We have worked with a landowner in south Suffolk to develop appropriate new uses for redundant farm buildings and sites around their estate. Working with the grain of each site, we have assessed what the individual sites lend themselves to, from a strategic, policy and architectural perspective, and developed proposals that are appropriately designed for their rural context.

After initial assessment of the potential of a number of listed barns, unlisted farm buildings and ‘left-over’ vacant sites, we engaged the local planning authority proactively to understand what would be considered acceptable from a planning perspective. We also consulted with the local communities around each site to understand what they felt would contribute positively to the area - leading to support from the local Parish Councils for all the proposals to date.

We have used a range of routes, from permitted development to full listed building consent, to achieve consent so far for ten new homes, including full new-build homes outside a village framework, and a range of studio/workshop units. We managed the full process as planners and architects.