Town Centre Flats Approved At Committee.

At the last of Kettering Borough Council’s Planning Committee Meetings before it becomes part of West Northamptonshire Unitary Council, we achieved consent for our client for the part redevelopment of a town centre site to provide 24 flats and a ground floor retail unit.  The flats will be one and two bedroom some with parking.

How We Approached It

The existing building was in dire need of updating and was sited at a main entrance into the town centre on the edge of the Kettering town centre conservation area.  On behalf of the client, we engaged with the Local Planning Authority at a pre-application stage and then a full application. Whilst our application was for partial demolition and rebuild, we drew upon what could be achieved through permitted development rights for change of use of the building to residential related to the existing building as partly offices and warehousing.

How We Achieved It

Building a strong relationship with the case officer was key in this instance. We knew applications for similar schemes nearby had been overturned at committee. Strong visuals were part of our submission. Although the committee report recommended approval, we chose to speak in support of the application to endorse the officers view at the planning committee meeting. Whilst the scheme was approved by a close vote most councillors were able to see the benefits of the scheme.