Project Overview
Bell Cornwell has secured outline planning approval for nine residential dwellings within the grounds of Southbrook House, Cranbrook.
Cranbrook is a new town on the edge of Exeter, which is partially built and is set to see further significant housing growth. Therefore, the approval of nine dwellings may not seem that significant. However, in this instance, the site falls outside of the Cranbrook new town allocation and is classed as ‘open countryside’ where development is fiercely restricted.
We were able to put the case to the Council that the scheme would act as a small pocket of infill development. This was on the basis that, whilst being outside the allocation, the site is surrounded by that allocation and in the near future it will be surrounded by that extensive further development. The site is therefore in an eminently sustainable location.
Bell Cornwell worked closely with the project architect and technical consultants to ensure the delivery of a high-quality comprehensive design solution for the site that reflects the character of the hamlet of Southbrook in which the land is located. In taking this approach the scheme reflects the objectives of the wider emerging masterplan for the new town.
Bell Cornwell were also successful in negotiating down the affordable housing contributions with the Council by looking at the background interpretation of their affordable housing policy. As a result, we were able to secure a financial contribution equivalent to 25% affordable housing, as opposed to the 50% level originally sought by the Council. Our work on this had very positive implications for the ongoing viability of the scheme and will aid the future disposal of the site.
Image Credit – Grainge Architects.
