Working alongside Urban Design & Consult, Planning & Design Practice have secured further planning permission for a single storey rear extension to a residential care home in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire.
The site is a well-established residential care home within the Woodhall Spa Conservation Area. The building is of townscape positive merit and is a non-designated heritage asset. There are already modern extensions to the building, which the proposed extension will be attached to, that have seamlessly integrated into the buildings design. Given that the proposed extension is connected to the modern section of the building, it is anticipated that there will be minimal impact on the heritage asset or Conservation Area. This careful planning ensures the heritage significance of the Woodhall Spa Conservation Area remains while catering to the evolving needs of elderly residents within the community.
Care home – comfort and well-being
The extension to the residential care home will create fully accessible living spaces for all residents with a variety of mobility needs. This will add value to the lives of the residents and ensure their comfort and happiness. We understand the vital role that care homes play in the lives of residents and their families, and this extension is a significant step towards ensuring their continued comfort and well-being.
We are excited to see work progress on-site to contribute to a more accessible and inclusive environment for elderly residents living at the care home.
Planning & Design Practice have a wealth of experience in designing and securing planning permission for commercial projects, for clients across the country.
We have the required skills to design both small and large scale schemes in-house and tailor the design to the client’s unique specifications.
We can support your development aspirations through the various stages of the planning process, including (but not limited to): feasibility studies, site promotion through the local plan, pre-applications, outline & full planning applications and appeals. If you are unsure of your site’s potential, we are also able to provide our professional opinion on the planning potential of your property at the outset. Contact us on 01332 347371 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your project or property.
Megan Askham, Planner, Planning & Design Practice Ltd
Planning & Design Practice is pleased to announce that planning permission has recently been secured for the installation of Solar PV panels at the Microsoft Research Building, Cambridge.
The development will provide a significant contribution to the energy requirements of the building and the fixed handrails will provide suitable sufficient safe access for future maintenance of the PV panels.
Figure 1: Microsoft Cambridge Building
The development includes 153 flat roof and vertical roof solar PV panels (60 cell 335W Polycrystalline panels) to the roof of the Microsoft Research Building with an aggregate size of 51.22 kW, which will generate an annual output of approximately 40,499 kWh.
National planning policy strongly favours small-scale renewable energy developments, such as adding panels to existing buildings. Section 14 ‘Meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change’ of the National Planning Policy Framework (2021) sets out key considerations in respect of climate change, highlighting the government’s opinion that sustainable development should encompass social and economic issues as well as environmental.
Paragraph 152 of the NPPF states
“The planning system should support the transition to a low carbon future in a changing climate, taking full account of flood risk and coastal change. It should help to: shape places in ways that contribute to radical reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, minimise vulnerability and improve resilience; encourage the reuse of existing resources, including the conversion of existing buildings; and support renewable and low carbon energy and associated infrastructure”
Planning & Design Practice advised that a case could be made for the development, although located within the Conservation Area, Microsoft Research Building is a modern office block located within an area which has undergone extensive redevelopment.
In terms of development, careful consideration was given the location of the panels and railings which are set in from the edge of the roof and can’t be seen from public vantage points at street level. There is minimal impact on the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.
It was successfully argued that the development provides renewable energy generation to contribute towards reducing Microsoft’s overall CO2 emissions, therefore, providing a valuable contribution to the mitigation of climate change impacts and representing a sustainable proposal.
The Planning Team at Planning and Design Practice, on behalf of our client successfully liaised with key stakeholders in the preparation, submission and management of the planning application up to successful determination. The team of Chartered Town Planners are well versed in understanding and promoting renewable energy developments for all stakeholders to ensure the best possible case if put forward.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for a free no obligation consultation to discuss your project on 01332 347371 or enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.
Andrew Stock, Associate Director (Chartered Town Planner) – Planning & Design Practice Ltd. Megan Askham, Graduate Planner – Planning & Design Practice Ltd.
Planning & Design Practice have secured planning permission for change of use of The Mile pub in Derby city centre into student accommodation.
Situated within the Friar Gate Conservation area of Derby and standing proud on one of the main routes into city centre, the former pub had been popular over the years as part of the infamous ‘Derby Mile’ pub crawl. This began at Markeaton Island, continued down Ashbourne Road to Friar Gate and then onto the city centre for anyone left standing. ‘Crawlers’ would take on the challenge of having a drink, usually a pint, in each of the pubs.
The Mile pub used to be owned by Marston’s Brewery until it was bought out privately. The pub has had a few different names above its door, from The Thirsty Scholar, The Wheel Inn, The Old Wheel Inn, and The Garrick back in the 1970’s.
