creative industries sector. The primary activity on the site is a recording studio, supported by a range of complementary uses including digital media production, physical and e‑publishing agencies, and artist management companies.”

“The site also falls partly within Flood Risk Zones 2 and 3, where there is a medium to high residual risk of flooding, and it is identified as being within a noise nuisance zone.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions covered extensions and a smaller roof scheme, while some previous residential and extension permissions were not implemented.

“In February 2025 a planning application for a variation scheme under s.73 was approved for the variation of Condition 2 (Approved Plans) of planning permission Ref No. 2023/00291/FUL granted 28th June 2023 for the 'Erection of ground and first floor extensions; alterations to external facades to include the installation of new doors and windows; associated external changes' amendments sought include: • Increasing the size of the ground floor extension and alterations to…”

“In February 2024 the applicants withdrew a full planning application (Ref 2023/03312/FUL) for the erection of an additional floor level at roof level to create 957.46 sqm of new Class E(g)(1) floorspace; installation of new solar panels and rooflights at roof level; erection of ground and first floor extensions; alterations to external facades to include the installation of new doors and windows; associated external changes.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions and a legal agreement, citing employment benefits, acceptable design, protected heritage, neighbour amenity and transport.

“Design, Character and Heritage: The proposed development is considered visually acceptable and of high design quality. It makes good use of previously developed land. The proposals would not result in any harm to the character, significance, and setting of nearby heritage assets, including the Hurlingham and Studdridge Street conservation areas, and adjoining former Peterborough School and caretaker’s cottage, both Grade II listed buildings.”

“Residential Amenity: The proposals would respect the principles of good neighbourliness and maintain an acceptable relationship with the neighbouring residential properties. Subject to conditions, the proposal would not have an unacceptably harmful impact on neighbouring residential amenity in terms of daylight/sunlight, glint, glare and dazzle, outlook, privacy, noise and disturbance.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Twenty-four properties objected, raising concerns about overdevelopment, height, heritage, light, privacy, noise, traffic, pollution and construction impacts.

“The application has been publicised by way of site and press notices. Individual notification letters were sent to the occupiers of 273 neighbouring properties. In response, objections were received from 24 properties.”

“Works would cause damage to neighbouring properties; • Concerns about breach of title register and covenant; • Potential reduction in neighbouring property values. Officers Response 2.4 The material planning concerns raised in the representations relating to the principle of development, design and scale, impact on heritage assets, neighbouring amenity (including daylight, sunlight, outlook, privacy and noise), traffic and servicing and other planning considerations are…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Roy Asagba-Power gave a presentation, and the applicant spoke in support of the officer recommendation for approval.

The committee vote

The committee voted unanimously for both officer recommendations, with no votes against and no abstentions recorded.

“The Committee voted on the officer recommendations for approval as amended by the Addendum as follows:”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was authorised subject to a satisfactory legal agreement, report conditions and Addendum changes, with delegated authority for minor amendments.

“That the Executive Director of Place be authorised to grant planning permission upon the completion of a satisfactory legal agreement and subject to the conditions listed in the report and changes in the Addendum.”

“That the Executive Director of Place, after consultation with the Assistant Director of Legal Services and the Chair of the Planning and Development Control Committee be authorised to make any minor changes to the proposed Heads of Terms of the legal agreement or proposed conditions, which may include the variation, addition or deletion of conditions, any such changes shall be within their discretion.”

Minutes