Client: Derwent London - Paddington
We recently acted for Derwent London in achieving a landmark decision upon its strategic site at 55-65 North Wharf Road, Paddington.
Derwent London instructed our planning experts to negotiate planning permission for the comprehensive redevelopment within the heart of the Paddington Special Policy and Opportunity areas. The site comprised a 6-storey office building which was fully let and represented a significant standing investment for Derwent London.
The redevelopment proposals comprised 30,000 sq m of offices, 100 residential units and retail floorspace, together with significant canalside and public realm enhancements.
The application proposals were supported by viability evidence which was independently scrutinised by consultants acting on behalf of The Mayor and City of Westminster, particularly in relation to the levels of affordable housing proposed and Section 106 offer. Both the City Council and GLA were seeking 30% affordable housing provision in accordance with policy requirements within the Paddington SPA.
The developers’ strategic case was that due to the significant standing investment, a comprehensive redevelopment only represented a viable proposition subject to an acceptable level of return which could not support a policy compliant level of affordable housing or Section 106 offer.
The solution
Following extensive negotiations with the City Council and GLA, both determined that there was exceptional justification for not providing a policy compliant level of affordable housing or Section 106 offer, but were insistent upon on-site affordable housing rather than via a financial contribution.
Our planning team negotiated with the City Council and GLA following initial concerns raised to secure a resolution to grant planning permission from the City Council in January 2008. The Mayor subsequently supported the affordable housing offer (16% on site affordable housing) on the basis that due to the exceptional case, this constituted the maximum reasonable proportion that the scheme could accommodate in accordance with policy requirements.
Results
Following extensive negotiations we were able to secure planning permission for Derwent London for a level of affordable housing significantly lower than the normal policy requirement due to the exceptional viability case (existing standing investment) and strategic benefits that the proposals would deliver in the Paddington SPA.
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