COLCHESTER ROMAN CIRCUS START GATE
PROPOSALS FOR RECONSTRUCTION
At MLA we were very excited to be invited onboard this fascinating project by Francis Terry and Associates, working in collaboration with Create Streets. Something a little different for our team - coordinating this Pre-Application to Colchester City Council, for the proposed reconstruction of the Roman Circus Start Gate.
The Colchester Circus is the only known example in Britain of a Roman Circus. The Starting Gate reconstruction would form a key element related to interpretation and education of the Colchester Roman context – as well as for the UK appreciation of the Roman Heritage.
We look forward to progressing this exciting and important proposal.
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NEW REPLACEMENT DWELLING IN WEST BERKSHIRE
March 2025
Planning Permission Obtained for New House & Landscape Proposals
MLA are very pleased with this latest Consent in West Berkshire. MLA coordinated the submission documents, working with the very talented Patrick Ramsey, who designed the proposed house and surroundings.
The house replaces a smaller bungalow, on a tightly constrained village site, with access and drainage issues - whilst the new house will be constructed with very high energy saving credentials.
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A YEAR IN SUMMARY… 2024 MLA SUCCESSES
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NOVEMBER 2024: COUNTRY HOUSES FOR A NEW GENERATION WITH COUNTRY LIFE
With fast-evolving lifestyles and modes of working, a new generation of home owners is putting new demands on the English country house. These are not only impacting the way homes are configured; architects, designers, contractors and suppliers are being briefed to design homes that are sustainable and which stand the test of time, functionally as well as aesthetically.
Country Life invited four leading practitioners in the field to share their insight into the new mood among clients— and how they are best delivered. The panel includes Andrew Inchley, a director of Yiangou architects, the interior designer Emma Sims- Hilditch, Tim Moulding, whose eponymous building firm was founded in 1798, and Edward Smith, a founding director of the bespoke British stone specialist Artorius Faber. The discussion was hosted by Country Life’s Executive Editor Giles Kime.
Two members of the MLA Team attended this great event hosted at Thyme, interesting topics were discussed as we look forward to the future of country houses and their custodians.
PROPOSED NEW HOUSE IN WEST BERKSHIRE
September 2024
Planning Permission Obtained for New House & Landscape Proposals on Redundant Farmstead
MLA are thrilled with this latest achievement in West Berkshire. After an initial refusal before our involvement, MLA coordinated the D&A/HS as well as leading meetings with the Council, Parish Council and ultimately presenting at Planning Committee.
Officers recommended refusal, but MLA and the project team were able to put forward the many merits of our case which Councillors approved at Committee.
The outstanding architecture and landscaping by Stuart Martin Architects and James Alexander-Sinclair was recognised as 'Gold Standard' by the Parish Council. There was also over 20 letters of local support for the scheme.
We are so thrilled with this result for our Clients, but also for our hardworking team, about whom our entrusting Client said -
'I’d like to add my thanks for your expertise, professionalism, commitment and all round support through this long journey...a huge thank you to you and your colleagues for getting us to this point.'
- Douglas Oppenheim
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TEW PARK, GREAT TEW ESTATE
July 2024 - Consents Achieved to Restore, Renovate and Remodel this Grade II Listed House in West Oxfordshire.
Working with our Clients and Project Team, MLA are delighted to have coordinated/ negotiated this historic house proposal at Great Tew.
MLA wrote the Main Submission Documents, whilst also Project Managing the process. We worked closely with officers of West Oxfordshire District Council to agree an appropriate design for house and landscape around this historic building. Negotiations were also concluded for protected species interests.
Overall a great team achievement progressing our close working relationship with Francis Terry and Associates, Askew Nelson, Windrush Ecology and our Clients!
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FURZE PLATT, BLENHEIM ESTATE
June 2024 - Consent Granted for new Francis Terry House in The North Park at Blenheim
Following over two years of MLA led consultations with West Oxfordshire District Council and Historic England, consent was granted by unanimous vote at the Council's Area Planning Committee.
