Church Fields, a Taylor Wimpey development, is one of the first new developments in the UK to meet strict new design quality, safety and community criteria. The ‘Building for Life 12' kite-mark has been awarded to just five new housing projects to date.
Mark Johnson, Director of Planning at Dacres Commercial says: “We were appointed to provide guidance to Taylor Wimpey and the architect to ensure this development met the stringent planning policy requirements for this Conservation Area site. It's fantastic that the scheme has now become one of the first to receive the “Built for Life” award which reflects the success of the design and the careful implementation by Taylor Wimpey.”
Church Fields is located within the conservation area of Boston Spa and the 153 new homes will include a mix of two, three, four and five bedroom properties in a range of styles. The development also includes 45 affordable homes and creates a new public park and access to the riverside.
Planning Minister Nick Boles said: "Building for Life 12 standards show the importance of good design both of buildings and of the public realm, and the benefits it can bring for both the building industry and communities. They are an incredibly useful guide for all involved in development. I'm delighted to commend the first developments that meet the revised criteria for design and quality.”
Designed by architects John R Paley Associates the scheme centres on invoking a sense of place defined through the spaces between buildings, their heights, textures, forms and solidity. Andrew Paley Managing Director says: “The design connects the riverbank with the high street in various ways, with subtle but unique detailing that are rarely observed in many modern housing builds.”
Links:
www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-work/CABE/Localism-and-planning/Building-for-Life/