Planning Approved: Unlocking Views on a Steep Site in Chesterfield
MAD Architects LLP is delighted to announce that planning permission has been granted for a transformative extension and remodelling project on Peak View Road, Brockwell, Chesterfield.
This approval isn't just about adding square footage; it is a victory for smart negotiation and accessible design on a technically challenging site. By securing this permission, we are set to turn a disconnected semi-detached house into a light-filled, future-proofed home.
The Challenge: A 3-Meter Drop & Privacy Concerns
The site presented a significant hurdle: a steep topography with a massive 3-meter vertical drop from the back door to the garden. While the elevated position offered fantastic views, it also raised immediate "red flags" with the Local Planning Authority regarding overlooking.
The original conservatory was blocking light, and the client needed a modern, accessible layout. However, creating a level-access terrace at such a height meant we were effectively building a platform looking directly into the neighboring gardens. The Planner’s initial concern was that this would cause a significant loss of privacy for the neighbors.
The Design Solution
To secure the "Yes" from Chesterfield Borough Council, we had to demonstrate that we could unlock the potential of the site without compromising the neighbors' amenity.
The Strategy:
Negotiating Privacy vs. Light: To solve the overlooking issue at the boundary, the Planner initially requested screening. We successfully negotiated the use of a 1.7m high obscurely glazed screen rather than a solid timber fence. This was a crucial design win: it protects the neighbor's privacy but, unlike a solid fence, it allows light to pass through, preventing their garden from becoming overshadowed.
The "Hidden" Parking Win: The Local Highways Authority requested that the client provide two new car parking spaces on the frontage to compensate for the converted garage. We successfully rebutted this by proving the existing garage was historically too small to count as a standard parking space anyway. This saved the client from having to pave over their front garden, preserving the street scene.
Engineering the Levels: We utilized the 3-meter drop to our advantage. The design incorporates a new garden store. The roof of this store forms the structural base for the new lower terrace, supplementing the upper terrace which creates a seamless, level-access transition from the living area—vital for our client's mobility requirements.
Biodiversity Net Gain: As part of the approval, we also incorporated ecological enhancements, including integrated bird boxes, ensuring the project contributes positively to local biodiversity.
What's Next?
With the planning hurdle cleared and the conditions regarding materials and screening agreed, we are moving immediately into Technical Design. Our focus now shifts to detailing the retaining structures and terraces to ensure this hillside home stands the test of time.