A planning application to convert the first-floor office space of St Andrew's House, Richmond, into a flat has been refused by Richmond Council.

The plans, submitted by Margaret Lyons, proposed a 66-square-metre one-bedroom home on Upper Ham Road. The proposals included a living room, dining room, kitchen, and bathroom.

Richmond Council rejected the application due to the lack of affordable housing, the loss of office space, and the failure to meet the council's sustainability requirements.

In his report, Richmond Council's Head of Development Management, Robert Angus, stated: "Affordable Housing: In the absence of a legal agreement to secure an appropriate contribution towards off-site affordable housing, the scheme fails to address the recognised housing need...

"In the absence of adequate justification to demonstrate that office use or other employment/community-related uses are unviable on the site, the proposal results in harm to the borough's stock of office and employment floorspace, to the detriment of local needs...

"In the absence of an adequate energy report detailing a minimum of 35% on-site carbon savings, as well as an adequate BREEAM assessment, the proposals fail to meet the council's requirements for achieving sustainable design and development."

The proposed one-bedroom flat on the first floor of St Andrew's House (credit: Planning application).

However, Mrs Lyons stated that the unit had been actively marketed by Blakes Property for over two years, with only small breaks during this period. During this time, no viable tenants were secured.

She explained: "The extended period of marketing, combined with the consistent lack of interest, highlights the unsuitability of this property for office use.

"Conversion to residential use is a logical and necessary solution that aligns with local housing needs and will ensure the property is effectively utilised."

St Andrew's House is a part two-storey, part single-storey detached building with a nine-inch solid masonry wall construction.

The first floor has been vacant since 2020 and was originally designed as residential accommodation before its conversion to office use.

To read the full application click here.

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