Homes plan submitted for former Travis Perkins site in London Road Chatteris
A former builder's merchants site in Chatteris is set to be developed for up to seven homes if a planning application is approved.
GKL Residential Developments Ltd wants to develop the currently vacant former Travis Perkins site in London Road.
According to a design and access statement drawn up on the developer's behalf by Barker Storey the site which includes a builder's yard, warehouse, stores, office and showroom has been disused for the past two years since Travis Perkins relocated to a new site in the town.
Up to then the site had been operated as a builder's merchants for over 20 years but the statement points out the use did not conform to the area which is largely residential.
It adds: "Travis Perkins has relocated to a more suitable business location within Chatteris and as such the site can be considered as a brownfield, windfall site in a sustainable location for new housing.
"This submission has been the subject of extensive pre-application enquiries with Fenland District Council planning and conservation officers and as a result of that process it is considered that this proposal embodies high quality design. It will result in a development that creates a real sense of place within what is a contained site and will enhance the setting of the listed building and conservation area and will ensure the future of the listed building by returning it to its original residential use."
The application seeks to partly demolish 22 London Road known as 'Coach House' and is a listed building, which was used as a shop and offices and return the remaining half to a town house with the rest of the site developed with six bungalows. Demolition of the back end of the Coach House will make room for an amenity area for the newly restored house.
The restoration of 'Coach House' will be the subject of a separate application at a later date but the design and access statement adds: "The former coach house /workshop/store lies to the south of the main entrance which is in such a poor condition that it was originally proposed for demolition and rebuilding as it is recognised that it is an important feature of the historic frontage. Following discussion with, and advise from, the council's conservation officer it is to be retained. "
It also states: "The adaptation of 22 London Road will be achieved without significant loss of historic fabric and character to this listed building. Furthermore, proposals including the new bay window, and proposed front boundary wall and railings will result in demonstrable enhancement of this part of the Chatteris conservation area and to the listed building and its setting."
A heritage statement also submitted in support of the plan adds: "The proposed demolition of the 1970s buildings and replacement with small scale, sympathetic single storey dwellings is a form of development consistent with the historic forms of development within the Chatteris conservation area and reasonably can be considered as a significant enhancement."
