Benefits of the Proposal.
The proposed development will deliver substantial benefits to the building, residents, and the Conservation Area. Below is a list of the benefits to the building.
A preliminary agreement will be signed with the Leaseholders’ Association, Freeholder and Developer. This agreement will be called a Memorandum of Understanding.
This agreement formalises the relationship between the parties and sets out in writing the benefits that will be delivered.
Proposed building benefits based on current scheme. All costs listed below will be borne by the developer at no cost to residents.
Benefits in the Round.
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Upgrades to Darwin Court
The above list includes an outline of the proposed upgrade works to Darwin Court. These will help improve the building’s longevity and contribution to the local area.
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Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
Photo-voltaic panels are proposed on top of the new apartments. These will contribute to the energy consumption of the building’s common parts. They will not be visible from the ground.
The brand new better insulated roof coupled with the solar panels, and green roof, will enhance the long term environmental credentials of Darwin Court. With these measures the building will generate less CO2 emissions and consume less energy.
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Reduction in service charges
New apartments will contribute on a pro-rata basis, reducing service charges for existing residents by circa 7.5%. In addition, the improvement works will reduce the need for large outlays of expenditure for residents.
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Increase property value
In all of our previous projects the investment in the building and common parts has had a positive impact on all leaseholder’s property values, sometimes by as much as 5-10%. It is a subjective point and we would encourage residents to speak to local estate agents for their independent opinion.
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Future proof building from telecoms masts
A residential planning application and consent can act as both a deterrent and long term means of prevention for the installation of unwanted telecoms masts. The roofs of the penthouses will incorporate solar panels, and green roofs, which will be part of the implemented planning consent, thereby safeguarding them from future interference from telecoms operators.
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Enhanced Ecological value to site
The proposal incorporates a bio-diverse green roof. We are also investigating the possibility of including bird and bat boxes and invertebrate habitats.
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Exemplary Design and Provision of high quality additional homes
The proposal has been designed by one of the UK’s leading architecture practices. The proposal is a subtle, restrained and respectful design that will improve the roofscape of the building in a way that is wholly consistent with the original design. The new apartments will be of the highest quality, they are all dual or triple aspect with generous floor to ceiling heights.
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Landscape Upgrades that benefit Conservation Area
The proposed landscaping works will benefit the buildings, but also improve Darwin Court’s contribution to the Conservation Area.