A multi-disciplinary construction consultancy is set to work on the first mansard roof extension granted planning permission in a canalside conservation area since the council changed its planning policy on their use.
Daniel Connal Partnership (DCP) will be acting as party wall surveyors on the scheme in the Driffield Road Conservation Area which has received the go-ahead from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
The team at DCP, which has offices in Norwich, Colchester and London, will work alongside architects Rivington Street Studio to convert, extend and reconfigure 375-377 Roman Road.
The scheme incorporates a mansard roof extension, carefully designed by the architect to minimise its impact on the street scene and the existing character of the Conservation Area, while still providing spacious, functional, high quality accomodation in the adjacent properties.
Several earlier examples of mansard roof extensions already exist on this part of Roman Road, illustrating that they are a previous feature of the area, but in recent years their use has not been acceptable to the local authority.
In June 2017 the London Borough of Tower Hamlets agreed to change its policy to strike a balance between protecting the heritage of the buildings while ensuring homes meet current housing needs.
Jason Froude, partner at DCP, said: “We are thrilled to be involved in the first project in the Driffield Road Conservation Area to be awarded planning permission for a design which includes a mansard roof. Following the borough’s decision to relax its policy, we’re confident that many other local residents will choose this type of extension to increase their available space.”
The properties concerned have been vacant for several years and are in need of extensive repair and refurbishment to maximise their appeal, viability and value. The layout of the buildings, which offer commercial units on ground floor with residential accommodation above, is typical of street scenes in the conservation area.
Jason added: “The approved plans from Rivington Street Studio will resolve the problems of the existing rear extensions to both properties being in a poor state of repair and the residential accommodation above being cramped and lacking amenity space.”
The scheme will provide two improved commercial units on the ground and basement floors, while the first and second floors will benefit from well-designed spacious residential accommodation in the form of three flats with private amenity areas.
The project has already started on site with estimated completion in Summer 2019.
