Design and Access Statement for Rural Building Conversion

Design and Access Statement

Rural Buildings Conversion on

Land at Bonvilston Vale of Glamorgan for

Mr and Mrs A Parfitt

July 2020

GILLARD ASSOCIATES architecture and design

Design and Access Statement

Executive Summary This Design and Access Statement is prepared in support of a full planning application for the conversion of abandoned rural buildings to a new dwelling on land currently designated agricultural in Bonvilston, Vale of Glamorgan.

The application are put forward on behalf of the applicants, Mr and Mrs Allan Parfitt Esq. The site falls within the jurisdiction of The Vale of Glamorgan Council.

The proposals have been sensitively designed by an experienced architect in close collaboration with the client and and is based upon a full understanding of the site and the context that it sits within. The design has evolved from a process of extensive assessment and refinement.

The proposals involve the consolidation of existing stone structures which originally comprised a dwelling, a barn and ancillary outbuildings - and their sensitive conversion to a new single storey dwelling on an abandoned and overgrown corner of agricultural land behind Church Cottage. The new dwelling is designed to take advantage of the opportunities offered by these modest buildings but at the same time, respects the constraints of the location and aims to restore the group in a way which is sustainable, appropriate and visually attractive.

The scheme provides living accommodation in compliance with Lifetime Homes standards, to provide an accessible home which can be adapted according to the occupants levels of mobility.

Whilst the dwelling will provide outstanding quality of living, the design is energy efficient, using the latest in PassivHaus techniques.

It is recognised that the site lies inside a conservation area and it is intended that the design of the house and gardens will provide a coherent and legible solution which will satisfy national planning policy and criteria adopted by the LPA.

This Design and Access Statement was produced by

GILLARD ASSOCIATES architecture and design

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Design and Access Statement Rural Buildings Conversion at Land at Bonvilston, Vale of Glamorgan

1.Introduction

Design and Access Statement

Introduction 1.1 The Need for a DAS The DAS has been prepared in accordance with the guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.

Essentially, the DAS sets out to: • Demonstrate an appraisal of the physical and policy context of the development; • Explain how the design of the development has taken the context into account; and • Provide an explanation of the design principles and concepts that have been applied to the development, taking into account, amongst other matters: - Access; - Movement; - Community Safety; - Environmental Sustainability; and - Character.

1.2 Document Aims This DAS forms part of a full planning application for proposed development at the site. This document explains the background and rationale to the proposals which have been informed by a site and context analysis and relevant national and local planning policy.

Relevant planning policy is presented and interpreted in relation to the proposals. This is accompanied by a comprehensive analysis of the site and the character of the surrounding area.

Design evolution is presented to demonstrate the relationship between the proposals and their context and illustrate the form, scale and quality of development that the site can deliver.

1.3 Authors This DAS has been prepared by Gillard Associates Ltd, the project architects, in association with the appointed consultants, whose input has been essential in putting forward a coherent and integrated design solution.

Gillard Associates is a firm of architects who have been recognised at a national level for their work in building sustainable housing and community projects.

Julian Wilkes of Treescene is an experienced arboriculturalist and has been offering consultancy services since 1991.

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1.4 Contents 1. Introduction 2. Site Assessment 3. Planning Policy Context 4. Design & Character 5. Access & Movement 6. Environmental Sustainability 7. Conclusion

"Making the most of design to maximise the opportunities presented by the site, its locality, context, micro climate; and minimising any impact on the environment"

Design and Access Statement Rural Buildings Conversion at Land at Bonvilston, Vale of Glamorgan

2.Site Assessment

Design and Access Statement

2.0 Site Assessment 2.2 Site surroundings

2.1 Site location and description The site comprises an irregular parcel of agricultural land located on the western border of the settlement of Bonvilston. The site covers an area of approximately 980m2.

The site consists of a three abandoned buildings set in a corner of a larger field, adjacent to a wooded copse. The northern boundary is clearly defined by a fence enclosing the adjacent garden of Church Cottage. The eastern boundary is defined by a hedge and fence to an agricultural filed to the south of Ty Mawr.

The southern and western boundaries are at present undefined, except by a low banking. The copse has some attractive mature trees which are described in the appropriate section, and a large fallen tree which imparts a somewhat romantic impression of dereliction and decay.

