Development Impact on Conservation Area: Design and Heritage Considerations
In addressing the impact of new dwellings on a Conservation Area in Essex, we ensured that the design was contextually appropriate. This development proposal followed a previously rejected plan in 2014, which was later overturned by an Inspector who deemed it a ‘sustainable development.’ In 2023, the landowners sought to modify the design and type of build, requesting a change to a self-build project with a revised design approach. Given the site’s location within the Manningtree and Mistley Conservation Area, we prepared a Heritage Statement to assess the impact on the area’s heritage value.
The area’s significance lies in its historical connection to an old railway siding loop and its proximity to the River Stour, which played a crucial role in shaping the towns’ development. Our assessment detailed the site’s verdant character and its views towards the village center, marina, and estuary.
The context for the proposed was developed through an understanding of the diverse heritage and architecture of Mistley, featuring buildings from the late 18th century to the 1990s. Key architectural features include thatched or hipped roofs, gabled bays, projecting porches, prominent chimneys, and plastered finishes over brick or weatherboarding. The area includes a mix of detached and semi-detached homes, ranging from two to three stories, constructed from timber framing, yellow brick, and Georgian red brick. The streetscape is defined by historic granary buildings, simple workers’ houses, and residential structures, with maltings adding contrast to the rhythm of the residential areas.
The proposed development consists of two detached, contemporary houses designed to blend seamlessly into the hillside, minimizing environmental and landscape impact. We influenced the emerging design of a contemporary and lightweight structure. The rhythm of horizontal cladding and large windows set back from a steel grid-like structure reflected the Maltings which characterise this part of Essex.
