The scheme provides a new open-plan kitchen and family room, with dedicated dining space. Upstairs, we’ve added a new master bedroom with en-suite facilities, and the proposal includes a new large garage to the rear.
Close liaison with the Local Planning Authority, Mid Sussex District Council, including pre-application advice and a preliminary site visit to discuss the proposals with a case officer was helpful in establishing a dialogue and developing a scheme that met with their approval.
The proposal, which has been carefully designed to enhance the original Victorian house, comprises a two-storey extension to the side and rear of the property overlooking the substantial mature gardens. To the ground floor, we have provided a second large reception room, and re-located the kitchen to provide a larger open-plan space and take advantage of the garden views. The scheme incorporates two new bedrooms to the first floor, and also enlarges and re-configures the master bedroom to form a master suite with bedroom, dressing room and en-suite bathroom. The master bedroom features a huge new floor-ceiling picture window with views over the rolling countryside to Balcombe and beyond.
The master bedroom features a huge new floor-ceiling picture window with views over the rolling countryside to Balcombe and beyond.
Work continues on the detailed construction drawings and written specification so that we may tender to contractors shortly.
The householder appeal service which has been set up by the Planning Inspectorate to make domestic appeals faster and more straightforward usually results in a decision within six weeks of lodging the appeal. In this case, the inspector found that, contrary to Mid Sussex District Council’s reasoning, the proposal would not in fact be “incongruous and overbearing in the streetscene and… …harmful to the character of the area” and by issuing his judgement has granted consent for the original scheme.
Work on the project now continues apace, with drawings and documents prepared for Building Regulations and tender purposes. Our client hopes to start on site in the coming weeks.
Vitra’s collection includes many mid-Century design classic favourites by the likes of Charles and Ray Eames, Verner Panton and George Nelson. An enticing selection of furniture and homewares is on display in our Scaynes Hill design studio with the whole range available to order. Why not drop in for a coffee and some retail therapy?!