The site is accessed via a straight private track, partially tarmacked, owned by the applicant and is currently used by vehicles owned by the occupants of Church Cottage and the user of the field to the east.

settlement boundary edged green

The site is directly adjacent to the settlement boundary for Bonvilston at its northern and eastern boundaries.

The settlement boundary is shown in green on the graphic below.

Residential dwellings and associated land are the predominant land use along the eastern and western boundaries of the site with the A48 and further residential development beyond on the northern boundary.

The application site is, in effect, hidden away behind the dense tree cover and down a long access lane which drops away to the south (see photo below).

Church Cottage

site access

Access to application site between Church Cottage and Ty Mawr (source: Google) reading room

land in ownership of applicant blue site indicated in red

Aerial view of site (source Google maps)

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Since the position of the proposed development lies so far behind the main road it is considered that there is little or no visual impact as seen from public rights of way. The main driver of the design is in relation to the character of the existing buildings and will be discussed in the next section.

Rural Buildings Conversion on Land at Bonvilston Vale of Glamorgan

access track

access from adjacent field to gate on A48

garden of Church Cottage

1 3

2.3 The Site and Buildings

2

The derelict buildings forming the basis of this application were abandoned approximately 45 years ago. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the larger building was a dwelling, the smaller building a barn, and the other remnants were used as a pigsty. The configuration of the buildings supports this.

access to land south of Ty Mawr

1

There are three mature trees forming a line to the east of the group, and a fallen tree to the south.

The line of the bank previously mentioned is indicated as a line on the drawing.

2

3

2.Site Assessment

line of bank

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Tree Constraints Plan Root Protection Area Tree Category

Design and Access Statement

A 48 Tree Number

T44 Canopy Spread

2.4 Arboriculture

Church Cottage

Category A Trees Category B Trees Category C Trees Category U Trees

A tree survey in accordance with BS 5837:2012 was undertaken

by Julian Wilkes of Treescene, with the associated Arboricultural Report identifying its conclusions in 2nd January 2020.

Scale 1:400 @A3 12/2019

This report (attached as separate document in this application) identified that the tree cover on the application site consists of native species of either Class C (those of low quality with an estimated remaining life expectancy of at least 10 years) or Category U (those in such a condition that they cannot realistically be retained as living trees in the context of the current land use for longer than 10 years). All Category B trees are located on the neighbouring properties and will be unaffected by the development.

T17 B

T1 T2

Since the conversion of the buildings takes place away from the root protection zones (see graphic right) it is considered that the development will have little or no impact on the trees.

The arboriculturalist confirms that the works constitute at worst 'minor encroachment' and any detrimental effects can be acceptably mitigated by appropriate means of protection.

T3 T4

T16

The photo below shows that the trees probably formed an old hedgerow alongside the old lane which previously led to a watering place some 200m to the south. The holloway formed can be clearly seen.

T6

T7 proposed area of development shown hatched

T5 C

Tree Constraints Plan

T9

T8

Root Protection Area

A

Tree Category

A 48 Tree Number

T10

t to A48,Bonvilston Tree Constraints Plan

N A

View of site looking south east (source GA)

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Canopy Spread

T13

Church Cottage

T15 T12

Excerpt from Tree Survey NTS (source Treescene)

T44

T11

encroachment only under existing building

B

T14 C

Category A Trees Category B Trees Category C Trees Category U Trees Scale 1:400 @A3 12/2019

Rural Buildings Conversion on Land at Bonvilston Vale of Glamorgan 2.5 Landscape: Visual Analysis The site is not visible from publically-accessible places, due mainly to the large dense hedges. The site falls away from the main road and the long access drive which is effectively an avenue screens the site from passing traffic and passers by.

There is a pubic footpath leading south from the A48 to the east of the site. An area of rough vegetation which separates and partially screens the site from this viewpoint. This is not considered to be a sensitive viewpoint.

All in all, it is considered that a sensitive and low key development of this smallholding will have little or no negative visual impact.

Distant view of site from point off footpath south of Reading Room: the gable of the larger building is just visible through winter tree cover

Aerial view showing outline of derelct buildings. Boundary of application site dotted.

2.Site Assessment

View of site from field south of Reading Room showing the site in relation to the mature trees in the copse.

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Design and Access Statement 2.6 Conservation and Heritage A significant proportion of Bonvilston is designated as a Conservation Area (CA). The boundary of the CA extends further than the settlement boundary for Bonvilston.

