Latest News
Fire Station revisited
12.04.10
Jon and Andy were involved in securing the original consent in 2007 and Beacon have been appointed by Grosvenor Developments Ltd to extend the life of the Planning Permission and Conservation Area Consent to redevelop Cambridge Fire Station and to agree a number of beneficial amendments. An application to extend the life of the current consent was lodged on 12 April.
Hertford Historic Building Assessment
09.04.10
Beacon have prepared a Historic Building Assessment to accompany a revised application for Listed Building Consent for the conversion of the existing first and second floor residential accommodation in Hertford to 4 separate units. The original application was refused because insufficient information had been produced to demonstrate that the proposed development could be achieved without harm to the historic fabric and the special interest of the listed building. Our report demonstrated that all features of architectural and historic interest could be retained, including the fireplaces (except the two modern ones at second floor) and all skirtings, cornices, picture rails, doors and windows wherever practically possible.
Home and office consent, Suffolk
31.03.10
Beacon have secured planning permission and listed building consent for the conversion of barns and outbuildings to a single dwelling house with ancillary residential annexe and associated office.
Although the site had consent for 3 holiday lets, the applicants wished to use the site as the base for their business with annexes for disabled family members. After extensive pre application negotiations, the Council accepted that the proposal would ensure the long term protection of the setting of a listed building and be an attractive complex of buildings in the rural landscape. The amended designs were considered by the Council’s Conservation Officer to be an improvement from the holiday let scheme.
‘All in the garden is rosy…’
30.03.10
A planning and Listed Building has been allowed for the retention of a formal garden at a Grade II Building near Linton, Cambridgeshire. The Council argued that the lack of garden was part of the character of the Listed Building and that its introduction was harmful to the informal nature of the parkland setting.
The Inspector agreed with our case and said ‘the small, relatively discrete area at the back of the house introduces an acceptable element of vitality which to my mind, enhances the setting of the Listed Building’.
He acknowledged the specialist advice on historic gardens obtained from Dr Twigs Way and concurred with the view that ‘the designer in this case has successfully used historic features, form and materials to link the architectural features of the house with the informal landscape in a way that is sensitive to the historic context’.
Masterplanning in Norfolk
26.03.10
Beacon have been appointed to develop a masterplan for a site on the outskirts of Norwich to help meet the housing and employment needs of the area. The site has been promoted through the Council’s LDF process for the past couple of years and received local support. Following the appointment of specialist consultants, a series of baseline surveys are underway to identify if there any major site constraints, and if so to put forward relevant mitigation measures.
Oh I do like to be beside the seaside!
22.02.10
Following the receipt of a number of adverse comments from local societies, English Heritage and the Georgian Group, Beacon were appointed to prepare a Historic Building Assessment of a former Hotel in Cromer, Norfolk to support a proposal for a single storey extension, including infilling a vehicular archway.
A number of discussions were held with the officers of North Norfolk District Council and representatives of the Town Council and it became clear during these discussions that some of the concerns about the impact of the works on the listed building and conservation area were based on misunderstandings about the importance of the historic fabric or could be answered by providing further analysis of the buildings concerned.
Our report demonstrated that the new extensions will make the retail units far more attractive to good quality retailers and of a size not sufficiently well-represented by the current retail ‘offer’ in the town. This has obvious benefits to the long-term viability of the buildings and the vitality of the Cromer conservation area and town generally. The improved access to the flats will make them more convenient and secure, which again must be a benefit to their long-term viability.
Beacon commended by Royal Town Planning Institute
04.02.10
Beacon’s achievements have been recognised by the Royal Town Institute. Beacon were awarded a commendation in the ‘Small Planning Consultancy of the Year Award’ at the ceremony held at the Hilton on London’s Park Lane. Although naturally disappointed not to be named as the winner, we were delighted that our work was sufficiently highly regarded to be the only small consultancy to achieve a commendation in these prestigious awards
Housing and artist studio consent
02.02.10
Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent have been secured for the refurbishment of a group of buildings within the grounds of an historic Manor House and adjacent to the Grade II* Listed church. The permission will create two dwellings and artist studios. The proposals secure the long term future for these buildings. They have been identified in the Conservation Area Appraisal as being in need of enhancement. It is hoped that the project will be used by English Heritage as part of their ongoing research into energy conservation in historic buildings.
Lucky 13!
13.01.10
On 13 January 2010, Cambridge City Council’s Planning Committee finally granted planning permission and Conservation Area Consent for the demolition of this Victorian house at 13 Chesterton Road which was beyond structural repair and its replacement with a high quality apartment building containing 12 flats. Beacon Planning were the planning consultants for the scheme which was designed by the architect Scott Whight.
Harvey Court
12.01.10
Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent has been granted for the first phase of refurbishment work to this Grade II* Listed 1960s Gonville and Caius College student accommodation building. Beacon Planning acted as planning and conservation consultants for the scheme and led the consultations with groups including the City Council, English Heritage and the Twentieth Century Society.
