Design & Access Statement
Lower Maisonette, 10 Edith Terrace, London, SW10 0TQ
Introduction
The proposal involves the conversion of an existing ground and lower ground floor maisonette into two self
contained apartments. One apartment is designated as a one bedroom two person (1b2p) occupancy unit and
the other a two bedroom three person (2b3p) occupancy unit.
Historic context
Prior to commencing design, analysis was undertaken of the history of the site, its immediate surroundings
and the wider local area. This analysis included:





Walking the area and compiling a photographic database to gain a greater knowledge and
understanding of the character of the area and its setting.
Review of the National Planning Policy Framework, London Plan, Core Strategy, Unitary
Development Plan.
Supplementary Planning Documents and Guidance, and the Sloane Stanley Conservation Area
Proposals Statement.
Research of council records relating to the site, its context and neighbouring properties.
Assessing local views into and out of the site.
The local area
The local area, although predominantly residential, also contains a range of non-residential uses including
education and community uses. Buildings are varied in age, scale, architectural style, form and materials with
no predominant type, although most buildings in the immediate vicinity appear to have been constructed
during the 19th, 20th or 21st centuries. The property sits at the end of a terrace of similar properties used as
single family dwellings or converted into a number of self contained units. The property immediately adjacent
to the applicant property contains four apartments, one per floor.
Listed buildings
There are no listed buildings within the immediate vicinity of the site.
Relevant planning history
Planning permission was granted on 6th August 1984 for the retention of a self contained maisonette at
basement and ground floor level under Application TP/84/0976.
Research of recent planning history for Edith Terrace and other nearby properties notes the following;
Alternations to lower ground floor area – 7 and 8 Edith Terrace
Extension and modernisation – 2 Edith Terrace
Use
The property is currently a maisonette across the lower and upper ground levels of an end of terrace dwelling
property. The house forms rather a typical terraced stock of the residential properties in the area. Edith
Terrace has witnessed a trend of converting properties with multiple units to single family dwelling houses
over the past few years.
This proposal aims to convert the lower maisonette into two self contained flats, comprising a two bedroom,
three person (2p3b) flat and a one bedroom, two person (1b2p) flat. The upper floors, first and second of the
property at 10 Edith Terrace, will remain as the existing 3 bedroom maisonette for family occupation with
access from the ground floor
Design
The design objective is to remove the existing internal stairs that link the upper ground and lower ground
floors and provide separate access points for each flat respectively. A previous entrance for Flat 10 will be
reinstated and the impact of the reinstated access will have minimal effect on the external façade and will
maintain the current design features. Each flat will have direct access to garden or courtyard space to the rear
of the property, as indicated on the plans. Part of the proposal is to reinstate the steps from the rear of the
proposed unit at Flat 10A leading to its share of the garden.
Flat 10 (2b3p)
GIA
Bedroom 1
Bedroom 2
Kitchen/Reception
Courtyard
= 65.50 sqm
= 13.93 sqm
= 8.72 sqm
= 25.89 sqm
= 11.50 sqm
Flat 10A (1b2p)
GIA
Bedroom 1
Kitchen/Reception
Garden
= 54.43 sqm
= 13.01 sqm
= 23.14 sqm
= 25.00 sqm
Access
Flat 10 – Front access is to be reinstated below the existing porch area. This will remain concealed from the
front elevation (street view) due to the position of the existing porch stairs. The door is not front facing as the
access point is perpendicular to the front façade. Double doors leading into the private courtyard area at the
rear will be installed in replacement of the existing window from the reception room. The doors will be timber
glazed and styled to be in keeping with existing.
Flat 10A – Front access will remain the same as existing. Rear access to the garden is now from the ground
floor via external steps which will be reinstated and designed to ensure minimal impact.
As this is a conversion of an existing unit with minimum scope access for disabled people it is not possible for
the converted units to meet these criteria for DDA 1995 and DDA 2005.
Design appraisal
The proposed development would not change the outlook of the existing property. It would also not cause any
change to the visual impact upon the amenity of the occupiers of the neighbouring properties. It is viewed that
the proposal would not have a significant impact on the character of the area.
The new units will be upgraded to meet current building regulations and aim to achieve a lower carbon
footprint with the use of LED bulbs where possible, and low water pressure sanitary ware and taps throughout.
Visual impact
The proposal would have no adverse impact on important or local views, and will have a positive impact on the
local streetscape and the Sloane Stanley Conservation Area.
Transport
The property is located in an area with excellent public transport links including the nearby Earls Court, South
Kensington, Sloane Square and Fulham Broadway underground stations which are served by the District, Circle
and Piccadilly lines. Frequent local bus services run on Kings Road and Fulham Broadway including routes 11,
14, 22, 211, 328, 414, C3, N11, N22 and N31.
Refuse
Lidded bins for general refuse and recyclables shall be retained by each unit.
Outdoor amenity space
The design includes for an external amenity courtyard area at lower ground level and a share of garden at
upper ground level.
Flood Risk
The property is located outside of the flood risk zone according to the map provided by the Environmental
Agency. The proposal is for a change of use and does not change the existing heights, layouts nor include
additional floors.
Conclusion
The submitted design approach has been carefully conceived in relation to the character of the building and
area. A mix of single dwellings and flats currently make up the surrounding area and the development aims to
modify the property back to its original layout. We believe the property was originally converted in the early
80s into two self contained maisonettes; this proposal aims to restore the property back to its original format
of three flats. It would not detrimentally impact the quality of the building nor street scene.
The proposal would preserve the character and appearance of the area. In this respect the proposal complies
with Policies and Standards of the Unitary Development Plan, The London Plan, the Housing Supplementary
Planning Guidance, Great London Authority as well as the Local Development Framework and the guidelines as
set out in the Sloane Stanley Conservation area Proposals Statement.