This design and build project for Sandwell Council, on the former site of some disused shops has recently obtained planning permission.  The approved scheme is for 8 affordable rent homes with all associated external works, services and drainage, including rebuilding of the existing road to adoptable standards.

The development is part of a wider drive to increase the council owned affordable housing within the Local Authority’s area to meet the ever rising need.  The site is currently largely flat, grassed over following the demolition of the previous building, and is within a predominantly residential area.  The exceptions to this are a school which borders the North West of the Site, and a housing association office to the South East of the site.  The proposed scheme takes best advantage of the site to provide as many homes as possible for the local community. 

As a result of extensive discussions with planning, it was determined that the properties needed to be semi-detached, and very simple in both form and appearance in order to blend in with the surrounding properties.  Through careful selection of materials the simple designs have been elevated to a higher quality than their simplistic forms initially convey.  As a result of the existing road layout the solution had to incorporate a specially designed property to turn the curve in the road and present a strong building line with well overlooked public realm.

etc Design were appointed as architects and Lead Designers on behalf of Seddon Construction, to develop the scheme from concept to completion.  Receiving the feasibility studies from Sandwell Council we have developed the design to suit the site and planning requirements.  Following on from this as lead designers etc Design Ltd have been responsible not only for the completion of technical designs to enable construction, but also coordinating with other disciplines to ensure the scheme works as a whole.  etc Design Ltd will be involved with the project whilst on site, through to completion and beyond.