Welcome to our November update from Lever Turner Cowdell. The clocks have gone back, the leaves are piling up outside the office and we’re making the most of what’s left of the daylight on site visits. With the end of the year in sight, it’s also a good time to start thinking about any building projects you’d like to get moving in the spring.
Monthly Update
With the weather getting colder & wetter, we’re preparing technical drawing packages for projects that clients are hoping to start on site in the spring. Getting this work underway early gives contractors a clearer basis for pricing and allows time to coordinate information with the wider design team before construction begins.
We also aim to submit Building Control applications well ahead of the proposed start date. This gives us time to discuss the proposals with Building Control, respond to any comments and make any necessary revisions before the contractor is on site. Resolving those points early helps keep the construction programme on track and reduces the risk of changes once work is underway.
Project Spotlight
We’re working with WHG on proposals for a residential development at the Dudley Leisure Centre site. The existing leisure centre building is being demolished to make way for a mix of houses and apartments.
The site presents several design challenges, including trees subject to Tree Preservation Orders and existing easements. The location and root protection areas of retained trees influence where buildings, roads and other hard surfaces can be placed. Easements also need to be factored into the layout, as they can restrict where development takes place and require space to be kept clear for access and maintenance.
The challenge is to accommodate a mix of houses and apartments while providing practical access, parking and usable outdoor space. We’re considering how the position and orientation of the buildings can respond to these constraints while creating a coherent residential layout. It’s an interesting site to work on, and we look forward to sharing more as the proposals develop.