Planning submitted to maximise development potential in Brixton

We have submitted two concurrent applications to the London Borough of Lambeth for a property on Pulross Road, SW9 – a late Victorian middle-of-terrace house in Brixton. The project has been designed specifically for our client, to create a fully consented scheme that a developer can build out directly: one application for full householder planning permission, and a separate Lawful Development Certificate under permitted development rights, working together to unlock the maximum permitted floor area from the property.

The planning application proposes a ground floor rear and side return extension, creating an open plan kitchen and dining space at the back of the house. The extension is built in blockwork clad in zinc, with slim-framed glazing to keep the addition feeling light against the original Victorian brick. A green roof sits above the flat roof section – both meeting Lambeth’s planning guidance and improving the building’s environmental performance. At loft level, a London roof conversion introduces a new bedroom and en-suite, served by a rear dormer, a front dormer, and two ridge skylights. One of the rear dormers is a glass box, positioned to draw light down into the stairwell below.

The permitted development application runs alongside the planning application rather than as an alternative to it. Under Class B of the General Permitted Development Order, a loft enlargement over the rear outrigger can be delivered as a Lawful Development Certificate – without requiring full planning consent – provided the additional volume stays within the 40 cubic metre allowance for terraced houses. Our scheme comes in at just over 30 cubic metres, comfortably within that limit, and uses slate tiles to match the existing roof. By pursuing both routes simultaneously, the consented scheme gives a developer a clear and optimised build programme: the permitted development works can proceed as of right, while the planning application addresses the more substantial changes to the rear and roof.

The property is not in a conservation area and has no Article 4 directive removing permitted development rights, which gave us the scope to take full advantage of both planning routes. The proposals address Lambeth’s policies on amenity, local character and extensions directly, with the rear extension kept within the existing building line and the mansard roof replicating the proportions found widely across the surrounding streets.

We are working with Sandra Flashman on the interiors to make sure that the developer has a clear vision when it comes to the construction phase

We look forward to a positive determination from Lambeth and to seeing this scheme built out.

If you are looking for a residential architect in Lambeth or Brixton to maximise the development potential of a property through planning permission and permitted development, get in touch.