The client initially tasked us with securing planning permission for a new hotel and conference facility on Staines Road, as their original approval had expired.
They also sought our expertise to enhance the development’s value and scale, making optimal use of the surrounding Green Belt land.
We initially assessed the expired application to identify key issues related to the site’s redevelopment.
This included reviewing changes in planning policy, particularly regarding obligations, and collaborating with an architect to optimise hotel capacity and on-site services while minimising planning risks.
We advised the client on a planning strategy that involved pre-application engagement with the local authority, reducing costs and preparing a detailed application. Leith worked closely with the client, consultants, and the authority to secure permission for a 426-bedroom hotel with various facilities, including conference rooms, a restaurant, health club and landscaped gardens.
Following approval in 2015, the client explored alternative options, including residential use on adjacent Green Belt land. Leith coordinated with architects to review the site’s feasibility and submitted a development brief to promote the site for residential allocation in the Local Plan.
Leith also secured phased planning permission in 2018, allowing development to begin while delaying significant financial obligations, thus mitigating the client’s financial risk. We managed consultants, contractors, and legal processes, ensuring the permission’s implementation and validity. Leith continued to review development options and supported the client in selling the site in 2023, ensuring a smooth transaction with clean planning title.
