Read all about it! Approval for redevelopment of former Newspaper works in Stratford Upon Avon

We were over the moon for our client, Five Homes Limited, to have received approval of Planning Permission and Listed Building Control from Stratford on Avon District Council’s Planning Committee on 26th April 2023.

The site is a brownfield site in Stratford’s town centre with the buildings last in use as the offices and printing works of the Stratford upon Avon ‘Herald’ newspaper. The site fronts Rother Street and comprises York House, a 17th century half-timbered Grade II Listed Building lying in the Conservation Area. Behind the frontage Listed Building there have been various large extensions covering the majority of the plot, including a very large 3 storey, 20th century building which housed the former printing works.

At the heart of this proposal is the refurbishment of York House to be occupied by the applicant as his main office, bringing employment and life back into this empty listed building in the centre of the town.

The proposal will remove the previous non confirming industrial use through the re-use of the listed building and a redevelopment to the rear to provide 7 contemporary town houses in place of the former newspaper print works building and a further dwelling through the conversion of the former paper store.

The town houses will be of a contemporary design in terms of form, layout and style, incorporating sustainable construction methods. They have been conceived as ‘upside down’ dwellings with roof top private amenity space. This arrangement maximises the potential for long range views across the roof of the adjoining Stratford Playhouse. The design also takes advantage of its southern aspect to maximise sunlight and daylight penetration.

A communal courtyard space will be provided at each end of a linear pedestrian ‘street’ with the main area of associated open space positioned to take advantage of the heights of surrounding buildings and allow sunlight to enter into the courtyard. The northern most site boundary wall will be planted as a living wall. The non-accessible parts of the rooftops of the houses will be green roofs to provide sustainable drainage opportunities.

In securing the Committee’s support, against an officer recommendation to refuse the planning application, we worked through issues of design, archaeology, built heritage, noise, odour, and highways. The submitted scheme was also the result of site meetings with Officers and constructive engagement with neighbours and interested parties, with the Town Council and the local councillor supportive of the scheme. There were no objections from planning policy, conservation, highways, drainage, fire service or other consultees. The Listed Building Consent was recommended for approval.

Our director, Gail Collins, addressed the Committee, and the Design Team including the architect, Phil Powell of St Paul’s Associates, also answered questions from Members. The Planning Committee approved both applications on a vote of 8-1.