MILL LANE /OLD PRESS SITE, CAMBRIDGE
12.01.10
In 2009, Beacon Planning was appointed by Cambridge City Council and Cambridge University to carry out an independent assessment of the heritage assets within this historic riverside area in Cambridge. The report formed part of the evidence supporting the production of formal guidance encouraging the rejuvenation of the area. This Supplementary Planning Document was formally adopted by Cambridge City Council on 12 January 2010.
Change of use approved
31.12.09
Beacon have secured consent for the change of use from a voluntary sector resource centre to shop and House in Multiple Occupation with 11 rooms for a property in Cambridge.
HOTEL RESERVATION - WIVENHOE HOUSE, COLCHESTER
21.12.09
Beacon Planning have been appointed by the University of Essex to act as planning and heritage consultants to lead the proposed refurbishment of this Grade II* Building as a new 4* ‘teaching’ hotel. The scheme, which it is intended will include the replacement of a 1980s wing, will be designed by Bond Bryan Architects.
Appraising Basildon’s Conservation Areas
04.12.09
Beacon have been appointed by Basildon District Council to prepare appraisals of 3 Conservation Areas, to advise on whether new Conservation Areas should be designated, and to consider the redevelopment potential of sites which are considered to have a ‘negative impact’.
Down on the farm
11.11.09
Beacon have been appointed as planning and historic building consultants to give advice on the refurbishment and conversion of Grade II listed farm buildings in Suffolk to residential accommodation. The architects for the proposed development are Feilden and Mawson.
School of Pythagoras
30.10.09
The School of Pythagoras is a Grade I Listed Building which dates to the C12 and is thought to be the oldest, originally domestic building in Cambridgeshire. Surprisingly, it was owned by Merton College, Oxford until the 1940s when it was acquired by the adjacent St John’s College. The building was converted into a performance venue in the 1960s but is now dated and fails to meet modern standards. Beacon Planning are working as part of the design team including Caroe Architecture to convert the building to a new College archive centre.
Appeal win in Surbiton
21.10.09
After a Public Inquiry spanning nine months and three sittings, a Planning Inspector has granted consent for the erection of a residential care home in Surbiton. We were originally appointed to provide evidence to demonstrate that the design of the proposed building was of a high quality and appropriate for its location next to a Conservation Area. Our evidence demonstrated that the demolition of 3 properties (which were included within the Conservation Area part way through the Inquiry) was acceptable given the design quality of the proposed replacement building.
The Inspector completely accepted our case and stated, ‘I conclude that the appeal scheme would make a greater contribution than the site currently makes to the Conservation Area, which would therefore be enhanced. It would not harm the character of the Conservation Area which would therefore be preserved.
Beacon shortlisted for national award
15.10.09
We have been shortlisted by the Royal Town Planning Institute for the prestigious ‘Planning Consultancy of the Year’. The winner will be announced at the annual awards ceremony in London in February.
Appeal win in King's Lynn
29.09.09
Appeal win in King’s Lynn – acting for King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Council we successfully defended their decision to refuse an application for 150 new homes. The Inspector agreed that ‘the provision of public open space and play areas would not be of suitable quality and would have a restricted degree of use’ and ‘the proposal would not achieve effective levels of community safety, through levels of permeability and passive surveillance and the use of remote car parking areas’.
Divinity School approved
06.08.09
The Planning and Listed building applications for the refurbishment of the Grade II Listed former University Divinity School were approved by Cambridge City Council.
Wisbech historic building appraisal
02.08.09
Wisbech historic building appraisal. The Ferry Project asked Beacon to carry out a historic building assessment of Nos. 10A-14 South Brink, Wisbech in connection with an application to convert the buildings to a mixed use development including a hostel, education and training facilities, a bookshop, doctor’s surgery, cafe, shop and administration / offices. Nos. 10A-11 & 14 South Brink are Grade II Listed Buildings and No. 12 South Brink is a Grade II* Listed Building. Our report provides an assessment of the significance of the building and its different components to help all those involved in the consideration of the development proposals.
Conserving Chelmsford
23.06.09
Conserving Chelmsford – The Borough Council have appointed us to provide a comprehensive account of the setting of the grade I listed New Hall and Boreham House and their grade II registered parks and gardens, assimilating the material produced by the Council and bringing together the studies undertaken by others (by end of August). In addition, we have been asked to undertake an assessment of the grade II listed barns at Old Lodge Farm to advise on suitable approaches to conversion.
Back to school again!
02.06.09
Back to school again – Appointed by Hertfordshire Property (Hertfordshire County Council) to produce a historic building / conservation area assessment of Bushey Hall School. This will provide an understanding of the historic interest of the buildings and features on the site as the basis for a scheme to redevelop the site. Such an assessment was seen by English Heritage as being an important element of the justification for any proposed demolitions.
Back to school
02.06.09
Back to school - Beacon have been appointed by St Mary’s School in Cambridge to assist in securing planning permission for a new school building. Working with the architects - John McAslan + Partners - we have led discussions with the City Council and English Heritage on the detailed design of the building and to demonstrate there are no adverse impacts on the Conservation Area and Botanic Garden. The planning application is due to be lodged in October.
