First floor extension, Epping

Mark Price Theatre and Heritage Consultant was asked to provide a Heritage Statement in support of first floor side and rear extension. The property was located in the Epping Conservation Area but was not locally or statutory listed.

A small extension was desired at first floor level to accommodate a new bathroom off the master bedroom in order to make the property function better as a family home.

The first floor side and rear extension was carefully designed to respect the character of the building and the local area. It would be constructed above and on the same footprint as an existing single storey element. It would have matching fenestration that aligns with the existing windows on the property.

Supporting such alterations to properties in a well-preserved conservation area requires careful consideration and justification. The house was likely to date from the Edwardian period. The property included its side and rear garden, each of which added to the setting.  

An assessment and statement of significance was provided. The design was carefully considered and was kept to the minimum deemed necessary. The extension was a minor addition, in keeping with the style and proportions of the building. It was also subservient in nature, preserving the character of the building and the appearance of the property and the conservation area.

Mark was able to justify the proposals and works in order that the extension of the house could be endorsed. The assessment Mark made maintained that no important views to the houses or gardens beyond would be marred or harmed by the construction at first floor extension. Furthermore, none of the verdant garden setting would be harmed, indeed the proposal retained the spatial characteristics of the existing garden setting.

A Heritage Statement was provided that adhered to the Epping Forest District Local Plan Policies.

Contact Mark Price, Heritage Consultant, if you would like help with a similar project.

House in Henley-on-Thames.

Supporting extensions to a property in a well-preserved conservation area requires careful consideration and justification. Mark was asked to support a proposal and provide a Heritage Statement for the demolition of an existing conservatory and the erection of a single storey side extension.

The scheme needed careful justification to ensure the proposals preserved the Remenham Henley Bridge Conservation Area. The property was described in a local newspaper at the time as being a ‘riverside residence in great demand in this favourite locality’.

The style of the house had its roots in the Arts & Crafts movement and ‘Old English’ fashions. Timber frame or ‘half-timbering’ revival superseded the high Victorian style of architecture typically characterised by the Gothic Revivalism of the mid-19th century.

Mark was able to justify the proposals and the design of the side extension. These maintained that the alterations caused no harm to the conservation area. An assessment and statement of significance was provided, taking into account national policy.

Conservation area designation does not exclude all possibility of alterations to properties within the area.  It requires that it preserves or enhances the character or appearance. The report also had to take into account the Council’s Adopted Core Strategy Development Plan as well as its Borough Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document.

Mark was able to provide a Heritage Statement adhering to national and local guidance.