St Peter’s Street, St Albans

On behalf of Foxley Group Ltd, BDP has prepared and executed a complex planning strategy for the development of 12 family homes within the St Albans Conservation Area. The scheme, designed by Guy Taylor Associates, involves conversion of a pair of Grade II listed Georgian buildings from office to residential use. This is complemented by nine new build homes within an existing car park to the rear.

Although the site benefitted from an existing residential consent, the ambition was to develop a revised scheme which better referenced the character of the surrounding area and secured a high standard of amenity for existing and future occupants. BDP undertook engagement with St Albans Council and neighbouring residents to assist in developing an alternative design which maximised the development potential of a constrained site. This was followed by two separate applications seeking planning and listed building consent for the refurbishment and new build works respectively. Working with BDP’s in-house ecologists we developed a positive biodiversity strategy for the site.

The listed buildings on the site were in a poor state of repair and required urgent safeguarding. In response, we formulated a strategy to prevent expiry of the existing consent via lawful implementation in order to enable advance works to the heritage asset, prior to achieving permission for the revised scheme.

Following planning consent for the revised scheme we have also co-ordinated the discharge of conditions, working closely with the client and design team to ensure alignment with the construction programme.