Context

The main house built after 1860's was used as a B&B. The proposed development is fronting onto the main street and corner of Market Square. The proposal to resort the B&B  and develop its adjoining site with the intervention of a new two storey house and the restoration of an old coach house as a 2 bedroom townhouse.

 

Challenge

I was asked by the owners to undertake a building design and planning application on development proposals for an old town house and adjoining site. Work included conservation-led practice design issues to be carefully considered in arriving at a brief for restoration work to the existing structure and development proposals on the adjoining site and to work with town people, administrators and planners to resolve conflicts and to develop conservation strategies appropriate to local needs, abilities and resources. Although the project was not on the Record of Protected Structures it was in an architectural conservation area. Accordingly I advised my clients it should be approached on the basis of its planning status and its architectural and artistic characteristics. I carried out a measured and photographic survey of the house to prepare a report on the property. The report with drawings and other documentation was submitted in support of an application for planning permission.

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Solution

The proposal in 3 parts, involves firstly work on the main premises with a side extension fronting onto O’Connell Street to add extra table space for breakfasts at ground floor with a double bedroom at first floor level. A new return extension to accommodate modern kitchen and service areas ancillary to the B&B with 3 new double bedrooms over. Replace former chimneys placed centrally on the ridge of traditional design. Install new external doors and windows in solid painted timber. Provide new rainwater goods affixed to an advanced eaves course in stone, concrete or render.

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Secondly the restoration of an existing coach house for use as a 2 bedroom townhouse. Where it is proposed to restore the historical coach house this will be carried out under the supervision of a Structural Engineer with conservation experience.

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Thirdly the proposal involves the intervention of a new 3 bedroom town house at the corner of Ballalley Lane and Railway Road. This new house contemporary exteriors and interior finishes, a corner house on the site two storeys in height with a single storey terrace roof adjacent to the coach house. It is proposed this house will contrast with the coach house and guest house premises so that each stand alone and add an interesting architectural and artistic composition. All three elements will wrap around a newly landscaped garden and courtyard.

 

Lessons

Comment on exterior finished new townhouses.

The new townhouse having 2 bedroom ground floor with living, dining, kitchen, en suite first floor and open courtyard and an existing “protected structure” fully restored for domestic use.

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The proposed works will add another layer to the historic structure in a manner that will retain the integrity of the original and not adversely diminish its special architectural and artistic interest. 

 

Regrettably the financial crash came and put development on hold.

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