Park Road, Stretford, Manchester

Project type: Residential

Requirements: Planning Permissions for External Refurbishment of Boundary Treatments, and Side Extension.

RIBA Stages: 0 to 3

Ibelin Architecture was commissioned twice for this residential project in Stretford, Manchester. The first commission was for the refurbishment of a boundary wall that had collapsed. The client wanted to improve all of the boundary treatments, fronting the roadways of this corner plot. He felt overlooked and wanted to have 2.1m high brickwork walls with mesh screens and wooden fencing surrounding both the front and side elevations.

This project is an example of the client's aspirations being opposite to planning policy. Planning policy does not allow such high boundary walls to the front of a house, as it would dominate the overall view of the street, and give the impression of a fortress. The architect had to find a balance that served the needs of the client while adhering to the planning rules. Sections of the boundary surrounding the garden could be 2.1m high with solid timber fencing. The rest of the boundary would be a 1.5m wall with decorative metal railing panels, tall enough to re-enforce the site boundary, convey public/private space, and allow surveillance of the street too. Extra screening would be provided by planting hedging behind the metal railings. All these measures helped to grant Planning Permission, provide privacy and enhance the overall street-appeal of the client's home.

Ibelin was appointed again to submit a second Planning Application for a side extension to the existing 1930's house. The client originally wanted the architect to design a two storey extension with a new sitting room, and bedroom on the Ground Floor. The First Floor would have 2 new double bedrooms, and a new bathroom. The existing bathroom would be converted into a study. Before submitting the application, the architect assisted the client in compiling and tendering a budget cost from recommended builders. Unfortunately the scheme was too expensive for the client's budget. An alternative scheme was designed. The Ground Floor layout would remain as before, but be single storey with a mono-pitch roof. A new extension on top of the downstairs shower room would help extend the existing bedroom on the First Floor. The scheme was designed to the Planning Policy for the area, and as a result given Planning Permission. The architect provided more coherent living spaces for the client and his growing extended family, whilst being able to remain on budget.