Temple Cloud

Description

At the front of the almshouses facing Polworth Road most of the existing walls, railings, gate and Laurel hedges were retained. Off-street parking for disabled residents has been provided by using a loose shingle surface within cellular pavers, retaining a 'soft' domestic character to the front. Within the newly formed courtyard a central quadrangle is landscaped with a lawn and planting beds, providing a flexible range of shared spaces and a stimulating sensory environment in character with the traditional setting. All dwellings look onto this amenity, which is now fully enclosed and secure, in line with residents' wishes. Seating provided beneath a substantial planted pergola allow individuals or groups to sit in sun or shade, encouraging social interaction and enhancing the sense of community. Raised planting beds allow residents to grow their own produce.

Planning History

Thrale Almshouses on Polworth Road were built in 1932 and replaced almshouses on Streatham High Road built in 1832 by the daughters of Henry Thrale. However the properties were falling short of modern standards, in particular “Lifetime Homes”, and in June 2012, a decision was taken to demolish all 10 almshouses to facilitate a new build development. This proposal was submitted to Lambeth Council for a pre-application appraisal. The council felt that, given the historical and architectural quality of the buildings, further investigation was required into their retention, and also to take into account that the existing almshouses had recently achieved locally listed status. bptw met with Lambeth Planners and their senior conservation officer in September 2012 to consider other options to retain the majority of the existing almshouses along with extensive internal remodelling and modern extensions, combined with some demolition to facilitate new build apartments. The alternatives put forward successfully gained officers' agreement, provided it could be shown that such a development could be delivered sympathetically. The planning application was developed and subsequently approved in September 2013.