Dyke Road, Hove
Working with homeowners brings a new perspective and is a great contrast to our commercial projects: every detail is personal and important because the client will be living with it for years to come, as is the case at Dyke Road Avenue.
We have been working with the owners Sarah and Steve since 2015, to come up with a substantial remodelling of their detached Edwardian property, which sits within a conservation area. The property itself is identified in the conservation area appraisal as special for its typical Edwardian vernacular.
Previous proposals raised concerns with the local conservation officer because of the impact it would have on the property’s Arts and Crafts character – such as the removal of a distinctive front-facing chimney breast – and the wider impact the works could have on the appearance of the conservation area.
Following further revisions, a second application was dismissed at appeal. However, despite this seeming like a set back, it actually helped to clarify matters of contention, box off previously debated issues and moved things forward significantly.
We used the appeal decision letter, despite the ultimate dismissal, to inform a fresh planning application because it supported many of our design choices and gave a strong basis to retain aspects of the design, such as a swimming pool and a new entranceway at the base of the front-facing chimney breast, that our clients felt strongly about keeping. The application was approved in 2019.
When built, it will almost double the size of the existing house – a real achievement for such a sensitive and special building with identified heritage value. By using the previous appeal decision, and putting in the hard work to negotiate with the council, we were able to secure consent and deliver our client’s dream home.
Clients, Sarah and Steve said:
“We have been very lucky with our architect. Lucky? Or should I say we chose wisely. We did our research and I am so glad we did.
None of us knew it would take five years to get planning permission, and not without a lot of hard work, but we did it and couldn’t have done it without their expertise, patience and help.”
There’s nothing quite like hearing that your client is happy with your work.
Fast forward two and a half years (and a pandemic) and work finally started on site in March.
Abe Mohsin, Director, said:
This is one of those slow burning projects which demonstrates that if the client and consultant team have the will and determination there is normally a way to get through the planning process, even for a sensitive site like this!
It is going to be an extraordinary project and something of a labour of love for our clients.
If you’re looking to do major remodelling at your home, we can help you achieve a high quality design that is sensitive to crucial planning requirements.
Site progress photos:
