We are delighted with our recent planning approval for the refurbishment and alterations to a Grade II* listed lodge in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
The proposed development:
The Lodge is a Grade II* listed residential structure. The heritage value of the structure had been significantly compromised by unsympathetic alterations.
The development proposal sought household and listed building consent for:
- The refurbishment of the existing lodge building;
- the removal of an insensitive extension;
- and new extensions to the dwelling.
The alterations will expand the lodge to a 3 bedroom dwelling, primarily over a single storey. A new parking area is also proposed.
Site constraints:
The site itself is complex. Notwithstanding the Grade II* listing of the building, it is also located within the Dowdeswell Conservation Area and the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Furthermore the Lodge remains within the land that is Grade II listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens due to its historic relationship with Dowdeswell Court.
Building the right team:
Due to the complex nature of the site we were brought on to assist on the project by award winning architecture firm Archio. We set about selectively bringing together a strong project team which included:
- heritage impact support from EDP;
- and due to the veteran trees on site, an arboricultural survey from All Tree Services.
We worked effectively with the project team, coordinating the necessary reports to ensure the various local and national policy requirements were being met and that the team were prepared for an effective pre-app submission.
Pre-application guidance:
Pre-application discussions with Cotswold District Council provided a useful exercise which identified that the proposals were acceptable in principle. Both the Case Officer and Conservation and Design Officer provided constructive feedback which further fed into the proposals.
We were delighted that they, like us, felt that the proposed development presented an: ‘ideal opportunity to better reveal the significance of the listed building and enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area by replacing unsympathetic extensions with extensions that are well-designed in terms of their size, scale and use of appropriate materials.’
Successful planning application submission:
Whilst the pre-application meeting was positive, the sensitive nature of the site meant we undertook a significant amount of negotiation to ensure that client aspirations were met.
The final application submission represented a scheme focussed on preserving and enhancing the heritage assets and their setting and met with both local and national policy requirements. Planning was approved and listed building consent granted.
About us:
Plainview Planning is comprised of a knowledgeable and engaging team of planners and urban designers who have a keen eye on getting the right developments in the right locations. If your development requires considered planning support then contact our team via enquiries@plainview.co.uk to see how we can best assist.
IMAGE SOURCE: Archio 2016