Layton House, Worple Road, Wimbledon

Client: Ability Housing Association
Discipline(s):

We were initially instructed by Ability Housing Association in mid-2010 to undertake options appraisals on this hostel building that was surplus to requirements as a purpose built modern supported living service was to be provided elsewhere in the borough. Several options were considered including refurbishment, conversion to various tenures and demolition and new build. The new build option delivered the best value for money and this was the option we were instructed to progress.

Ability Housing Association only had a 50-year leasehold interest in the property and in order to redevelop the site, the freehold needed to be acquired. We negotiated the freehold acquisition from Leonard Cheshire Foundation including the negotiation of an overage agreement.

Once the freehold had been acquired, various GL Hearn teams provided advice.

Our New Homes team worked with the architect to optimise the proposed flat layouts and mix. Our Building Consultancy team provided expert rights to light and daylight and sunlight amenity advice and constructed a three dimensional computer model of the site. Our Development Consultancy team provided a Financial Viability Assessment as part of the planning application, which justified a 100% private development.

Planning permission was granted by LB Merton on 31 March 2014 for a new development of 18 flats and 11 car parking spaces.

GL Hearn’s Agency team subsequently sold the site. The receipt will be re-invested by Ability Housing Association to provide affordable housing within the borough.