The site was physically constrained, being overlooked by houses on all four sides. As a result, previous consultants had tried and failed to secure planning permission on two previous occasions. We undertook a carefully coordinated consultation exercise with the local residents, and advised that a mews style proposal (rather than apartments) would garner more favour with planning officers. The proposal was presented with a thorough policy-led Design & Access Statement, providing officers with all of the necessary answers. The neighbour consultation exercise also generated a majority of support, thus ensuring that officers approved the application, without the need for a Planning Committee decision.