Our client commissioned us to undertake a Heritage Impact Assessment addressing proposals for the installation of a new heating interface unit that would require the lifting and relaying of floorboards in the property.

In brief, the proposal included updating the heating and water system, whereby the property would be connected to a centralised heating interface unit (HIU). All associated piping would be concealed beneath the flooring of the flat and, where possible, utilise existing pipe runs.

The site is a component part of nationally designated property, that is a Grade II listed building designated in 2009. The property has been subject to several applications over the course of its history.

It is located in the Hans Town conservation area in Knightsbridge, London. The area originated as a small hamlet known as Knyghtebrigge during the early 13th century, which took its name from a bridge that crossed the River Westbourne into Hyde Park.

More considered development of the area began between 1763-4 when the occurrence of intensive building across London was widespread.

A few smaller houses enjoyed a rural setting, however, this landscape was transformed following the laying out of Basil Street in the 1770s.

The area was substantially developed over the course of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, becoming known as Hans Town.

Permission was granted for the construction of Lincoln House in September 1903.

Lincoln House was damaged after a bomb landed nearby during the V1 flying bomb attacks in 1944-5. The building was recorded as damaged but not beyond repair and in 1946, plans were submitted to subdivide the original 24 apartments to create 48 residences. These works involved creating new doors to the flats and the likely restoration of bomb-damaged fabric. Little change to the exterior has occurred since then, but many of the flats have been internally altered and modernised.