London’s largest private residential developer, Galliard, has appealed the non-determination of its first ever co-living scheme.
The 248-bedroom development will be reviewed at a public inquiry in March, after Hounslow Council failed to determine the scheme within the required timeframe.
Galliard lodged plans for the development of the former Yates pub site on Bath Road in partnership with Princeton Investments last September.
The developer’s move into co-living comes as it seeks to capitalise on the emerging co-living rental market as a viable exit route, on the back of success in BTR and amid a downbeat traditional sales market.
Following the escalation to secretary of state, Hounslow planners said they would have refused the development if it had gone to committee.
The council’s planning officers said the scheme failed to provide an acceptable standard of accommodation owing to the insufficient level of outdoor shared spaces and raised concerns over affordable housing contribution and lack of management plans, among other environmental factors.
However, the planners did note the benefits in the contribution to provision of housing. While some London boroughs do not consider co-living as residential, Hounslow said eight co-living bedrooms equate to one home in terms of meeting housing targets.
This verdict could be a big step for Hounslow, which has previously been sceptical about co-living development. Council leader Steve Curran previously told EG he was “not convinced” by the accommodation, which may expect high turnover and lower engagement with the community.
Last February, a similar scheme from Calevine Estates was approved by the Planning Inspectorate at appeal. Hounslow had again failed to determine the scheme within the required time, later saying it would have refused it.
The planning inspector opted to green-light the 121-bedroom development in Feltham, arguing that it met requirements for mixed and inclusive neighbourhoods, connectivity to employment, and management and tenancy lengths.
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