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In an appeal decision dated 31 July 2014, the Inspector (David Richards BSocSci DipTP MRTPI) allowed Porsche Cars (Great Britain) Ltd's appeals against the refusal of Hounslow Borough Council of two applications for planning permission for the extensive remodelling and extension of the well-known flagship Porsche Centre on the A4 in Chiswick. The works were intended to update the appearance of the existing building and to provide future capacity to meet Porsche's anticipated future business in West London, as well as enhancing the contribution that the Centre makes to Porsche's brand through its prominent position in a location passed by over 80,000 vehicles per day. Permission had been refused for the first application on the grounds that the redevelopment would harm the adjacent Wellesley Road Conservation Area and would have an unacceptable impact on the living conditions of neighbouring properties, the gardens of which back on to the area of the proposed extension. A second application was submitted for a smaller scheme, which Porsche contended was the smallest viable means of remodelling and extending the existing building. The Council refused permission for the second scheme on the same grounds as the first. Allowing the appeals, the Inspector held that neither scheme would have an adverse impact on residential amenity, that the remodelling of the existing building would represent a considerable enhancement on its present appearance, that the proposals would at the very least preserve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area, and that the economic benefits of the two schemes were significant material considerations weighing in favour of granting permission. Following the hearing, on 31 July 2014 the Inspector published his decision allowing both appeals. Charles Banner appeared for the successful appellant, Porsche Cars (Great Britain) Ltd, instructed by Marcus Bate of Pinsent Masons LLP.
