Market conditions then changed significantly, resulting in little office demand in this location. Although we were not involved in the original negotiations with the local planning authority in respect of the mix of uses and despite a policy presumption in favour of the retention of employment uses on the site, we were asked to negotiate and secure a range of non-employment uses for the non-housing element of the scheme to enable a renewed marketing exercise to take place, and to deliver a viable development.

Discussions were undertaken with the local planning authority and a planning strategy agreed to progress an application with the Council’s support. A new planning application was submitted and planning permission secured under delegated powers on time and on budget, allowing the construction programme to be maintained whilst new occupiers for the non-housing space were secured.

We were also commissioned by One Housing Group to provide employers agent and CDM Co-ordinator services for the demolition of the existing light industrial warehouse and the construction of the scheme. With vast experience within the sector, we are proactive in our approach to managing key stakeholder involvement while also being able to drive forward the design and construction teams in progressing
the scheme.