Clarion Housing adds additional staircases for revised approval in Ealing

In the first of three significant proposals, the Ealing Planning Committee, 1 November 2023, consented to the revised plans for Sherwood Close, West Ealing, including additional staircases.

The proposal is for the redevelopment of the site, including the demolition of the existing building and construction of two buildings ranging in height from six to 14 storeys to provide 185 self-contained residential units (Class C3) together with hard and soft landscaping, car parking, cycle storage and other associated works.

The planning committee has already considered the proposal but has been withdrawn following a statement from the GLA requiring all buildings over 30 metres to include a second staircase.

Since that statement, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Michael Gove, advised that a second staircase would be required for buildings over 18 metres.

The scheme has been revised to accommodate the second staircase for both Blocks C1 and C2, and the external changes to the building involved increasing the size of the building by increasing the footprint of Block C1 by 1.35m to the north.

The internal layouts of the proposed homes were also adjusted, and door and window positions were amended. Similarly, the footprint of Block C2 has been increased by 2.25 metres to the north, with resultant minor changes to floor layouts.

The Planning Officer considered the proposed development, whilst higher and resulting in an increased number of residential units, providing significant benefits over and above the consented scheme.

The proposal fully optimises the site, which is well-connected and close to the Ealing Metropolitan Centre and West Ealing Station (Elizabeth Line). The proposal delivers additional affordable housing across the estate, and the redistribution of massing within the development provides for a more significant amount of visual interest and articulation within its façade.

Clarion Housing are the developers.

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