Cheffins has successfully secured planning permission for a modern, eco-home in Sutton near Ely.
The property, which will extend to 2,558.5 sq ft plus carport and workshop, will include three double bedrooms, two of which are ensuite, a music and a craft room, downstairs shower room, storage room, pantry, and a large kitchen and dining space separated from the living room by a double-sided fire. The house has been designed by leading practice, Gary Johns Architects, based in Ely.
Once complete, it will feature a series of environmental measures to ensure low carbon living, including sedum roofs, an air source heat pump, PV panels, EV charging, high efficiency external materials, and also a wild swimming area, set within around a third of an acre plot. The building will be constructed from a modern construction method, which will significantly increase its thermal performance as well as safeguarding against heat loss and fabric inefficiencies.
Ruth Gunton, Senior Planner at Cheffins comments: “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. With a series of eco measures, this house will offer low carbon living and be a showcase of the possibilities for new rural homes in the future. There is scope in local and national planning policy for new, high-quality designs such as this, and 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.”
Within the decision notice, the Planning Inspector stated: “…it is a carefully designed dwelling which is visually interesting and would reflect the time in which it was designed. Given that there is no prevailing architectural style or theme in the existing built form in this part of the village, the proposed form and materials of the proposed dwelling would do no harm and simply add to the variety.”
Steve Turvill, the owner of the property and Director at Turvill Electrical Ltd comments:
“We are thrilled to have obtained planning permission, for our dream home. As building from scratch is such a big step, we wanted something well thought out, efficient, light, open and functional for modern living. Self-builders like us tend to be funnelled into designs that will get planning easily rather than a space you may actually prefer. We are indebted to Cheffins’ planning consultants for the work put in to realise our dream home. We hope that our being persistent and ultimately successful, will open doors for other slightly more adventurous designs in the future and give confidence to others. The natural swimming pond is pivotal to our landscape vision, future health and well-being, whilst enhancing biodiversity in the vicinity.”
Gary Johns from Gary Johns Architects, Ely comments:
“We thoroughly enjoyed working with Steve and Louise and it was refreshing to have the design freedom within the initial brief to bring their ideas to life. The end result is an exploration of collaborative thinking through our creative design processes. Key objectives of the design were quality, sustainability, and ecological enhancements. We look forward to progressing to the next work stage to see the build commence on site. “
Work is expected to start on site late 2023.
For further information, contact Cheffins Planning team on 01223 628921, ruth.gunton@cheffins.co.uk or visit www.cheffins.co.uk