Having successfully assisted the University of Surrey secure reserved matters approval for its first phase of student accommodation (around 1,700 new residences) at the Manor Park campus in 2004, the practice was appointed to prepare an application for a second phase comprising around 950 rooms.
We worked closely with the project architect to advise on planning matters and helped guide the preparation of the planning application. This included pre-application consultation with the borough council.
Phase 2 comprised three separate buildings, one of which was marginally taller than the maximum height specified in the outline parameter plans. Having discussed options with the local planning authority it was agreed that a full planning application would be required.
To support the application, we prepared a landscape and visual impact assessment, to demonstrate that the proposed building height represented a minor departure that would have no, or negligible effect on landscape character over and above the effects predicted for the approved masterplan.
Following the grant of full planning permission in 2016, the practice secured a non-material amendment and assisted the University discharge the pre-commencement conditions. The first two blocks (279 rooms) were completed for student occupation in Autumn 2018 and the construction of the third block (674 rooms) was completed in 2019.
