The development was originally constructed to attract the stars of the silver screen working close by, however at the time, actors and actresses preferred to stay in the West End and be driven into work, so the blocks were largely occupied by film crew and the not-so-famous.
Around 40 years ago, the flats previously only available for rental, could now be purchased and today they are all private dwellings occupied by the leaseholder or their subtenant.
EK Licence to Alter was instructed by the share-of-freehold company to report on proposed alterations to a flat in one of the five handsome blocks. The leaseholder’s proposals are straightforward: to remove two walls between the bathroom and adjacent WC, thus creating a more modern, larger bathroom. The lease dictates that alterations are not permitted without landlord’s prior consent, which the landlord (the freehold-owning RMC) is inclined to grant subject to certain conditions, such as materials and workforce using the rear fire exit steps instead of the internal common parts.
A structural engineer acting for the leaseholder has confirmed the walls are not load-bearing and therefore their removal would not affect other flats or the integrity of the building.
Once we have the leaseholder’s successful application from the local planning authority given the building is grade II listed, we will report to the landlord to seek their green light, and liaise with the landlord’s solicitor to draw up the licence and permit work to begin.
To be continued …
Contact Us
