A simple utilitarian yet contemporary extension was approved today for a garden/conservatory room extension to this former piggery building in Framfield/Blackboys, East Sussex. 

We engaged with Wealden District Council  through the pre-application process and received positive noises.  The proposal accords with the Core Strategy and NPPF as well as design advice in the Wealden Design Guide - to which Eimear was one of the main  contributors.   

Quote from Eimear:
'Even small projects require a good design concept and approach to produce a high quality design. Wealden District Council is one of the few enlightened Planning Authorities when it comes to complimentary design - be it traditional, contemporary or a fusion of the two. 
I  am sure I will be joined by the Applicant in extending our thanks to the Case Officer and Development Management.'

Following the dismissal of the previous scheme by the Planning Inspectorate last December, the entire scheme for the redevelopment of the former Hastings College Site at Archery Road, St Leonard's was revisited by the Applicants, their planning consultants Indigo and architect Marcus Beale.  

A lot of work had gone on during 2013 with consultations and exhibitions to forge a way forward, address the comments raised by the Inspector Katie Peerless and the important directions she provided in her decision letter. 

Eimear's role was to review the scheme in the light of that decision and ensure it met the requirements of national and local policies insofar as design and heritage were concerned and to ensure that the scheme was of the high standard required for the area given the important heritage and urban design considerations.  

At planning committee on 6th November, members unanimously voted in support of the scheme commending the architects for their high quality designs integrating dwellings houses, flats, meaningful green spaces, landscape treatment,   private amenity and attractive views and vistas.  

Hopefully with the 'devil in the detail', once built, it will add a new chapter to the development of St Leonard's.  

For more information, here's a link to Marcus Beale Architects site where the plans are displayed
http://www.marcus-beale.com/projects/archery/