3 flats conversion at Anderson House, Henley-on-Thames

Converting a shop floor into flats

The application sought to convert ground-floor commercial space in a recently built block of flats into three additional residential units.

“Change of use from commercial (class E) to three residential dwellings (Class C3).”

“The application site was located in the Reading Road industrial area of Henley. Planning permission had been granted in 2021 and the site had been redeveloped into 43 flats with ground floor commercial space of 220 square metres. The application now sought permission to convert the ground floor space into three additional flats.”

Minutes

Employment space no longer viable

The change would not increase the floor area, and officers found the neighbourhood plan did not prohibit residential use, while the commercial space had been marketed unsuccessfully since March 2024.

“The application would not involve any increase in the floor area and the only external changes would be the provision of small terrace areas and the reduction in the glazed areas on the frontage of the building. While the relevant neighbourhood plan policy encouraged employment use within the Reading Road industrial area it did not prohibit the change of use to residential.”

Minutes

Officers recommended approval

Officers recommended approval of three shared ownership homes.

“The proposal would be for three shared ownership residential units and was recommended for approval.”

Minutes

The developer's representative spoke

A representative of the developer spoke in support of the application.

Members raised shared ownership concerns

Members noted the scheme would contribute to the housing land supply, welcomed three shared ownership homes over an empty commercial unit, and raised concern that they were not affordable or social housing.

“The committee acknowledged that this proposal would provide three shared ownership homes which was considered preferable to having an empty ground floor commercial unit.”

“The committee expressed concern that the developer had decided to have the units as shared ownership rather than affordable / social housing. However, the committee acknowledged that shared ownership served a useful purpose.”

Minutes

Permission granted on a vote

A motion to approve the application was carried when put to the vote.

“A motion, moved and seconded, to approve planning application P25/S0197/FUL, was carried on being put to the vote.”

Minutes

Approved with a legal agreement

Permission was granted subject to a Section 106 agreement securing affordable housing and conditions on plans, materials and cycle parking.

“RESOLVED: to authorise the head of planning to grant planning permission subject to: i) The prior completion of a Section 106 agreement with the District Council to secure affordable housing, and ii) The following conditions 1. The development to which this permission relates must be begun not later than the expiration of three years beginning with the date of this permission 2.”

Minutes