Property description
The project concerns replacing an existing detached post war bungalow with paddock land located just outside the confines of a village and adjoins the open countryside. After initially considering refurbishing and extending the property the owners decided that its replacement would be a better long term proposition, given the constraints that the poor quality design and construction of the existing house would involve. The new dwelling would be built using modern methods of construction and utilise up to date technologies to ensure the long term sustainability of the dwelling. The new house would be twice the size of the bungalow with a floor area of 325 sq.metres / 3,500 sq.ft with up to 6 bedrooms.
The plot benefits from good levels of screening and containment to the road frontage with hard standing for multiple vehicles. The adjoining paddock land to the southwest is separated from the curtilage by a narrow water course that crosses the full width of the site. Ponds and a natural spring are also recorded in the locality with established ecological habitat. Immediately to the west of the site are earthwork remains of medieval activity, thought to be a moated occupation site. There is therefore the potential for archaeological remains to survive.
Principle of development
Planning policy states dwellings in isolated locations should be avoided except where there are special circumstances. It is recognised however that some isolated rural dwellings may benefit from replacement or redevelopment to meet specific needs. This may also include the conversion of older farm buildings that have been vacant for a number of years and are no longer required for agricultural use. Whilst some may be more appropriate for employment uses, others may be more suitable for redevelopment or conversion. Where possible, buildings should be converted. In the event this is not economically viable, or the proposed involves the replacement of an existing residential property, the planning authority will consider the use of a planning condition or other agreement to ensure the original building is removed or demolished within a timely period following the completion of the dwelling.
The design of the dwelling takes its cues from the neighbouring dwelling and would arguably, represent an enhancement in the overall appearance of the site, which is somewhat downgraded and cluttered with structures. Acceptable standards of amenity would be provided for both existing and future occupiers of both the application site and its neighbouring dwelling. Taking account of the site constraints it is considered that the site has limited potential to contain protected species and their existence is unlikely. Due to it's siting, scale and design the proposed development is considered sympathetic to the context of the site and will be compatible with the appearance, character, layout, scale and design of the area.
Proposals
The new dwelling would be set further back on the plot to afford better protection from noise and pollution generated by the busy trunk road. But no further back than the adjacent neighbouring property. Accommodation is arranged with the main open plan living spaces to the rear of the property to increase views and enjoyment of the paddock land from inside the house. With large glazed exterior doors for easier access and natural light. A stair at the centre of the plan is naturally top lit by a large glazed lantern in an area of flat roof hidden between the pitched roof slopes. On the first floor are four bedrooms with two ensuite shower rooms and a family bathroom. The stair continues to the second floor where two more bedrooms are contained within the roof structure.
As part of the development provisions included a sustainable drainage system using plastic crates for the disposal of surface water and the installation of a packaged sewage treatment plant to treat domestic sewage. We also prepared both hard and soft landscaping schemes and boundary treatment details.
