Valley View Farm, Batcombe - New Country House - DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENT, 20 JANUARY 2021
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1 .0 Head i ng
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Valley Vi e w Farm , Batcombe
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New Country House
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021
D ESI GN AND ACCESS STATEM ENT, 2 0 J AN UARY 20211
CONTE NTS
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION SECTION 4 - DESIGN INFLUENCES AND SECTION 6 - CONCLUSION
1.1 The Applicant and Brief
STRATEGIES
1.2 Design Team 4.1 Picturesque Batcombe
1.3 The Location of the Site 4.2 Picturesque Landscape SECTION 7 - ACCESS STATEMENT
1.4 The Existing Buildings 4.3 Building Siting and Orientation
1.5 Planning History and the Design Review Panel 4.4 Massing, Form, Organisation and Layout
4.5 Materials Appendix A
SECTION 2 - DESIGN DEVELOPMENT 4.6 Energy Conservation and Generation
Ecological Management Plan and Ecological
2.1 1st Response - Classical Design
4.7 Integrated Approach Impact Assessment by Enzygo
4.8 Response to Design Panel Review Comments
2.2 2nd Response - Symmetrical Cottage Orné Appendix B
2.3 Current Scheme - Butterfly Plan Cottage Orné
SECTION 5 - DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS Thermal Modelling report by Ridge
SECTION 3 - INSPIRATION FOR THE DESIGN 5.1 Landscape Masterplan
5.2 Architecture
3.1 Landscape History
5.3 Reuse of Old Buildings
3.2 Physical and Character Attributes of the Landscape
5.4 Sustainable Design and Construction
3.3 Landscape Setting
5.5 Gardens
3.4 Analysis of the Village and Surrounding Landscape
5.6 Ecology and Habitat Enhancement
3.5 Local Architecture
5.7 Domestic curtilage
3.6 Picturesque Response to the Setting
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 2
Design and Access Statement Introduction VALLEY VIEW FARM, NEW COUNTRY HOUSE
1 .1 The Ap p l i c a nt a nd Br ie f
“Valley View Farm has provided me with a dream could not find an architect who I knew could design a house that matched butterfly plan. I was delighted with it when I received the plans, although
opportunity; for the first time I have been able the splendour and potential of this location. It was during a visit to it was a very long way from my original pre-conceived ideas and from the
Yorkshire that I saw a new house whose exceptional quality provided me first design. In the course of my journey from first design to third design,
to design a new house. My former home, Pylle with the breakthrough I needed; that breakthrough is of course architects our thinking has changed very radically from what I thought I wanted at the
Manor, 6 miles to the west of Batcombe, has to Francis Johnson and Partners. outset to what I am eager to build now.
be one of the West Country’s prettiest houses My brief to the designers has been to create something so special, that I have challenged my team to push their boundaries; for instance the
very much in the French style, so the design for this site deserves; a traditional country house created with the finest exceptional spatial qualities and visual interest formed by the butterfly
the new country house at Valley View has given craftsmanship and materials. Through the last five years my enthusiasm plan of the house will only be realised and appreciated once built, but this
me the chance to surpass that. I think it does.” for this house and landscape remains undiminished, indeed I remain is spectacular and will be recognised as such once seen. The landscaped
keener than ever to construct one of the finest properties and landscapes setting will transform plain fields into a rich and varied setting, beautiful to
“I have lived and worked in Somerset for almost 30 years, with my southern England has seen in scores of years. look at and walk through and also a haven for wildlife.”
office near Frome some 10 miles from Batcombe. Being involved in The design of the house has gone through three main phases; the whole
property, albeit in the less aesthetic sphere of industrial and outlet retail process started with a letter to Digby Harris on 8 June 2012 setting out
construction, I have always had an ingrained sense that if constructing and Simon Waterfield
my brief in very basic terms and what was actually produced then grew
designing it has to be to the highest quality. For me, such a new house has out of designs for other houses, indeed the first Batcombe design was a .
also to be different, to make anyone, even with a limited knowledge or development of an unexecuted Francis Johnson and Partners design for
interest in architecture, landscape and ecology to stop, to look and I hope Parlington Hall.
to critically appraise positively even if not to their particular liking.
