listedbuilding

Martello Tower_A New Beginning

At Forge Design Studio we are very familiar with working with Listed Buildings and the planning constraints that are attached to them, however, Martello Tower F is a Scheduled Ancient Monument which carries with it a new level of Heritage involvement.

Martello Towers are small coastal artillery forts constructed after the renewal of war with France in 1803 to defend England against the threat of invasion. Their design and name were taken from a tower at Martello Bay, Corsica. 103 towers were constructed along the coast in two phases, those in Essex and Suffolk being built between 1809 and 1812.

Martello Tower F is the only remaining moated example on the Essex coast. The tower is an important local landmark which has been through a variety of uses over its lifetime.

Creating a viable long-term, sustainable use is a constant issue, appointed by our clients in the summer of 2020, the brief was to bring forward a series of design ideas to bring the redundant monument back to life and provide a sustainable multi-functional events space, specifically aimed at Weddings and Hospitality functions.

We propose a ring of lightweight masted structures located in the moat which will take a flexible tensile tented roof which can be tailored to suit the size of the event being catered for. Historic England stipulated that no fixings should be made into the fabric of either the tower or the moat walls – we worked closely with the engineers to arrive at a suitable solution.

A lightweight ‘saucer like’ structure is added to the roof to create an exclusive, unique vantage point which can be used to host a variety of gatherings – from weddings to corporate events. Services and functions will take place within the restored first floor space.

Our design team have put together a comprehensive a Pre-Application design submission which sets out the proposal for a complete self-contained venue which can accommodate all aspects of a wedding celebration. The key factor in this design is flexibility, the venue needs to accommodate small parties as well as larger events.

We look forward to continuing work on this truly unique project and are very excited to fill this important old building with life and celebration!

Rose & Crown, Aston – Permission Granted!!

It’s a Marathon not a Sprint!!

Forge Design Studio are delighted to confirm that May 2021 sees the conclusion of one of our longest running planning sagas.

Located in the rural village of Aston to the east of Stevenage, The Rose and Crown, and associated Barn, is a Listed Building which had been left vacant for over 12 months until our clients, purchased the site in 2016. Prior to this the pub had a chequered history having struggled in a really difficult trading environment with 11 different landlords in the previous 10 years.

We were appointed towards the end of 2016 to develop a design and planning strategy to utilise the site for housing whilst maintaining a fully functioning micro-pub. After a lengthy gestation period we submitted an application in July 2017 and proceeded to engage with the Local Authority Planning Officers culminating in an Officer Recommendation for Approval.

The project was taken to Planning Committee at East Herts District Council in March 2018 and was refused based on the strength of objections from local lobbyists.

It should be noted that the scheme is entirely Policy compliant and there is no argument about the principle of the re-use of the site. The chief protagonists set out an alternative vision which appeared to ignore the trading history and viability of the business bearing in mind there is another pub in the village.

There then followed a series of applications, refusals, withdrawals and appeals culminating in the final, mid-pandemic, application in July 2020. It was decided to omit the pub from the application on the basis that the market would find its true value and that the Local Community would sustain its re-birth!

So, after 5 years of effort we have permission for a modest new build scheme consisting of 4 residential units on a highly sustainable location on a vacant site in the centre of a village and a still vacant pub.

Given the uncertainties we all face in the aftermath of the Pandemic, if this timescale through the Planning process is the best that can be done, it’s going to be a long road to recovery.

North Brook End House – Full Planning and Listed Building Consent!

Forge Design Studio is delighted to confirm that our project for our client, the Ware Family, at North Brook End House has been granted consent. The building is Grade II Listed and is a very fine south-facing Victorian House set in an extensive garden. We have worked closely with the family to develop a series of additions and modifications to create an improved balance of accommodation which is commensurate with its location and setting.

We have liaised with our fellow consultants Cambridge Architectural Research, who produced the Heritage Statement and Gawn Associates on the Structural Engineering Strategy.

Even though we say so ourselves it had a very smooth route through the planning process at South Cambs District Council thanks to a thorough and comprehensive approach which was complimented by the Case Officer.

The project will now be worked up in detail with the input from the team to get ready for a start on site later this year.

We look forward to the opportunity to see the project through to completion!!

Keeping Busy!!

We have been particularly busy over the last few weeks, completing and submitting three significant planning applications.

Manor Farm, Andover

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Firstly, working with Adrian Barker at Lucid Planning we completed the design proposals for the redevelopment of Manor Farm, nr Andover. We have been employed directly by the site owners on the development of the former farm building site for residential use.

