Borough of Poole: Pure Town Planning are pleased to announce that we have recently secured planning permission for an innovative one-off development in Branksome Park, Poole comprising alterations, extensions and remodelling of an existing dwelling to form a contemporary property designed by architects DWMA.
The client had decided that despite the excellent location of their property close to local amenities and the Avenue Conservation Area, the design and scale of the existing bungalow did not meet their future needs for a large family home.
Prior to submission, the applicant sought pre-application advice from the Borough of Poole planners, who advised that whilst the existing building was not of any significant architectural merit and the redevelopment of the site was acceptable in principle, the proposed scale and flat roofed contemporary nature of the scheme was unacceptable as it would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the street and would not positively contribute to the setting of The Avenue Conservation Area.
Undeterred by the Council’s negative pre-application response, the applicant approached us for advice and upon consideration of the plans we were of the view that the proposal was in-keeping with the surrounding area, which was defined by dwellings of very mixed scale and appearance, ranging from post war single storey bungalows, contemporary replacement dwellings and substantial three to four storey arts and crafts properties within Branksome Park.
We were subsequently instructed to prepare, submit and manage a full planning for the proposed works and got to work on our comprehensive supporting design, access, planning and heritage statement which concluded that the proposed development proposed contemporary flat roof dwelling with render and timber clad exterior would cause no harm to the character and appearance of the area and would preserve the special interest of the adjacent The Avenue Conservation Area.
Following submission, the proposed plans continued to meet resistance from the Planning Officer as it was their view that the development would be detrimental to the character of the area and would have a negative impact upon The Avenue Conservation Area. After much debate and negotiation, where we held strong on our original position and advised the Officer that no letters of objection had been submitted by neighbours in respect of the development, the application was red carded by a local Councillor who concurred with our views. The application was subsequently taken to the Council’s Planning Committee for determination with a recommendation to refuse permission. Prior to the Committee, we met with our client to assist in the preparation of his deputation. At the Committee meeting, Members concurred with our view and granted planning permission for the development, overturning the Officer’s recommendation.
As this application demonstrates, negotiating the planning system can be a frustrating process for home-owners, so if you have found your dream location and now need a ‘forever house’ and you are looking for some help to make the process easier then why not contact why not call Pure Town Planning on 01202 585524 or email info@puretownplanning.couk for a FREE 30 minute consultation on how we can get you that all important planning permission.