This project for Shropshire Rural Housing Association has recently been submitted for planning.  The proposed development consists primarily of the design and construction of 8 affordable residential units (6 semi-detached houses and 2 bungalows) with all associated external works, services and drainage. The other half of the site includes 3 private dwellings and 5 self-build plots.

This particular development has arisen from the need to provide affordable homes within this area of Shropshire. The site is close to a designated AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and affordable housing will help to retain, support and develop the local infrastructure including footpaths, the village hall and the local shop/garage. SAM Dev Policy MD3 requires sites of this size to incorporate a mix of housing types and following discussions with Shropshire Council’s Housing Enablement Officer a balance of affordable rented housing, self-build market housing and self-build private housing has been proposed.

The proposed site layout has been developed to respond to the sloping site and existing natural ecological features, with buildings being located to take advantage of the panoramic views and passive solar gain. To be sympathetic to the local context all dwellings will incorporate a more rural aesthetic including materials such as timber boarding, stone and render as found in the local area, to create a simple and modern house style. The proposed design also utilises opportunities for sustainable energy solutions like solar PV, thermal and ground source heat pumps for passive solar gain and non-visually invasive sustainable energy solutions.

etc Design Ltd have been appointed initially as Lead Consultant Architect and Principal Designers for RIBA work stages 0-3.