The CA was designated in 1973 in recognition of the special architectural and historic interest of the village and it will be necessary to ensure that those qualities that contribute to the special interest of the area are not unacceptably affected by the proposed development.

The CA covers the historic core of the village and includes the main road through the village, the A48, with scattered buildings to the north and south. The location of the village along the A48, which follows the alignment of a natural ridge of land, provides the most characteristic feature of the landscape.

The historic map (right) confirms the existance of a building on the site in 1898, almost certainly the largest of the group, and probably the original cottage. As the smallholding became more prosperous, more buildings were added. The photo left shows how the buildings formed a natural courtyard and allowed easy access to the byre and pigsties.

The map also indicates that the trees were probably not significant, lending credence to the idea that the existing trees are overgrown hedge planting. Their age, around 80 years, tends to confirm the theory. A picture can be drawn of a smallholder raising cattle, using the adjoining field(s) for pasture, and using the lane for access to these and the nearby copse (which has a spring) for watering.

Historic Map 1898 (source; OS )

The buildings themselves are simple, traditional for the Vale using local limestone. Openings tended to have brickwork reveals since the stone is difficult to dress.

Conservation Area (source; Vale of Glamorgan )

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NOTE ON CONDITION OF BUILDINGS

Courtyard between buildings (Source : GA)

Door opening (Source : GA)

Although the buildings are shells - all roof structures gone - the condition of the masonry is generally good. The wall tops are understandably loose but the walls themselves are straight and plumb, and the stonework well bonded and interlocked, the lime mortar in remarkably good state of repair.

The walls, once repointed and stabilised, will form the basis of the reconstruction, and there is a fair amount of rubble which can be re used to ensure a good match.

Careful excavation of the floors will provide a sub base for new raft foundations to support new insulated timber framed walls on which the new structure will be supported.

Rural Buildings Conversion on Land at Bonvilston Vale of Glamorgan

2.7 Accessibility

2.8 Flood Risk

The site currently benefits from a vehicular access track from the A48 serving the two dwellings flanking the entrance and also the fields to the south of Ty Mawr, as well as the application site itself.

The proposed dwelling is considered to be at very low risk of flooding, ie, less than one in 1000 year event.

The graphic below indicates that the site is outside the shaded area.

site existing vehicular access

extent of tarmac surface

abandoned buildings

Flood Risk Map (source: NRW)

access to field

Aerial view of site and access (Source: Google)

2.Site Assessment

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Design and Access Statement Rural Buildings Conversion at Land at Bonvilston, Vale of Glamorgan

3.Planning Policy Context

Design and Access Statement

Planning Policy Context 3.1 Planning Policy A review of the planning policy context associated with the site and proposed development (at the national and local level) is provided within this section of the DAS. The planning history of the site is also reviewed.

The key planning policies of relevance to the determination of the application are outlined below. A detailed assessment of how the proposed development accords with these policies is provided in the following section.

3.2 National Planning Policy National planning policy has changed significantly in the last few years, away from detailed prescriptions and towards a more strategic emphasis on sustainability and place making. Whilst the scale of the proposed development in this application is small, it nevertheless needs to be informed by the policy / guidance documents prepared at the national (Welsh Government) level which are of relevance to the determination of the application.

3.2.1 Sustainability Good design promotes environmental sustainability and contributes to the achievement of the well-being goals.

Developments should seek to maximise energy efficiency and the efficient use of other resources (including land), maximise sustainable movement, minimise the use of non-renewable resources, encourage decarbonisation and prevent the generation of waste and pollution. An integrated and flexible approach to design, including early decisions regarding location,density, layout, built form, the choice of materials, the adaptability of buildings and site treatment will be an appropriate way of contributing to resilient development.

3.2.2 Distinctive and Natural Places In PPW 2018 there is a major emphasis on the protection enhancement and appreciation of distinctive and natural places. In summary, development must place importance on landscape, habitat, resilience of eco systems, and the consideration of health and well being.

Included under this large umbrella are issues of heritage conservation, historic assets, and also less tangible but no less important characteristics such as soundscape and air quality.

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3.2.3 Housing Development plans must include clear policy criteria against which applications for housing development on unallocated sites will be considered. Infill and windfall sites can make a useful contribution to the delivery of housing. Proposals for housing on infill and windfall sites within settlements should be supported where they accord with the national sustainable placemaking outcomes.

