Fullers Hills
Brief
The site is located in the heart of the Green Belt and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, areas where development is notoriously challenging due to strict planning constraints. Our client approached us after purchasing a stable block on the site, with the goal of securing planning permission to develop a dwelling.
Response
Given the ambitious aesthetic and volumetric goals of the design, we decided to collaborate with a Planning Consultant to ensure compliance with relevant policies. Our initial application focused on combining the existing mass of the stables into a traditional pitched-roof house, maintaining the same volume and height as the original structure. This strategy aimed to establish the principle of residential development on an agricultural site.
Fortunately, the planners were receptive to this approach, recognising the site as ‘previously developed land.’ With this approval, we had the opportunity to adopt a more creative design approach, including the introduction of a basement to maximize the dwelling’s floor area and large expanses of glass to maximise the south facing views. Since the site is situated in a rural setting, the landscaping scheme was carefully considered, incorporating features such as a green roof to seamlessly integrate the building into its natural surroundings.
Factfile
- Category: Residential / Development / Commercial / New Build / Green Belt
- Location: Sevenoaks, Kent
- Budget or size: 3000sqft dwelling
- Contractors & Consultants: Self build under construction
