Listed Building Extension Won on Appeal in Colchester

In 2020, I secured a successful planning appeal against Colchester Borough Council, obtaining planning permisison and Listed Building consent for for the extension of a 17th Century farmhouse in rural Colchester, Essex.

The Council had refused the application - the claimed that the proposals would not preserve the Grade II listed building or its setting.

The Planning Issue

The appeal concerned a detached two storey timber-framed former farmhouse, originally arranged on a L-shape plan, that probably dates from the 17th Century and is Grade II listed. The building had been subject of much alteration and extension over time, particularly at the rear, most notably the western wing, which was completely rebuilt in 1999 following fire damage, and a Z-shape plan form has been created.

The planning issue was whether the new rear extension proposals would preserve the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building, including its setting.

The proposed scheme sought a gabled extension continuing the form of the 20th-century rear wing, was more carefully designed to be subservient to the historic range.

I put together a project team, including seeking specialist heritage advise, and consequentally demonstrated that its simple materials palette, modest scale and slight inset on both sides would ensure it read as a clear contemporary addition without competing with or distracting from the historic fabric.

This case illustrates the importance of detailed heritage assessment and considered design in listed building appeals.

The Planning Inspector agreed with my case and allowed the appeal. The Inspector concluded that buildings continually evolve and further change should be managed and not prohibited.

Planning Appeal Advice

If you have a development project and you have received a planning refusal, contact me for practical advice on whether an appeal is the right option and how to proceed.

Andrew Ransome MRTPI Email: andrew@adpltd.co.uk | Tel: 01206 242070

About me

Andrew Ransome is the planning director at ADP and is a chartered member of the RTPI, with over 22 years of town planning experience.

Andrew has extensive experience offering strategic planning solutions to challenging projects in both rural and urban settings. Follow him on Linkedin.

Planning Appeal Successes

Planning Appeal Information