Track record

Residential development with motor dealership, Battersea

Lookers Plc

Secured a development plan allocation and planning permission for 170 units

Applications

Service

Residential

Automotive & Roadside

Industry

Jason Lowes

The project

The site was a former car dealership, and Rapleys had been instructed by the land owner (and dealership operator) to secure a development plan allocation for mixed-use development, including residential use, in advance of marketing the site.

Once the site had been allocated, Rapleys were retained by the site purchaser to secure planning permission for approximately 170 units above an upgraded, state of the art flagship dealership. The key drivers were to secure the maximum level of residential development, with the most favourable position relative to planning obligations, whilst also ensuring that the site retained employment through a viable and high quality dealership offer.

Our solution

The project was, for the local authority, a challenging one. The uncommon mix of uses, a car dealership which included a workshop, within the same building as residential apartments, required extensive discussion to provide comfort to the local authority that the dealership would be viable, and the amenity of future residents protected.
The local authority were also initially reluctant to allow tall buildings on the site, but through sensitive and thorough liaison a position was agreed that maximised value. Additional consultation took place with the local community and the Wandsworth Design Review Panel to ensure that all views were – as far as possible – taken into account through the design process.
The planning application which consented the building was registered on submission, and diligently monitored through close liaison with the case officer and other senior officers. Issues arising were minor and were resolved quickly. The application was presented to the local authority’s planning committee within the targeted 13 weeks following submission, with a positive officer recommendation, and members resolved to grant planning permission.