Large Extension in Rural Essex Granted Planning Approval
We are delighted to have secured planning permission for a large extension to our client’s existing home, in Rural Essex, near Colchester. On this project, we acted as the planning consultant, working with the architect, Pace Architecture.
The Proposed Extension
The existing house, whilst already quite large, comprises a series of small rooms, with poor internal circulation and functionality. Our client sought an extension that could enable modifications to the internal layout and the creation of poly-functional space that could be used for multiple home purposes, as well as occasional entertaining.
The proposed scheme included:
A new entrance;
A boot room, to accommodate storage and act as a place for the dogs to sleep;
An extended kitchen and dining room that overlooks the residential curtilage; and
A dedicated plant room.
Drawing upon the characteristics of the existing building, the specific design features included:
The introduction of a new rear gable end, that will add to the visual interest and intrigue around this building. This approach was repeated for the extension to the plant room that was located along a separate elevation.
The rear extension would be stepped in from the existing building elements that it would adjoin. This was a deliberate architectural intervention to ensure that the two rear elements would be read as two separate components that have been added at different times and represent different parts of the building’s history.
The existing building is characterised by the use of facing brick. The proposed extension would also use facing brick, however, it will use different brick patterns and arch styles to subtly differentiate it from the original building and the existing extensions.
Securing Planning Permission for an Extended Home
The local council’s adopted planning policy covering extensions stated approval will be granted where the character of the original dwelling is retained and the size is not significantly altered.
However, the NPPF explains that good design is fundamental in creating better places to live, noting that: “The creation of high-quality buildings and places is fundamental to what the planning and development process should achieve”. This principle was applied throughout the design process.
The local planning policy proved challenging, as the property had already been extended by the previous owners on multiple occasions. To overcome this, a compelling case had to be put forward that explained the existing issues created by the previous extensions and how these could be overcome through further development.
Planning Balance
Through careful presentation of the proposal and negotiations with the council, we were able to successfully demonstrate that the proposed extension would be fully compliant with the national and adopted planning policies, and planning permission was subsequently granted by Colchester Borough Council.
Do You Require Planning Advice for Your Extension?
Do you have a property in a rural area and considering whether it can be extended or altered? If so, contact us at mail@adpltd.co.uk or use the form below to see how we can assist you.
