Plans to redevelop 517-523 Fulham Road have been approved by Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Planning and Development Control Committee, following a debate over operating hours for the commercial space. The decision paves the way for a mixed-use development, converting a vacant former college annex into commercial and residential space and seven flats.
The approved plans include the removal of a fire escape, the formation of a roof terrace, rear extensions with balconies, and the installation of air source heat pumps. Roy Asagba-Power, team leader, noted that the site is within a conservation area and just outside the Fulham regeneration area, adding that the proposed alterations are modest and sympathetic to the existing building, and that the flats exceed minimum space standards and improve accessibility. A condition restricting the hours of use for the commercial space was included in the addendum to protect residential amenity, particularly regarding the sale of food and drink, indoor sports (gym), and day nursery uses.
The report for 517-523 Fulham Road notes that the site is just outside the Fulham regeneration area.
However, it also mentions a section 106 contribution towards environmental improvements and to security and to essentially the town center improvements public realm
.
The removal of the fire escape is described as removing an unsightly fire escape at the rear which is no longer required because it was associated with the school use.
The text also mentions that fire lobbies would be created at first and second floor levels. These are glazed, glazed door and windows to prevent light getting into the, to the existing landings.
The use of air source heat pumps is part of the environmental impact and climate change considerations for the development. The proposed scheme achieves a 76% reduction in carbon emissions through the use of air source heat pumps and solar PV panels.
Regarding the flats exceeding minimum space, the report for 517-523 Fulham Road states: there are seven flats one and two bed all of them exceed the space standards minimum standards and that's highlighted in the report paragraph 5.2
. Specifics are provided in the report for 12 Wellesley Avenue, where the unit sizes are listed as:
- Unit 1: 4-Bed/8-Person/8-Storey: 175sqm (complies, 124sqm min requirement)
- Unit 2: 6-Bed/8-Person/2-Storey: 230sqm (complies, 132sqm min requirement)
- Unit 3: 6-Bed/8-Person/2 Storey: 227sqm (complies, 132sqm min requirement
- Unit 4: 2-Bed/4-Person/2 Storey: 147sqm (complies, 79sqm min requirement
However, the applicant, Mr Trevelyan, requested more flexibility in the hours of operation for the commercial space, arguing that the proposed restrictions would make it difficult to find tenants. Councillor Adrian Pascu-Tulbure inquired about the operating hours of the pub next door, while Councillor Patrick Walsh noted the commercial activity on the street extends late into the evening, questioning whether hour restrictions should be determined by the licensing committee.
Mr Butler, assistant director of development management, clarified that the applicant could submit an application to vary a condition at a later stage. Ultimately, the committee voted to approve the application as per the addendum.
