Forge Design Studio’s Year in Review!

Brownfield Development

2016 saw a major success at the Odyssey Health Club in Stevenage when our project for 70 new residential units on previously developed brownfield land was granted planning consent, having been voted unanimously at committee. The development faced the added constraint of being in the green belt having had a history of previously failed attempts at redevelopment.

odyssey_sketch option 3B_Jan 2016

A carefully constructed application was drawn-up by the design team which thoroughly examined all aspects of the project and presented a fully considered strategy. Ultimately the Local Authority accepted the proposals which included a comprehensive masterplan for the future development of the Health Club and all its associated parking and access requirements.

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At the opposite end of the spectrum we are working on a new gatehouse cottage proposal at Calcott Hall, Sturry which is re-using an existing footprint to promote plans for a new dwelling.

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We also carried out a pair of feasibility studies on previously developed education land in Winchester for a local contractor in conjunction with a well-known Registered Social Landlord. We were supporting their bid for the land which was ultimately unsuccessful, on the grounds of finance,  but we were praised for our innovative and comprehensive approach.

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Redevelopment of Odyssey Health Club

Following lengthy negotiation with the Local Authority the application for the redevelopment of the Odyssey Health Club site has been resubmitted to the Planning Department. The overall design has retained its original quality whilst reducing the impact on the green belt through adjustments to the scale and massing of the proposals as well as the extent of the land take.

201415A_PL004

The apartments have been relocated to relate more closely to the existing Health Club buildings and a greater mix of units, including one and a half storey bungalows have been introduced in key locations.

The application is for 70 units together with the re-organisation of all the parking and approaches to the Health Club. The statutory consultation period is underway with a decision expected in Summer 2016.

A1 Illu MP