Policy information sourced from the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 2
DMH 3: Office Conversions
Where offices are found to be redundant, their demolition and redevelopment for office accommodation will be supported. Where this is not feasible or viable, proposals for the conversion of offices to residential which fall outside of current permitted development rights will be supported where:
- the conversion of offices provide an external finish that is suitable to a residential building and in keeping with the character of the area;
- balconies and/or amenity spaces are designed into the development as integral facilities and the creation of well designed public realm and landscaping is demonstrated;
- any additional functional features that are needed such as pipes, flues or communications equipment are grouped together and routed through existing features where possible, and kept off publicly visible elevations; and
- proposed homes have a dual aspect4 wherever possible (see Mayor of London’s Housing SPG). A sole aspect home overlooking a parking court or other shared use rear area will generally be unacceptable.
All conversions that fall outside of existing permitted development rights will be expected to accord with National and London Plan minimum space and parking standards and meet the requirements of all other policies in this plan, including those in Policy DME 3: Office Development.
For more information please see the Local Plan: Part 2