ECA recently obtained planning permission for two quite special houses located in Lower Parkstone (between Poole, Bournemouth and Sandbanks). The client and their family have lived on the site since the existing house was built in the 1930s. But the house is nothing special and has become dilapidated. ECA-P were appointed to produce designs for a contemporary scheme that maximised the potential of the site, and to prepare and submit a planning application.
This challenging site contains approximately 40 trees that are protected with TPOs (Tree Preservation Orders). The TPOs have now been updated after successful negotiations with Poole BC and with expert assistance from arboriculturist Mark Hinsley. A significant number of trees will be removed, although the finer specimens will remain and our planting plan will replace the poor specimens with a variety of indigenous species.
Over several months and through a number of pre-application meetings the number, type, size and siting of the proposed houses was established. While the site is quite generous in size there is only a small developable area, constrained by overlooking, access and trees. We have sought to minimise the impact of the development by retaining the tree canopy, planting at a low and mid-level, and placing the buildings to the rear of the site. The buildings are further softened through the use of natural materials (hardwood, slate, engineering bricks etc).
The houses are designed to be reflective of their woodland setting through the use of timber and large, overhanging, steeply pitched roofs. They also offer a nod to their sea views (Poole Harbour will be visible from the upper rooms) through the contrasting use of white smooth render, large south facing openings and light open plan internal arrangements.
A Planning Design and Access Statement was prepared along with an Energy and Resource Statement. The application was submitted on-line, via the planning portal (which reduces client costs and paper).
