Residential and commercial redevelopment
Project Description: Redevelopment of a lap dancing club and renovation/renewal of existing 3no. commercial units.
Project Status: Approved
Front elevation (as existing)
Street scene, as proposed.
The existing property is an unattractive lap dancing club and retail units, occupying a prominent position within the George Street Conservation Area and within the setting of several designated heritage buildings. The first floor lap dancing club had gained a bad reputation and there were persistent complaints about noise and anti-social behaviour from patrons.
The proposal was for renovation and renewal to form up to 8no. self-contained apartments and retention of the commercial units below (with new shop fronts, windows and doors). Notwithstanding the obvious benefits of the scheme, the council’s Conservation Officer objected to the proposals on design grounds and due to the supposed loss of the historic burgage plots (a narrow frontage plot often prevalent in medieval towns).
We meticulously researched the historic context of the site back to the origins of the site in the 1840’s and demonstrated the evolution of the site throughout the mid-20th century. We instructed and supervised revisions to the architectural plans and heritage reports, before leading on concurrent appeal preparation, design review panel and resubmission of the application.
We also commissioned appropriate investigations and reports on ecology, noise and odour impacts, as well as instructing a viability appraisal which in turn demonstrated the appropriateness of the proposed approach. We also advised on Community Infrastructure Levy payments and Affordable Housing.
We achieved the full support of the design panel and full permission was approved in July 2024, with the works expected to commence in 2026.