Once-in-a-generation planning permission secured for Lancashire Green Belt
Harrogate-based architects have secured planning approval to create a 20,000 sq ft villa next to listed parkland and heritage assets.
Nowadays, it seems as though – especially with renovation projects – properties are created with a modern, minimalistic outlook and any trace of character is removed. However, a new project from Shaw and Jagger, architects based in Harrogate, couldn’t be further from this idea.
As of the beginning of this week the architects have secured planning approval to create a new villa which will be representative of 18th century architecture and has been inspired by Woodfold Hall creators, James Wyatt and Sir Jeffry Wyatville, architects to King George III and King George IV.
In addition to producing lots of character, the new development is also environmentally friendly. The villa’s proposed landscape garden is set to improve biodiversity net gain by almost 90% through initiatives such as the planting of an oak woodland and creation of a lake to encourage a wild habitat.
The villa is due to be comprised of six bedrooms and be situated within 16 acres of Blackburn’s Green Belt listed parkland. The design is one of only 150 schemes to be granted permission since 1997 under the Country House Law national planning policy 84e, of which the vast majority were not situated in Green Belt land.
In their 20-page decision statement, the Planning Inspector, stated: ‘It is clear from the substantial evidence of experts in the field that the design of the proposal, its orientation, scale, detail, proportions, relationship to its site, the wider context, size, scale, form and layout all represent the highest standards of architecture. This exceptional quality design [of Woodfold Villa] would raise standards of design in rural areas, by demonstrating the depth of thought, reasoning and background needed to deliver such quality.’
Francis Shaw, director of Shaw and Jagger Architects, commented: ‘We knew from the outset achieving consent for the 20,000 sq ft Woodfold Villa was not going to be a straightforward planning process. The substantial building had to meet stringent design standards and the exceptional circumstances required to pass the benchmark of a green belt exemption. The Planning Inspector’s decision is therefore very welcome, and we are delighted with the strength of their endorsement of the design.
‘We are often commissioned to tackle the tough schemes, ones that other companies do not want to take the risk on. It requires a lot of research, hard work, and above all, a great team, and I am proud to add yet another Paragraph 84e achievement to Shaw and Jagger’s portfolio of considered and challenging projects.’
Image: Shaw and Jagger
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