Charlemont Farm Estate, West Bromwich.

Description

The outdoor space has been designed to replicate the adjacent properties along this historic Victorian streetscape. At the front, a brick and stone boundary wall with iron railings provides a level of defensible space and integrated refuse stores. The rear gardens have been landscaped and feature a lawn area with stepping stones connecting a patio directly outside each home to a decked area at the bottom of the garden. All four homes provide at least 59m2 of private amenity space, been designed to promote a natural habitat and provide an attractive outlook for all neighbouring properties.

Planning History

There are no significant planning applications associated with the site prior to Pinnacle's submission for the demolition of the existing residential children's home and erection of four family houses. It is believed that the irregular site was the product of bomb damage in the war. Records suggest that the building which occupied the site at the time was an early1960's build which was purpose built as care home by the local authority. Plans for the scheme were submitted to the local authority in February 2013. The dwellings had been designed to respond to the local character and history of both Calais Street and the wider Minet Conservation area, presenting a high quality design that is reflective of the local vernacular. As the proposal sought to demolish a building within a conservation area, it was felt that the heritage officer should be engaged to ensure that nothing of merit was being removed. Following a number of conversations with the heritage officer, it was confirmed that the demolition of the existing structure would be acceptable. The proposals also looked at the removal of two trees within the site boundary. One was to the rear of the property and out of public view but the other was a mature specimen which fronted Calais Street. Following engagement with the arboricultural officer, it was agreed that although the tree to the front of the site was mature, it was not indigenous and therefore offered little amenity value within its locality. The arboricultural officer recognised that the proposed development would offer significantly greater value then the retention of a single tree and so was happy to recommend the removal of the tree for approval. The application was subsequently approved in Q3 2013.