Evolve supported the client in securing the viable reuse of all floors at Saddlers Court, a prominent building on Warwick Road in Solihull town centre, helping to bring this attractive property back into active use.
Evolve secured full planning permission for a new aparthotel/serviced apartment scheme on the upper floors. Prior to this, the potential for residential (C3) use had been explored, with Evolve developing a planning strategy that carefully considered neighbouring town centre uses and the "agent of change" principle set out in national policy.
Although the Council raised concerns regarding the suitability of C3 residential use due to the external noise environment, Evolve worked alongside the acoustic consultant to demonstrate that these issues could be mitigated through the building's design and fabric improvements. Following discussions with the consultant team, the client ultimately pursued a serviced apartment model. Evolve successfully justified that the proposed aparthotel/serviced apartments fell within Use Class C1, avoiding conflicts relating to residential amenity and compatibility with surrounding town centre uses.
In addition, Evolve secured planning permission for a new ground floor shopfront and advertisement consent to deliver a high-quality retail unit for Futon. Together with wider external enhancements, the scheme now makes a positive contribution to the conservation area and creates an attractive gateway site at the entrance to Solihull town centre.
