Hermitage Gate. Inventive Green Belt Works.
What did we do?
Achieving the Impossible?
A substantial development in the heart of the Green Belt!
The site, a historic gatehouse building with associative structures across a generous plot located in Harrow, North London.
The conundrum?
How can the site be developed as a family home with tough Green Belt restrictions in place?
Services
- Strategy
- Stakeholder Management
- Feasibility
- Design Development
- Pre-Application Submittals
- Planning Documentation
- Planning Submittals
- Associative Artwork
- Framework of Consultants
Brass Architecture developed proposals that were befitting of the site, far exceeding Green Belt policy restrictions and challenging key LPA feedback.
We believed in this case that planning balance was the most important element at play with regards to this valued site.
Put simply, risk of losing the asset (due to degradation) was imminent. To redevelop the site was costly and restrictive.
We showcased that added returns is the only mechanism to justify required investments.
Brass submitted applications reflective of client brief and orchestrated that the scheme was to be presented at committee level, allowing us to accurately communicate the merits of the proposals.
This despite push back from planning officials given it did not accord with stringent policies.
Our case was simple, lose the site of importance or allow sensitive redevelopment to suit client needs.
Our balanced, contextual interventions were applauded, and all committee members voted in favour of approving our proposals.
Key involvement from our trusted partners (heritage specialist, planning consultant) was key in achieving our goals.
The project is on site (phased over 3 years) and due to be finally completed in the calendar year of 2024.
Related Project
Willow Farm. Green Belt Overhaul.
Sevenoaks, Kent, UK
Achieving the Impossible—Again!?!
Redeveloping an Equestrian Farm in the Green Belt
Brass Architecture has successfully delivered a transformative overhaul of this residential equestrian farm complex, achieving significant increases in massing and floor area. This project exemplifies how a well-communicated ‘planning balance’ can override rigid, non-site-specific policies—turning constraints into opportunities.
A Vision for the Future
Located on the outskirts of Sevenoaks, Kent, the site is set to evolve further with future development phases, including:
- A farm shop to support local produce
- Grazing zones for sustainable land use
- A butchery to enhance farm-to-table operations
A bold and strategic approach—proving once again that with the right methodology, the impossible can be achieved.
