Extra floors planned on top of Queensway blocks

Developers want to build a sixth storey on top of Richmond House and a fourth storey over nearby Kinrara House.

The extensions would provide an extra eight and seven one-bedroom flats respectively.

The layout of the new floor for Richmond House would be the same as the existing flats above the shops, with staircases and lift shaft extended to provide access.

But at Kinrara House the layout would be different.

External materials would look to complement the existing buildings and windows would be the same size and fenestration to ensure visual consistency.

Although applications have both been submitted to Arun District Council, they are for prior approval.

This is under a new class of permitted development recently introduced by the government where detached blocks of flats can be extended by up to two storeys to encourage the creation of new housing without having to gain planning permission from a local authority.

According to the government: “These changes will give homeowners the freedom to grow their home as their family grows. They will support development on brownfield land – making better use of our towns and cities – and, critically, create jobs for small builders and construction workers.”

Developers have to use similar materials to the existing buildings and cannot create side windows overlooking other premises.

They also have to prepare a report on construction to show how noise, dust and other disruption will be managed.

Developments are subject to building regulations and fire safety rules.

To comment online visit www.arun.gov.uk/weekly-lists using codes BR/224/20/PD or BR/225/20/PD.