Two rooftop flats at Huguenot Mansions, London SW18

“This application proposes a roof extension to provide two residential units.”

“Huguenot Mansions is a three-storey mansion block containing 8 flats with ground level commercial uses. It faces north onto East Hill, at the corner with Melody Road. The building is unique in the area, otherwise surrounded by terraced houses, and across the street from the Huguenot Burial Ground and the Locally Listed Book House. It is situated within the Wandsworth Town Conservation Area and is unlisted.”

“Conclusion/Planning Balance 10.1 The proposal would create two new dwellings without any reconfiguration of the existing flats. In line with the London Plan and Local Plan Policy LP7, the provision of new dwellings is considered to be of significant benefit when considering planning balance.”

“Official Official 10.2 The extensions would result in ‘less than substantial harm’ to the building and wider conservation area. It is acknowledged that while a part of the original fabric of the building would be lost, this would be largely invisible from the street or wider public realm and the form and appearance of the residential block as seen from main vantage points would be preserved.”

“Neighbour Consultation Summary OBJECTIONS: summarised as: - Structural soundness of the existing building - Detrimental impacts to the appearance of the building - No affordable housing provision - Construction impacts…”

“Official Official - Increased noise towards flats below - Overdevelopment - No public benefit - Loss of attic/loft space…”

“Standard of Accommodation 4.1 Local Plan policy LP27 states that all new developments must comply with the national space standards, provide 10sqm of external amenity space for 1 and 2 bedroomed dwellings, be dual aspect, and benefit from good levels of natural daylight. National internal space standards are set out in the Technical Housing Standards Nationally Described Space Standards.”

“The proposals include 4 new secure cycle parking spaces (2 per unit) located in the stairwell area which meets the requirements of the London Plan and Local Plan. However, a more appropriate location for these additional cycle parking spaces would be to the rear where there are existing secure cycle parking spaces for the existing residential units accessed from Melody Road, within the same area as the proposed cycle spaces.”

“RESOLVED – (unanimous) that planning permission be granted as set out in the report.”

“Condition NSTD -- Retention of ridge detailing The existing ridge detailing a shown on approved drawings shall be retained and protected in perpetuity. Reason: In the interests of preserving the character and appearance of the conservation area in accordance with policy LP3 of the Local Plan and Section 12 of the National Planning Policy Framework.”

“Condition AC96 – Cycle parking Notwithstanding the details shown on the proposed ground floor plan for cycle parking provision in the internal lightwell of the building, any cycle parking provision shall be located to the rear of the site alongside existing cycle parking associated with the block.”