Modernisation of Builders Merchant Branch, Oxfordshire

MUCH NEEDED REFUBISHMENT INVOLVING NEW SALES BUILDING AND WAREHOUSE, AND CONVERSION OF EXISTING COTTAGE TO ANCILLARY STAFF ACCOMMODATION

The current arrangement of assorted sheds and buildings doesn’t meet the client’s preferred business model of a larger sales floor with connecting warehouse. Furthermore, many of the existing buildings are antiquated and in poor condition.

The depot is in an urban location in an older part of the town, there are many listed buildings in the vicinity of the site, which is also in close proximity to housing. We carried out a full measured survey of the existing buildings and prepared a heritage statement to help inform the layout and design approach and potential impact on the setting of listed buildings.

Options were presented to the client, including sunlight/shadow stu to help them appreciate the potential effect of different layouts on adjoining premises, and the need for pre-application advice, which we consider necessary to optimise the prospects of a successful outcome at planning.