Richmond upon Thames
Change of use of bakery / cafe to educational centre use (class F1-a)
Change of use
Development Type
Change of use
Shop front alterations/signage
Listed building consent
Borough
Richmond upon Thames
2 York Street, TW1 3LE
Before
After
Change of use. Listed Building Consent for internal changes. Shop front alterations / signage
Change of use of ground and first floor commercial space (Class E) to music / performance and educational premises (Sui Generis). Secondary glazing and internal works to a listed building associated with the change of ground and first floor commercial space (Class E) to music / performance and educational premises (sui generis). External signage.
4D Planning advised the head franchise company owner on the feasibility of opening the first School of Rock business in the UK. The premises at 2 York Street in Twickenham is in the borough of Richmond Upon Thames. We undertook a comprehensive feasibility assessment. We concluded that there was a good chance of obtaining permission from the council, subject to considerations impacting the listed building. The client instructed 4D Planning to prepare the applications for full planning permission and for listed building consent. We produced the architectural drawings, 3d isometric views, and a professional Planning Statement and Design Statement. We coordinated with Building Control and Heritage to ensure all important factors were considered at the early stages of the design process. We liaised with the planning officers, responded to queries, and ensured the application was being decided as quickly as possible despite Richmond Council's many delays. The applications were granted planning permission and listed building consent.
4D Planning successfully secured Listed Building Consent and Planning Permission for the change of use of a former Barclays Bank into an educational and music performance venue for the School of Rock in Twickenham, within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.
This case involved a complex application to change the building’s use from Class E (Commercial, Business and Service) to Sui Generis, specifically for music instruction and educational purposes. The client, School of Rock, is an internationally recognised music school providing performance-based music education for children and teenagers. The new location, situated on Heath Road, Twickenham, required both planning and heritage approvals due to the site’s listed status and its prominent location within a conservation area.
The team at 4D Planning undertook a comprehensive planning strategy to address all material considerations, including noise impact, conservation area guidelines, heritage impacts, and community engagement. We prepared and submitted a detailed planning application supported by heritage and noise assessments, successfully demonstrating that the proposed Sui Generis educational use would not only preserve but enhance the character of the building and contribute positively to the local area.
The former Barclays Bank building is a Grade II listed property, which required Listed Building Consent for internal modifications and external signage. These were essential to accommodate classroom layouts, acoustic improvements, and new branding while respecting the building's architectural significance. Approval for the external signage was granted and reported in Twickenham Nub News, highlighting the positive reception from the local authority and wider community.
Despite some local concerns and press coverage — including an article in Twickenham Nub News where an existing local music school expressed reservations — the application was ultimately approved. This outcome demonstrates the robustness of the application and the planning arguments put forward by 4D Planning. Through proactive communication with council officers, conservation officers, and local stakeholders, we were able to mitigate objections and ensure a successful outcome that meets both the educational needs of School of Rock and the planning and heritage requirements of the site.
The approved scheme allows the School of Rock Twickenham to operate within a prestigious and historically significant building, offering a high-quality educational experience for aspiring young musicians. This successful change of use and listed building consent reflects 4D Planning’s expertise in managing complex planning applications involving educational use, Sui Generis classifications, and listed buildings.
If you are looking to repurpose a historic or commercial site for a specialist use class, contact 4D Planning to see how we can assist with your planning application.
Richmond upon Thames
Change of use
Richmond upon Thames
Change of use
Richmond upon Thames
Change of use
Richmond upon Thames
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Richmond upon Thames
Change of use
Richmond upon Thames
Appeals
Richmond upon Thames
Roof extension/ loft conversion
Richmond upon Thames
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Richmond upon Thames
Change of use