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Ref. H/S/Cavendish/P/PAJune12
Dear Sirs,
Please find attached a detailed planning application for a new dwelling for a site at Westham, Arbory Road, Castletown.
PA08/01079/B granted planning approval for a 3 storey house of traditional design. PA09/01217/B granted planning approval for changes to the design previously approved by PA08/01079/B.
This design has been developed in response to a brief from the potential purchaser of the property who likes the location of the house, but would prefer a more contemporary and sustainable design than the one that was approved by PA09/01217/B. The previous approval sat in the middle of the site thus limiting useable garden space whilst the traditional form restricted natural daylight into the house in what is already a dark site due to the mature trees that screen all the boundaries.
The site is accessed, via a private drive from the Arbory Road, into the southern corner of the site. The 'green field' site, which is almost square on plan, is surrounded on all sides by large mature trees, leaving the site within the boundary clear for development. The site is approximately one acre in size.
The proposed dwelling is positioned with the main body of the house sitting in the north-east side of the site, close to the boundary, but clear of the existing trees. The main part of the house faces south-west into the site, overlooking the garden and benefiting from the southerly aspect and natural daylight into the building.
A single storey 'wing' containing the lounge projects south-west, from the centre of the main part of the building, into the 'garden' and acts as a separation between the 'front' approach to the property and the more private 'rear' garden. Visitors approaching the house will automatically be channelled to the front door, with car parking adjacent. The single story height of the projecting lounge limits any overshadowing this part of the house will have on the garden and leaves the site entrance area 'light and airy'.
The re siting of the property also further distances the proposed dwelling from existing properties, than the extant approvals.
The existing large mature trees to the sites perimeter will all be retained as part of this development. We have highlighted a small group of trees (located nearer the middle of the site) to be removed. These are multi stemmed self seeded Sycamores of poor form and suppressing the growth of the mature trees which surround them. A Horse Chestnut tree, previously granted permission for removal, has also been highlighted for removal due to concerns of its stability after being damaged by lightening. During construction, the area
beneath the canopy of the trees to be retained will be fenced off to avoid the ground in these areas being compacted by site activities.
Planting to the boundary of the site is to be reinforced with significant tree and hedge planting to provide mutually beneficial privacy between the proposed dwelling and existing properties. We will be planting approximately double the number of trees being removed though will be using other species as opposed to Sycamore (Oak and Silver Birch). These trees will be located closer to the boundaries to aid and enhance mutual privacy.
The plan, form and site layout addresses the purchaser's requirements and most importantly makes the best of the site conditions.
The site is very well screened by existing mature trees on the perimeter and does not afford any views out of the site. However, the heavily planted boundary has the benefit that the site is very private. Coupled with the wish to maximise natural daylight into the house, the use of large areas of glazing is a logical approach in the design of the house.
The roofs are very low pitched and as well as achieving a contemporary aesthetic, they also have the advantage of limiting the height and visual mass of the building to one lower than the extant approval.
In terms of finishes, the use of painted rendered walls and high quality cedar cladding are all within the pallet of materials used in contemporary house design. A mineral based render paint system, like 'Keim' will be used, which has significant sustainable credentials as it is solvent and VOC free and has a very long service life when compared to standard external paints. The cedar timber cladding is very durable with a service life in excess of 60 years is a 'carbon neutral' building material in that it absorbs carbon dioxide in its growth thereby benefitting the environment. Both the mineral paint system and cedar cladding have a natural feel and sits well within the woodland environments whilst also adding brightness to the woodland shade.
With regards to sustainability, it is proposed the house will arrive on site as a prefabricated timber kit, in line with sustainable construction techniques, to reduce site waste, shorten site construction time and in turn reduce site risks. The use of a factory fabricated kit ensures that a high level of construction accuracy can be achieved, continuous super insulated construction fully implemented and improved air tightness to reduce heat escaping.
The positioning of the building on the site and the use of large expanses of glazing on the south facing elevation will result in high levels of daylight into the buildings and reduce the time when artificial light will be required, thereby limiting power consumption. Solar gain is encouraged throughout the year whilst the use of openable windows and doors will naturally moderate internal temperatures. The roof overhangs will offer shade from the 'fierce', high, mid day summer sun, whilst the leaf loss on deciduous trees in the winter months will allow sunlight to shine through the branches when the sun is low.
Solar water heating panels, low water use toilet cisterns and low energy use LED light fitting and kitchen appliances are all features that will be used in the construction of this dwelling.
The house is unashamedly contemporary in its design and we believe it will be a high quality and significant addition to the Isle of Man stock.
We trust that we have provided sufficient information for this application to be determined but should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Yours faithfully,
George Li
For and on behalf of Hartford Homes
Encl
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