An application has been put forward to change the use of a building from the 18th century back to its original state in Richmond.

Empire Managed Properties Ltd has applied to convert an empty bank office at 31 The Green into a family home, arguing that "there is no demand for the property as office space".

Local records indicate that the property, along with other buildings around Richmond Green, was constructed in the late 18th century following the demolition of the Royal Palace.

Around the 1960s, records show that the building was converted into office space for an architect's firm.

Since 2014, the building has housed the private bank Handelsbanken, which has recently relocated to new premises at 21 The Green.

The existing first floor office space facing The Green (credit: Planning application).

In its application, Empire Managed Properties Ltd gives examples of nearby former offices on The Green that have been converted into homes to support its case for repurposing the vacant bank.

Following pre-application feedback, Michael Jones Architects said on behalf of Empire Managed Properties Ltd: "Although it may go against the local policy about the loss of office space, during discussions with the LBRUT (London Borough of Richmond upon Thames) planning and conservation team it was established that the planning balance will be reached and exceeded in terms of benefits once the applicants present substantial heritage and planning benefits to outweigh this departure from local policy."

To justify the loss of office space, the applicants say that an independent marketing report by the client shows that study data pre-dating the coronavirus pandemic, on which the LBRUT policy relies, is "outdated".

The drawings on the left show the current first floor and the right shows a proposed bedroom (credit: Planning application).

The application said: "The demand for office space has decreased and there is a significant amount of vacant modern office space in the immediate vicinity of the application site."

The main proposed works for 31 The Green, aside from reinstating the property's original use, involve restoring the former layout and separation of spaces.

"More importantly, reinstate period-appropriate hierarchy between the floors reflected in internal detailing (lath and plaster to replace modern plasterboard throughout, stair design and typology, skirtings, dado rails, cornices, panelled doors)," the application explained.

Photographs of street views showing 31 The Green during the 1960s. (credit: Historic England).

However, neighbours Anne-Marie Gilks and Paul Gilks object to the plans, citing "increased" overlooking, "deterioration" of residential amenity, and a "significant" loss of privacy.

They wrote: "The rear windows of 31 The Green directly face the rear windows of our property... with the separation between them being only around 7–8 metres (well below typical amenity standards of 18–21 metres).

"This extremely close, direct window-to-window relationship already causes mutual overlooking.

"Converting 31 The Green from office to residential use would intensify that impact by extending occupancy and lighting into evenings, weekends and night-time, when the office is currently inactive."

The application is yet to be decided by Richmond Council. To read it in full, click here.

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