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The current residents of the property have been attempting to sell the property in order to move to a smaller location as the number of stairs and size of the property is becoming a struggle as they age. The property has been on the market for 6 years, over which time it has continued to decrease in price to a point where it is no longer economically viable to sell - over the course of this period there has been little interest with only 4 viewings and no offers. The primary reason given for the lack of interest is the size of the property.
As such two solutions have been identified, this application is the first in which the property will be converted into two apartments, thus removing the amount of stairs and space required to be looked after for the occupants who will occupy the 1st apartment.
The second option is to demolish the structure and build a more suitable property. This option is not preferred as it is a substantial and beautiful period property.
The glazing on the side conservatory will be removed and the existing dwarf wall will be built upon and appropriate insulation added to create an Orangery styled lounge. This will include trifold doors to the front which will be level with the ground outside creating easy access without needing to use steps.
Care has been given to section 4.4 of the Residential Design Guide. With regards to 4.4.2 it is difficult to exactly match the style of the existing property, this renovation is in such a location that the design features of the property (mainly high arched windows and stepped lower façade see Appendix 1) fall too high and low of the lounge for the features to be incorporated without looking out of place. The top of the Orangery will be finished in a Victorian style similar to Appendix 2 in order to add to the architectural merit of the building and finish it in an appropriate style.
In regards to 4.4.5 the lounge is increasing the height of the existing dwarf wall which has already had planning permission to be level with the property. The joining of old and new finishes will be carefully carried out in order to prevent any unsightly finish, it should be noted that the finish is intended to be the same as the existing property. The Orangery style approach, while incorporating Victorian features is thought to be a distinction from the dwelling which will maintain a visual break. Where 4.4.6 is concerned the property is far enough away and set further forward than its neighbour so there should be no concern that this renovation will create a "terracing effect". If there is ever to be a second floor extension on this elevation this would of course be set back but I should strongly convey there is no such plans of that type for this property.
Similar to the side renovation, this will be done in an Orangery style and keeping with the same finish of the existing property. Due to the height and location of this renovation the stepped lower façade of the existing building can and will be carried onto the renovation in order to keep it in the style of the existing property as per section 4.4.2. The glazing will be removed and the existing dwarf wall will be built upon and appropriate insulation added, again, like the side renovation. This area will become a porch for the 2nd apartment and will provide the internal staircase to the 2nd
apartment as indicated by the planning officer in the pre-application guidance. The windows of the extension have been positioned so as not to overlook the garden of the 1st apartment. As this is a renovation of an existing building it is not thought to have an overbearing impact upon the outlook of neighbouring properties as per section 4.2.
Rear access is to be via the demolition of a section of the rear wall. The location of the access is where previous permission has been granted for the location of a garage as per application no 01/01530/B. Access will be to a driveway. As per 6.1 the surrounding walls will be continued in the same style as those existing.
An additional rear extension is proposed to add more space to the bedroom area of the 1st apartment through the addition of a dressing room. The windows of this extension have been situated so as not to overlook the driveway and garden of the 2nd apartment. The style will be the same as the two renovated conservatories, it will be an Orangery style. This will also be in a situation where the lower façade of the existing property can and will be carried on through the extension and it will be finished the same as the existing property.
Care has been given to section 4.2 and with regards to 4.2 .1 it is not thought the extension will create an overbearing impact nor will it reduce light to any surrounding properties. With regards to 4.2.2 and 4.2.3 the extension is of a similar size to the already existing rear conservatory and therefore it is thought it will not contravene the requirements of these sections, the building is within the size limits of a permitted development.
We have been in discussions with building control and believe there are adequate provisions in place for fire safety and the splitting of the building into apartments.
The services are needing to be split and as an older property - this is no small task, as such the floors will need lifting, this is being used as an opportunity to reinsulate older spec installations and add modern insulation where there is none. As such we will also be modernising the heating systems and using air sourced heat pumps for both apartments in line with the Council of Minster's response to the Professor Curran report and the targets set therein.
In essence the two conservatories are existing buildings being refurbished and the extension is within the size of a permitted development.
The residents have tried to keep all aspects of the renovations and extension to the same style of the existing build although the features of the property do not always line up with the areas of the proposed works. The residents are keen to see the work done so it is sympathetic to the fantastic architecture of the property and have taken the pre-application advice of the planners to try and achieve this. The removal of the plastic conservatories is thought to be of a huge benefit to the overall appearance of the dwelling and the renovations and extension bring in features which are more in keeping with the style than what is already there.
It is thought that this work will provide future longevity for the building in a market which it appears is now unwilling to invest in larger Victorian houses while still keeping this architecturally unique building as part of Ramsey's vista.
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