Rural Buildings Conversion on Land at Bonvilston Vale of Glamorgan

Planning Policy Context /cont'd 3.2 Local Planning Policy The application site falls under the jurisdiction of the Vale of Glamorgan Council. The current (adopted) Development Plan for the Vale of Glamorgan contains the following key policies : please note that only clauses relevant to the application are repeated.

3.2.1 POLICY SP10 - BUILT AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Development proposals must preserve and where appropriate enhance the rich and diverse built and natural environment and heritage of the Vale of Glamorgan including: 1. The architectural and / or historic qualities of buildings or conservation areas, including locally listed buildings; 3.2.2 POLICY MD1 - LOCATION OF NEW DEVELOPMENT New development on unallocated sites should: 1. Have no unacceptable impact on the countryside; 5. Have access to or promote the use of sustainable modes of transport; 6. Benefit from existing infrastructure provision or where necessary make provision for new infrastructure without any unacceptable effect on the natural or built environment; 7. Where possible promote sustainable construction and make beneficial use of previously developed land and buildings; 8. Provide a positive context for the management of the water environment by avoiding areas of flood risk in accordance with the sequential approach set out in national policy and safeguard water resources; and 9. Have no unacceptable impact on the best and most versatile agricultural land 3.2.3 POLICY MD2 - DESIGN OF NEW DEVELOPMENT In order to create high quality, healthy, sustainable and locally distinct places development proposals should: 1. Be of a high standard of design that positively contributes to the context and character of the surrounding natural and built environment and protects existing features of townscape or landscape interest; 2. Respond appropriately to the local context and character of neighbouring buildings and uses in terms of use, type, form, scale, mix, and density; 8. Safeguard existing public and residential amenity, particularly with regard to privacy, overlooking, security, noise and disturbance; 9. Provide public open space, private amenity space and car parking in accordance with the council’s standards; 10. Incorporate sensitive landscaping, including the retention and enhancement where appropriate of existing landscape features and biodiversity interests;

3.Planning Policy Context

12. Mitigate the causes of climate change by minimising carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions associated with their design, construction, use and eventual demolition, and include features that provide effective adaptation to, and resilience against, the current and predicted future effects of climate change.

3.2.4 POLICY MD5 - DEVELOPMENT WITHIN SETTLEMENT BOUNDARIES Settlement boundaries have been defined around all the settlements within the LDP settlement hierarchy. New development within these settlements will be permitted where the proposed development: 1. Makes efficient use of land or buildings; 2. Would not prejudice the delivery of an allocated development site; 3. Is of a scale, form, layout and character that is sympathetic to and respects its immediate setting and the wider surroundings and does not unacceptably impact upon the character and appearance of the locality; 4. The proposal would not result in the loss of natural or built features that individually or cumulatively contribute to the character of the settlement or its setting; 6. Has no unacceptable impact on the amenity and character of the locality by way of noise, traffic congestion and parking; and

3.3 Supplementary Planning Guidance The following guidance notes are also relevant and will be taken into consideration in the design of the development: - Design in the Landscape 2006 - Conservation in the Rural Vale 2006 - Bonvilston Conservation Area Appraisal Management Plan - Conservation Areas in the Rural Vale 2011 - Trees, Woodlands, Hedgerows and Development 2018 - Biodiversity and Development 2018 - Conversion of Rural Buildings (2018)

3.2.5 POLICY MD8 - HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT Development proposals must protect the qualities of the built and historic environment of the Vale of Glamorgan, specifically: 1. Within conservation areas, development proposals must preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the area 3.2.7 POLICY MD11 - Conversion and Renovation Of Rural Buildings Proposals for the conversion or renovation of existing rural buildings for rural enterprise, tourism, community or residential use will be acceptable where: 1. Conversion of an existing rural building would not give rise to the need for a replacement building; and 2. Reuse can be achieved without substantial reconstruction, extension or alteration that unacceptably affects the appearance and rural character of the building or its setting; Proposals for conversions to residential use will only be permitted where it is demonstrated that; 3. The building has been appropriately marketed for other alternative uses such as farm diversification, business, community, tourism, or recreational uses and it has been demonstrated that such alternative uses are not viable; and 4. The location of the building is sustainable in terms of access to local services, public transport and community facilities

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Design and Access Statement 3.5 Pre Application Enquiry Following the rejection of an application for two dwellings on the adjacent field the applicant asked the architect if an application could be made which would take into account the valid objections of the planning authority.