Askew Nelson and Historic Landscape Management Ltd provided the landscape design and heritage services - to ensure that the North Park Setting for this part of the World Heritage Site (WHS) would be protected and enhanced.
The new dwelling will bring back to the WHS the opportunity for future Dukes and their families, as custodians of the WHS to be able to live within Blenheim Park.
April 2024
Consent achieved for a revised scheme in Englefield Green
Erection of two storey detached dwelling with basement and landscaping, MLA worked with Adam Architecture to prepare an amended design to progress a previously Consented Scheme also coordinated by MLA.
This is another great success in the Green Belt!
March 2024
Consent Granted at Listed Farmhouse in Wiltshire
Success achieved for a Proposed Maintenance Yard, Vegetable Garden and Driveway Enhancement.
MLA worked in conjunction with Francis Terry and Associates, the Colson Stone Practice and Paul Stamper Heritage to provide a sensitive approach to the works required surrounding this Listed Building.
November 2023: Fundraising for the Tim Henman Foundation
"Supporting the transformation of the lives of disadvantaged young people"
Martin is taking part in the Tim Henman Non Stop Tennis Weekend, which is running at Wimbledon from the 2-3 December, 9am-9pm each day. Martins Tennis Partner will be Adam Swan, former Cirencester Coach, now a Head Coach and County Player in Kent.
In each slot Tim will be joined by a celebrity or top athlete and two supporters to make a very special doubles in the amazing Indoor Tennis Centre at the All England Club, Wimbledon!
"The Tim Henman Foundation is a youth charity with the mission of transforming the lives of disadvantaged young people by creating sporting and educational opportunities as well as improving mental and physical health together with our partners."
With your support we can raise money to transform the lives of more disadvantaged young people.
If you would like donate and support this fantastic cause and Martin, please click the link below.
Any support is greatly appreciated, thank you.
September 2023
THYME, SOUTHROP
COUNTRY LIFE: THE SUSTAINABLE COUNTRY HOUSE
On Friday 29th September the MLA team attended Thyme for Country Life’s latest event.
Executive Editor of Country Life Giles Kilme asked the panel of experts on architecture, design, landscaping and historical buildings some seriously interesting BUT challenging questions on sustainability in country houses and the way forward in these economically challenging times. A topic at the forefront of all our minds in terms of planning and life!
The whole team enjoyed the day, as well as catching up with a few familiar faces.
Thank you to Country Life and Thyme for a thought provoking, educational and enjoyable day!
July 2023
Exciting Progress on NPPF Para80e House in Wiltshire
A revised and enhanced design from the original consented scheme also benefits from a combine Landscape and Ecology Management Plan prepared by the Colson Stone Landscape Practice.
LAKE EXCAVATION WITHIN AONB PARKLAND SETTING TO HOUSE.
FRANCIS TERRY DESIGNED HOUSE, SITS WITHIN AN ENHANCED AONB SETTING
April 2023
NPPF “TRULY OUTSTANDING” HOUSE IN THE NORTH COTSWOLDS DESIGNED BY CRAIG HAMILTON
It is always special to see one of our consented houses being constructed – as for this NPPF Para 79e House within Stratford-upon-Avon District Council.
Obtaining consent required MLA presentation at Planning Committee and having arranged for a barrister’s opinion to overcome a Council stance that unless innovative such a house cannot be truly outstanding.
Also for the same client, MLA obtained “Class Q” consent for conversion of a former Nissen Barn to provide additional residential accommodation on the property.
How sustainable is your New House Proposal ?
March 2023
In response to the Worlds Climate Emergency, increasingly local Councils are becoming more demanding in terms of meeting targets for Energy and Sustainability - which we whole heartedly encourage!
However, these new targets and precedents can be difficult to achieve in order to gain planning permission. At MLA we work with some of the best Energy and Sustainability consultants in the business, helping to combine reaching targets whilst securing the deign and planning permission which our clients desire.