Over the years, with increased competition plus changing tastes and social attitudes, the pub seemed to lose its curb appeal and as customers coming in for a drink dried up so did the money. As such the current owners looked to find another use for the building. As the upper floors of the pub had already been converted into residential accommodation, it seemed the preferred option was to convert the ground floor into residential too, given the area comprises a mix of commercial, student living and shops and being in such close proximity to the city centre. Having worked with the client previously on another residential scheme, the client returned to us to help them visualize a scheme and layout design which would preserve the character and history of the pub as well as the street scene, and for us to help them get the best chance of an approval in planning terms.
The final scheme includes a two-storey rear extension, a courtyard to the rear for an amenity space for the residents and a cycle store.
Owner of a home or business within a Conservation Area? Having worked on numerous schemes affecting Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, we have the in-house expertise to ensure that proposals are designed sympathetically to conserve and enhance historic buildings and sites.
For more information and a no obligation consultation to discuss your project or property please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01332 347371 or email enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk
On behalf of our client, Planning & Design Practice have submitted proposals for a single and two storey extension to a cottage within the Brassington Conservation Area, Derbyshire.
Whilst the property is not listed, believed to have been built in late 19th Century, and in the style of an Italian villa, it does have value in its history, and aesthetics.
The existing property is situated on a large plot on the northern edge of Brassington and within the Brassington Conservation Area. The dwelling is a large, detached, limestone-built property prominently sited on rising ground on the western side of Dale End – the main north – south route through Brassington. Brassington Village Hall is located to the southeast of the dwelling.
Planning permission is sought to demolish the existing northern single storey element of the dwelling and replace it with a part single storey, part two storey extension.
The existing dwelling is prominent with the Brassington Conservation Area due to its elevated location from Dale End. The original dwelling is of a simple form with traditional hipped roof. The converted garage and two small outbuildings were previous additions to the property which have been piecemeal, and each extension/addition is on a slightly different level; there are 6 different ground floor levels. The existing layout makes for awkward living space, where the occupiers have had to live in one side of the house as the garage and subsequent additions do not relate well to the main living space and have become storage spaces.
The later extensions/converted outbuildings were therefore considered less important to the overall character of the property and the Conservation Area, and their removal as part of this application was seen to be justified.
The proposed works are intended to give the owners of the property a better use of the space in their dwelling, provide an obvious entrance point and make better connections with the garden area to the west.
The proposed design of the extension will utilise the same hipped roof design as the main dwelling house (albeit with a flat lead roof section). The ridge and eaves height of the proposed extension has been reduced to provide a sense of subservience to the original property.
It is proposed to construct the new extensions in matching materials to the main house. It is proposed to use stone which will be re-used from the existing extensions that are proposed to be demolished. The principal elevations of the original house have finely cut and laid dolomitic limestone and sandstone dressings. The rear elevations are of rubble stonework.
The proposal ensures that the entire proposed north and eastern elevations of the new extensions will match the finely cut & laid limestone of the host building. Matching such a distinctive architectural style and its constructional materials etc. is considered to complement the building & Conservation Area.
At Planning & Design Practice, we recognise the importance of the built heritage in our towns, villages and rural areas. Our Heritage team includes Director Jon Millhouse, who is a Full Member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, Architectural team leader Lindsay Cruddas, a registered Specialist Conservation Architect and Heritage Assistant Ruth Gray who recently completed a Masters in Public History and Heritage at the University of Derby. For more information on the heritage services we offer, or for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project or property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out how we can help.
Left: Property as exists Right: Property as proposed
Planning & Design Practice Ltd are delighted to see the ongoing progress of the Chase Farm development, with Phase 2 now released by our clients Chevin Homes. The site comprises an exclusive courtyard development of 8 bespoke dwellings, situated on the edge of the Peak District and enjoying fine views over the Derwent Valley.
The site formerly comprised of a derelict social club and carpark, two 19th century cottages and an agricultural barn. The whole site had been neglected for the last few years and the buildings were rapidly degrading. Planning & Design Practice Ltd achieved full planning permission for one new detached dwelling on the footprint of the old social club, a terrace of 4 new dwellings, the restoration of the two cottages and the conversion of the barn to a dwelling.
The site had its challenges, being located in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, which significantly impacts any potential development as it must either preserve or enhance its character and appearance. We engaged proactively with the Council and local Conservation Officer in lengthy discussions to secure a design that was not considered to harm the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site. The plans were designed to ensure that a high-quality scheme was produced, with careful attention to detail.
