Solution
The whole plot was over 500 sqm, but the existing building was only 127 sqm. The rest of the area was taken up by unsightly car parking. We knew, then, that there was plenty of room to expand the building, making much better use of all that space. But could we add all that extra room and still end up with something that the council still felt looked appropriate in a distinctively residential, suburban street?
We decided to build out in almost every direction, including up. This would create the space on the ground floor for a comprehensive set-up, including the two waiting rooms, four consultation rooms, two operating rooms, separate dental and X-ray rooms, a cattery and a kennel. Plus, on the roof, we added dormers to allow for a staff room with a kitchen and a shower.
All told, we added an astonishing 147% more gross internal area. The question was: having met the client’s needs, would it be acceptable to the council? Had we managed to more than double the size of the building and yet end up with something that the planning officers felt still fit in with the character of the neighbourhood?
The answer was yes: the council was happy with the design and planning permission was granted.