A completely different approach was made to the design of a dwelling which would not only take note of the constraints of the site and planning policy, but evaluate and develop the opportunties presented.

In March 2019 a pre application enquiry (P/DC/2019/00020/PRE) was made to sound out the LPA's opinions on these proposals (see graphic below).

The response from the planning officer in June 2019 was inconclusive but not negative and provided the applicant with the confidence to bring forward an application for a new dwelling on the site of the existing abandoned buildings (No 1 on the diagram).

The planning officer stressed the need to ensure that any conversion met the planning policies and in particular "provide appropriate justification indicating how the proposal would not have an unacceptable impact on the appearance and rural character of the buildings."

Schematic plan of alternative areas for development (source GA)

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Design and Access Statement Rural Buildings Conversion at Land at Bonvilston, Vale of Glamorgan

4.Design

Design and Access Statement

Design Evolution 4.1 Design Principles

4.2 Design

This section of the DAS focuses on the principles that have informed the design. The supplementary planning guidance states that conversion of rural buildings to residential use will be permitted so long as the following criteria can be met:

In the analysis of the site the following key criteria were observed to inform the place:

●

The architectural features can be retained

●

No major reconstruction required to existing walls

●

The appearance and rural character can be maintained

●

Appropriate and sufficient amenity space can be provided without undue incursion into the landscape

●

Vehicular access from the public highway without detrimental effect to the countryside

●

Satisfactory parking provision can be provided

●

The proposal is not incompatible with uses of adjacent land

●

Utilities and services can be provided without unacceptable intrusion or detrimental effect to the environment

●

The conversion would enhance or preserve the setting or character of the conservation area

Simplified model of existing structures

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● an almost secret location away from the noisy main road and hidden from view ● single storey buildings of masonry walls and evidence of pitched roofs (probably slate judging by the 30o pitch) ● an intimate grouping forming a loose courtyard no doubt as a result of weather protection as well as convenience for circulation ● a site enhanced by mature planting and suitable for development with a sensitive planting regime ● a site with natural boundaries

The extent of new building was also considered carefully. Clearly the buildings need to be linked in some way but the amount of new build would need to be restricted so that the essential character of the site is not compromised.

Another feature of the site is that it was designed to provide a degree of shelter from weather: the decision was made to try and retain some protected outdoor space becasue the site is openb to prevailing weather from the south and west.

In terms of materials, it was considered important to retain as much of the existing stonework as possible, and to make new interventions obvious with modern lightweight materials. In this way, future generations will be able to read the building and understand what parts are new and what parts were historic.

Finally, advantage should be taken of the southern aspect and views across the countryside.

● a wonderful outlook and exposure to south facing views and solar radiation It was decided early on the design a dwelling which would be single storey. This will ensure that its visual impact is minimised. A beneficial effect will be that the dwelling will be easily accessible for all occupants regardless of physical ability. The dwelling will therefore comply with Joseph Rowntrree Trust's Lifetime homes criteria.

Suggested re construction with roofs

A link building and a modest extension complete the design

Rural Buildings Conversion on Land at Bonvilston Vale of Glamorgan pigsty converted to bedroom with very low eaves new lightweight modern extension allowing large glazing for views and connection with nature

external courtyard provides sheltered outside amenity space new infill wind making use of existing 'wing wall' and enableing link to existing 'pigsty' new infill building to link north and south shells forming reception room and links to other living accommodation

existing north building for bedroom accommodation due to limited outlook

Precedent: a successful small residential rural development suggesting the form, function and materiality of farm outbuildings: the use of lightweight modern materials can be appropriate to this sort of location

Existing buildings

re use existing openings

re use existing openings

south building given over to kitchen dining to maintain internal volume and also supervision of entrance realm

welcoming and sheltered entrance adjacent to vehicle circulation

Design Strategy Proposed roofscape

4.Design

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Design and Access Statement porous surface: gravel set on recycled plastic grid

