Planning Approval for House Near Hertford
Following planning difficulties over a number of years with schemes by previous architects, Boast Architects and JB Planning Associates have combined with the client to finally gain planning approval in June 2019. Being in Green Belt and close to a local wildlife site, the appearance, larger size and increased height of the replacement dwelling were among the concerns which had to be resolved in the design. The existing house is a converted bungalow and the challenge in the design was to significantly improve the standard of the new first floor accommodation with only the marginal increase in ridge height and building volume. Despite these constraints, a much better layout of bigger bedrooms and bathrooms has now been achieved. We have now been appointed to submit a Building Regulations application as the next step in the exciting process of helping the client to realise their long-held ambitions on this secluded site outside Hertford.
Development of 15 dwellings & village shop in Chipperfield
Planning permission has been granted for 15 new dwellings, including 5 affordable units, and a replacement for the existing village shop and post office on the site of a former garden centre in Chipperfield conservation area. Marchfield Homes and their design team worked closely with local residents and the parish council to ensure a sympathetic relationship between the new development and surrounding homes. The layout and design evolved from our own character study of the conservation area, Dacorum Borough Council’s Character Assessment and Chipperfield’s Village Design Statement. This informed building scale and use of traditional architectural features and materials. Dwellings range from 2 bedroom cottages to 4 and 5 bedroom detached houses and there are 2 apartments above the village store. As residents were sensitive about the new building on the Chapel Croft frontage, in order to allay their concerns, we produced before and after photo-montage images to demonstrate the appropriateness of its scale relative to existing properties.
Affordable Housing Development at Northaw
An application for 26 affordable houses at Northaw Park was submitted to Welwyn Hatfield Council in June 2019. There are 50 homes in the area already and the proposed development will add 15 three-bedroom and 11 two-bedroom houses in response to the need for affordable housing in surrounding rural areas. The dwellings are two-storey in scale and relatively low in density to reflect the site’s semi-rural location. They will be traditional in design and use of materials to sympathise with the local architectural character of Hook Lane and elsewhere in Northaw. The applicant is Watford Community Housing, a Hertfordshire-based housing association whose priority is to provide better homes and friendlier communities.
New Team Member
We are pleased to welcome Adam Parsons who recently joined Boast Architects as a Senior Architectural Technologist. Adam brings considerable experience in producing construction information for large residential developments by national house builders. We hope he enjoys his new role at Boast Architects.
Extension at Private House, Essendon
Boast Architects have obtained planning permission from Welwyn Hatfield Council for a contemporary extension a private house in Essendon. This comes after seeking Pre-application advice about the proposal from the planning authority because of the sensitive location in the Metropolitan Green Belt. The close proximity of a significant Cedar of Lebanon in the grounds of the original house was a concern but an arboriculturalist proved that the new building would not adversely affect its long term future, to the satisfaction of the local authority. The largely glazed new structure is simple and minimalist in appearance to ensure that the architectural integrity of the original house will continue to prevail whilst taking full advantage of magnificent views over rolling Hertfordshire countryside. It will provide additional living space for hospitality and a sunken Swim Spa for the clients who are both very keen on water sports. We are currently coordinating the design team to produce working drawings and construction information for tender. Completion is expected this Summer.
Barn Conversion, Bovingdon near Hemel Hempstead
Boast Architects are pleased to announce that planning approval has been obtained for converting an agricultural barn in Bovingdon into three 3 bedroom dwellings. The change from agricultural to residential use had been established by the client under Class Q of Permitted Development Rights before we were appointed. This exciting project incorporates structural insulated panel (SIP) construction with zinc wrapping around the entire structure to reflect the agricultural context of the existing farm buildings. The design uses vertical standing seam zinc cladding throughout with contrasting horizontal detailing in the same material on the gable ends. Feature strip windows and eaves windows punctuate the zinc cladding to reinforce the contemporary design theme. We are currently producing construction drawings for tender and construction is due to commence in July 2019.
New Team Member
We are very pleased to welcome a new member to our technical team this week – Darren Lansdall. Darren studied at the University of Northampton where he qualified with a First Class (Hons) Degree in Architectural Technology. We hope he enjoys his new home at Boast Architects as we work together to develop his career.