Planning is working

by Jo Lucas
On 3rd February 2011, the London Borough Richmond-upon-Thames planning committee gave unanimous consent for a contemporary four bedroom house in a conservation area, in the shadow of Kew Gardens.

Given the recent change in Government and the associated changes in planning laws with a focus on localism, we were not at any point assured of getting planning for such a modern design.  On the night of the planning committee, the two cases previous to ours were refused and our level of tension rose.  We have such a clear vision of what we want to achieve with our home.  Our key challenge was to share that vision with the planners, the committee and our future neighbours, in the hope they would support our plans.    Our architects put considerable effort into producing models, images and succinct reports to bring our plans to life for others.  We were extremely appreciative that some of our neighbours came to show their support and speak in favour of the scheme.

Tree house massing model presented to the planning committee

Tree house could not exist anywhere else but in Kew, possibly not even outside of Cambridge Road. The final high quality design has been achieved by working in collaboration with the planners and in close consultation with the local community, to create a contemporary re-interpretation of the local vernacular:   The retained frontage beds the house into the street, the gabled forms reflect the roofscape of the surrounding area and the material palette provides a modern twist on the autumnal hues of the neighbouring properties.

Planning is about allowing high quality design that will create a sustainable legacy and the process has worked to deliver this.  As Councillor Martin Elgorn said, "We should congratulate the architects and client for what they have come up with".