Introduction
HEA are thrilled to announce that permission has been granted for four contemporary homes within the Grove Park Conservation Area. Following concerns raised by Redbridge council’s conservation officer as part of a pre-application, the heritage team at HEA provided design guidance and advice to the developer which was welcomed by the Redbridge Design Review Panel and the planning officer.
The full application was then able to demonstrate that the design rationale for the development was to provide high-quality homes that would respect and enhance the conservation area whilst introducing architecture that was ‘of its time’.
The development site formed a backland area which was used as a car park, located on the boundary of two conservation areas: Wanstead Village and Wanstead Grove. It was also situated within the setting of a Grade II listed building known as The Shrubbery, a 1930s Art Deco apartment block. Therefore, three heritage assets had the potential to be impacted by the proposed development.
Following pre-application advice, the heritage team at HEA provided design guidance to the development team, taking into account the significance of the identified heritage assets and the character and appearance of the conservation area. As the development site was largely hidden from public view, the Heritage Statement demonstrated that the site made no contribution to the setting of the listed building or the character and appearance of the Wanstead Grove Conservation Area.
The proposed scheme was assessed by the Redbridge Design Panel, which commended the architectural response to the conservation area’s character. They stated, “The panel finds much to admire in the proposals… which has potential to become an exemplar for the creation of new homes on infill sites in Redbridge. It supports the key design moves, in terms of scale, massing, and layout.” In particular, the panel applauded the use of red bricks, render, and catenary arches that reflect the Art Deco design of the neighbouring listed building. The result is a scheme that is mindful of the local character and appearance of the conservation area, in accordance with the Wanstead Grove Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan.
In conclusion, HEA was able to present the case that the proposed scheme would preserve the local historic environment and improve the appearance of a previously neglected backland area. Our Heritage Statement demonstrated that the development would sit comfortably within the existing pattern of development, relating to the topography and history of the site while respecting the scale of neighbouring buildings. Additionally, we demonstrated that the visual impact on the conservation area would be enhanced, adding interest and variety to a previously vacant and unkempt site.
If you are a householder or developer seeking to navigate the constraints of the historic environment, HEA can help. We offer a range of services, including assessments of buildings and sites before planning applications or purchases to determine the likelihood of securing listed building consent or planning permission. Heritage Statements can also be provided to support applications and demonstrate that development will enhance the character and appearance of an area. Please call us on 0808 164 1288 or send details of your project to hello@fullerlong.com.
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