Situated in open countryside between the villages of Monxton and Abbotts Ann this has been a long process which required some innovative thinking to resolve the strategic planning issues. This has also involved extensive negotiation with the Planning Authority at Test Valley and local residents pressure groups. It has been a lengthy project extending over the last 18 months and the application is now heading towards a committee date in the middle of June. Fingers crossed.

The design has been developed in close co-operation with the landscape architect and has played particular regard to the setting and context with the open countryside. The original farmyard buildings have been retained to create a sense of continuity and the shared open space will act as a landscape buffer as well as creating opportunities for allotments and community facilities

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North Brook End House, Steeple Morden

Secondly, by contrast, we have submitted a Full Planning and Listed Building Consent Application for North Brook End House, Steeple Morden. The site overlooks our long-standing project at the neighbouring Stud Farm and is for a private client.

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The work has involved detailed design proposals to reflect the need to respect the historic fabric. We have also involved Cambridge Architectural Research (CAR Ltd) who have prepared the accompanying Heritage Statement.

The proposals are for a two-storey rear extension, which has been carefully integrated with the existing building, as well as internal alterations to create a new en-suite facility. These elements required a great deal of detailed work to ensure they could be satisfactorily implemented without disturbing the existing building fabric.

South Street, Bishops Stortford

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Finally, we have completed the design work on our town centre project in Bishops Stortford. Our client has purchased a former Co-operative Buildingon the corner of South Street and Station Road, which has, frankly, seen better days!!

The existing floors have been re-modelled to suit flexible future uses with an additional floor of residential apartments being added at second floor level. New external treatment to the elevations is proposed in response to the setting of the Conservation Area.

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Detailed massing models have been prepared utilising a 3D base model prepared by Joanna James Ltd. We have inserted our site sketch-up model into the wider context so that the impact can be fully considered.

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Forge Design Update!

How time flies ….. can’t believe that we are already in June. It’s some time since our last blog so here is an update on a number of projects that have been keeping us busy over the recent months.

Ocean Drive, Turks and Caicos

Detail design and visualisations have been produced for a pair of luxury villas on the Island of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. The site is located on the ironshore and has an unbroken view of the ocean. We have worked with our colleagues Make Studio in Bournemouth to create a series of stunning visuals which will be used in the sales and marketing of the properties.

Making the most of the sloping site we have arranged the accommodation so that all major spaces have unbroken sea views – 4 beds all with en-suite facilities and a 42 foot multi-use living space will ensure that these properties will not be short of interest when they are released on the market.

The contemporary design will be developed to a detailed stage with local engineers to ensure compliance with all the current building codes particularly following last year’s experience of Hurricane Irma. We are also getting used to working in imperial measurement again as the islands follow North American convention ….. some of us are old enough to remember 1:48 and 1:96 scales the first time round!!!

North Brook End Stud, Steeple Morden

Practical Completion has been achieved on Dragonfly Barn at North Brook End Stud. The 2,200 sqft barn conversion has been snapped-up by the very first potential tenant who visited the completed building and he is due to move-in any day.

Mike steered the project through the final stages, co-ordinating all the final notices, land transfers, registration, warranties and completion certificates. Liaison then took place with the brokers to ensure that a mortgage offer was received and completed to allow the capital funding to be settled.

Big thank you to all parties at MSP Capital in Poole, MCP-Law in Wisbech and Homeline Mortgages who worked with us to ensure it all went smoothly in the end.

Our clients, Douglas and Sarah, are absolutely delighted with the results and preparation is underway to start work on the young stock barn. We have also now been commissioned to look at the remaining part of the barn to seek consent for a change of use.

We are waiting for our completed photographs so in the meantime enjoy this clip of these youngsters enjoying the spring sunshine!!

University Project, Cambridge

We have worked with our client, a large UK Contractor, on the implementation of an extensive programme of works on a University Campus in the Centre of Cambridge. The project has involved a major de-cant and relocation of existing teaching spaces to facilitate the main portion of the work.

The temporary accommodation is spread over a total of 7 varying work phases from fit-out of new build space to complete re-modelling of a floor of an existing academic building on the site.

The main work which involves a considerable amount of very detailed co-ordination is due to start on site imminently.

Silver Hill, Borehamwood

After a planning process that lasted approximately 15 months and extensive consultation Listed Building and Full Planning Consent have been granted for a new dwelling on the site of The Thatched Cottage, Silver Hill, Shenley.

The demolition of a Listed Building is not something we would normally advocate but given the severe extent of the damage and the scale and size of the building, in this instance it was justified as the degree of salvageable remains were so small. Heritage England were fully engaged and supported our findings subject to agreement on the final design proposals.

The existing badly fire-damaged building will be demolished following the preparation and submission of a detailed measured survey. The new design will be sited on the existing footprint, to echo the former cottage, with a wrap round extension which provide a range of accommodation for our client and his family.

