Case Studies

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The Colonnade, Tilehurst, Reading
Client: First Deal Properties

Acting for First Deal Properties, Boyer Planning submitted a planning application to West Berkshire Borough Council for the development of 14 flats above a local parade of shops in Overdown Road, Tilehurst, in the south west of Reading. The scheme comprised a mix of one and two bedroom apartments, along with changes to the rear service yard, alterations to the parking area, and access and provision of a raised amenity area for the apartments. The design (prepared by our in-house team at HP Architects) was revised following discussions with planning officers and was put to the council’s Western Area Planning Committee with an officer’s recommendation that it should be approved.

In spite of the officer’s positive recommendation, the application was refused by councillors, mainly on the grounds of its density, scale and design, and the visual impact on adjoining properties. Boyer Planning was appointed to appeal against the council’s decision through an informal hearing. Preparation for the appeal involved a full appraisal of the local context, analysis of the impact of the scheme and reference to design policies and guidance at all levels. We lodged the appeal and prepared a detailed statement thoroughly refuting all the reasons for refusal. Having qualified urban design expertise within our company enabled us to provide convincing evidence both within our statements and in oral evidence at the hearing as to why the proposed density, scale, design and visual impact of the proposal were entirely appropriate to the location and reflected acknowledged best practice in urban design. This was backed up by additional graphic material in the form of sections, street scene elevations and coloured perspective views produced by HP Architects. We also co-ordinated the input of transport consultants for the appeal, to deal with third party objections on traffic and highways safety grounds.

The inspector allowed the appeal, finding for the appellants on all grounds. He was so convinced by the design arguments presented that he stated the following in his decision letter: "Overall, I consider it would be a landmark building which would make a welcome addition to the street scene".

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