Shahriar Nasser, Principal of Belsize Architects said: "I am delighted that we have secured agreement to the creation of a really attractive surrounding to a row of otherwise unsightly garages. I believe this planning decision will provide an imaginative enhancement of the area."
According to the plans, House A will be 5 storeys high with an area of 285 sq m. It will include a basement to be used as a family/media room, 4 bedrooms, a study, a top floor living area and a terrace. House B will be similarly structured but slightly smaller at 235 sq m, 4 storeys high and only two bedrooms. The lack of outdoor space has been overcome by moving the living area to the top floor of the houses in order to benefit from the southerly view over London to the front, and borrowed views from the adjacent landscape to the rear, and to allow for amenity areas by creating roof terraces.
Issues which had to be addressed in order to gain planning permission included the fact that the brownfield site is flanked by period buildings and part of a conservation area. Also, the local opposition to the plan and the logistical issues related to the block of flats next door caused the firm problems. The row of garages, all with different owners, that currently occupy the site will be retained and renovated. The building will be both above and below these existing structures, effectively ‘wrapping’ them on three sides.
