Case Studies, Planning Applications
Conservation Area, Green Belt, Hotel, Listed Buildings, Residential Development

The White Horse Hotel was a failing business, and the site was acquired by Sandhill Homes, a residential developer. Waller Planning were employed, with Bryant and Moore Architects, to seek planning permission for the redevelopment of the rear part of the site for housing, whilst the Grade II listed hotel building was to be refurbished.

The site lies in the Green Belt, where new development is generally restricted. Officers initially objected to any more than a maximum of six modest-sized terraced houses to the rear of the hotel. Officers also advised that these houses should be focussed only on the part of the site which already contained buildings.

We led pre-application discussions with the Council, and were successful in reaching agreement with Officers for eight large semi-detached houses. Their size was maximised, whilst minimising the impact on the openness of the Green Belt, by the use of basements and loft accommodation. We were also able to convince the Council that the development should be spread across the site, providing an open space at the rear of the listed building, with houses arranged around it.

Working closely with Officers and the Architect, we helped to reach agreement over a suitable design for the houses, given their proximity to the listed building and within a conservation area. We also led discussions on the amendments to the listed building, including the design for the reconstruction of the entire rear of the building.

Planning permission was granted in early 2016, with construction starting later that year.

Pre-development view. Image by Bryant + Moore Architects.

Approved Site Layout. Image by Bryant + Moore Architects.

Approved 3D view. Image by Bryant and Moore Architects.

Approved 3D view of development. Image by Bryant + Moore Architects.