Development in the Manningtree and Mistley Conservation Area

When advising on new dwellings in the Manningtree and Mistley Conservation Area, we focused on ensuring the design respected the area’s historical and architectural significance. This proposal followed a previously rejected plan from 2014, which was later approved by an Inspector as a “sustainable development.” In 2023, the landowners proposed a new self-build project with a revised design.

Given the site’s location within the Conservation Area, we prepared a Heritage Statement to evaluate the area’s historical value and demonstrate that the new development would not be harmful. The area is historically significant due to its connection to an old railway siding and its proximity to the River Stour, which has influenced the development of the two nearby towns. Our assessment highlighted the site’s green character and its scenic views toward the village centre, marina, and estuary.

The design approach was informed by Mistley’s diverse architectural heritage, spanning from the late 18th century to the 1990s. Key features in the area include thatched or hipped roofs, gabled bays, projecting porches, prominent chimneys, and plastered finishes over brick or weatherboarding. The streetscape consists of detached and semi-detached homes, ranging from two to three stories, built with materials like timber framing, yellow brick, and Georgian red brick. Historic granaries, maltings, workers’ cottages, and residential buildings add variety to the area’s built form and rhythm.

The proposed development features two detached, contemporary homes designed to blend seamlessly into the hillside, minimising both environmental and visual impact. The lightweight structure, with vertical cladding, timber framing, and large windows, reflects the architectural style of the region, especially local maltings buildings.

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Historic Public House Conversion in Sutton – 26 New Residential Flats

Heritage-Led Residential Development in Sutton, South London

Work has recently been completed on the conversion and extension of the former Grapes public house in Sutton, within the London Borough of Sutton, delivering 26 high-quality residential flats. Planning permission for the scheme was granted in 2020.

The project involved the conversion of the first and second floors and part of the ground floor of the historic three-storey building, alongside the construction of a three- to five-storey rear extension along Benhill Avenue. The development provides much-needed housing while preserving the architectural character of the original building.

Heritage Consultancy Within Sutton High Street Heritage Action Zone

Our heritage consultancy played a key role in shaping the proposals for this prominent site, located within the newly designated Sutton High Street Heritage Action Zone. A detailed architectural, historical, and townscape assessment was undertaken to inform the design process.

This assessment demonstrated that the proposed scale, massing, and façade treatment respond positively to nearby heritage assets, including Victorian shopfronts and historic street frontages. By clearly evidencing the scheme’s contextual sensitivity, the project secured the support of Sutton Council and statutory consultees.

Sensitive Extension to a 19th-Century Landmark Building

The original 19th-century public house is characterised by dark brickwork at ground level with lighter materials above. The new extension adopts a formal, classical façade that reflects the symmetry and proportions of the existing building and neighbouring period properties.

Three additional storeys are carefully integrated to avoid overpowering the surrounding Victorian parades, maintaining the building’s strong corner presence. The continuation of the ground-floor fascia and window rhythm ensures visual continuity, while a slate mansard roof at upper levels provides a clear architectural break.

Recognised Heritage Design and Sustainable Urban Regeneration

Both Sutton Council and Historic England have commended the scheme for its sensitive heritage-led approach. The completed development enhances the historic identity of the site while delivering modern residential standards, demonstrating how historic building conversion in Sutton can support sustainable urban regeneration and help towards housing targets.

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We were asked to advise on the demolition of existing ‘lock-up’ buildings and the design of a 2-3 storey mixed-use development in its place.

The buildings are located within the East Cliff Conservation Area and in the vicinity of Grade listed II buildings on Lower Rock Gardens and Marine Parade. The properties along Rock Place may well have been associated with the larger townhouses to their rear on Lower Rock Gardens.

Rock Place is still characterised by its historical service use. Therefore, Brighton City viewed the manner of ad-hoc development, informal architecture and varied building heights (roof forms) as an important influence in future design. The Council  stated their support for a scheme that would add to the distinctive character of the narrow street.

On this occasion the initial proposal for uniform massing and additional scale did not receive positive feedback from the planners. So, the scheme was revised to take into account the variation of building heights and the informal architecture of the buildings that make a positive contribution to Rock Place.

Accordingly, the success of the consented scheme rested on a design and detailing that was congruous to the character and appearance of Rock Place as a service street / mews. This was viewed to reflect the character of the East Cliff Conservation Area.

