When New Ferry Housing approached us to provide technical design for a pastiche six unit scheme on New Chester Road, we did what we always do. We asked ourselves – could we achieve more for our client?
Through our unique approach, we found that we could – increasing the number of units by 33% and providing a much more aesthetically pleasing and habitable scheme with more outdoor amenity space for residents.
Challenging the Brief
Although the scheme had already been granted planning permission, we immediately identified an opportunity to improve on what had already been agreed. Rather than blindly pursue the brief presented to us, we challenged it and shared our findings with our client, before recommending that we re-submit the application
Originally the scheme was set to have six units, comprising four one-bedroom flats and four flats with two bedrooms. However, looking at the site and its location in a primarily residential area close to local amenities, we realised that additional units would be a positive addition to the area, so we altered the initial design.
Increased Yield & Style
We increased the number of units to eight and recommended an alternative mix of flats to attract a variety of types of resident – three with two bedrooms, 3 with one bedroom and two studio flats. This obviously positively impacted our client’s yield, but we also took care to maintain style and ensure it would meet the needs of residents.
We took great care to ensure that the new design fitted the aesthetic of the area and did not tower over neighbouring buildings. We included recessed elements to the front and side to reduce the scale of the building and imitate the rhythm of the bay windows of neighbouring buildings.
Considering the needs of the future inhabitants of the new flats, we developed the layout of the building around the principle of providing and maximising natural light for habitable rooms such as living rooms and bedrooms.
Outdoor Amenity Space for All
We also developed the scheme so that rather than just two units having outdoor amenity space – quite an undesirable issue – every single flat would have this, in the form of yards, balconies and juliet balconies.
We were granted planning permission for this scheme in November 2018, just 3 months after being instructed to improve the scheme – much to the delight of our very happy client.
Since then we have secured a contractor and are now moving into full technical design, with construction set to start early next year.
“It’s official – our planning permission for eight apartments has been accepted. It proves that you don’t have to build on the original plan but can improve and benefit from a new one. Thanks for your hard work.” Laura Williams, New Ferry Homes
The site is currently under construction and we look forward to seeing how the proposal progresses.
