Challenge
Replacing a small, uncomfortable post-war house on a typical-looking suburban plot designated as Urban Open Space, after Bromley Council had previously resisted redevelopment, while creating two modern family homes without undermining the site’s openness or landscape value.
Approach
Designing a carefully restrained pair of semi-detached homes positioned at right angles to the street, intelligently maximising the site’s capacity to deliver valuable additional floorspace while directing new built form away from public views and introducing trees, shrubs and rain gardens to strengthen biodiversity.
Solution
Securing planning permission on appeal for two well-proportioned homes after the inspector concluded that the limited harm to Urban Open Space was outweighed by the benefits of the thoughtful design, enhanced landscaping and delivery of much-needed housing.