Getting the best advice
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Commenting on planning applications is an important part of the Society’s role. It helps to ensure that we bring to the attention of SKDC planning authorities proposals that could damage the building in question and have a negative impact on the Conservation Area. We are fortunate to be able to call on five local experts for advice, whose professional expertise covers architecture, design and architectural history.
These professionals give a rigour to the Society’s comments on planning applications, and help to avoid a subjective response. They meet together once a month, hosted by Ross Thain, and go through current applications. Anyone professionally involved in a particular planning application does not contribute or influence the opinion of the other advisors. |
l to r: Ross Thain, David Heeley, Jon Richards, John Smith and James Heesom
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What do they look for when considering a planning application? Well, it helps if the plans and paperwork are clear about the works intended – this is not always the case. Much time can be wasted when the applicant has not included sufficient detail. The advisors will recommend that SKDC asks for further information before a decision is made.
When changes will alter an historic building the advisors look to see that these are able to be reversed, and it will be possible to interpret the history and former iterations of the building. The advisors want to be constructive – just commenting adversely does not enable the homeowner or developer to understand how to solve an architectural problem. They can help prospective developers by offering informal but expert advice and where necessary will visit the property in question and discuss proposals.
A good example of how this works in practice was the development of Cobblestone Yard on Bath Row. The developers and their architect were happy to talk through their ideas and get our advisors’ opinions at an early stage of the planning process. One aspect of the design – how to replace the original distinctive fenestration – prompted much debate. As a result the existing hierarchy of the openings was retained and plans adapted to maximise light, without widening the openings as previously considered.
The advisors’ role, however, is solely advisory and the final response on planning applications is agreed by the Society’s Committee.
When changes will alter an historic building the advisors look to see that these are able to be reversed, and it will be possible to interpret the history and former iterations of the building. The advisors want to be constructive – just commenting adversely does not enable the homeowner or developer to understand how to solve an architectural problem. They can help prospective developers by offering informal but expert advice and where necessary will visit the property in question and discuss proposals.
A good example of how this works in practice was the development of Cobblestone Yard on Bath Row. The developers and their architect were happy to talk through their ideas and get our advisors’ opinions at an early stage of the planning process. One aspect of the design – how to replace the original distinctive fenestration – prompted much debate. As a result the existing hierarchy of the openings was retained and plans adapted to maximise light, without widening the openings as previously considered.
The advisors’ role, however, is solely advisory and the final response on planning applications is agreed by the Society’s Committee.
