Planning Permission Autumn 2022

Class Q Planning Permission in Hampshire

We recently gained approval for a Class Q barn conversion into four houses in Hampshire.

Class Q conversions are a type of permitted development, and there are various criteria that must be met to stay within this type of application. For example, structural surveys are always needed for conversions to make sure the building is suitable for conversion. For this project, we also designed the windows and doors on the east and west sides of the buildings to mimic the old barn. Our clients plan to retain and reuse as many existing materials as possible, such as the metal roof and timber cladding.

Fortunately, this application went through without any major issues, and the new homes will be a fantastic use of the site.

Contemporary Extension in Berkshire

Our clients sought planning permission to replace an old timber conservatory with a new family room. The new extension we designed features a low profile “blade” rood construction; this allows more of the original house to be seen as one.

We also improved the overall flow on the internal spaces out onto the terrace. Another area we focused on was the cluttered internal “back of house” area, for which we designed a single storey boot room extension thereby creating a much more usable series of rooms with only a relatively small increase in footprint.

The main challenges were to deal with the quite stark level variations of the site and to replace the timber conservatory with a larger room while at the same time revealing more of the existing house.

Fortunately, this application went through without any major issues, and the new homes will be a fantastic use of the site.

We have a similar project in our portfolio completed a couple of years ago, creating a beautiful and versatile family space.

Listed Building Extension in Hampshire

Planning and listed building consent was sought for a single-storey extension and renovation works to a Grade II listed building in Hampshire. The site is on the edge of the New Forest, but not within any designations that could affect a planning application.

Pro-actively working with the Council is a vital part of our success getting planning permission, and it is especially important with Listed Buildings. We had a lot of correspondence with the Council during the course of the application in order to get the best result for our clients.

There were some initial objections to the scheme from the council’s Conservation Officer. The ecological survey also revealed a bat roost in the roof, so we made some amendments and submitted extra information to address these issues.

Overall, on balance it was considered that the proposed extension and alterations were enhancements to the listed building, and the application was subsequently approved.

Listed Building Extension in Wiltshire

Listed building consent and planning permission was granted for two extensions to a thatched cottage in Wiltshire. The Grade II listed cottage had an old lean to, and our clients commissioned us to design two extensions on either side of the house. The design adds a dining room and boot room, which are both modest spaces, but very practical and will hugely improve the use of the house.

As well as being listed, the cottage sits within the conservation area and North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Because of these factors, we involved an independent heritage consultant early on to advise on our designs.

The Council has no concerns and planning permission was granted, a great result for our client.