Matt is really pleased to share the news that following a pre-application back in April 2023 and after the best part of two years he has secured planning consent for the demolition of existing garage buildings and erection of a supported housing building of a highly contemporary design for mothers and children (Use Class C2) with associated access and parking for a domestic abuse charity. The scheme was designed by Marlow Architects.
Given the nature and sensitivity of the project the location can not be disclosed. The building is located on a tricky roughly triangular site and will be a two-storey mainly ‘L’ shaped building. Mothers and children would be provided with bedrooms and en-suites and would share other facilities. There would be a total of nine bedroom units. The ground floor would include the shared facilities with a large lounge, kitchen and dining area, play room, personalised storage, laundry, meeting room, offices and toilets. There would also be two bedrooms with en-suites and outside patios on the ground floor. The external area also includes a shared patio area and communal gardens together with a children’s playground to the south of the site.
Throughout the planning process there were numerous challenges and hurdles, including; land ownership and established rights, drainage, contamination, ecology, fire access, security as well as the usual considerations in terms of impact on character of the area, amenities of future occupiers and neighbouring dwellings and highways and parking. We were able to successfully address all matters and in arriving at their favourable recommendation the planning officer concluded: “The proposal is considered acceptable in principle making use of a former garage area which is in a dilapidated condition and is a brown field site in the built up area. Furthermore, the use is one that provides a service for families and individuals in high need of supported accommodation. Finally, the proposal would provide residential development which would help towards the Council’s housing supply where there is a presumption
in favour of such development.. Given that the accommodation provided is generally for residents who would stay for a temporary period whilst their longer term living arrangement are resolved, it is
considered that the internal and external amenity facilities are appropriate and acceptable”.
We are delighted with the result and to have achieved planning permission for this much needed facility within a highly contemporary and innovative design.