👉Welcome to this week`s Project Post, the latest in our series that demonstrate how our Planning team successfully unlock the potential of land and property for our clients. 👈

🏗️ St Thomas Orthodox Church in Acton, London W3

The Syrian Orthodox Church instructed us to submit a full planning application for the demolition of an existing vacant office building and the erection of a Syrian Orthodox Church in Acton, London W3.

The application included the change of use of the land to class Dl (places of worship) with a residential unit (C3) at second floor level.

The proposed building would be of a similar scale to the residential scheme and doctors’ surgery permitted on the site and comparable with a two-storey dwelling in height. The submission followed the withdrawal of the previous application after which pre-application discussions with the case officer and the urban designer at Ealing Council took place.

The objectives outlined in the Design Statement included the particular care and attention given to the character of the surrounding area and how the proposed use would benefit the area by providing a community facility attracting people which would in turn increase the viability of the local shopping frontages along The Vale.

👏Outcome: the church was built out. Prince Charles attended the historic consecration in 2016 as Britain’s first Syriac Orthodox Cathedral, attended by 600 congregants🙌

If you have a project that you would like to discuss, contact us for a no obligation consultation:

📧enquiries@wspa.co.uk
📞01737 225711
🖥️www.wspa.co.uk

#UnlockingPotential #30yearsofUnlockingPotential #SouthEast #ResidentialDesign #Placemaking #BespokeDesign #SurreyArchitects #GreenBelt #GoodDesign #ConsiderateArchitecture #PlanningAndDesign #PlanningApproval #DevelopmentApproval #ArchitecturalInnovation #WSProfessionalism #WSCommunity #CreativeDesign #Inspiration #WeAreWSPA ...

👉Welcome to this week`s Project Post, the latest in our series that demonstrate how our Planning team successfully unlock the potential of land and property for our clients.👈

🏗️One Off House: Owlshurst in Kingswood, Surrey

Our team teams worked collaboratively on this project that concerned the demolition of an existing dwelling to make way for a much improved, luxury, bespoke family home.

Due to the ambition and scale of the project, the Planning Team took it to pre-application with Reigate and Banstead Council before submitting the planning application. The site is in The Warren and The Glade Residential Area of Special Character (RASC) which added to the difficulty of gaining permission, as houses in this area need to uphold the high standard of design quality and be in-keeping with the character of the area. Planning permission was granted and the old house demolished.

The pre-application process allows for the Council to pass comments about the principle of development and how proposals can be improved to increase the likelihood of granted permission, without receiving a planning refusal. In this case, the Council advised to scale down the size of the building as to respect the boundaries.

The character of The Warren and The Glade RASC is typified by large detached properties set on large plots, giving plenty of space between houses which creates a semi-rural feel on the outskirts of the centre of Kingswood Village.

👏Outcome: Conditional Approval at local level🙌

If you have a project that you would like to discuss, contact us for a no obligation consultation:

📧enquiries@wspa.co.uk
📞01737 225711
🖥️www.wspa.co.uk

#UnlockingPotential #30yearsofUnlockingPotential #SouthEast #ResidentialDesign #Placemaking #BespokeDesign #SurreyArchitects #GreenBelt #GoodDesign #ConsiderateArchitecture #PlanningAndDesign #PlanningApproval #DevelopmentApproval #ArchitecturalInnovation #WSProfessionalism #WSCommunity #CreativeDesign #Inspiration #WeAreWSPA ...

Welcome to this week`s Project Post, the latest in our series that demonstrate how our Planning team successfully unlock the potential of land and property for our clients.

EDUCATION: Outdoor Classroom at Dovers Green School, Surrey

This project concerned the erection of a new outbuilding to provide a classroom for students to take part in outdoor activities. This would help the school improve their teaching facilities and outdoor curriculum.

Our team provided both the planning and architecture for this project for our client, @greensandmatrust

The outbuilding was designed as an octagon with a timber frame and wooden shingle roof.

We have worked with @greensandmatrust on several projects, and we were delighted to gain approval with conditions for this school, located locally to us in Reigate.

If you have a project that you would like to discuss, contact us for a no obligation consultation:

📧enquiries@wspa.co.uk
📞01737 225711
🖥️www.wspa.co.uk

#UnlockingPotential #30yearsofUnlockingPotential #SouthEast #ResidentialDesign #Placemaking #BespokeDesign #SurreyArchitects #GreenBelt #GoodDesign #ConsiderateArchitecture #PlanningAndDesign #PlanningApproval #DevelopmentApproval #ArchitecturalInnovation #WSProfessionalism #WSCommunity #CreativeDesign #Inspiration #WeAreWSPA ...

Welcome to this week`s Project Post, the latest in our series that demonstrate how our Planning team successfully unlock the potential of land and property for our clients.

Planning Application - Wray Common Road in Reigate, Surrey

The Planning Team assisted @charlesjholland Architects with a unique design solution following a complex planning history.

The design evolved as a companion piece to the original house and managed to enable the removal of several outbuildings and poorly connected single storey addition. The new extension follows the proportions and façade rhythms of the lodge so that the two work in harmony.

In addition to the bespoke design proposed additional evidence was required to justify the size and scale of the extension proposed given previous dismissals at appeal. While lengthy, the pre-application process was essential to ensure that full justification was made to address previous concerns raised by the Council and Planning Inspector. The Conservation Officer commented that the property was in keeping with the surrounding area, and whilst there were some unusual additions, such as triangular dormers, these did not detract from the original house. It was considered therefore that the building, as enlarged, would conform to the general character and appearance of the conservation area.

