4 years ago we were appointed by our clients in Richmond. They wanted a second parking space in their front garden.  Not an unreasonable request, there was space to accommodate a second car, which would release a residents parking space in a very busy suburban road.  Busy, with pedestrians walking to the park, and having to navigate endless driveways with poor sightlines.  Being in a Conservation Area and a lovely house of Townscape Merit, our plan answered all these concerns. Despite our design including more soft landscaping and trees to mitigate the extra parking space, our plans were refused.  Hard to swallow given the president set by more than 80% of the houses on the street already having double parking spaces in front of their properties!

We worked with a Planning Consultant to contest the Councils objections. Again ‘Refused’ but the clients were as determined as ourselves and we went to Appeal.

At last the decision was given and the appeal allowed.  We could go ahead, with conditions, quite normal and easily achievable after the hurdles we’d navigated on route.  The Planning department issued the final approval this April.

The client’s will have their new front garden and parking spaces by the end of the year.  Quite a journey!