Landscape Strategy 4.3 Landscape Design The whole development is designed to have a low impact in landscape and in visual terms to enhance the landscape character. The concept of minimum intervention will be followed, to obviate any harmful effect on tree protection areas.The 'screened hidden quality' will also be rigorously preserved as it will also be a unique selling point for the scheme and a key to its success as a sustainable development. ● Access track to be re surfaced with tree root friendly porous paving buy using gravel set in a matrix ● Making use of existing levels and almost no remodelling of surface except where necessary to provide access and hard paving to external courtyard and terrace ● The house turn its back on the neighbour to the north, only having a southerly aspect so that the structure itself is well hidden ● The boundary with the adjoining agricultural field will be a robust post and mesh fence set at the edge of the mowed field and provides maximum transparency for occupants as well as providing minimal visual impact on the rural scene ● The boundary with the neighbouring property to the east will be renewed with a similar post and mesh fence: the neighbour's field access will be maintained and a new gated access to the new dwelling will be introduced for security purposes. This wil be an agricutural gate in keeping with its context. ● Paving immediately adjacent to the dwelling will be a cobble or small unit paviour which blends with local stone

4.4 Services and Utilities The site benefits by its proximity to a public sewer running just behind and to the north of the plot. This will enable the new dwelling to conect all foul and waste water to mains disposal.

All other services (electric and telephone) will be possible along the access lane and it is proposed that these services be buried in the verges in shallow ducts to avoid damage to root protection areas.

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public sewer

ensuite ensuite bedroom

bedroom home office

ensuite

agricultural gate bedroom reception courtyard

N

kitchen living

boundary reinforced with native species hedge planting hawthorn, blackthorn, holly and gorse post and mesh fence to enclose new curtilage

Rural Buildings Conversion on Land at Bonvilston Vale of Glamorgan

Materials, Scale, Density 4.5 Materials The dwelling was seen as being an integral part of a landscape design from the outset, so it was important to develop a limited palette of materials which reflects the local agricultural vernacular and geology.

timber cladding

4.6 Scale, Mass and Density The scale and mass of the building will match that of the original building.

A typical precedent was at the nearby Doghill Barn at Duffryn, where a similar concept was employed to stabilise and re use a considerably more fragile disused barn (see photo below).

In terms of size it is considered that a three bedroomed home is consistent with its location and of an appropriate scale to warrant the development. Any smaller and the dwelling would not be making the best of the opportunity. Any larger and the amount of new building would be disproportionate to the amount of existing structure.

zinc roofing

existing stone

4.8 Suitability for Residential Use

Low key single storey dwelling

gravel grid

small element paving

4.Design

4.7 Robustness of Structure Gillard Associates Architects have been working with rural conversions in the Vale of Glamorgan for over 20 years and are competent in the assessment of structures and their capacity for development. The barns which form the subject of this planning application are considered suitable for conversion without significant rebuilding, although clearly work needs to be done in terms of stabilising wall tops, repointing, and careful excavation so that a new floor slab can be used to support the structural panels envisaged for the new work.

In order to satisfy planning policy MD11/3 it is necessary to demonstrate that the building has been marketed for other alternative uses and shown not to be viable.

In June 2019 the applicant approached a property agent with a view to placing the barns on the market as a commercial property and was advised that there was no demand. The land to which the outbuildings are attached is now tenanted by a sheep farmer who has no need for the buildings.

In any case there is no justification for the cost of development for a commercial venture and there have consequently been no offers made.

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Design and Access Statement

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Design and Access Statement Rural Buildings Conversion at Land at Bonvilston, Vale of Glamorgan

5.Access & Movement

Design and Access Statement

5.1 Access and Movement 5.1.1 General Accessibility

5.1.2 Vehicular Access

5.1.3 Pedestrian Access

The graphic shows how the site can be considered a sustainable location, with easy access locally to the village shop, pub, and community centre.

Vehicular access from the busy main road is already established for occupants of Church Cottage and Ty Mawr. The drive and parking apron has recently been re surfaced with tarmac.

The dwelling is designed to be welcoming and accessible. The ground floor is at the same level as the parking area.

Bus stops for travel east or westbound are shown in red.

Access to the new dwelling will be from the same point but it is proposed that the surfaced drive is extended past the car park and through a new gate to demarcate the site boundary.

Food store in light blue is opposite the village hall.

The amber dot indicates the post box.

The access arrives at the floor level of the proposed dwelling, providing level access to a car park and turning area.

The public house is shown green.

