renovating properties in the green belt: 6 park west & bren aud, heswall
when it comes to renovating properties in the green belt, there are strict rules designed to preserve the natural landscape and limit urban sprawl. one key restriction is that you cannot extend a property by more than 50% of its original footprint. this can pose a challenge for homeowners looking to expand or update their properties, such as those at 6 park west and bren aud, which sit within this protected area.
however, there are ways to work around this rule, primarily by utilizing non-habitable spaces in the renovation plan. for example, building a garage, storage room, or garden room that isn’t classified as a living space can help circumvent the 50% extension rule. these types of extensions are often not counted toward the footprint limitation, as long as they don’t include heating, plumbing, or other features that would make them habitable.
additionally, creative use of existing structures, such as converting outbuildings or repurposing non-livable spaces, can add valuable square footage without violating green belt regulations. consulting with a planning expert or architect who understands local zoning laws is crucial for ensuring compliance while maximizing your property's potential.
with careful planning and expert advice, it’s possible to expand and improve a green belt property without running into legal obstacles.
if you're interested in renovating in a project on the greenbelt contact us at www.16.uk
Feel free to reach out by phone, or call into our studios for a complimentary consultation with our team.
renovating vs. starting anew: should you knock down and rebuild?
with our project on broomfield back on track, today we've taken some time to understand the pros and cons of a new building project or a renovation. if you've got your own project you'd like to talk about please do get in touch with us at admin@studio16architecture.co.uk
pros of knocking down and rebuilding
one of the biggest financial perks of rebuilding is that new builds are often exempt from vat (value added tax) on construction, unlike renovations, where vat typically applies. this can result in significant cost savings.
a new build allows for modern construction techniques, enabling superior insulation and energy performance. better u-values mean reduced heating costs, greater comfort, and a home that meets or exceeds current energy standards.
with a knock-down and rebuild, you start with a blank canvas, bypassing the complexities of adapting an old structure. this can streamline construction timelines, often leading to faster project completion.
starting fresh means you can design a space perfectly suited to your needs—open-plan living, a home office, or that dream kitchen you've always wanted. there’s no compromising or working around existing layouts or constraints.
while daunting for some, starting anew can be liberating. it offers a unique opportunity to create a home that reflects your style and aspirations without the baggage of old design flaws.
cons of knocking down and rebuilding
when you demolish a house, you also remove the foundations, utilities, and other structural elements that are already in place. this waste can feel like a missed opportunity to work with what's already there, especially if the core of the home is still solid.
older homes often have unique architectural details and a sense of history that modern builds can struggle to replicate. For many, a home holds sentimental value, and starting fresh might feel like losing a part of the past.
while new homes can be energy-efficient, demolishing a structure creates waste and consumes resources. renovating, in contrast, can often be a more sustainable choice by preserving and repurposing materials.
a rebuild typically involves securing demolition permits, navigating local council regulations, and meeting zoning requirements. this process can introduce delays and additional costs compared to a straightforward renovation.
making the right choice
choosing between a renovation and a rebuild ultimately depends on your goals, budget, and the state of your existing home. if you’re eager to create a space tailored to your vision, benefit from vat savings, and achieve modern energy standards, rebuilding could be the way to go. however, if you value the charm and history of your current home and wish to preserve its essence, a thoughtful renovation might suit you better.
whatever your decision, investing in the right approach will ensure your home becomes a space you’ll love for years to come.
trend report: kitchen design trends 2025
for many people, the kitchen is the heart of the home, a space that needs to merge style and functionality. In this week’s trend report, we examine a selection of kitchen design trends that will prove popular in 2025.
Earthy tones
earthy hues continue their popularity into 2025 and create a cosy yet dramatic space. these can be paired with soft neutral tones or lean into the richness for a bold, layered look.
be inspired by the home of studio msg founder yasmine ghoniem, whose kitchen leans into a beautiful olive green and peach palette, or studio marie bonnard, which completed the renovation of a duplex paris apartment with a simplistic kitchen design highlighted by the use of irregular-shaped green ceramic tiles.
Gold
the use of gold can go beyond hardware and taps. by applying warm metallic accents in unexpected ways, you can make bold statements.
michael collins architects combined inchyra blue cabinets and surfaces with a gold backsplash to create a striking contrast. studio author utilised a monochromatic scheme of tactile materials the gold kitchen island contrasts beautifully with a precious onyx backsplash.
Timber on Timber
there has been an increased use of timber for colour within kitchen design. it’s a great way to bring texture into a kitchen while creating a timeless scheme. the use of timber also ties in with the mid-century modern style, which is trending within commercial and residential design. think clean lines, warm natural wood tones, simplicity and functionality, with a touch of vintage charm.
