NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR COMMUNITY FACILITY DELIVERED BY NEW APARTMENTS AT FORMER ST CHRISTOPHER’S SCHOOL IN CANTERBURY

Hume Planning have successfully secured permission for alterations to the existing community building and the erection of a three-storey building to the rear containing nine apartments at the former St Christopher’s School under delegated authority.

The Applicant team worked collaboratively with officers throughout pre-application stage and the course of the application to ensure that the scheme appropriately addressed matters such as the pattern of development, impact on the conservation area, highways and trees. Hume Planning also led negotiations with LPA Officers on the loss of community space in the form of a play area and a temporary building at the rear of the site, supported by relevant marketing evidence, and it was considered that this loss was acceptable given the unique circumstances of the proposal which would involve the retention and improvement of the community building.

The scheme will deliver upgrades to the retained community building in order to encourage interest from potential tenants and to bring it back into use while delivering nine high-quality apartments in a sustainable location close to Canterbury’s town centre.