Property Description

The development consists of two detached executive-style homes with landscaped gardens and associated garaging. The site benefits from good levels of screening and containment to the road frontage. Along its boundaries to the west and north are well established trees and hedgerows. The disposition of the buildings is dictated by the site access and the retained trees. Sufficient space is available within the site to accommodate several parked cars with adequate turning space for vehicles.

The character of the area can be described as linear settlement of small traditional farmsteads, whose land has been gradually resigned to a loose knit mixture of residential properties of differing ages and types. Dotted throughout the village are larger, grander properties some of which are statutorily protected. These older style properties have multiple gable ends, steeper roofs and chimney. Just beyond the development site are some converted outbuildings that retain a rural charm.

An ecological appraisal indicated the site was located in a red risk zone for the presence of a number of protected species, including badger, great crested newt and reptiles, whilst a number of the habitats present were likely used by a range of common nesting birds. A number of mitigation and protection measures defined by the ecological appraisal were required to ensure habitat was adequately safeguarded during the construction works. A tree survey was carried out and the potential impact assessed to ensure root protection areas were retained.

Principle of development

The principle of development was established from an earlier outline application with all matters, except access reserved by the local planning authority. However, a full planning application for the development by the applicant was subsequently withdrawn. The scheme, prepared by another consultant, was objected to on the grounds that the development did not respond to the local context, did not reinforce local distinctiveness, and the massing of the dwellings was out of scale with neighbouring buildings. Sketchproposal was invited to re-design the scheme in a sympathetic manner for it to respond appropriately to the context, in particular to the agricultural nature of the farmyard structures nearby.

Design Intent

The surrounding woodland forms an important aspect to the scheme and careful attention is given to ensure the essential leafiness of the area is retained to preserve the overall quality of the area. To respect and compliment the prevailing character of the locality, two traditional homes have been designed for modern day family life, and energy performance. Accommodation is evenly distributed across two floors with the provision of sub-ordinate bedrooms discretely within the roof structure. Natural light is drawn down through the floors from a glazed lantern above the circulation stair. Materials are chosen in the context of the backdrop of trees and to account for the variable change of colour throughout the seasons. The scheme follows relevant planning guidance to provide well designed homes appropriate to a particular local area. Aspects of the scheme have been determined by the nature of the site, its context and urban design objectives.

Guidance consulted when approaching the design

Core strategy (Ensuring high quality, well designed places)

Local Plan (Urban design aspects of new development)

NPPF 2018

Supplementary planning guidance

Discoveries that caused the design to be revised

The construction of a site access road to a neighbouring development affected adjacent ground levels and boundary fence lines.
The discovery of an abandoned well on the site.
Drainage proposals have to be revised to connect into an existing mains sewer chamber.