Sufficient parking for three cars is possible.

The village hall or Reading Room is adjacent to the site.

Site plan indicating local services (Source: Google)

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Access track to site (Source: GA)

Level thresholds to all doors are standard.

Wheelchair user access to all rooms.

The dwelling has been designed to Lifetime Home standards.

Design and Access Statement Rural Buildings Conversion at Land at Bonvilston, Vale of Glamorgan

6.Environmental Sustainability

Design and Access Statement

6.0 Environmental Sustainability 6.1 Overview

6.4 Community Safety

The three pillars of sustainability are usually defined as social, environmental and economic factors.

Access, safety and security of public concerns are of paramount importance, both during construction and in aspects of the design and management of the completed scheme.

Gillard Associates is a practice with expertise and experience in designing environmentally sustainable buildings and in this project climate, meteorology, and lifecycle are considered to be a fundamantal driver for the design ethos.

Environmentally responsive architecture provides a form and language which is appropriate for its location, climate, and social purpose.

In Construction Whilst access to the site for construction purposes is straightforward, space for movement of construction vehicles is constrained. The method and phasing of construction will be carefully considered to ensure that a) large components are not required for the build b) earthworks and heavy lifting is kept to a minimum c) noise dust and nuisance is minimised by keeping excavated materials on site and re used

6.2 Environmental Design The proposed dwelling is designed so that environmental and ecological impact is minimised. A holistic approach to energy conservation is central to the design making use of both active and passive systems as appropriate. It is intended that the dwelling will conform to EPC category B. In the old CfSH it would be expected to achieve level 4. This will allow the occupants to increase the level of sustainability with the addition of renewable energy modules (pvs).

zinc roof is long lasting and easily recycled south facing roofs suitable for PV cell installation south facing windows for passive solar gain

Holistic Design The applicants are keen to make this proposal an exemplary sustainable solution and have opted for the use of renewable timber as a frame and as cladding.

6.3 Sustainable Location The planning officer has already acknowledged in the pre application response that the proposed dwelling is in a sustainable location.

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The use of dense thorn bushes is a visually acceptable method of providing barriers to would be intruders but it is accepted that protective double fencing will be necessary until the hedge is established.

Low level lighting on PIR activation is recommended for the long access drive and the gate should be electronically controlled.

CCTV will be installed so that occupants can monitor any visitors.

Supervision of the front access which can be monitored from the main living areas at the entrance level.

Reduce Waste and Recycling The embodied energy of the original building will be re used to form the shell of the proposed infill buildings. In other words, the building will recycle an otherwise redundant structure for a new use.

In Use The dwelling has been designed in accordance with accepted Secured by Design principles, however, the location on the village fringe does set challenges which must be designed out. The strongly defined site boundaries will ensure that thresholds, when crossed, are visibly taking the visitor from public to private areas.

Section Through Dwelling

use of renewable materials (timber) to lock in carbon

use of existing walls to capture embodied energy

Design and Access Statement Rural Buildings Conversion at Land at Bonvilston, Vale of Glamorgan

8.Conclusion

Design and Access Statement 8.1 Conclusion This DAS has provided the background and rationale for the design of the proposed rural building conversion in Bonvilston. It has identified the constraints and highlighted the opportunities which have been thoroughly examined and used to inform the evolution of the design. The document went on to describe how a design strategy was arrived at making sure that the guidance contained in the LPA's policy documents was closely followed.The design was tested against the planning policy context, national, local, and supplementary guidance.

It is considered that the conversion meets the letter and the spirit of planning policy, as the proposed dwelling● benefits from an established access and public sewer ● has access to a very sustainable location with transport links and local convenience store with the main shopping centre only 10 minutes away ● has no negative impact on agricultural land ● responds to local context and character ● protects the trees and planting and respects the natural surroundings ● makes an efficient use of an existing resource which would otherwise be lost The proposals show that a modest single storey dwelling dwelling can make use of the opportunities presented by this wonderful site. The new building will be neighbourly, environmentally sustainable, of a high quality and will enhance the fringe of the conservation area. The building will be low key and appropriate to its rural location by limiting the palette of materials.

The architecture has been successfully integrated into the landscape and will reinforce and protect the existing wooded setting , and provide a delightful residence and a Lifetime Home for its occupants.

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Design and Access Statement

GILLARD ASSOCIATES architecture and design

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