Hailsham Drive, Harrow

The development site presented several technical and planning challenges that required a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach.

As a brownfield site with a previous outline consent, the scheme needed to demonstrate improved environmental performance and alignment with current planning policy. Its proximity to the West Coast Mainline also introduced constraints around site conditions and surrounding context.

A key concern raised during pre-application discussions was the potential risk of overheating, particularly due to the high proportion of south-facing windows. This required robust evidence to demonstrate compliance with Part O of the Building Regulations.

Additionally, the scheme needed to address:

• Daylight performance for both new and neighbouring properties
  
• Energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets
  
• Land contamination risks associated with the site’s previous use

Encon’s role was to provide clear, data-led evidence to support planning approval and inform the final design.

Encon led the preparation of a comprehensive Energy and Sustainability Statement to support the planning application. This outlined how the development aligns with local and national policy, including energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and sustainable design principles.

Encon delivered design-stage SAP calculations to support the statement.
This work:

• Quantified CO₂ emissions and reductions
  
• Demonstrated compliance with energy performance targets
  
• Supported planning requirements for sustainable residential development

Our team worked closely with the design team to ensure sustainability was embedded from an early stage, helping to shape a compliant and deliverable scheme and achieve strong environmental performance from the outset.

To address overheating risks, we carried out dynamic simulation modelling in line with Part O. This provided an accurate assessment of internal temperatures and occupant comfort.
Our assessment:

• Identified potential overheating risks in south-facing units
  
• Demonstrated compliance with regulatory requirements
  
• Provided practical mitigation strategies, including:
  
  • Solar control glazing/film
    
  • External shading (e.g. brise soleil)
    

This approach ensured full compliance with Part O of the UK Building Regulations and provided practical recommendations, such as the use of solar control film and brise soleils, to enhance resident comfort. 

Encon’s integrated consultancy enabled the Hailsham Drive development to progress confidently through planning, supported by robust technical evidence. The completed project delivers comfortable, modern homes with enhanced daylight, reduced overheating risk, and strong environmental performance, transforming an underutilised brownfield site into high-quality housing, contributing positively to sustainable urban regeneration and the Harrow community.