We’re pleased announce that the Chapters development in Norwich is complete.
Sometimes securing planning permission is a simple process, sometimes it is not. Chapters, Park Lane is an excellent example of a project that warranted extra consideration when it came to gaining consent and the construction process.
Chapters is the development of St Peter’s Methodist Church and the surrounding buildings; Old Church Hall and the Boys Brigade Building. Opened in 1894, the initial building was a Wesleyan Methodist Church. This denomination of Christianity grew in popularity at that time and like many modern churches, the building rapidly evolved to service the needs of the community. Significant expansion was completed after the Second World War and as such, this site was full of surprises.
The Brief
Planning permission for this development was secured before we came onto the project. The permission granted was complicated and had taken several years to secure. The client came to us after they had begun construction work on site. They required further advice, as well as further work performed on the construction drawings and planning conditions.
John Adams took on this project, and along with Peter Wells, managed a fine balancing act.
The first step in the process was to review the planning permissions and make according changes to the design. Work continued on site and features were revealed that had not been included in the original surveys. These discoveries did impact the parameters of planning permissions and conditions. The most startling of all was a large panelled window on the front elevation of the Old Church Hall. This feature urgently needed to be incorporated into the new designs.
The window posed quite a few questions. There are multiple flats in this development and the window feature straddles two different units. It has been a challenge to ensure that the window was preserved, whilst also meeting fire regulation, and sound proofing is effective between units too
Peter Wells
The project then became dependent on continual surveys which were being drawn alongside the construction drawings. Adjustments were often needed to accommodate any further surprises. As the design changed, so did the conditions of building control which needed to be met. It was John and Peter’s task to bring together all strands of the project, facilitating a productive dialogue between client, building control and the team on-site.
We’re pleased to say that this project has been successfully completed. As a result, 20 new homes have been created in Norwich. This historical site will now be inhabited for years to come, breathing life back into a disused space. Situated in the Golden Triangle, these properties have the best of both worlds; period features within the comfort of modern living.
Lead design: John Adams
Planning consultancy: Peter Wells
