Development plans to build in conservation areas and rural locations face particularly challenging restrictions from local authorities, though it is recognised that there is still significant requirement for more new homes in such areas.
RPS has successfully secured planning permission at appeal for seven luxury one-bed apartments in a historic residential street in Cambridge. An initial application by RPS on behalf of client T.R. Murfet and Sons was rejected by Cambridge City Council because of the development’s location. The site lay behind two properties in Cambridge’s desirable Tenison Road, within a designated Conservation Area. The street is close to the city centre and its Grade II listed railway station.
The original application had been a very sensitive matter for local residents especially the Residents’ Association -as concerns were raised that flats might not ‘fit’ the style of the area. The Council had voiced concerns regarding the aesthetic impact of a building on the street frontage, in what had been a vacant space.
RPS secured the permission at appeal by demonstrating to the Planning Inspector that the apartment building would be in keeping with the street’s character and style, and fit effortlessly within the surroundings. The Inspector was satisfied with the design of the proposed building, and by the benefits it would bring by providing high quality extra housing in a popular area of the city.
Larger developments that are proposed for vacant brownfield sites may lack the restrictions associated with limited space and long-established historic inner-city areas, but they are equally subject to complex visual impact requirements, and the need to sit comfortably within their surroundings.
RPS has recently submitted planning proposals and design drafts to Malvern Hills District Council for Phase 4a of the North Site Malvern mixed-use development, on behalf of client Persimmon Homes. Outline planning approval for the 20.9ha former M.O.D. site was granted at the end of 2006, and RPS has produced detailed documentation to answer reserved matters affecting the approval.
RPS’ detailed design and access statement and planning application were informed by extensive public and client consultation, in co-operation with the local authority. The designs are for a mix of 42 one-bed low cost units, and 12 two-bed shared ownership apartments within one building, with associated parking spaces, access, and cycle racks. The larger ground floor units are specifically designed for better disabled access.
The northern boundary of the site adjoins commercial development, but the southern side adjoins Reme Copse with views to the Malvern Hills beyond. The proposed building is designed to settle harmoniously within the rural environment: using a traditional brick design with a pitch roof, framed by evergreen hedges.
The modular plan shows three/four storey elevation variations with an octagonal corner feature and a splayed projecting gable, creating an attractive focal point, and reducing the impact of a single block. Walkout and Juliette balconies will give scenic viewing points from the south elevation, which will also have solar panels for improved sustainability.
RPS provides an extensive range of professional planning and design services including architectural design, transport and accessibility, engineering, sustainable energy, and reserved matters planning.
Contact:
Tenison Road, Cambridge:
Don Proctor
T: +44 (0) 1480 466 335
E: proctorD@rpsgroup.com
North Site Malvern:
Peter Brown
T: +44 (0) 1902 771 331
E: peter.brown@rpsgroup.com