Planning House is delighted to announce another successful collaboration with Anthony Watson Chartered Architects, securing permission for a complex Section 73 variation of conditions application at Colliers Wood, London Borough of Merton.
The application successfully regularised a newly constructed three-storey, mixed-use development consisting of 10 apartments and ground-floor B1 office space, aligning the planning record with the building as constructed on-site.
The Challenge: Navigating Building Regulations and Design Changes
During the construction phase of a major development, minor discrepancies frequently arise between approved design plans and the strict reality of Building Regulations. At the application site, several internal and external variations were required to achieve compliance, ensure structural integrity, and address practical drainage constraints.
Unchecked, these deviations can lead to enforcement issues or stall the ultimate occupation of the building. The alterations included:
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- Structural Redesign: Shifting from load-bearing masonry to a structural steel frame.
- Internal Layout Tweaks: Adjusting stairwells for accessibility compliance, introducing en-suite bathrooms, and removing the upper lift shaft.
- External & Drainage Adjustments: Raising the parapet wall by 200mm to accommodate roof steel and removing a green roof in favour of a perimeter upstand to prevent uncontrolled rainwater runoff.
The Planning House Solution
Working hand-in-hand with Anthony Watson Architects, Planning House drafted a comprehensive Planning Statement to support the Section 73 application. Our statement systematically addressed every alteration, demonstrating to the London Borough of Merton that the amendments were minor-material, did not harm neighbouring amenity, and preserved the character of the surrounding area.
The Outcome
The London Borough of Merton accepted our arguments in full, noting that the changes improved internal layout efficiencies without generating adverse impacts. The variation of condition s73 application was granted, ensuring our clients can confidently move forward with this high-quality urban development.
Do you have an active development site that requires minor amendments, or do you need to regularise works already completed on-site? Contact Planning House today to see how our tailored planning statements can secure your development’s future.
Related Content
If you’re not sure if you need a Town Planner take a look at our blog on When to Hire a Town Planner and download our Guide on How to Choose a Town Planner.
If you have received a planning approval it’s essential you know what conditions are attached, what they cover and how they can be complied with. Read out article Understanding Planning Conditions which details the top 5 things to know about planning conditions and our article How do you amend a Planning Permission – s96a v’s s73 may be useful.
