Planning permission granted in West Sussex
Planning permission granted in West Sussex for rural house extension will mean the owners will be getting the extra space they need. The planning permission is for an extension to an 1830 house in a rural location, nestled in the South Downs National Park in West Sussex.
As the house in question is a rural cottage, the James Wells Architects scheme creates a subtle, subservient one storey extension which will bring new life to the ground floor family living area of this traditional rural home. The proposal is a single storey extension to the Northeast of the property. It will accommodate a new dining room and utility area at ground level. The new extension will be finished with rendered elevations and a slate roof, matching the materials of the existing with the same pitch of roof.
This landscape led design, which mirrors the typical form of farm workers cottages in the local area, picks up on the traditional design comprising the existing main two-storey block with subsidiary return wing, to creating a harmonious composition.
The proposed extension will be built to today’s construction regulations to comply with energy efficiency requirements. The scale and proportion of the design is such that it will not affect the overall composition of the property. Our design remains discreet and respectful of the West Sussex site’s historic and natural setting.
Extension to rural cottage
Complementing West Sussex Architectural Vernacular
The proposals have been designed in accordance with the South Downs National Park Policy Framework, with particular regards to Policy SD31. The modest increase in floor area (11%) adheres to policy guidelines, balancing the need for improved living space with the preservation of the area’s natural and cultural heritage. The proposed extension will have no significant impact on local views, dark skies, or sensitive habitats, ensuring the project aligns with the objectives of sensitive development.
The scheme responds to the agricultural history and character of the setting deploying traditional materials and forms, articulated in a contemporary architectural language.
SDNP White Cottage front facade
The small-scale extension has a low-profile ridge, ensuring that it doesn’t disrupt scenic views or detract from the overall landscape. The design location is on the rear side of the property, which will further reduce its visual impact. In addition, the new extension will respect the cultural heritage and local architectural character, as the aim is to blend in with the existing building to appear it has been standing for years before without overpowering the original building.
James comments, “this small rear extension has been carefully designed to respect the character, scale, and setting of the existing property and its location within the South Downs National Park. The design prioritises minimal visual impact, and the preservation of the surrounding landscape and biodiversity of West Sussex, in line with local and national planning policies.”
James Wells Architects are deeply experienced in the nuances of navigating planning permission for all kinds of properties, and especially those in conservation areas and with Listed status. To find out more about the complexities of seeking planning permission in West Sussex and the South Downs National Park, have a look at our page on planning permission here.
