Fire Safety Rule Change Forces Stag Brewery Scheme Redesign

Revised plans made to comply with new regulations


CGI of the revised scheme for the former Stag Brewery viewed from across the river in Chiswick. Picture: Reselton Properties Limited/Squire and Partner

November 29, 2023

Plans to build a new neighbourhood in Mortlake with more than 1,000 homes, restaurants, a cinema and a secondary school have been changed after it was announced government regulations would be updated. Richmond Council approved two planning applications making up the scheme for the former Stag Brewery site by the river opposite Chiswick on July 19 this year, but it has been delayed so the developer could make changes in response to the proposed fire safety rules.

It comes after Housing Secretary Michael Gove announced on 24 July that all new residential buildings taller than 18 metres will need a second staircase. Developer Reselton Properties Limited has submitted revisions to one of the applications to comply with the proposed rules in response. The second approved application is for the 1,200-place secondary school and remains unchanged.

Apartment buildings taller than 18 metres have been redesigned across the development to add second staircases. This has led to changes in the layout of some flats, waste stores and ground floor fire escape routes.

The number of proposed housing units across the development has increased from 1,068 to 1,075, while the number of affordable units remains the same at 65. The height of one of the buildings has been cut by 2.6 metres and the scheme includes less office space, along with a reduction of 15 car parking spaces.

Overall, the development includes tower blocks up to nine storeys tall, restaurants, offices, a cinema, space for a hotel or pub and a 1,200-pupil secondary school.

CGI of the revised scheme for the former Stag Brewery. Picture: Reselton Properties Limited/Squire and Partners

The council is now consulting on the revised application, which will then be referred to the planning committee for a final decision in due course.

Images one to three: s, provided in Richmond Council planning documents


Charlotte Lillywhite - Local Democracy Reporter