HPP gain planning permission for innovative large extension to small historic cottage in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Site: The Old Bull Pens, Nr Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

The site comprises a small 1 bedroom Cotswold stone barn conversion.  Originally a bull pen building, the site forms part of a historic complex of Cotswold vernacular stone barns. The site is located within a designated Conservation Area and the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). 

The client’s brief was to achieve a large extension to accommodate two additional bedrooms.  Given the historic character and form of the building and its location within the Conservation Area and AONB, the local planning authority was insistent that only a very modest lean-to extension to accommodate an additional bathroom and galley kitchen would be acceptable.

To address Cotswold District Council concerns relating to the historic integrity of the building, its setting and landscape impact, HPP’s solution was to take innovative design approach and provide a large subterranean extension.  Specifically, a small lean-to extension was designed to facilitate a new staircase leading to the underground addition.  Although underground, the additional living space is light and contemporary with a hidden void enabling a glazed wall onto a small courtyard garden.  Additional light into the underground space is provided with bespoke roof lights designed to look like animal troughs to reinforce the agricultural character and historic use of the building.  

After careful negotiation with the local planning authority and submission of a detailed assessment to demonstrate the proposal would cause no demonstrable harm to the historic integrity of the building, the Conservation Area and the Cotswolds AONB, the application received planning permission.  Despite the constraints of the site, the client has now achieved a family sized home and the ability to live comfortably on the site for years to come.