Change of use from C3 to D1 (Surgery), 1no. flat on first floor, single story rear extension, 5no. off-street parking, amenity space

4D Planning conducted a feasibility site appraisal to assess whether planning permission can be achieved for a conversion of a vacant single family dwelling into a doctors surgery with up to 5 doctors. 4D Planning advised that there was a high chance the D1 would be successful following intensive desktop research. We were then instructed to prepare a planning application and to meet the council via Pre Application Advice.

4D Planning prepared the application and all the architectural drawings in consultation with the planners from Barnet Council who advised to retain the first floor for residential use, therefore only the ground floor would be in use as D1 (surgery).

4D Planning prepared a parking survey in the wider area to determine if the proposed use would generate traffic and a loss of parking spaces to the local residents. The data was analysed by 4D Planning’s Transport Planner and it was concluded that there would not be a detrimental impact on the provision of parking along the road and on adjacent street. This was due to the good public transport links and due to the off street parking spaces which were included in the proposed development.

4D Planning also prepared a sequential approach test to determine if there was demand for another surgery on this location, since there was another doctors’ surgery on the same road. Our research concluded that there was demand to assist the NHS with relieving its overcrowded surgeries by introducing another one in a sustainable location.

The application proposal faced opposition from over 50 neighbours who signed a petition. The application went to committee and 4D Planning spoke at the meeting and addressed the neighbour’s concerns. The Borough of Barnet’s Councillors voted to grant planning permission unanimously.

This application is one of many ‘doctors surgeries’ that have been granted permission with the assistance of 4D Planning.