Towersey, South Oxfordshire

Development planning

AZ Urban Studio secured planning permission for the demolition of a dwellinghouse in a sensitive location in the open countryside and its replacement with a modern dwelling with a significantly expanded residential curtilage.

Using the historic settlement patterns of nearby villages as justification for locating the new dwelling significantly further away from the road than the existing dwelling, we were able to put forward a strong argument to justify compliance with stringent planning policies relating to the protection of the countryside.

Architects Richard Parr Associates designed a contemporary replacement dwelling with an appealing winged form which allowed the exceptional views of the surrounding area from the site to be maximised. The introduction of a new orchard, a planted meadow, a natural pool with native planted margins, and the retention of the existing dense boundary treatment assist integration of the contemporary dwelling into this sensitive landscape. We successfully argued that the design responds to and respects the essential qualities of the receiving landscape, and will enhance the character of the area.

The project is one of a number of private residential schemes in sensitive locations that we are currently working on with Richard Parr Associates.