Planning permission granted for the extension to a listed building in Braintree, Essex

Securing Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent for listed buildings can be a complex and challenging process. The Listing is intended to celebrate a building's special architectural and historic interest, and consequently the planning system seeks to thoroughly scrutinise alterations to such buildings to ensure that their important features are preserved for current and future generations to enjoy.

We are therefore, delighted that Braintree District Council has approved planning and listed building consent for the side and rear extension to a Grade II Listed farmhouse near Halstead, Essex.

The site is located within a small village. The farmhouse is set within its own established domestic setting and is bounded by mature indigenous hedges and trees. The front elevation of the farmhouse forms a prominent feature of the village.The Listed Building Description explains that the farmhouse dates back to the 16th Century, with alterations in the 17th Century and 20th Century. The elevations are characterful with a full length jetty that is plastered over, with 4 original brackets exposed.

We engaged with the Council in pre-application discussions and provided them with various design alternatives to extend the existing house. This enables us to have an open and detailed conversation with the Council in respect to the project aims and the historic sensitivity. Through this process, the Council agreed that the house could be extended as a small span single storey side and rear extension.

The extension is unobtrusive and retains the current house as the dominant architectural element. The proposed design is also located so that it is primarily only be visible from the private side and rear of the house and would not adversely affect the setting.

Do you have a listed building that you wish to extend, alter or renovate? We have extensive historic building design experience, and have made many successful planning applications for works and alterations to listed buildings. Please contact us at mail@adpltd.co.uk to discuss your requirements further.