When converting a family dwelling into a House of Multiple Occupancy, one does not typically require planning permission but with Extension Architecture, we always try to go the extra mile for our developers looking to improve their investment portfolio.

Project type

Flat Conversion

Works Requested

Planning Permission
Technical Design
Immersive Design
Construction Management

Project Location

Elephant & Castle

Permitted By

Southwark Council

Total Existing Area

140 sqm

Total Proposed Area

180 sqm

The Brief

An aspiring developer with an impressive property in mind approached us with the intention to convert a mid-terrace, victorian home into several self-contained residential units. We knew this was not going to be a straightforward application as the home was already subdivided into a maisonette. This meant that internal space standards would play a big role in the design, nevertheless, we were confident that we could make a plan and so the property was purchased based on our trusted advice.

It was decided that the best foot forward was to apply through Southwark’s Pre-planning advice service to discuss potential options with the council. This allowed us to get a better understanding of what the council requires to satisfy their own housing requirements and to ensure that the revenue from the proposed development would cover the costs of the investment. It was agreed that instead of chopping up the dwelling into flats, we would convert the maisonettes into a one-bedroom flat on the lower ground floor and to a six-bedroom House of Multiple Occupancy on the upper floors providing a mix of accommodation for young professionals of varying incomes.

Our Solution

The existing flat benefits from a small garden on the lower ground floor however, this meant that the HMO needed additional space to enjoy some outdoor amenity. For this reason, we proposed a loft conversion with an L-Shaped Dormer above the outrigger which also allowed for an outdoor terrace to be enjoyed by the occupants. The location of 29 Madron Street also benefits from nearby transportation links on Old Kent Road and Elephant and Castle Station making it an ideal home for someone looking for easy travel or for a prime location for recreational activities. By proposing a terrace, this meant that planning permission was required, which is not the typical route when converting a family dwelling into an HMO. This meant that the spaces gained would dramatically increase the property revenue and increase the quality of living standards for the future occupants.

Summary of Works

We are now reaching the final phases of the project where we are able to specify our discounted products including sanitaryware, kitchens, appliances, and tiles from our affiliated companies. This is very handy for a developer when you need to create multiple bathrooms and even kitchens in one building. With this service, Tender and Specification of Works are a breeze so that busy developer clients don’t have to think too hard about designs and it makes it much easier for builders to give accurate quotes. We are looking forward to construction in the new year and helping our client grow his portfolio in the future.