Project

Conversion and new build a property Gravesend, Kent .      

Summary
Situated in a Conservation Area, a property development that John Groom was involved in. Planning permission was granted for the conversion and extension of a derelict building to  provide a total of 12 apartments,       

Description of project: A property development company bought the building. John Groom was tasked with obtaining planning permission and (as Company Secretary) shared in the profits.

Site history: The original building was built in about 1900, with dominant Dutch gables. It became the 'Old Comrades Club' after the First World War. In the 1960's it was extended with a single storey  building of modern design. Subsequently membership declined and the club closed about four years ago. It fell into disrepair.

Design & planning: Early attempts to obtain planning permission were not successful as the original architects and separate planning consultants were not coordinated by the then owners. John Groom was brought in as an experienced developer/architect/ planner to carry out the design work. The scheme was redesigned, as the original design consisted of 17 studio apartments, which would not have been commercially viable. The revised scheme consisted of a smaller number (12) of one and two bedroom apartments. Design and other problems were encountered with the LPA. A planning appeal was made which was successful (see Recent Consultancy Projects).

Outcome: Local developers bought the site with the planning permission. Work on construction is almost complete (see photo and drawing.

Project
One off detached chalet bungalow

Summary 
One off detached chalet bungalow  individual design for private  client.  Located in Prinsted near Emsworth in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Description of project: The client bought a detached bungalow which was built 30 years ago, and was in substandard condition: the brief was to design a new dwelling, and he would manage the construction.

Site history: The original bungalow had replaced a previous one destroyed by fire. The site is raised and had a number of small trees which had to be removed. A full land survey was completed by consultants, and a structural engineer employed to dig trial holes and carry out soil analysis.

Design and planning: Over a period of a couple of months a design was produced to the clients requirements. The floor area of the new building was increased from 72m2 (775ft2) to 165m2 (1800ft2). A planning application was submitted and permission was granted in eight weeks. Further applications were made for minor changes to the design, and for a timber framed double garage. In addition a planning appeal was made against an onerous condition in respect of landscaping. The Planning Inspector allowed the appeal. (see Recent Consultancy Projects)

Outcome: The client organised the construction of the project as a self builder. The NHBC were involved in certifying work as it progressed so that a completion certificate could be issued.

 Summary
Queen Street, Emsworth The client wished to make many alterations to his 18th Century Listed House which is also in the Conservation Area.

Description of project: The client bought the house, and did not initially realise that most internal and external alterations required Listed Building Consent and in some cases Planning Permission.

Site history: Although the building is narrow, it has a cellar and is on three stories. It was extended at the rear with a large living area and garage underneath. Although Listed only for its external 'street scene' value, the Listing means that any new work and alterations require permission.

Design & planning: There were many alterations that required Listed Building Consent and Planning Permission. Negotiations were held with the Havant Borough Council Conservation Officer. Work included new steps, handrail, doorcase and dormer window to Queen Street elevation. To the rear a leaking flat roof was replaced with a single pitched slated roof, and a rear bedroom needed a new roof and reconstructed balcony.

Outcome: The client (while still living in the building) carried out much of the work himself using subcontractors where necessary.

Description of project: This concerned the purchase of a semi-derelict house with space for another house adjoining. The site is close to the Chichester canal basin and in the Conservation Area.

Site history: Research reveals that there has been a small structure on the site since about 1850. The surrounding area was originally the Chichester gasworks and the structure was expanded to become the overseer’s house. The gasworks closed some years ago and the house is all that is left.

 Design and planning: A scheme was devised to mirror the design of the existing building. The internal layout of the new house was changed which resulted in a better use of space. Planning permission was received within about eight weeks.

Outcome: A full refurbishment was carried out on the existing house and the new dwelling.

Description of project: To refurbish an existing house and convert a timber framed shop into a dwelling. The properties are both Listed Buildings and in a Conservation Area.

Site history: In the square in the centre of Hambledon existed a Georgian house, with an older structure which had been used as a butcher's shop for many years. The house needed a complete internal refurbishment, but the structure of the shop was in very poor condition and needed extensive structural work. There was no accommodation at first floor level.

Design and planning: Planning permission was only required for the conversion of the shop to a dwelling. Work included reconstruction of the rear part of the oak timber frame and replacement of most of the roof, with the addition of two dormer windows. Planning permissions were obtained after detailed negotiations with the Local Planning Authority.

Outcome: The construction work was carried out by the development company of which John Groom was an owner and director. Both houses were successfully refurbished to a high standard.

Description of project:
The brief for this project was to design a single storey extension for an Edwardian house in Emsworth. It provides a single space which includes a dining area part under a conventional pitched roof, part with a substantial area of glazing which can be used in the summer. It has the advantages of a conservatory giving good light, but avoids excessive heat gain.