PEMBROKE House in Ruislip will be converted into nine flats after a bid to revive the prominent four-storey office block was given approval.
Nearby residents had complained that they would be overlooked by the scheme’s proposed balconies, but after developers removed them from drawings the north planning committee on Hillingdon Council agreed it was acceptable.
It means the building opposite Ruislip Station, which is only occupied on one floor at present after a number of business tenants departed, will join a growing number of tall residential properties in Pembroke Road.
As well as six two-bed and three three-bedroom flats, 13 car parking spaces will be provided to the rear of the building, plus cycle storage and a communal garden.
External alterations include a new facade treatment of the third floor by extending windows flush with the main facades, a new glazed entrance to the ground floor retail unit and the removal of an external concrete fire escape staircase.
Ruislip Residents’ Association (RRA) originally objected to the design because of concerns that the balconies would overlook nearby residents. But now they have been removed, RRA planning expert Mike Hodge is happy to see it go ahead.
He told the Gazette: “The residents who would have been overlooked by the balconies said they would be delighted if they were removed, so we are also pleased with that outcome.
“It shows the developers and officials have listened to our concerns.”
Despite the successful modifications to Pembroke House, in general terms, RRA is against more high-rise residential development in Ruislip.
Mr Hodge continued: “Our position is we would rather not see this type of development, particularly around Pembroke Road, where there is a lot already.
“We will continue to oppose anything in future that is to the detriment of people already living here.”