Having knowledge of these Energy and Sustainability factors have become increasingly important is essential when working to achieve success - this can be delivered through a variety of aspects:
Landscaping - ensuring a positive impact on Ecology and Biodiversity as well as water management.
Design - High quality detailing is vital, combining with orientation and composition.
Materials - using natural elements and insulants - increasing thermal conductivity.
Systems - using passive cooling systems and high efficiency PV, HVAC and GSHP.
Meeting Key Performance Indicators set by Councils has never been so important, and assembling the right team remains vital to achieve the best consent.
NEWS UPDATE JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2023
The beginning of 2023 has been an exciting and extremely busy time for all at MLA. Some highlights are included below as we look forwards to the year ahead.
APPROVED MANAGEMENT PLAN IN BERKSHIRE
After achieving initial consent for new commercial units and landscape proposals on a redundant farmstead site, MLA have discharged all pre commencement conditions, whilst also agreeing a formal Landscape and Ecology Management Plan.
CONSENT ACHIEVED FOR MINOR AMENDMENT ON PARA80E IN NORTH NORFOLK
MLA have agreed a minor amendment on an NPPF Paragraph 80e dwelling under construction in North Norfolk. The proposal was to change the roofscape to incorporate amended roof lighting and to move the solar panels from the roof to a greater quantum on the ground. This was achieved in conjunction with the architectural work of Rodney Black Studios and the Colson Stone Landscape Practice.
REFUSAL OF CONVERSION SCHEME IN THE COTSWOLDS WHERE MLA SUBMITTED OBJECTION ON BEHALF OF NEIGHBOURING LANDOWNER
MLA wrote an objection statement on behalf of a local client to a scheme in the Cotswold District. This involved analysis of the proposed conversion scheme from the combined aspects of AONB landscape and heritage setting, structural integrity and design.
FESTIVE GREETINGS!
Drawing by Watson Bertram and Fell Architects on a 2022 project in Oxfordshire for which MLA coordinated the application and consent.
Wishing all of our clients and colleagues a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
After an extremely busy and successful year, we all look forward to a week of festivities before tackling new challenges in 2023!
Best Wishes to all!
Martin Leay & the MLA Team
August 2022 Update
Pre- Commencement Conditions Discharged and Work Underway on Consented Oxfordshire House.
Following Original Planning consent for a replacement dwelling in the AONB, designed by CASA Architects and landscape proposals from Nicholsons. Construction is now well underway following discharge of relevant conditions.
MLA has coordinated all applications for this scheme, including quite challenging reviews of drainage requirements and protected species interests.
July 2022 Update
South Africa Trip
In July, one our team members, Jasmin, was able to visit South Africa. She enjoyed the spectacular Cultural History as well as the magnificent architecture and wonderful surroundings. Feeling inspired and refreshed, Jasmin is now fully immersed back into our busy day to day project work on behalf of our clients.
June 2022 Update
Consent achieved for Ancillary Annexe in Wychavon District
Working with Anthony Paine Architects, MLA were able to achieve consent for Ancillary Accommodation of the finest form, to an established main dwelling. MLA coordinated the submission and negotiated with Wychavon District Council over a related legal agreement to achieve this great consent following a previous refusal.
May 2022 Update
Batteries recharged from West Coast America
With a 'Trip of a Lifetime' visit to the Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, driving South along Highway One was also a special experience for Martin and his wife Hetty.
The scale and magnificence of the Sequoia Trees was truly inspiring - the largest of which - General Sherman measures nearly 84 metres in height and is the worlds largest tree measured by volume.
Along the West Coast, the Bixby Bridge from 1932 frames the beautiful ocean view.
We were inspired and refreshed, now with renewed energy to tackle all ongoing projects!
April 2022 Update
This week saw the first concrete being poured for the new NPPF Para 79e house at Holkham.
Post the planning consent, there has been detailed work on all related conditions for the house, which have included a range of design matters and for protected species interests.
As the house construction progresses we will follow with great interest and provide further updates!
