A car repair shop on Wellesley Avenue is set to be replaced with new homes after Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Planning and Development Control Committee approved the proposal.

The committee, chaired by Councillor Nikos Souslous, greenlit the application for the demolition of the existing car repair workshop at 12 Wellesley Avenue and the construction of a part one, part two, and part three-storey building, comprising three houses and a single-storey detached building. The development also includes reinstating the public pavement, removing a substandard parking bay, and creating four replacement on-street parking bays.

The decision comes after a period of consultation and review, with the Brackenbury Residence Association expressing support for the application because a residential land use was preferred for the site. The Brackenwick Residents Association also voiced their support after a desktop study regarding land contamination was reviewed by the council's land contamination officer, who requested the standard six conditions to ensure there is no harm to residents1.

Architectural renderings of the approved developments at 517-523 Fulham Road (left) and 12 Wellesley Avenue (right).
Architectural renderings of the approved developments at 517-523 Fulham Road (left) and 12 Wellesley Avenue (right).

Anissa Aboud, representing officer, addressed the committee, noting corrections to the report in an addendum, including a new wastewater heat recovery system condition and a cycle parking condition. She highlighted that the proposed design aligns with an approved scheme at 14 Wellesley Avenue and achieves a 76% reduction in carbon emissions, despite being a minor development. Ms Aboud also acknowledged that 18 objections had been received, mainly concerning outlook, privacy, contemporary design and traffic. Officers consider that the design aligns with 14 Wellesley Avenue and overall there is a cohesive design for Wellesley Avenue. In terms of the layout, officers consider that the layout has been orientated to mitigate harm to privacy. The windows have been designed to prevent harm to Dorville Crescent, Wellesley Avenue and Pattinswick Court.

Oliver Jefferson, speaking on behalf of the applicant, stated that the application had been developed in consultation with neighbours and the Brackenbury Residence Association. He added that the homes have been designed to respect the immunity of neighbours.

Councillor Patrick Walsh raised concerns about the absence of a construction logistics plan and demolition plans in the report. Matt Butler, assistant director of development management, responded that construction logistics plans are commonly submitted as detailed conditions post application and that the council discusses it very carefully with their colleagues in highways to ensure minimal disruption to local residents2.

Councillor Adrian Pascu-Tulbure inquired about land contamination and resident consultation. Ms Aboud responded that a desktop study had been reviewed and standard six conditions requested, and that the Brackenwick Residents Association now supported the application.

Councillor Ross Melton asked about the four car parking permits, and Ms Aboud responded that the applicant had provided a transport statement demonstrating lower trip movements compared to the existing B2 use and the consented office scheme3.

  1. The standard six conditions for land contamination are requested by the council's land contamination officer to ensure there is no harm to residents. ↩

  2. The council discusses construction logistics plans very carefully with their colleagues in highways to ensure minimal disruption to local residents. ↩

  3. The transport statement provided evidence of lower trip movements compared to the existing B2 use and the consented office scheme. ↩