The Project
The brief from our clients was to create a modern, energy-efficient, and open-plan home on the footprint of their existing family home, which was no longer suitable for their needs as a growing family. The site in which their existing home sits had the benefit of additional outbuildings and land, so our clients explored the idea of creating a replacement dwelling so they could keep the benefits of the existing site, but also create the home they envisioned, and we were all the happier to help!
Why a Replacement Dwelling?
The term ‘replacement dwelling’ is relatively common when it comes to planning applications, and you may also see this on adverts for houses for sale that require a lot of modernisation, or that may need a lot of structural work before they are habitable and it is more cost effective to demolish and rebuild. In other cases, such as this project, sometimes the setting and location that a property lies in is extremely appealing, but the house that is currently there is not, so exploring the idea of a replacement dwelling can be a feasible option. In short, replacement dwellings – providing they meet certain criteria – offer a chance to replace an existing house with the house of your dreams.
Although replacement dwellings might be relatively common, this does not mean that planning is easily granted. There are still a lot of considerations that need to be taken into account when the council is determining a planning application for a replacement dwelling. These include, but are not limited to:
- Likelihood of flooding, especially as many of our local areas are in a Flood Risk Zone – these applications will require a Flood Risk Assessment
- Impact on Highways – these applications usually require a Design and Access Statement
- Impact on the Landscape
- Neighbour amenity
- Ecology – These applications may be subject to a Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment, as well as Preliminary Ecology Appraisals to make sure there is no existing wildlife living in the dwelling onsite
Submission to the Local Planning Authority
The final designs which were submitted to the Local Planning Authority were well received. We created plans for a well thought out family home, with airy, open-plan areas as well as office and study spaces for peace and quiet when it was needed. We also ensured that all the supporting documents, such as ecological assessments, were submitted to ensure a smooth journey through planning.
Planning Permission Granted
We were delighted when planning permission was granted for this beautiful replacement dwelling, and we are excited to watch the development take place so our clients can make the most of the time they spend with their growing family and 4 legged friends in a new, comfortable space which fits their needs.
Considering a replacement dwelling, or wanting to explore ideas to create more useable space within your home, please get in touch with us today.
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