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Area: Leicester Central

Job: Planning Application

Proposed Development: Construction of new build Sheesha Café

Summary:

Following the purchase of land by our client, Skyline architecture was instructed to obtain planning permission for a large Sheesha Café.

With social smoking being a main feature in the premises there were various hurdles that we had to overcome in terms of planning compliance. A number of objections from within the local authority planning department were raised which produced a lot restrictions in terms of interpretations of planning policy. Skyline architecture works closely alongside specialist chartered planning consultants which specialise in planning law, we introduced them into the team for the application. We produced a Planning Statement and a Sequential Approach to argue that there were no alternative sites or premises in the locality which would be suitable for the proposed use.

Intricate calculations for the maintenance of 50% air flow in the property at all times had to be factored into the design with keeping in mind security and welfare of customers that would potentially be seated in the cold which would be detrimental to the whole concept unless a high quality scheme was established and implemented.

Skyline Architecture managed to design a suitable design which worked around the councils restrictions through planning policies and also other factors such end to end costings for the build.

A Transport Assessment and Travel Plan for establishing parking, cycles and pedestrian access aswell as the wider impacts of social use were written up and submitted along with all other technical drawings and obligatory documents.

The application above was approved and Skyline Architecture began works on the building regulation drawings which included a comprehensive drainage scheme, building compliance documents and fire strategies.

Area: Evington, Leicester  

Proposed Development:

Erection of new build; two storey dwelling – 1×3 Bed (class C3)

Job:  Planning application and Building Regs

Summary:

Skyline Architecture were approached by the owners of a house situated on a corner plot. Our client was seeking to obtain planning permission for the demolition of their existing garage on the land and in place erect a new house.

Skyline Architecture advised the client on the feasibility and of the proposal and subsequently prepared the architectural drawings for a large two storey house (plans, sections and technical details) for the existing land and proposed layout.

We also produced a planning statement to allow for a strong argument in permitting the new house. The size of the house was designed to blend in with the surroundings and at the same time design a footprint large enough to prevent the need for future extensions.

Once planning permission was granted we were instructed to discharge all of the conditions. Following approval we were instructed to discharge all of the set conditions which included pre-commencement of materials to be implemented and also a landscaping plan. We then produced the building regulations and tender documents for the contractors in order for a successful and hassle free construction.

Area: Thurnby, Harborough 

Proposed Development:  Conversion of property to residential home

Job: Pre-application

Summary:
Our clients needed to establish the likelihood of extending and converting their property into a residential premise with the potential use such as flats or a care home in the future, and since the property is surrounded by large family homes; nothing of the like was done in the area / wider area before. Skyline Architecture advised that it was best to draft up a pre-application assessment of the site with a comprehensive proposal to establish in writing what constraints the local authority may ascertain before a full planning application was to be submitted.

After initial consultations, the property was measured and we produced technical drawings which included various concepts and 3D imagery to get as much detail back from the council as possible regarding what would be an acceptable proposal.

The application is currently in process and in the meantime a sequential test is taking place to determine and justify the needs of such a development aswel as meetings with a planning consultancy which are experts in planning law. Once comments are received, Skyline Architecture will work closely with all parties to achieve a desired outcome.

Area: Glenfield, Leicester

Proposed Development:

Construction of single and two storey extension at side and rear  (class C3)

Job: Planning Application & Building Regulations

Summary:

Skyline Architecture commenced a planning application for the above address. The design was to consist of a drive port on the ground floor, a Juliette balcony and various internal alterations.

We initiated a full dimensional survey of the property and produced all the technical drawings needed for the proposal and submission to the local authority. After obtaining planning consent from Leicester City Council, we were instructed to complete the building regulation drawings and specification.

Some of the aspects involved in the application also included:

• Structural engineers design and calculations for beams
• Drainage application and sectional drawings to the water authority

Area: Belgrave, Leicester 

Proposed Development:

Sub-division of single dwelling into two houses (class C3)

Job: Planning Application

Summary:

Skyline Architecture was instructed to advise the client on the best way to achieve the above proposal. Part of the ground floor was commercial usage. The Client had previously constructed a large extension on the property and now wanted to convert to ground floor shop into residential use in sync with the rest of the property. This was then to be sub divided into two separate houses 1 x 2 Bed & 1 x 3 Bed with associated amenity areas.

Following initial consultations at our office and meetings with the client we conducted a site visit and started work on preparing the planning application.

Skyline Architecture produced the architectural drawings, reports and liaised with the local authority until a positive planning application was approved.  

Area: Loughborough 

Proposed Development: Change of Bank (A2) into dessert parlour (A3); Conversion of first floor into apartment

Job: Planning Application, Building Compliance

Summary:

Our clients purchased a vacant building on the busy high street previously used as a bank. The building is situated in the Loughborough Church Gate Conservation Area. It is an attractive building which retains original plain neo-classical features and traditional details.

The proposal was to efficiently convert the ground floor into a dessert parlour and utilise the first floor as a large self-contained flat. Skyline Architecture advised on the feasibility of the desired development and prepared numerous scenarios and design possibilities with the context of retaining the original character of the historic building.

The local authority intervened were not receptive to the proposal and the designs put forward for alterations of doors and windows were not acceptable, they suggested that the design would cause harm to the designated heritage asset and that a dessert parlour identified no public benefits in the area along with concerns that the C3 flat above the shop would have a detrimental impact on residential amenity.

Skyline Architecture worked with the planning officers in Charnwood Borough council and made a strong case that a refusal on the application for the proposed development is contrary to planning policies which to promote vitality of the town centre. Skyline Architecture also reasoned that the development would also bring into use an empty unit, which would be a further benefit the town centre. Throughout negotiations a re-design was submitted which softened any external alterations to the exterior aesthetics of the heritage site and worked around existing windows and doors within the layout for the flat. The liaisons with the council worked well and after consultations with senior team leaders in the planning department it was agreed that whilst the use would be non-retail, the existing use of the building is also non retail and therefore the development would not result in any loss of retail in the town.

The provision of a flat was also considered acceptable with the new layout and fully complied with policies stating to principle areas of growth and the scheme was supported.

Some of the roles undertook by Skyline Architecture included:

• Initial consultations and site visits
• Full plans submission and administration
• Liaisons with interior designers and shop fitters
• Submissions of Heritage and impact reports
• Building Regulations drawings and submission
• Discharge of conditions

A separate application was submitted for an illuminated fascia sign with specifications of functionality and maintenance which was also granted by Charnwood Borough Council