CONSENTED HOUSE SCHEME
FIRST CONCRETE BEING POURED
March 2022 Update
Consent achieved on Oxfordshire Farmstead to convert redundant agricultural buildings and heritage barns into ancillary accommodation. To include a pool area and surrounding courtyard.
MLA coordination of planning/ heritage application working with Watson Bertram and Fell Architects.
SUSTAINABILITY REQUIREMENTS/ CREDENTIALS FOR NEW HOUSES
MLA Consented NPPF Para 79e (now 80) Carbon Negative Dwelling-
Holkham, North Norfolk in September 2020
March 2022
Being carbon neutral over a number of years may no longer be enough in terms of house design and related landscape proposals - building work too must be energy efficient and sustainable from the outset, together with house occupancy and operation.
We have been renewing and keeping up with this changing aspect of the planning and development world, so that we are at the forefront of this movement when it comes to promoting schemes. For example our proposals are now with more detail on such topics as embodied carbon and building with cross laminated timber.
As the environment has been recognised as an increasingly important factor for development, it is essential to consider the ever-developing technology related to building work. Council policies have become increasingly demanding in terms of carbon neutral building and sustainability, especially where tied into a “truly outstanding” proposal under NPPF para 80 submissions.
Carbon neutral and carbon negative schemes are also now being combined with enhanced landscape and habitat proposals to ensure significant Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) alongside the benefit of such works to help deliver a carbon neutral scheme.
In line with the new Enhancement Act (which features the Convention on Biodiversity 2030 Targets) biodiversity net gain for new developments will be at least 10% - so such proposals are now being incorporated within combined Landscape and Ecology Management Plans for many of our projects.
February 2022 Update
COTSWOLD VILLAGE:
RESIDENTIAL EXTENSION AND GARAGING
Consent granted within a Village Conservation Area for the Old Rectory - part demolition, house extension and new build orangery were achieved within this Cotswold District Council application - working with Watson Bertram and Fell architects from Bath.
SUFFOLK/ CAMBRIDGE ESTATE:
REDEVELOPMENT AND NEW CONSTRUCTION OF FARM BUILDINGS
Renovation of some airfield nissen huts has been progressed with new farm buildings for machine and general storage, together with chemical store and maintenance. These new buildings provided an amalgamation from several different farmsteads in village settings - opening the opportunity for other village redevelopment.
CONSENT FOR NPPF PARA 79E DWELLING AT CHERINGTON, WARWICKSHIRE.
WORKS UNDERWAY FOR NEW CONSENTED HOUSE ON HOLKHAM ESTATE.
NEW HOUSE GRANTED CONSENT IN EPPING FORREST - DESIGNED BY QUINLAN TERRY.
November 2021
Following demolition of the redundant barn buildings, construction is now underway for the new country house designed by Craig Hamilton and with a Landscape Management Plan prepared by Christian Sweet of Colson Stone. The planning consent from Stratford-on-Avon District Council was obtained after MLA presentation to Planning Committee, in line with the submitted Design and Access Statement.
December 2021
The first stages have began of the consented Para 79e dwelling within Holkham Estate. The house was designed by Rodney Black and the Landscape by Christian Sweet (Colson Stone). The planning consent was achieved after MLA presented a strong case to the Planning Committee, of outstanding design, ecological enhancement and sustainability.
January 2022
The replacement dwelling designed by
the renowned Quinlan Terry CBE will result in a significantly enhanced residential appearance both within the residential plot and for the wider landscape Green Belt setting. The replacement dwelling is of a traditional and compact country house design, carefully detailed to look as if it has always been there and to fit comfortably into its surroundings. MLA co-ordinated all project inputs having liaised with the Council over successful diversion of a local by-way.
NPPF PARA 80 INTERVIEW WITH FRANCIS TERRY FOR NEW COUNTRY HOUSES
November 2021
As an update from the October 2020 interview, the new discussion between Francis and Martin about new country houses under the update NPPF legislation. The discussion includes examples of project successes and a practical guide on how to approach these exciting but demanding projects.