Local Authority Planning Support

Tapestry Director Elizabeth Reynolds provided planning advice to the London Borough of Redbridge in relation to a major application in Ilford

Tapestry Director Elizabeth Reynolds has advised the London Boroughs of Redbridge, Ealing, Havering and Haringey on their assessment of complex applications, and is experienced in providing the following advisory services:

• Pre-application advice.

• Stakeholder and applicant negotiations.

• Public consultation.

• Representation at planning appeal.

• Application assessment and report writing.

• Spatial strategies & frameworks.

She has previously advised and represented Local Planning Authorities on schemes including:

• Conversion by permitted development of Alexandra House in Wood Green from an office to 219 residential units. Described by the press as ‘rabbit hutch housing’, we thoroughly researched the site and identified sound reasons under which the application could be refused, even with the limited matters available for determination under the General Permitted Development Order (2015). The methodical approach taken to identify reasons for refusal was recognised in industry press.

• Redevelopment of the Sainsburys supermarket on Roden Street Ilford to create 680 residential units, commercial space and a new supermarket. Elizabeth advised that despite the low levels of affordable housing proposed, there were insufficient planning reasons to refuse the application. However, the application was refused, and the applicant then appealed the decision, with the Local Planning Authority withdrawing from the inquiry process at an early stage. Ultimately, the appeal against refusal was upheld by the Planning Inspectorate.

• Discharge of reserved matters applications and pre-commencement conditions for schemes on the Greenwich Peninsula, including a number of minor (s.73) and non-material (s.96a) amendment applications.

• Successful defence of refusal to grant consent under the General Permitted Development Order (2015) for conversion of an office to residential use at 49A Oxford Road. The appeal (a hearing at the request of applicant) was dismissed, as the presence of an existing office use on the site could not be established due to extensive demolition and excavation works at the property.

Elizabeth is currently providing pre-application advice on the former Holloway Prison Site on behalf of the London Borough of Islington as part of a Planning Performance Agreement. The site is to be demolished and redeveloped by owner Peabody and development partner London Square as a residential led masterplan of approximately 1,000 units, a women’s building and public park. Grant and loan funding from the Mayor of London is pledged to ensure that 60% of the new homes are genuinely affordable. 

Aerial view of former HMP Holloway