Working in collaboration with JPPC, we’re delighted – after five long years – to have secured Planning Permission for Chinnor Hills, a wholesale redevelopment programme set at the lower slopes of a large woodland area, within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and overlooking the most incredible vistas of the Old Kiln Lakes in Chinnor Quarry.
Working closely with the Chiltern Conservation Board, this residential scheme – on a site, formerly occupied by two rather undistinguished dwellings – places the conservation and enhancement of the rural landscape and scenic beauty up front and centre in the design. Optimising extensive views of the site, while mitigating the visual impact of the development, is key. The scheme presents five traditionally inspired, yet modern in appearance, four- and five-bedroom dwellings, each with extensive gardens and private parking – placed in, rather than on, the landscape, working with the levels and natural slope of the site, to ensure the homes appear deeply nestled within their surroundings.
A staggered layout with large breaks between properties – achieved through stacking floors – varies the lowland vale views up towards the development, obscuring impactful lighting and parking, and introduces vital green areas encouraging local biodiversity and natural wilding, while establishing new vistas through the site to the countryside and waters below.
Subdued materiality, sympathetic to the local vernacular, includes red brick, knapped flint, black timber cladding, and both slate and clay roof tiles. These traditional materials ensure the properties assimilate within their context, while a modern interpretation of traditional construction techniques and contemporary detailing gives the development a distinct modern appearance.
We worked with a series of supporting consultants, including JPPC, ASA Landscape Architects and Wellan Ltd, all of whom played a pivotal role in securing this fantastic consent.
