Thanks for the kind comments Gordon.Mat, as part of the conversion presumably you're thinking of carrying out some internal alterations (possibly external also ?). As you're aware you'll also need listed building consent for any internal or external alterations to the listed building, so I would definitely advise obtaining pre-application advice from the Council, and making sure that the Conservation Officer attends the pre-app meeting so that you can gauge her views on any such alterations and establish what level of detail she will expect to see in any submission. She will be the key consultee on any subsequent listed building consent application, so most certainly wise to open a dialogue with her sooner rather than later.In respect of the planning application for the conversion, have you looked at Hounslow's adopted Employment Development Plan Document ?. Generally speaking, there's a reluctance on the part of Councils to lose employment floorspace unless it can be demonstrated that there's no realistic likelihood of the employment use or an alternative community use continuing, and even if you can demonstrate that then the Council would prefer to see affordable housing provided instead of social housing.Much depends really on the location of the property, what marketing evidence is available to demonstrate lack of interest in continuing office use etc.Feel free to pm me if you want to discuss further. One of my personal gripes with some Council Planning Officers when it comes to pre-app advice is that all they do is go through their policies etc., without offering you any specific guidance as to what areas they need convincing about etc., but as I often say on here (and nothing to do with the fact I used to work there) Hounslow's Officers are generally much easier to deal than some other Councils.
Adam Beamish ● 4284d