112-114 Thorpe Road, Norwich

The practice was engaged to provide a Planning strategy and accompanying Architectural Services for redevelopment of a site containing existing office accommodation for residential purposes.

The Planning team identified an opportunity to utilise the then newly introduced Permitted Development Rights to convert the existing building from office to residential, via a Prior Approval application, submitted in tandem with a full application for external alterations.

An imaginative design approach was required, as the existing building comprised an attractive Victorian villa, with a large unattractive 4-storey rear extension added during the 1960s. In addition, the site’s location within a Conservation Area and adjacent to a Grade II* Historic Park and Garden necessitated a particularly sensitive design approach.

Working closely with the Council, the Planning team secured approval of both applications within their target determination periods, and with minimal conditions.