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We were asked to assess a site located within the setting of a Grade II listed building known as 29 Loom Lane. The building is a 20th century detached dwelling with a geometric light steel framed hyperbolic paraboloid roof. The house (1962-4) was designed by George Marsh (of Centre Point notoriety) for his family. The exterior is dominated by the changing heights of the three ‘hypars’ and overhanging roofs of cedar.

We were following on from an existing consented scheme (Plot 1) to subdivide the land. The client intended to create one single dwelling in the same style as no. 29. Our proposal was to demolish an existing derelict house and build a second new house (plot 2).

Although the principle of demolishing the existing building and constructing a replacement dwelling was acceptable, the Council were critical of the first scheme.  As St Albans wished to see a replacement dwelling of a unique design: However, as the initial proposal was a replica of the approved dwelling at the front of the site it was thought to not sufficiently reflect the idiosyncratic nature of the Modernist idiom.

We responded to these concerns advising that the proposed dwelling should be a one-off, individual design. Finally, the Council approved a bespoke scheme whose scale, form and appearance would reflect the character of No. 29.

This contemporary approach reinforced St Albans’s commitment for encouraging high-quality design. The Council welcome a scheme that is, sympathetic in context and pays respect towards the host building. By creating a new building on Plot 2 that contrasts with the one at Plot 1 and no 29, there would be a greater understanding of how the group has evolved through a process of innovative design.

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This fine listed hotel building in Maida Vale was granted planning permission at Appeal. The Planning Inspector approved  the creation of a rooftop extension to create a mansard accommodating more rooms.

The main issue for which we supplied rebuttals, was the effect of the proposal on the architectural or historic significance of the listed building. The other issue was the impact on the character and appearance of the Maida Vale Conservation Area.

The building occupies a corner site  between Warrington Crescent and Randolph Avenue. It’s architectural significance comes from the grandness of the mouldings, particularly around the main entrance. There are also decorative columns and panels. Our rebuttals showed how the appeal building is different in its architectural treatment and roofline to other buildings in its context.

The architecture of the 2 main façades creates greatest aesthetic value. So it was fitting that the form and detailing of the proposed mansard and dormer would reflect the alignment, detailing and materials of the existing building below.

The additional roof would not alter the unity of the other historic buildings seen in its context. Other villas for example added to the rich tapestry of rooftop development.  Our independent assessment found that due to its set back, colour and limited additional height compared with the present roof, the addition would not be visually intrusive. The location of a mansard would be sympathetic to its proportions and would suit the architectural character.

The new roof composition, including raised  chimney stacks, would give the building a greater, but subtle, presence on the road junction. The Inspector concluded that the proposal would not cause harm to the architectural and historic significance of the listed building or to the character and appearance of the conservation area. The proposal would accord with Local Policies.

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Plough Farm, near Diss. 

We conducted a heritage appraisal to support the replacement of a 1960s barn with an eco-friendly house, as required by Mid Suffolk Council. The barn, built from local clay lump material, was assessed for its historic value. While it had a small clay lump section, we determined its historical significance was low compared to nearby examples. The proposed eco-style home was argued to enhance the area’s architectural evolution, blending modern sustainability with local heritage. Following National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) guidelines, we demonstrated that replacing the barn would promote local distinctiveness and support sustainable development, benefiting both heritage conservation and the community’s eco-friendly future.

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Heritage and Townscape Analysis Shaping the Proposal                                                      During the pre-application stage, heritage and townscape assessments helped shape the design of the proposed roof extension, which was later submitted as part of the planning application.  The Conservation Area Appraisal identified Brock House as a suitable location for upward development. It notes that nearby townhouses have replaced hidden butterfly roofs behind parapets with modern mansard additions. This context created a clear precedent for change.

Context-Sensitive Design Within the Conservation Area                                                            The design responds carefully to the area’s varied architectural character, which features Gothic, Flemish, and Arts and Crafts influences. It also draws from the decorative details of Victorian mansion blocks on Great Portland Street. The heritage statement confirmed that the proposal is in keeping with the building’s architectural style and overall scale.

Mansard Roof Extension Enhancing the London Streetscape                                                    The approved mansard extension introduces an additional storey through a gently sloped, contemporary form. It remains respectful of the building’s Classical frontage. This lightweight two-storey addition enhances the streetscape between Great Portland Street and Oxford Street, complementing the distinctive roofline of the neighbouring church and contributing to the area’s architectural cohesion.

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