the challenge
The Locksmill project posed a few challenges. The building, which is listed, is located close to the centre of the town of Nailsworth in the Cotswolds.
It lies adjacent to a stream, within a conservation area and development work was not to be allowed to interfere with what was deemed to be a natural habitat for bats!
Our client had already received planning approval to build two new one bedroom bungalows on the footprint of a single storey commercial building and to convert a two storey mill building into one three bedroom property.
the solution
After some initial discussions, and some exploratory work on our part, we proposed adding a second storey to the bungalows to make two three bedroom cottages, achieving two additional bedrooms per property. The mill building was going to be one three bedroom property. We suggested raising the roof of the building to achieve an additional floor which allowed us to fit two three bedroom properties into the existing building envelope.
We have always taken a consultative approach toward planning applications. By discussing the application in depth with the planning department we were able to address any potential concerns they might have relating to the proposed revisions. By undertaking a bat survey we also managed to successfully avoid any issues around the conservation of the bat habitat.