After the disappointment of rejection of the initial proposal at appeal, I
When I saw Valley View Farm for the first time it was clear that here was was presented with the second proposal – a symmetrical cottage orné
a very rare property. Situated in one of Somerset’s prettiest areas, with - the thought being that we needed a different approach to a different
its rolling and steep sided hills, its rich and green pasture land on which location on the site and that approach was to be the Picturesque. The
dairy cows have produced milk for local cheese makers for centuries, here precedent of Nash’s Hollycombe Lodge was influential as a compromise
was 30 acres of largely level ground on which could be built a spectacular between the classical first design and something more informal like
house. With glorious views and land hidden from houses, footpaths and Endsleigh Cottage (now Endsleigh House). However this symmetrical
roads, this is a site whose size, unlike any that I have ever come across design was rejected by the Design Review Panel, as it was thought not to
in this region of the County, could accommodate the best of design, be sufficiently quirky to qualify as a cottage orné proper.
architecture and landscape.
The third design, presented here, is a fully-fledged cottage orné on a
Having lived at the bungalow for a year my patience was being tested as I
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 4
1 .2 Desi gn Tea m
FRANCIS JOHNSON AND PARTNERS
Architects
We have a high reputation for the design of new
buildings in classical and traditional styles as well as the
scholarly repair and restoration of historic buildings.
We pride ourselves on the quality and refinement of our designs, coupled with the
soundness of our construction. We are best known for our Country Houses but
we also design smaller Village Houses and Cottages as well as Garden Buildings,
Commercial Buildings and Interiors.
Francis Johnson founded his practice in 1937 in Bridlington, East Yorkshire.
His work was mainly concerned with the restoration and alteration of historic
houses and with the construction of new houses in historic styles and was the
subject of a major exhibition at the RIBA and an architectural biography by John
Martin Robinson and David Neave in 2001.
The practice has worked across the United Kingdom, from Cornwall to Inverness-
shire. Although many of the new houses produced by the practice have been in Hilborough House, Norfolk
the Georgian or Neo-Classical style, the design of these buildings has always been
site specific. Often the materials employed have been local to the site, or as good
a match as is currently available when old quarries have been closed. Hilborough
House in Norfolk (2000) was faced with flint with brick dressings to reflect the local
vernacular architecture. Additionally Francis Johnson and Partners have picked up
and developed local architectural themes in their work. The pair of town houses in
St Mary’s, York, which won a design award in 2011, combined a number of features
from neighbouring nineteenth century buildings. At Home Farm, Hartforth
(2009) the Georgian Gothick style adopted reflected the Gothick farm
buildings of the estate.
St. Mary’s, York
Home Farm, Hartforth
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 5
1 .2 Desi gn Tea m
IBBOTSON STUDIOS RIDGE
Landscape Architects Building Services Engineering
Ibbotson Studios is a landscape architecture and garden design Well designed and maintained building services systems are essential
practice dedicated to imaginative, intelligent design, where new in supporting people with their busy lives. Helping them to maximise
designs for all kinds of spaces – large, small, public, private or the benefits derived directly from their built environment.
commercial – are conceived.
Our design approach to Building Services Engineering is to understand the clients brief, interrogate the
Ibbotson Studios allow Landscape Architect Mike Ibbotson’s creative talents to flourish, bringing needs and operation of the building and utilise innovative methods in the design process. As buildings
together his expertise both in making landscape images and in changing landscapes physically. His are responsible for over 40% of all energy consumption throughout the world, the responsibility of the
extensive portfolio of developments in sensitive rural locations, covers all scales from industrial Building Services Engineer to minimise carbon emissions and reduce energy consumption, to meet
and mineral extraction to individual replacement houses, and includes a number of successful regulatory change and the sustainable agenda, is vitally important.
country house applications through PPS7 and NPPF Paragraph 55 and 79 legislation as well as two Our approach to design is to passively drive the building design and fabric to maximise the
replacement houses in isolated locations within National Parks. In his 25 year association with Colvin performance of the building before consideration is given to selecting Building Services systems. Once
& Moggridge, a highly regarded practice of landscape architects, he was responsible for some of their this is achieved, selection of equipment is made against simplicity in operation, future maintainability
most prestigious projects and his work is in London’s Royal Parks, at National Trust properties and and systems to provide first class internal environmental conditions.
within the Royal Horticultural Society’s garden at Wisley.
Working as part of an internal Ridge multidiscipline design team, or when we are providing a stand-
alone Building Services Engineering commission, we pride ourselves on teamwork and togetherness in
the delivery of best-in-class solutions for clients.
