Ganco wins appeal for 55-home BTR scheme in Hounslow

Ganco Assets has received planning permission on appeal for the development of a 55-home build-to-rent scheme on Hounslow High Street in west London. The 70,000 sq ft scheme will be delivered through the partial demolition of the existing building at 147-161 High Street, the retention of three ground-floor shops and redevelopment above to create a six-storey building. It will comprise a mix of studios to three-bedroom homes, of which 5% will be affordable housing. The site was formerly occupied by Marks & Spencer, but has since been subdivided into three shops, with the upper floors remaining vacant. The appeal was predicated on viability and mix. During the appeal the viability element was resolved with the London Borough of Hounslow, leaving the suitability of the mix to be determined by the Planning Inspectorate. While the mix did not align with the council’s requirements owing to the higher proportion of smaller homes, the inspector determined that the sustainable location of the site within the town centre and the nature of the BTR development meant that the council’s mix requirements could be applied more flexibility. Boyer, part of Leaders Romans Group, advised Ganco on planning. Images © Formation Architects