Background
The Ernest Cook Trust, a distinguished educational charity dedicated to fostering lifelong learning, were looking to redevelop their existing facilities to serve their mission. Edgars were approached to provide expert guidance in securing planning permission for an ambitious project aimed at transforming a residential farmhouse, and associated stable building, into a head office and an educational hub.
The client made it clear that the redevelopment should not only include architectural modifications, but also thoughtful landscaping enhancements to harmonise the site with its natural surroundings, reflecting the Trust’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Project Challenges
The first area of concern was the Heritage of the site, as the farmhouse was situated within the Quenington Conservation Area, a designation that posed a dual challenge. Not only did Edgars need to obtain planning permission for any alterations to the site, its archaeological potential needed to be recognised.
Beyond heritage considerations, the site’s rural context demanded careful attention to anticipated changes in traffic type and frequency to ensure minimal disruption to the local community. Each of these factors required a comprehensive and balanced approach, ensuring the project met planning and conservation standards while respecting the unique historical and ecological qualities of the site.
Solutions
Edgars collaborated closely with the multi-disciplinary consultant team to address the complex and inter-connected constraints of the site. Recognising the site as a curtilage-listed building, Edgars developed a scheme that would find the balance between preserving the historical value of the site, whilst fulfilling the client’s functional requirements for a versatile working space and educational facility.
To foster transparency and inclusivity, Edgars organised a public consultation, engaging with the local community and other stakeholders. This provided an open forum for individuals to express their views, raise any concerns and offer any suggestions for the project. The consultation was critical in strengthening the development’s alignment with public expectations.
Lastly, Edgars developed an additional travel plan for site visitors, detailing sustainable transport solutions. The plan encouraged the use of eco-friendly travel methods such as cycling, public transport and walking, minimising the impact of the project on the local environment.
Heritage Considerations
The site featured two listed buildings, including a Grade II listed barn with attached stables, and a Grade I listed dovecote, both of which required a sensitive and informed approach to any proposed changes. Furthermore, the presence of a series of piggery buildings, recognised as non-designated heritage assets, further underscored the need for a respectful development strategy.
The presence of mature trees, and the site’s location within the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), necessitated measures to safeguard the natural environment while integrating the development into the surrounding landscape.
For this project, Edgars adopted a holistic approach, ensuring the project was sensitive to heritage, functional requirements and community needs, while integrating sustainable principles into the long-term vision for the site.
Result
In October 2022, the Cotswold District Council formally approved the planning permission for the proposed development. The council’s decision reflects the care taken by Edgars to ensure the application complied with planning guidelines, and the attention to the project’s potential impact on the surrounding community and environment.
Client Testimonial
“A difficult application with several challenges and amendments that required both skill and perseverance from the Edgars planning team to overcome successfully.”
– Chris Smith, Maintenance and Construction Manager, The Ernest Cook Trust
If you’re looking for planning consultants to assist you with commercial buildings, education facilities, master planning and more, we can help. Get in touch with us on 01865 731700 or email enquiries@edgarslimited.co.uk.