It was back in 2006, when I was living in Coggeshall in Essex, that I started working for PJB Architects and I have had the great pleasure of working for Francis, Jeff and Keith throughout the years since. As PJB sadly closed its doors in 2022 this is one of the projects that was fully passed over to me mid-planning which I have recently completed by remotely working with the client and builder.
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| Site Layout (Block Plan) |
The Site
Hoe Farmhouse is set in an enviable location in the North Essex countryside close to the historic town of Colchester.
The site is a former farm complex comprising of four groups of buildings including a listed farmhouse, a modern former grain store, and two listed timber barns converted for residential use.
The Plans
The original brief was for a two storey cartlodge but this ended up paired back to space for three cars and a garden store close enough to the farmhouse but not so as to adversely effect the aesthesis of it. Although this seems a fairly straightforward request due to the sensitivity of the site it took a while and a few redesigns along the way to produce the single storey scheme that satisfied the client and the planners.
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| Concept, Proposed Plan and Elevations |
Historic 1800's Maps
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| Historic 1800's Maps |
Heritage Statement
The Heritage Statement has been a key part of this application as the proposal site includes three listed buildings, two grade II and one II*.
Hoe Farmhouse itself is a two storey detached residential property in the vernacular style, it is designated grade II and was first listed in 1982.
The farmhouse has origins in the 16th century but was much altered from the 18th century onwards, as can be seen in historic map regression, including the addition of a front range constructed of Flemish-bond red brick. The roof is hipped and covered with clay peg tiles and formed of parallel ranges with valleys. The fenestration of the property consists of a mix of sashes and casements which are modern replacements.
Planning Conditions
As this was passed over mid-planning it created a unique situation where nine conditions were attached by Colchester City Council to the granted planning permission. One of the most important elements to then be taken on was to work through these to clear the conditions allowing the build to progress.
There were three conditions to address with additional drawn work and several more to address on site with the builders and other contractors but with the team working together nothing was impossible.
This project demonstrates that environmentally friendly elements can be also added, with thoughtful placing, no matter what. Air source heat pumps were a requirement from the client and with careful thought over their location and screening they have been successfully integrated to bring up to date, modern benefits, to this 16th century property.
The second condition addressed the details of the cartlodge; how would the eaves, verges, barge boards, windows and doors be finished? Although a new addition it was important that details were taken from and referenced back to the farmhouse.
Lastly the landscaping needed consideration to maintain the current standards and improve with new native planting where possible. A simple scheme, to be maintained for a minimum of five years, was created with the client. The considerations added to the plans included creating 1no sunny bed and 1no sun/shade bed, planting an area of new grass and additional new trees, as well as introducing new bird and bat boxes along with insect hotels creating a wholistic environmental and wildlife approach.
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| ASHP, Details and Landscape Planning Conditions |
The Build
The first step of the build was to complete the archaeological dig and report the findings. Although this feels like a frustrating step that 'holds up' the build it is of great importance in our historic landscape. As the owner of a Listed and historic property you take on this responsibility to preserve and enhance your investment as its custodian.
To clear the final condition a materials pallet was selected and quickly approved on site so from then onwards the build ran smoothy thanks to the skills of Trevor Scott and his team; concluding that when all was completed it was "a very enjoyable job", a statement with which I concur.
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| Archaeological Dig and Build |
