Fulham Park Gardens to see seven new self-contained flats approved
The Hammersmith and Fulham Planning and Development Control Committee has approved plans for extensions and alterations to create seven new self-contained flats at numbers 57-59 and 61-64 Fulham Park Gardens. The development also includes the subdivision of a ground-floor unit at number 61 to create an additional studio flat, bringing the total number of new units to eight.
The approved plans feature single-storey extensions to the rear of the properties, new rooflights, and the erection of bin and cycle stores at the front. The development will be car-permit free, with significant financial contributions agreed towards active travel and public realm improvements.
Financial Contributions for Local Improvements
The developer will contribute £75,250 towards active travel improvements and £87,295 towards public realm improvements. The active travel contribution is earmarked for enhancements to crossing facilities at key junctions: Goldhawk Road / Wingate Road, Goldhawk Road / Paddenswick Road, and at the Goldhawk Road Underground Station. These upgrades are intended to bolster safe and practical active travel routes to and from the development, addressing existing road safety concerns and accommodating anticipated increases in pedestrian and cycle traffic.
Addressing Concerns Over Unit Subdivision
During the committee meeting, some members expressed reservations regarding the subdivision of the ground-floor flat at number 61. This subdivision would result in two studio flats, a move that initially appeared to contradict the plan's guideline against subdividing units smaller than 120 square meters. However, planning officers justified the decision by highlighting that the original ground-floor unit was a 3-bedroom flat and that this subdivision would create studio flats each less than 70 square meters, which comply with national standards for studio accommodation. Crucially, this subdivision was deemed acceptable due to site-specific circumstances and constraints, and because it aligns the arrangement at number 61 with the established pattern of subdivision in the rest of the terrace, where ground floors are already divided into two units. The existing flats across the application buildings were noted to be in poor condition, largely vacant, with undersized bedrooms, and in need of refurbishment.
Balancing Housing Targets with Site Constraints
Concerns were also raised about the cumulative impact of units falling slightly below requirements for roof height and external space. Officers acknowledged the presence of significant site constraints
on this constrained urban site
which is long and narrow.
They noted that providing ground-floor amenity space for upper flats is not physically practical.
These constraints were balanced against the imperative of providing additional housing units to meet local targets.
Daylight and Sunlight Assessments
The committee reviewed the impact on daylight and sunlight for neighbouring properties. The submitted Daylight and Sunlight Report indicated that most rooms would achieve acceptable levels, aligning with the latest 2022 revision of BRE guidelines. These benchmarks aim for illuminance levels of 100 lux in bedrooms, 150 lux in living rooms, and 200 lux in kitchens, with at least 50% of a room exceeding these levels for 50% of daylight hours annually. For sunlight, the guidelines recommend at least one main window wall faces within 90 degrees of due south, and habitable rooms receive at least 1.5 hours of sunlight on March 21st. The report identified shortfalls primarily in secondary bedrooms or rooms with already low baseline conditions. However, these were deemed acceptable within the urban context and site constraints, with the overall quality of accommodation expected to improve through refurbishment.
Design and Heritage Considerations
In terms of design and heritage, the proposed extensions were considered acceptable additions that would not negatively impact the character and appearance of the properties, the wider terrace, or the Fulham Park Gardens Conservation Area. The locally listed Burlington Lodge Studios, situated to the rear, was also considered to be preserved in its setting.
The development is contingent upon the fulfilment of specified conditions and the completion of a legal agreement, which will formalise the contributions towards active travel and public realm enhancements.