When this service may be useful
London Plan and borough policies increasingly expect applicants to show that retaining an existing building has been properly explored before demolition is proposed. The structural evidence is central to that case.
Structure, basements & ground
Structural Reuse and Retrofit Appraisals
An appraisal of whether an existing structure can be retained and reused, supporting retrofit-first and demolition policies.
How the work is approached
The existing structure is assessed for condition and capacity, and retention options are compared for their structural feasibility and resource implications.
What you receive
You receive an appraisal that supports a retrofit-first or demolition justification. Quantified whole-life carbon assessment is a separate service where required.
What we need to start
Existing drawings, photographs, condition information and the proposed scheme.
We review the site, proposal and planning stage to agree the appropriate scope. The work is carried out by a suitably qualified specialist we appoint, named in your fee proposal.
How our planning consultancy process worksILLUSTRATIVE REPORT PREVIEW
Structural Reuse & Retrofit Appraisal
Front cover and contents page examples. The document structure is tailored to your instruction, site and relevant planning requirements.
What the report should contain
This outline explains the purpose of each section. The final contents depend on the agreed scope, available evidence and requirements of the local planning authority.
Document control & executive summary
Project details, reference, revision, date, author, reviewer and a concise summary of the key findings.
Policy context
Retrofit-first, circular economy and carbon policies applying.
Existing structure
Form of construction, condition and capacity.
Retention options
Full retention, partial retention and replacement options.
Structural feasibility of reuse
Capacity for new uses, loads and alterations.
Carbon & resource considerations
Qualitative comparison of embodied carbon and materials.
Preferred approach
The recommended option and its justification.
Conclusions
The evidence for the decision-maker.
Appendices & evidence register
Index relevant plans, photographs, calculations, surveys and source documents; include only the evidence relevant to this instruction.
Read our planning supporting documents guide to explore related evidence.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Structural reuse & retrofit appraisals FAQs
Clear answers to help you plan your next step.
Still have a question?
Tell us about the site and we will confirm what is needed and what it should cost.
Make an enquiryDoes this replace a whole-life carbon assessment?
No. This appraisal provides the structural evidence on retention. Where policy requires quantified carbon figures, a whole-life carbon assessment is added.
What information should I provide to get started?
Existing drawings, photographs, condition information and the proposed scheme.
How is the fee for this service confirmed?
The price shown is a starting estimate for the stated scope. We review the site, proposal, available information and required deliverables, then confirm the fee, exclusions and programme in a written quotation before appointment.
How do your specialists work together on a project?
We bring the relevant planning consultants and specialist providers into a coordinated project team. They work from an agreed brief and current proposal, with dependencies and design changes discussed across disciplines. Each consultant remains responsible for their own professional advice and agreed deliverables.
PART OF A COORDINATED APPOINTMENT
Your specialist evidence, connected.
This service can form part of a wider coordinated planning appointment. We bring the relevant consultants together to work alongside your design team, discuss assessment findings and identify how recommendations affect other reports and the proposal.
Your fee proposal confirms who prepares each document, the information it relies on and the limits of the instruction. A report provides evidence for the council’s assessment; the planning decision remains the council’s. Explore how our consultants work together or discuss the team your project needs.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Discuss your requirements.
Tell us about the site, what you want to achieve and any deadline. We will review it and suggest an appropriate next step.
Call 020 8004 4464 or email info@greencodeconsultants.com.