Hertsmere Borough Council Planning Committee have unanimously approved a design prepared by Black Architecture for the retrofit of four light industrial units at Balmoral Drive in Borehamwood.

The proposals retain and refurbish the existing depot solid brick building envelope to provide the main workshop spaces for the units and add a new lightweight timber framed extension containing the amenity blocks and entrance reception spaces. This highly insulated new build element contains all of the building services, including ASHP on the biodiverse flat roof, avoiding the need to excavate the original depot concrete floor slabs and therefore minimise heavy construction works.

The retrofit approach provides a financially viable alternative to the demolition and new build option, saving valuable embodied carbon, reducing the construction programme and minimising impact on the neighbouring residential properties.