A proposal to convert an office into a two-bedroom flat in Twickenham has been refused by Richmond Council.

The prior approval application, submitted on behalf of Mr Gary Deal by agent Bob Trimble, sought to transform the office on Colne Road into a two-storey home incorporating basement and ground level living space.

However, the council rejected the plans on 30 June, citing several concerns, including inadequate natural light, insufficient evidence of the property's use history, poor cycle and bin storage provision, and concerns over flood risk.

In a detailed decision notice, planning officers concluded that the application fell short of requirements under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended), particularly Schedule 2, Part 3, Class MA, which governs the conversion of commercial buildings to residential use.

On the issue of natural light, the officer's report stated: "Insufficient evidence has been supplied to demonstrate adequate natural light in all habitable rooms contrary to MA.2.- (2)(f)."

(Left to right) The proposed basement and ground floor (credit: Planning application).

Additionally, the council highlighted that the applicant failed to show that the building had been used consistently as an office for the required period.

"Insufficient evidence has been supplied to demonstrate the building fell within one or more of the classes specified in subparagraph (2) for a continuous period of at least two years prior to the date of the application contrary to MA.1.- (1)(b)."

Other grounds for refusal included transport and amenity concerns.

"Insufficient evidence has been supplied to demonstrate transport impacts can be managed, in particular the provision of sufficient cycle and bin storage areas," the report added.

Flood risk was also identified as a major unresolved issue.

"Insufficient evidence has been supplied to demonstrate flood risk can be managed contrary to MA.2.- (2)(c)."

Any future proposal for the site would need to address the issues outlined by the planning department.

To read the full application click here.