Planning Approved: Seamless Expansion in Hackenthorpe Conservation Area
We are delighted to announce that MAD Architects LLP has successfully secured full planning permission for a substantial two-storey side extension in Hackenthorpe, Sheffield.
This project is a perfect example of how careful preparation and respect for local constraints can lead to a smooth planning process, even in sensitive locations. By addressing the site's challenges upfront, we secured a "straight through" approval with no delays—a fantastic result for our clients.
The Challenge: Trees & Conservation
The site sits within the Hackenthorpe Conservation Area, fronting onto Sheffield Road. While the property itself is a relatively modern estate house, the location demands high-quality design that respects the street scene.
However, the primary hurdle wasn’t just the aesthetic; it was technical. A mature tree in the neighbor's garden had a Root Protection Zone (RPZ) extending significantly into our client’s plot. In planning terms, this is often a red flag. Building too close to trees can damage roots, threatening the tree's health and stability. Without the right evidence, applications like this are frequently refused or bogged down in months of negotiation.
The Design Solution
Our strategy was to be proactive rather than reactive. We collaborated early with AWA Tree Consultants Ltd to define the exact extent of the root zone. By incorporating their data into our initial submission, we demonstrated that the construction method would fully protect the tree. This technical rigor meant the application sailed through the planning system without objection.
Architecturally, the design unlocks the home's potential:
The "Seamless" Look: To satisfy Conservation Area requirements, the extension mirrors the existing materials, utilizing off-white render, stone quoins, and matching roof tiles. From the road, it looks like it has always been there.
Reimagined Flow: We relocated the back door to stop the kitchen from being a corridor. This allowed for a larger kitchen with a central island—the new heart of the home.
Family Functionality: The existing study has been transformed into a large combined WC and utility room, featuring a "storage wall" for coats and shoes to keep the hallway clutter-free.
New Gaming Room: A brand-new gaming room has been created in the front of the new extension, providing the kids with their own space and direct access to the garden.
Upstairs: The extension allows two small children's bedrooms to double in size, giving the family the "forever home" space they need.
What's Next?
With planning permission secured, we are moving immediately into Technical Design. Our team is now detailing the construction drawings to ensure the build is as robust as the design is beautiful, with the client targeting a start on site in 2026.