Bespoke Architects

We all know that home life can change, and sometimes we can’t move house to accommodate those changes. So, we need to be creative in finding solutions.

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an architect is helping people solve what appears in their eyes to be an impossible problem.

During my time as a sole trader, I have had the pleasure of helping numerous families resolve a spatial problem at home and there are none so rewarding as those needing a clever solution.

As a result of my planning experience and working alongside a great number of different Local Authorities, I’ve successfully obtained planning approvals for annexe accommodation within the back garden of a client’s current home.

These applications are not straightforward however some situations lend themselves more favourably than others.

Sometimes the annexe accommodation can come from converting an existing building, however we may look to propose a new building in lieu of a redundant, less suitable outbuilding.

One recent example, for which we are awaiting a planning decision, involves a collection of redundant outbuildings. These could potentially have been converted but due to their configuration we felt it better to remove them and replace them with one single storey outbuilding to provide much needed level access accommodation.

When approaching a scheme like this, I draw upon my previous experience and knowledge of similar projects and previous processes. No two projects are the same, but there are common approaches that can be applied. However, it is always essential to maintain open communication with the planning officer.

With the best will in the world, a planning proposal may appear to tick all the boxes but will be subject to comments from the neighbours and all the consultees, therefore being aware of any early comments is key to turning a potential refusal into an approval as we can address and relay any concerns at an early stage in the process.

So, if you are looking at ways to approach a need for more space at home and are wondering how you might achieve this, give me a call and we can discuss it further.