Bedfordshire house scheduled ancient monumentCentral Bedfordshire Council: Once again, proving that our planning success is not just limited to the south coast, Pure Town Planning have just secured planning permission for a number of single and two storey extensions to a property in Silsoe in Bedfordshire, not far from Milton Keynes.

This project was particularly interesting and eventful as the property shared a boundary with a nationally important Scheduled Monument in the form of a double moated site with a complex of ponds which dated back to the medieval period. English Heritage vigorously objected to the proposal, they felt the proposal would; “bring a significant and in our view harmful element of built form closer to the monument”. They also considered that the site had “high archaeological potential”.

Archaeology is not one of our areas of expertise, however fortunately negotiating planning approvals is! We were able to successfully work with Central Bedfordshire Council and demonstrate that whilst the proposal may have an impact (or cause harm in their words) on the Scheduled Monument, this impact would not constitute ‘substantial’ harm. The scheme was designed by Tony Holt Design, who developed a scheme which significantly increased the floorspace to the existing dwelling whilst maintaining the traditional form and character of the dwelling.  Pure Town Planning were able to successfully negotiate an approval with the appointed planning officer and the Council’s archaeologist within the 8 week target date.

Just another good example of the “don’t move…  improve” approach to development which is sweeping the nation. If you are thinking of a similar project and believe that the total remodel approach may be the right option for you, then why not have a chat to one of our planning consultants? Please call Matt, Dan or Neil on 01202 585524 and take advantage of our FREE half hour consultation to find out if this strategy could work for you.