Just because a Design Might be Unusual, it Does Not Mean it is Harmful to the Character of the Area

Key Highlights :

1. A Cambridge based estate agents has secured planning permission to build an eco-home, which was designed by local architects.

2. The local authority expressed concern over its modern design but following an appeal the planning inspector has since granted permission.

3. The house has been designed by leading practice, Gary Johns Architects, based in Ely.

4. Once complete, it will feature a series of environmental measures to ensure low carbon living.

5. Once complete, the building will be constructed from a modern construction method, which will aim to increase its thermal performance.

6. The key points are that the property will feature a air source heat pump, electric vehicle charging, high efficiency external materials, and also a wild swimming area, set within around a third of an acre plot.

     The Cambridge-based estate agents, Cheffins, have secured planning permission to build an eco-home near Ely. The property, which will span 2,558.5 sq ft, is designed to showcase “possibilities for new rural homes” and will feature a series of environmental measures to ensure low carbon living.

     Despite initial resistance from the local council, Cheffins’ proposal was granted permission by the planning inspector. This is an important example of how just because a design might be unusual, it does not mean it is harmful to the character of the area or should be refused.

     The eco-home, designed by local architects, Gary Johns Architects, will feature an air source heat pump, electric vehicle charging, high efficiency external materials, and a wild swimming area. It will be constructed from a modern construction method, which will aim to increase its thermal performance.

     Ruth Gunton, senior planner at Cheffins, said: “Our clients had bought the plot with planning permission for a house but wanted to build something which was unique to them. This brought them to Cheffins and to Gary Johns Architects to come up with a new proposal. The plans were at first met with resistance by the local council due to its modern design, however, following a long-running appeal, the Planning Inspector has since granted permission for this very special property.”

     This example shows that modern designs can be beneficial to the character of an area, and should not be automatically refused. The eco-home is set to be completed by late 2023, and will provide an example of the possibilities of low carbon living.

     Cheffins have shown that just because a design might be unusual, it does not mean it is harmful to the character of the area. The eco-home is set to be completed by late 2023, and will provide an example of the possibilities of low carbon living. This is an important example of how modern designs can be beneficial to the character of an area, and should not be automatically refused.

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