The site is being developed by high-quality housebuilder Chevin Homes and is proving to be hugely popular. With prices starting from as little as £225,000 (*£180,000 with Help To Buy), enquiries can be made by visiting www.chevinhomes.com or by contacting info@chevinhomes.com
Planning & Design Practice Ltd have worked on numerous schemes affecting the restoration of Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Director Jon Millhouse specialises in heritage planning and architectural team leader Lindsay Cruddas is a registered Specialist Conservation Architect.
For more information, or to discuss a specific project or property please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Planning & Design Practice Ltd were delighted to receive planning permission for restoration of a property located in a World Heritage Site. The consent was for alterations, extensions, a new barn and access for a large residence near Milford, Derbyshire. The site was in a sensitive location, situated prominently within the Green Belt, the Belper & Milford Conservation Area and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.
The house, despite being unlisted, was deemed to be an attribute of the World Heritage Site. Built circa 1896 by Col. Maurice Hunter for the Strutt Estate, it was originally intended as a rental property for local businessmen. The Strutts made their fortune by establishing cotton mills at Belper and Milford, the introduction of mass production causing the Industrial Revolution. It was eventually the last Derbyshire house lived in by the Strutt family, after heavy death duties had reduced the size of the estate.
A key attribute of the World Heritage Site is its relict agricultural landscape, the majority being historic Strutt farmland. It was therefore essential that the proposals did not gentrify its vulnerable rural character, nor have a detrimental impact upon the character of the Conservation Area.
Planning & Design Practice were consulted as agents and architects after a previous application failed to meet the strict design criteria for the sensitive nature of the site and was refused. We first held a meeting with the planning officers where revised proposals were presented, before proceeding with a new application.
The revised application involved directing visitors to the original, formal entrance to the house, the construction of a timber framed barn to store equipment needed for maintaining the grounds, and extensions and alterations to the house to allow it to function as a family home in the 21st century.
The application was granted permission in May 2020 and we look forward to seeing the house restored to its former glory as an outstanding family home.
Planning & Design Practice Ltd have an excellent track record of working on projects within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and grade listed buildings. We are a multidisciplinary team consisting of planning consultants, architects and heritage consultants.
Director Jon Millhouse specialises in heritage planning and is a Full Member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation. Architectural team leader Lindsay Cruddas is a registered Specialist Conservation Architect. Our Heritage Assistant Ruth Gray recently completed a Masters in Public History and Heritage at the University of Derby.
We use our experience to provide the right level of detail to accompany applications for planning permission and listed building consent.
Contact us today to discuss your next project on 01332 347371.
Planning & Design Practice finally received planning permission for a bungalow within a Conservation area in Derbyshire.
The location is about 4 miles from Wirksworth and 6 miles from Ashbourne. The whole of Kirk Ireton is designated as a Conservation area.
It has been a long process with the local authority on this project due to many legislative constraints to overcome.
The existing site is approx. 1000m2 and currently forms part of the extensive garden associated with the Beehive property.
An outline was previously submitted for this site back in 2015. This was refused as the local authority had concerns over the size of the proposed bungalow in comparison to the size of the plot, the proximity to the neighbouring property and that the form of the proposed was out of keeping of the character and appearance of Kirk Ireton.
Since the 2015 refusal there were extensive consultations with the local authority following two other appeal decisions in the village. These two appeal decisions allowed for a few key points, which were;
Affirmed that the village is suitable to accommodate additional housing
Kirk Ireton is a sustainable settlement
Modern developments are acceptable on the edge of the village without harm to the Conservation area
Consequently, these appeals led to a change in attitude of the local authority who agreed that the development of this site would be acceptable in principle. The council laid out how they felt this site should be developed, which led to how the approved scheme took shape.
The approved scheme is a single storey l-shaped bungalow using natural coursed gritstone and Staffordshire blue clay tiles. The scheme has also been designed to provide a future proof layout incorporating fully accessible features for the client. The council’s guided pre-application response for a property that has an agricultural barn/stables have been taken on-board by Planning & Design’s approved scheme.
Chartered Town Planning Consultant Jon Millhouse of Derby-based Planning & Design Practice Ltd, discusses three recent projects at Holbrook, Breadsall and Ambergate, aimed at revitalising historic Derbyshire places in Constructive Conservation written for Derbyshire Life.
