Richmond Council’s Planning Committee has approved an application to convert a warehouse into an MOT test centre and car servicing facility, contingent on its return to warehouse use if the business relocates.
Benjamin at Grosvenor Garage, a family-operated organization previously located in Fulham, will occupy the site at 42-44 Arundel Terrace, Barnes, London.
This transition, spearheaded by WEA Planning on behalf of Grosvenor Garage Ltd, seeks to change the property’s use classification from B8 (storage and distribution) to B2 (general industrial). The project’s alignment with both local and London-wide policies ensures that light industrial purposes remain supported without significant hurdles.
The conversion is strictly a change of use, involving no external modifications, thereby preserving the site’s visual integrity and the surrounding area’s character. Importantly, a detailed Noise Impact Assessment confirms that operational noise will not exceed existing background levels, mitigating concerns about potential disturbances to neighboring properties.
This development highlights a trend towards flexible site use that balances community needs with business growth. As traditional industrial spaces evolve, understanding planning nuances like those demonstrated here is crucial. The successful adaptation of this site underscores the potential for light industrial spaces to support small businesses in urban settings without disrupting local communities.
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