West Farm Close, Eltisley

The site lies south of the defined settlement of Eltisley, adjacent to the Conservation Area, which is characterised by a mix of architectural styles and materials. Local facades include red and buff brick, painted render, and timber weatherboarding with bespoke joinery. Roof forms vary in pitch, height, and finish, using clay plain tiles, pantiles and natural slate.

We met with the project planner to review concerns raised by neighbours and consultees and agreed a timetable that ensured the revised scheme could be considered within the determination period. Further discussions with the Parish Council helped clarify local expectations, leading to a proposal that was positively received and ultimately approved. Our design approach centred on creating a resident-focused layout and delivering high-quality, sustainable and affordable homes that respond sensitively to the local vernacular.

The proposed development was designed in compliance with the Nationally Described Space Standards and went above the local planning requirements with the layouts achieving Building Regulations Approved Document M level M4(2): ‘Accessible and Adaptable Dwellings’ and M4(3) ‘Wheelchair User Dwellings’, Thus allowing all dwellings to be adaptable in future to suit the residents needs across their lifetime. The project was also designed to Passivhaus design standards however during the tendering phase it was decided that this was unaffordable and so it was built to the higher end of Building Regulations requirements.

The dwellings incorporated innovative sustainable and energy efficient strategies by utilising renewable technologies including air source heat pumps and lowered water conservation approaches to create a scheme that has low energy usage and subsequently reduces tenant bills.

Due to intensive archaeology works on site, the commencement was delayed significantly after gaining approval. During this period the Building Regulations Approved Documents F, L, O and S introduced. We contacted Building Control and agreed a strategy to meet the updated Approved Documents these included additional background ventilation for Part F, lower U/value targets for Part L and stricter thermal bridging calculations, simplified method of overheating calculations for Part O, and confirmation that car charging points would be installed to all properties for Part S. The amendments above ensured we demonstrated compliance with the new/updated regulations and there were subsequently approved by the Building Control Officer.