PL/22/2592/FA: REFUSED Reconfiguration and Extension

Camp Road, Gerrards Cross | Chiltern and South Bucks, Buckinghamshire Council Planning Application

Reconfiguration and extension of existing dwelling. Demolition of garage and realignment of access.

View full planning application here.

Wow – that’s a significant transformation! This is an application for a total re-modelling of an existing house in a quiet residential area which is designated in the local plan as a ‘Residential Area of Exceptional Quality’. The planners accept that there are a wide variety of architectural styles in this location, and on this basis, we can see how the applicant and their architects have taken a view that something with a distinctly neo-classical style might be an acceptable alternative to that already in place.

Clearly, this is a scheme to impress, and the question is whether it sits well with the surrounding properties in this enclave or stands out like a sore thumb. It's one thing changing the style, but if this is out of kilter with the surroundings, then we can see why the planners might object. The design and access statement illustrates a real variety of architectural styles in this area, but maybe the relationship with the two properties immediately adjacent is what determined the opinion of the planning officers.

The existing house in this location is actually less attractive when viewing the photographs on the design statement, the planning officer is ‘damming’ of the proposed scheme and refers to ‘unconvincing pastiche’. To be honest, the existing house is pretty much another good example of ‘unconvincing pastiche’!

The architects (if they haven’t already) should carry out an exercise on the elevational proportions and geometry of their proposal which historically would have been much larger in scale, but could be utilised at this lesser scale to a sense of order and proportion to the elevations. This might mean some design amendments, but might also address the references to ‘unconvincing pastiche’ and help to get the recommendation of the planning officer, and would certainly assist if the scheme is going to appeal.

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