We are delighted that the application was approved at local level.

If you have a project that you would like to discuss, contact us for a no obligation consultation:

📧enquiries@wspa.co.uk
📞01737 225711
🖥️www.wspa.co.uk

#UnlockingPotential #30yearsofUnlockingPotential #SouthEast #ResidentialDesign #Placemaking #BespokeDesign #SurreyArchitects #GreenBelt #GoodDesign #ConsiderateArchitecture #PlanningAndDesign #PlanningApproval #DevelopmentApproval #ArchitecturalInnovation #WSProfessionalism #WSCommunity #CreativeDesign #Inspiration #WeAreWSPA ...

👉 Welcome to this week`s Project Post, the latest in our series that demonstrate how our WS Planning & Architecture team successfully unlock the potential of land and property for our clients.👈

🏗️Detached House - Belmont Road in Reigate, Surrey

Our client instructed the WS Planning and Architecture team to design a detached dwelling and obtain permission at local level.

In line with best practice, we sought pre-application advice as the site had a substantial planning history with outline permissions previously granted.

A variety of concepts were prepared for this site including an overtly modern interpretation of the traditional vernacular found within the road. Differing land levels also posed a challenge combined with a demanding brief to ensure a sufficient level of internal accommodation.

At pre-application it was stated that any proposed dwelling should have a traditional design like the neighbouring properties. Therefore, making it sympathetic to the character and grain of the area as well as the amenity of neighbouring occupiers.

🙌Outcome: we were delighted that conditional approval was obtained at local level.👏

If you have a project that you would like to discuss, contact us for a no obligation consultation:

📧enquiries@wspa.co.uk
📞01737 225711
💻www.wspa.co.uk

#UnlockingPotential #30yearsofUnlockingPotential #SouthEast #ResidentialDesign #Placemaking #BespokeDesign #SurreyArchitects #GreenBelt #GoodDesign #ConsiderateArchitecture #PlanningAndDesign #PlanningApproval #DevelopmentApproval #ArchitecturalInnovation #WSProfessionalism #WSCommunity #CreativeDesign #Inspiration #WeAreWSPA ...

👉 Welcome to this week`s Project Post, the latest in our series that demonstrate how our WS Planning & Architecture team successfully unlock the potential of land and property for our clients. 👈

Single Storey Extension - Nursery Gardens in Lingfield, Surrey🏗️

The proposal was for a single-storey rear extension to enlarge the existing kitchen/dining area, incorporating a flat roof and roof terrace. The detached property forms part of a residential development on a private road at the edge of Lingfield within the Metropolitan Green Belt.

Following a pre-application enquiry, the Council confirmed that both the extension and terrace were acceptable in principle, subject to a reduction in the terrace size. During the application process, revisions were made, including reducing the terrace area and adding 1.8m-high obscured-glazed privacy screens to address overlooking concerns.

The application was later called to Planning Committee following a neighbour objection regarding privacy. It was considered over three committee meetings and a site visit across three months. At the final meeting, the committee approved the application subject to conditions, including the planting of evergreen and deciduous trees along the shared boundary to further protect privacy.
The National Planning Policy Framework strongly advocates the need to consult early with the Council and local residents alike, something that we have been advocating for a long time and is an integral part of our Four Stage Planning & Design Process

👏 We are delighted that planning was successfully approved for our client🙌

If you have a project that you would like to discuss, contact us for a no obligation consultation:

📧 enquiries@wspa.co.uk
📞 01737 225711
💻 www.wspa.co.uk

#UnlockingPotential #30yearsofUnlockingPotential #SouthEast #ResidentialDesign #Placemaking #BespokeDesign #SurreyArchitects #GreenBelt #GoodDesign #ConsiderateArchitecture #PlanningAndDesign #PlanningApproval #DevelopmentApproval #ArchitecturalInnovation #WSProfessionalism #WSCommunity #CreativeDesign #Inspiration #WeAreWSPA ...

A week on from the superb Gatwick Diamond Business Awards held at The Grand Brighton Hotel. Thank you to The Economic Prosperity Team at Reigate & Banstead Borough Council for the invite. It was great to catch up with the GDB community which keeps going from strength to strength. Congratulations to Sally, Mandi and the incredible team at GDB for a highly entertaining evening while celebrating the stand out businesses in the Gatwick Diamond. 💎 ...

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas from everyone at WS Planning & Architecture, WS Heritage and Brouard Architects. Thank you to our team, Preferred Partners and clients for another successful year. Our offices will be closed between Christmas and New Year reopening on 2nd January. #unlockingpotential #understandingheritage ...

Another superb @developcroydon conference at @croydonfairfield Great to catch up with up with @rplant69 @glennfosterphotography meet and many others along with the team @whitelabelcreativeuk who always deliver a superb event. Plenty of positives from the day including the need for authenticity and empowering positive change in your community. Also pleased to choose the @croydoncollegegameproject break out session after lunch and learn more about esports. #gameon 👏 ...

Insightful talk on Regenerative Design from David Hampshire, Sustainability Director at Aecom who literally wrote the book on the subject. Thank you to the team at Croydon Constructing Excellence for another thought provoking event and opportunity to network with like minded businesses in the construction sector. #unlockingpotential ...

Looking back to a perfect afternoon @reigateheathgolfclub for the @psdsinfo Charity Golf Day. Great fun for a great cause. Great to see fellow @reigateguild members @twmsolicitorsllp @houseofbuildinggroup @joshuajamesltd and @borahurst_ltd there too! ...