Image credit – Adam Clutterbuck Photography
James Dean, managing director of WBC Group (westernbuildingconsultants.com), looks at a case study for a private client living in the green belt and discusses how you can develop your property if you live in an affected area.
What is the green belt?
The green belt is an area of land which is protected under planning legislation from development to stop urban sprawl. One exits between Cardiff and Newport to separate the areas from becoming a conjoined urban space.
Whilst green belts protect heavily from new developments they also have an impact on what homeowners can do with their properties. Typically, local authorities with green belts will only sanction extending your home up to 30-40% of the original volume.
The permitted development rules can be very strict around material finish, heights of extensions, size of footprint and proximity to boundaries. Often clients find that their optimal scheme does not fit within the strict parameters of permitted development and planning is required, which can be difficult to achieve in the green belt, especially where the house has already been extended close to the 30-40% usually allowed.
Image credit – Adam Clutterbuck Photography
Case Study
Brief: Mid-century modern-inspired extension with alterations to create a balcony to the rear of the property
The problem: The property had already been extended with a large two-storey extension to its limit within the green belt policy. The desired use of non-matching materials compounded this issue, as permitted development rights could not be utilised and the balcony was deemed to be potentially too intrusive.
The Solution: This took longer to achieve than most projects due to the complexities involved, but we started with an analysis of the permitted development solutions. With some minor alterations and keeping the same material pallet as the main house, we designed a fall-back position for the client that would have been a compromise solution should planning not be successful.
Once we had a certificate of lawful development, we put to the planner a new extension – one that had less impact on the green belt and neighbouring properties. We were able to achieve an airy kitchen/dining living space with a mix of beautiful timber cladding, natural and rubble stone. The celestial raised roof and windows provide the feeling of space and elevate the extension, while slimline grey aluminium windows, doors and roof detailing suit the desired minimalist aesthetic. The space plan ties perfectly into the aesthetic and provides an amazing link to the garden and the natural environment.
As a multi-disciplinary company of architects, structural engineers and building surveyors, we provide a streamlined service for our clients. This allows for joined-up thinking, which can reduce build cost as well as surveyors fees.
Image credit – Adam Clutterbuck Photography
Contact WBC Group to see how we can make your dream a reality and claim a free consultation on 029 2267 9366 or hello@wbc.group
Photography by Adam Clutterbuck Photography, adamclutterbuckphotography.com
