Client: Acre
Architect: Dowen Farmer
Description of Development: Demolition of existing office and storage buildings, and construction of six new dwellings with associated gardens, landscaping, car and cycle parking. The scheme retains the existing flats and office building.
Location: 33 Julians Road, Stevenage.
Summary
In January 2024, planning permission was granted for an exemplary redevelopment project at 33 Julians Road, Stevenage. Maddox Planning successfully steered the application as planning agent, ensuring a sensitive and considered approach to this site within the Orchard Road Conservation Area. The scheme replaces outdated office and storage buildings with six high-quality family homes, while retaining the existing residential flats and office building. It balances heritage preservation with the delivery of much-needed housing.
Key Issues Addressed
Conservation Area Integrity: Located within the Orchard Road Conservation Area, the development required a design that complemented the area’s Victorian and Edwardian character. The proposed homes feature red brick façades, recessed windows, and pitched roofs, blending seamlessly into their historic surroundings. Maddox Planning worked diligently to ensure the scheme upheld the character of the Conservation Area while delivering contemporary homes.
Local Concerns: Feedback from residents highlighted concerns about traffic, parking, and privacy. The scheme addressed these issues with a carefully considered layout, including 18 parking spaces (14 for the new homes and 4 for the retained properties) to avoid overspill onto local streets. Generous separation distances and thoughtful orientation ensure neighbouring properties’ privacy and outlook are protected.
Sustainability: The project reduces the site’s overall built footprint and incorporates sustainable features such as electric vehicle charging points and secure cycle storage. Designed to maximise natural light and energy efficiency, the homes reflect modern environmental standards and align with Stevenage’s sustainability goals.
Access and Highways: The site’s narrow access was reviewed in detail, with the local highway authority raising no objections. A construction management plan has been secured to mitigate any temporary disruption during the building phase, ensuring safety and minimising inconvenience to local residents.
Loss of Commercial Space: While some commercial space will be lost, the scheme retains office facilities at the front of the site. Maddox Planning demonstrated that the delivery of six high-quality homes outweighed the minimal impact of the reduction in employment space, particularly given the availability of alternative commercial premises in Stevenage.
Development Highlights
The scheme introduces two terraces of thoughtfully designed homes, comprising four four-bedroom and two three-bedroom properties. The development reflects the local vernacular while providing contemporary, high-specification family accommodation. With excellent access to amenities, schools, and public transport, it promotes a sustainable and connected lifestyle.
This redevelopment showcases Maddox Planning’s expertise in managing complex planning issues, balancing heritage sensitivities with the pressing need for housing. The result is a carefully crafted scheme that enhances the local area, meets modern living requirements, and delivers meaningful public benefits to the Stevenage community.
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