BCP Council (Poole): Matt Annen, a director of the firm is delighted to share the news that he has recently secured planning permission for alterations and construction of an additional storey of accommodation (creating 24 new bedrooms) as well as formation of internal lounge and enclosing rear balconies to create an orangery at Birds Hill Nursing Home in Poole.
Due to the significant change in levels across the site, the rear elevation of the existing building is a storey higher than the front. The design of the existing building on the site has some oriental influences with pagoda-style elements and a shallow pitched tiled roof with deep overhanging eaves. The site is located in a prominent position and in relatively close proximity to, but outside of, the Heckford Park Conservation Area. The site is also relatively close to a Grade II listed Church.
The scheme was designed by David James Architects for a mutual client. Pure Town Planning prepared a comprehensive supporting Design, Access and Planning Statement and handled a robust submission. Ultimately the planning officer shared our view that the increase in height of the building to 4 storeys at the front and 5 storeys to the rear would not detract from the character and appearance of the area. The officer noted that because the site fell within a sustainable transport corridor, the increase in density was considered acceptable. The blocks of flats in the vicinity of the site are no more than 4 storeys, and from the front the enlarged building would appear as a 4 storey building. Thus the officer considered that the proposal would preserve the setting of the designated heritage asset (Grade II listed Church) and would not appear out of scale or keeping in the area. Given the separation distances and the orientation of the site, the officer also agreed that the proposal would not result in an overbearing or oppressive development and would not give rise to a loss of outlook, loss of sunlight/daylight or overshadowing.
If you have a commercial premises and would like to discuss opportunities for maximising the devleopment potential of your building, then contact Pure Town Planning for a confidential, free initial consultation.