London-based development manager LS Estates, with planning agent Avison Young, secures planning for the redevelopment of the historic Barnes Hospital residential plot in Mortlake, Richmond Upon Thames. Acting on behalf of client Star Land Realty UK, the project comprises 107 new homes, with 22% designated as affordable housing.
The majority of the former NHS site closed around 2007 and had been mostly derelict for several years before being granted Outline Planning Permission for the redevelopment of the whole site in 2020.
The sale of the residential plot provided crucial funds for the Southwest and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, enabling the wider regeneration of the site, including a new state-of-the-art health facility and SEN school. Approval for the SEN School and health centre was received late last year, with the residential development now moving forward through a detailed planning permission which provides considerably more homes than the outline planning permission, for the benefit of local residents.
The Barnes Hospital development stands out for its exemplary design quality, paying homage to the local vernacular with the use of local brick, slate, and hipped roofs. The thoughtful architectural approach ensures that the new development blends seamlessly with the character of the surrounding area.
A total of 107 new apartments will be distributed across three separate blocks, each with three or four storeys. Of these, 24 units, representing 22% of the total offering, will be designated as affordable housing. Among the affordable units, 79% will be available for social rent, while 21% will be offered as shared ownership. Benefiting from the historic site, three flats will be located within two retained Buildings of Townscape Merit. Prioritising family living, 42% of the social rented homes are designed as family units.
A comprehensive landscaping plan will see the planting of 64 new trees and the creation of five new beautifully landscaped green spaces, including play areas and accessible public space, for the local community to enjoy.
The re-development plans also show a strong commitment to sustainability and features a Net Zero design, with 35% reduction in on-site carbon emissions through energy-efficient measures and Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs). Additionally, an offsetting contribution of £39,830 will be made to further reduce the carbon footprint.
Significant improvements to biodiversity and ecology are planned, with over 80% biodiversity net gain on-site. The development will achieve an urban greening factor of 0.41 and reduce surface water run-off rates by 96% compared to the current situation.
Mark Swetman, Chief Executive at LS Estates, said: “We are proud to have received planning permission for the Barnes Hospital site. This development is a milestone in sustainable living, providing much-needed new homes while enhancing the local environment with innovative, ecological features. The Net Zero design and our focus on carbon reduction honours the heritage of the area, delivering modern, high-quality homes that embody our commitment to a sustainable future.”
Laura Jenkinson, Principal, Town Planning at Avison Young, said: “We are delighted to have secured resolution to grant planning permission for the redevelopment of the residential plot of the historic Barnes Hospital site on behalf of our client, LS Estates. The design is a thoughtful and innovative approach to a sensitive site, which comprises the careful integration of new homes in a high quality landscaped setting. The proposals set a new standard for future developments in Richmond Upon Thames, with no reliance on fossil fuels and substantial sustainability and ecology improvements.”