Work has already commenced on site, with the clearance of the overgrown vegetation and setting-up of the temporary accommodation.

The Rose & Crown, Aston

The formal application for the re-development of the Rose and Crown Public House has been made to the Local Authority. Full Planning and Listed Building Consent is sought for the re-modelling and re-use of the existing buildings – the barn and the pub, as well as the new residential development in the former garden.

The pub has been derelict and boarded-up since 2014 and our client has sought innovative and creative ways of bringing it back to life in a sustainable and viable way. There is a strong local pub market and so we have proposed a unique micro-brewery and pub focussing on craft ales and spirits as a unique ‘offer’.

Retained trees within the garden have helped to create a strong sense of place with a focus on a shared garden at the heart of the residential layout. The design of the houses has responded to the context and setting, reflecting the local architecture.

We have worked with JPS Landscape Architects on the design of the external spaces and with Keith Hornblower to develop these traditional visuals which we think capture the essence of the design well.

A consultation with the Parish Council was undertaken at the Annual General Meeting on the 27th April 2017. Our final designs and visuals were presented at this meeting, see presentation boards above.

Pub Crawl in Hertfordshire

Work is being completed on the Planning Applications for our two Pub projects in rural Hertfordshire.

Hand drawn sketches are proving to be the order of the day as we aim to portray the importance of context when considering the future of these important community facilities. Both projects involve work to Grade II Listed buildings which will seek to ensure that the viability and sustainability of the businesses are secured for the immediate future.

Mike has even had to get a new pencil sharpener as he ‘draws’ on some traditional techniques – not a cgi in sight!!

The residential content of the proposals will fulfil a real need for a variety of new housing stock within each village.

Both projects are due for submission in the next few weeks.

Former Thatched Cottage, Silver Hill

Design work is continuing on the plans for a new house at Silver Hill, Shenley.

In order to replace the burnt-out shell of the Grade II, Former Thatched Cottage, negotiation has been undertaken with the Local Authority and Historic England. The exceptional circumstances behind the case have been demonstrated and an ‘in principle’ agreement has been acknowledged with the Case Officers subject to agreement on the detailed design. Impact on the green belt and the adherence to planning policy are being addressed within the current phase of work.

Detailed surveys will be carried out on the what remains of the existing fabric to record its condition.

Design principles have been established and we are carrying out 3d massing studies as well as physical modelling to fully explore the impact on surrounding areas. The design of the replacement house has been the subject of much discussion with the client and his family

We are pushing towards a submission of the formal planning application in the very near future.

Forge Design Studio’s Year in Review!

Historic and Listed Buildings

Working with historic buildings forms an important part of our portfolio. Previously illustrated projects at The Former Waters Garage site and Portslade have both featured locally listed buildings within Conservation Areas, however we have also been working on a number of projects involving Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings.

The Thatched Cottage, Silver Hill is the redevelopment of a severely fire damaged cottage. Located in the countryside nr Shenley, Borehamwood our client has bought the site which includes the burnt-out shell of the cottage.

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We are bringing forward a strategy for re-development, this involves working closely with Historic England, the Planning Local Authority and our specialist Historic Building advisor. We are aiming to develop detailed design proposals and make a formal application in the New Year.

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We are actively working on two sites for redevelopment which include Public Houses, both of which are Grade II listed buildings. These projects involve re-use of the buildings and as such require a sympathetic approach to re-modelling and the downsizing of the hospitality areas. Long term sustainability and viability of the business are crucial and it is important that the proposals are matched to respect the building form and fabric.

Detailed studies have been undertaken to gain a full appreciation of the buildings and proposals. Both projects are with the Local Authority Planning Departments for consideration.

Hertford Pub Crawl!

Former Sun & Harrow
Permission Granted!!

Consent was granted by East Herts District Council, via delegated powers on 28^th November 2016, for the redevelopment of the former Sun and Harrow Public House site in Ware. The scheme provides 8 new build homes in a mixture of sizes and types.

Lengthy negotiations took place with the planners and a scheme was achieved which satisfied all requirements. The proposals complete the street scene and form a marker on the corner which echoes the geometry of the former pub building. The stepped terraces follow the site contours, with all servicing taking place from the front. Semi-private space is created which acts as a buffer to the public realm.

The Local Authority were keen to see the provision of the maximum private garden amenity space and have encouraged us to follow good urban design principles by creating a continuous, active street frontage.

Forge Design Studio are currently actively working another two pub sites involving grade II listed buildings. Both schemes include rationalisation and redevelopment of the pub buildings to create a more viable business through the realisation of the value contained within the associated under-utilised car park and gardens.