CULFORD MANSIONS, Chelsea

We were instructed in respect of a roof extension which had been refused on the grounds of it representing an unwelcome structure that would harm the appearance and architectural integrity of the building and harm the character of the Sloane Square Conservation Area. Following our research into the building and local streetscape we could not support the claim that the host building was a complete, harmonious whole, especially as the front street elevation was quite different from the subject rear area. Proposal to finish the rear section with timber framed doors and steel balustrades were seen to complement the windows, brick façade and its general appearance. We emphasised how the extension would be visually subordinate to the original building, allowing the original form to still be clearly seen and read from an architectural point of view. We concluded to the Inspector that the proposals were sensitively designed to ensure they relate well to both the host building and wider terrace. In conservation terms, the proposed development would not have a detrimental impact on the architectural character of the building or on the wider area.