Planning Appeal Success for a Restaurant in Hammersmith & Fulham

In 2017, I secured planning permission via a planning appeal for the retrospective change of use of a ground floor unit from a shop (Class A1) to a restaurant (Class A3) in Hammersmith & Fulham, London.

The site was operating as a popular restaurant, and the objective was to regularise its use through the planning system.

Supporting existing businesses and enabling viable town centre uses is a key part of maintaining vibrant high streets—particularly in urban areas where commercial flexibility is increasingly important.

The Planning Issue

The application had been refused by Hammersmith & Fulham Council on several grounds. These included concerns about the loss of retail frontage, conflict with policies protecting A1 uses, and fears that the change of use would harm the vitality and viability of the area.

Through the planning appeal, I undertook a detailed review of both adopted and emerging policy. A key part of my case was demonstrating that the site did not sit within a protected primary retail frontage, meaning there was greater flexibility for alternative uses.

I also carried out survey work to assess the actual mix of uses in the area, showing that the proportion of retail and food and drink uses remained well within policy thresholds.

Importantly, I highlighted that emerging policy supported a more flexible approach to town centre uses, reinforcing the case for approval.

The Planning Inspector agreed with my case and allowed the appeal, confirming that the restaurant use was compliant with both existing and emerging policy and would not harm the vitality of the area.

This case demonstrates how a planning consultant can successfully challenge refusal—particularly where policy interpretation and evidence around town centre health are critical.

Planning Appeal Advice

If you have a development project and you have received a planning refusal, contact me for practical advice on whether an appeal is the right option and how to proceed.

Andrew Ransome MRTPI Email: andrew@adpltd.co.uk | Tel: 01206 242070

About me

Andrew Ransome is the planning director at ADP and is a chartered member of the RTPI, with over 22 years of town planning experience.

Andrew has extensive experience offering strategic planning solutions to challenging projects in both rural and urban settings. Follow him on Linkedin.