Empress Avenue, Ilford

This project involved establishing whether the proposed use of an existing residential property in Ilford as C3(b) supported accommodation for up to four residents would constitute a lawful use under planning legislation.

B.E.L Group worked closely with the client to assess the proposed arrangement, reviewing the nature of the accommodation, the level of support provided and the way in which the residents would occupy the property.

The proposed use was carefully considered to demonstrate that the property would continue to operate as a residential dwelling within Use Class C3(b), with residents living together as a single household and receiving appropriate levels of support.

B.E.L Group prepared the supporting planning documentation and Lawful Development Certificate submission, setting out the planning case and demonstrating that the proposed use would fall within the relevant residential use class.

The application focused on ensuring the proposed supported accommodation remained consistent with the characteristics of a dwellinghouse, including the residential nature of the property, shared living arrangements and the limited impact on the surrounding area.

The Council subsequently granted the Certificate of Lawful Proposed Use, confirming that the property could lawfully operate as C3(b) supported accommodation for up to four residents.