Packet Boat House, Uxbridge
ZEDHomes

Appeal allowed for innovative residential-led mixed-use scheme on a site protected for employment use.

Packet Boat House was a standalone three-storey concrete office building constructed in about 1970 which had suffered from a very long period of vacancy. Concerted efforts to secure an office occupier had failed, hence another use for the building was needed.

Prior to our involvement the owner’s previous application seeking a three-storey increase in height and a 100% residential conversion had stalled due to Council resistance to the change of use of a building protected by policy for employment uses only.

We developed a solution to the strong stance held by the Council. A revised mixed use scheme was formulated that also focused on maximising the possible environmental and sustainability opportunities. Using an innovative design approach to the external form of the building and internal layout, a mixed-use residential-led scheme was proposed that included small business units that could also be used as medical consulting rooms.

An appeal against the Council’s failure to determine the application was made. We prepared comprehensive evidence responding to a wide range of issues raised by the Council including challenging the required proportion of affordable housing and various financial contributions.

The appeal was allowed wholly in accordance with our position.