Our strategic approach to the pre-application process set the foundations for a stellar planning approval for a series of architect designed extensions to a dwelling within the Cotswold AONB.
The project brief:
The Plainview Team were instructed by the applicant to help them achieve planning for a number of alterations and extensions to their existing ancillary outbuilding. These included the creation of a gym, hydrotherapy area, a new studio and a vegetable garden. The proposals represented our client’s aspirations to alter and extend their newly purchased property to better suit their family needs.
The site location was not without its complications, situated at the edge of a picturesque village, within the Cotswold AONB and near to a Grade II listed building.
Our planning team quickly got cracking on a suitable planning strategy to give our client’s development aspirations the best chance possible in planning terms.
Preparing for pre-application:
Depending on the complexity and scale of your case, engaging with your council through the pre-application process can prove to be a very useful exercise, provided the submission is carefully handled.
Due to the sensitive nature of the site our team of planners prepared a robust pre-application response and engaged Cotswold District Council in the scheme early on.
As part of our preparation, we collated the relevant draft plans, elevations and sketches; and prepared a covering pre-app letter which emphasised the social and environmental benefits of this project and how the development responded to relevant policies and planning considerations.
The pre-app was shortly followed by a site visit from the case officer which concluded with a positive response and constructive feedback regarding the aspects of the scheme including roof lines, scale, massing and siting.
From pre-app to planning submission
Our carefully planned pre-app approach successfully identified that each proposed component of the scheme was acceptable in principle. Our next step was to then set about responding to any concerns raised and to work with the architects to ensure that any recommendations were effectively responded to in the final design, whilst making sure the scheme still met the requirements of our client.
We advised on the relocation of the new studio to minimise impact on neighbouring amenity and commissioned a landscape plan to evidence how the scheme would not cause any negative visual impact.
The innovative response by Connections Design, resulted in extensions which referenced the Cotswold vernacular with a modern twist, using local materials interspersed with glass links resulting in a design which harmonised with the local landscape and character.
Due to the fruitful early discussions at the pre-application stage, we set secure foundations for the project strategy. Our team of consultants addressed the constructive feedback, made amendments accordingly and worked with them proactively and positively in the planning submission.
We’re absolutely thrilled to say that Cotswold District Council approved the scheme for extensions and alterations in an AONB.
About Us
Plainview Planning delivers professional and expert assistance on planning projects across England. From developer, to commercial, to householder projects, our aim is to give your scheme its best chance of planning success. If your development project needs some planning direction, then email us today at enquiries@plainview.co.uk.
IMAGE SOURCE: Connections Design (2017)