MJH Architects have secured planning permission for a front extension at Heatherwood Close, Wanstead. Due to the unique corner plot, with its under utilised front garden and the enclosed back garden with 20m high trees on the rear boundary, there was a strong case in terms of layout and design for a front extension. The process was not as straightforward as a permitted development proposal but with close collaboration with the local authority a very rare front extension was approved.

The good news is that the government has decided to remove the time limit for larger rear extensions under permitted development rights. This means that if you live in a semi-detached/terrace or a detached house you can extend the original rear wall of your property by 6m and 8m respectively. The legalisation was due to expire on 30 May 2019 but the government has now made it permanent. The application is made under Prior Notification and is subject to a Neighbour Consultation Scheme, which involves the local authority contacting your neighbours to address any potential concerns. At a time when more property owners are looking to extend and remodel properties to adapt to changing lifestyles, we at MJH support this decision. If you have any queries about your permitted development rights and prior approval please contact us.

For some design inspiration and part of MJH's cpd programme, we visited Patrick Gwyne's modernist masterpiece in Esher. The house is one of the UK's best examples of modernist architecture and was inspired by Le Corbuiser and Mies Van Der Rohe. Homewood uses many of the design principles of modernism that are still relevant today. The house is built on stilts (pilotis) to allow for parking below and the landscaping has been designed in harmony with the house to create a unified design. The property is owned by the National Trust and is well worth a visit if you are a member or interested in modernism architecture. The house is open from April to October by pre-booked visits.

MJH will be visiting Grand Designs Live at ExCeL in May (4th - 12th). If you are considering an extension or a new build house, the show is a great opportunity to view the latest design trends and new products. This year the show is divided into six categories (Build, Gardens, Interiors, Technology, Kitchens and Bathrooms and products) to help you get the most out of the show. MJH will be happy to hear your feedback on the show and discuss how we can help you with your ideas.

Eats Hampshire District Council (EHDC) will be presenting the draft version of the new Local Plan at Alton Maltings on Friday 15th March. This will be an opportunity for residents to comment on the Local Plan before the final version is submitted later this year. If you live outside a settlement boundary it is worth noting that the draft plan currently omits policy H16, which determines the maximum increase of floorspace for extending properties outside of the settlement boundary. The emerging policy CP29 will instead place the emphasis on "exemplary design that respects an area's particular characteristics". The change in emphasis from restricting development through an arbitrary uplift in floorspace to promoting good design is a clear improvement that will benefit the build environment in East Hampshire. If you would like to discuss the implications for a potential project please contact us.

MJH will attend Futurebuild 2019 at ExCeL, London on 5th March. We are looking forward to attending the first Futurebuild exhibition. As some of you may be aware Futurebuild is a newly developed concept based on EcoBuild. The excellent work of EcoBuild in raising awareness of sustainability in the construction industry over the last decade will form the foundation of Futurebuild, which will showcase the latest technologies and building products. If you are thinking of attending as research for a self build project or a new build/extension please get in touch as we will be able to support you.

Please check out the latest Southsea Lifestyle magazine for our article about the historical importance of Blue Plaques in the urban environment. The article focuses on a number of blue plaque buildings celebrating the lives of former Portsmouth and Southsea residents, including the renowned writers Nevil Shute Norway and Percy Westerman, and the distinguished scientist Hertha Ayrton.

For more of our articles for Southsea Lifestyle please click here

Planning application submitted for Musgrove Gardens, Alton. The proposal for this 1970s house is for a remodelled front entrance and garage that will help to improve the internal layout of the house and create extra some much needed extra space. The sympathetic use of materials creates a harmony between the proposed and existing house

MJH attended the informative 21st Century Super Home seminar by Dr Thomas Lancaster. Organised by Alton Energy, a community-based group focusing on energy efficient, Dr Lancaster discuss the conversion of his standard 1980s house to a super eco house.

Over the last 20 years, he has made a 60% saving on carbon emissions by introducing a number of improvements to the house such as triple glazing and insulation. These changes also helped to make the house more comfortable and improve the wellbeing of its occupants. At MJH we place a high value on sustainability and energy efficient design. If you would like on advice on how on how to improve the energy efficiency of your home or your future projects please contact us.