Seymour Grove, Old Trafford, Greater Manchester

Project type: Residential

Requirements: Planning Permission for a 9 Unit Apartment Development

RIBA Stages: 0 to 3

Ibelin Architecture was commissioned for this residential project in Seymour Grove, Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, to initially provide a Feasibility Study for the client. The client had purchased a disused pub with extensive parking to the rear of the site, and was in the process of converting the building into 14 flats. He now wanted Ibelin to take over the second phase of development on the site, and design a new apartment block for the back of the plot. Developers had given the client the impression another 14 two bedroom apartments with residents parking, and amenity spaces could be built on the site. The architect thought the proposal was over optimistic, and advised the client a Feasibility Study should be undertaken before any Planning Application was submitted or other consultants appointed.

Ibelin advised that a surveyor was appointed to draw up an accurate site plan. Using this, and the approved planning guidelines set out for new-build apartments, Ibelin Architecture first designed the apartment layout to ensure it complied with Part M disability access requirements. Architecture should enhance people's lives for the better, and the client was made aware of why the apartments were larger than Phase 1. A building plan was drawn, and positioned on the site in relation to the surrounding buildings, so as to comply with overlooking distances. From this the architect was able to determine that only 9 two bedroom apartments could be built on the site, provide enough room for residents parking, amenity spaces, and the extra parking that was needed for the Phase 1 flats too. Building 14 apartments would not be a viable option and rejected by the Planning Authority.

This project shows the value of commissioning an architect is more than in their ability to design. They offer the client knowledge of the planning system gained through their experience and training; experiences that can help guide the client through the whole process, save time, money, and as a result achieve good design.