Hidden amongst our towns and villages are historic buildings of all kinds. They are important to our sense of history; part of the fabric of our communities. Sometimes, these buildings are no longer required for their original use. They become vacant and run down, and the money needed to restore them cannot be found. Finding a viable use is often key to securing the restoration and long term maintenance of our historic buildings. This is not always easy, however. There are practical and bureaucratic challenges to overcome. Where new uses can be found and new investment stimulated, the outcome can be most rewarding.
Jon Millhouse and his colleagues at Planning and Design Practice have sought to combine planning know-how with creativity and sensitivity to older buildings, in order to devise proposals that would bring about the restoration of a number of historic buildings in the county.
One such proposal is the redevelopment of Highfield Farm at Holbrook. Planning & Design Practice obtained planning and Listed Building consent on behalf of the Trustees of the Strutt Estate, for the restoration and re-use of a 17th century farmhouse and barns, and the construction of a sympathetically designed new house in the grounds.
At Brookside Farm, Breadsall, a delightful old farmstead formerly owned by the Harpur Crewe Estate in the heart of the Breadsall Conservation Area, permission was granted for a re-use scheme involving the restoration of the farmhouse, renovation and conversion of two barns and construction of two new homes alongside.
At the former Ambergate Social Club, which was originally an 18th century farm owned by the Hurt Estate, consent was obtained for the restoration and re-use of an old farmhouse and barn, and the construction of new homes on the site of the derelict social club and car park.
Jon explains the process: ‘The starting point, and my favourite part of the job, is to look at a site, identify all the constraints and opportunities, and come up with an idea – a concept for unlocking the site’s potential.
At Holbrook for example, I was keen to include a new build home in the proposals if possible, to help raise the value of the site and potentially cross-fund the renovation of the older buildings.
I also wanted to include within the proposals the restoration of an outlying barn which on its own was too small for alternative uses, but with a small extension, would make a good holiday let. The next step is to discuss with the local Council how the proposal might fit with relevant planning policies. At Holbrook, we were able to secure the Council’s in-principle support for the extension of the outlying barn (despite the barn itself being situated just inside the Green Belt) by siting the new build element inside the farmhouse garden, and their support for the new house by siting it in a discreet location in place of an ugly modern farm building.
At Ambergate, we discussed with the Council the principle of changing the use of the site from a disused social club to residential accommodation, and the concept of building a short terrace of houses, which we felt was appropriate for the Derwent Valley. The terrace would address the A6 when entering or exiting the village whilst still maintaining views of the old farmstead beyond.
At Breadsall, despite the site being in the heart of the village where new build accommodation is potentially acceptable in principle, we wanted to take a sensitive approach, working with and re-using the existing buildings and carefully inserting some new development alongside, rather than wholesale redevelopment. The old farm had so much character that it deserved a sensitive approach.
I remember a Councillor describing the farm, when the application eventually came before the Planning Committee, as “a little piece of paradise”.
After initial feedback has been received from the Council, we would typically consult other interested groups – Parish Councils, the highway authority as well as carrying out various technical surveys
Once all of this information has been collected, the detailed designs can be begun in earnest’.
Working with historic sites can often reveal interesting nuggets of local history.
Jon explains: ‘At Ambergate, after checking old maps it quickly became apparent that we were dealing with an old farm of considerable age, despite most people who know the site probably only thinking of it as a social club. We then spotted some initials on a date stone, suggesting a connection with the Hurt family – industrialists and major landowners 150 years ago.
‘At Holbrook, we commissioned an archaeological report which uncovered an old floorplan drawing of the barns prepared for the Strutts before they upgraded the farm. It showed how the family were trying to create a type of “model farm”. Some, but not all of their vision was carried out.
‘You then start to appreciate how the history of these individual places links with the history of the wider area. The Strutts were presumably trying to apply their industrial knowhow to farming, in order to feed their mill workers at Belper. Jedediah Strutt was also from a farming family, even inheriting a farm at Blackwell from one of his uncles before he set up his mills.
‘Historic properties such as these can provide a little window into our past. We hope that by facilitating the re-use of such sites, their heritage interest can be better revealed and maintained over the longer term.
‘Constructing new buildings in Conservation Areas, or next to Listed Buildings, is not always universally popular. There are some who would prefer to see such places left untouched. I agree that a balance must be struck, and there are places where new development wouldn’t be appropriate. However, historic buildings can quickly deteriorate if left derelict. Finding a viable use is key to securing long term upkeep. There are many instances where the right type of development can make a positive contribution to the conservation of our heritage.’
Constructive Conservation was originally published in Derbyshire Life March 2019