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 6
1 .2 Desi gn Tea m
ENZYGO RIDGE
Ecologists Town and Country Planning
Enzygo are an independent, multi-disciplinary environmental Ridge specialist planning team has over 25 years of experience,
consultancy with a proven track record of delivering creative, providing a personalised service to a diverse range of clients including
integrated and cost-effective solutions that maximise the individuals, companies and public organisations.
potential of development sites.
The planning team are able to assist clients in achieving their development aspirations by influencing
Our growing team use a collaborative approach to devise solutions that are respectful of planning policy, unlocking development potential and securing planning permission. The team has
technical and budgetary constraints, comply with industry guidance, whilst also fulfilling planning been involved in a diverse range of planning projects across many sectors of the industry, including
and commercial aspirations. residential, retail, strategic and commercial planning. Our approach has evolved through experience in
development schemes, providing us with an insight into complex planning situations, understanding
We have substantial experience in the delivery of all types of developments, including major our clients’ needs and having effective communication and negotiation skills.
infrastructure projects, residential housing schemes and renewable energy programs, across a broad
range of environmental disciplines, including Planning, Hydrology and Drainage, Permitting
and Regulation, Landscape, Ecology, Transport, Geo-Environmental and Hydrogeology,
Noise and Vibration, and Arboriculture.
Such is our reputation and knowledge base, we are now often called to give expert witness testimony
in more complex planning cases, including many sanctioned by the Secretary of State.
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 7
1 .3 The Loc a t i on of t he Site
The village of Batcombe, Somerset is located
between two designated areas of outstanding
natural beauty: the Mendip Hills to the west
and Cranborne Chase to the east. Its landscape
represents the continuation of the Mendips
limestone hills, though with lower relief. The
name “Batcombe” means “Bat’s Valley”; “Bat”
appears to be a personal name while the valley is
that of the River Alham and its tributaries. The
fairly flat upland areas are used for grazing and for
growing crops, in the valleys there is more grazing
and orchards, though these have declined in area
during the twentieth century.
The village consists of a straggle of cottages and some larger houses which
follow a middle contour on the valley side, avoiding both the exposure of
the uplands and the cold damp air of the river banks. The Church of St
Mary the Virgin, a fine example of the perpendicular style, is located in the
centre. Westcombe and Eastcombe mark the edges of the parish which
also includes a number of scattered farmhouses. Field boundaries are
marked by both drystone walls and by hedges. Mature trees can be found
in the valley bottoms, on the less accessible slopes and at field boundaries.
The Valley View Farm site is south and east of the centre of the village;
close to it but completely screened by mature trees and a steep slope.
Much of the site is gently sloping upland grazing which tilts gently to the
north and east. The existing farmhouse and modern barns are located at
the northern end of the site on Hincombe Hill. There have been attempts
to establish trees on the site including a small orchard by the existing farm.
Aerial photo of the site
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 8
1 .4 The Ex i s t i ng Bu i l d i n g s Valley View Farm is approx. 12.4 hectares of an irregular oval shape approx. 700m southwest to northeast and approx. 200m northwest to southeast. The site is surrounded by agricultural land with belts of woodland and established hedgerows and deep narrow valleys and rolling hillsides and ridges which form the horizon. Valley View Farm is split into two clusters of buildings. The newer grouping sits in the northeast corner (Photo 3) and the original grouping lies just south of the centre of the site against the east boundary (Photo 4 ). The existing farmhouse bungalow (B) is at in northeast cluster and approached by a steep curving driveway off Hincombe Hill, which leads around the side of the house and across a yard in-between an existing barn (D) and a farm building opposite (C). Passing through a row of poplar trees, the track continues across a field to a second cluster of farm buildings (H). Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 9
1 .5 Planning Hi s t or y a nd th e De s ig n Re v ie w Pa n e l
Farm buildings have existed on this location Cottage Orné style to the DRP on 22nd March 2018.
from before the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey. Responding to the Panel’s recommendations, King Shaw Associates,
The current dormer bungalow was built at the Consulting Engineers, were appointed to the team to provide building
services and environmental advice to guide the Architects towards
north end of the site away from the original farm an exemplary design. An ecologist was also appointed to guide the
buildings in 1972 and extended in 2001. Landscape Architect and Architect, so a full team was now in place to
develop a fully integrated and coordinated proposal. A revised proposal
The site was in agricultural use until 2011 when the agricultural tie was was considered by the Design Review Panel on 20 September 2018 for a
removed and has since been used as paddocks with stables. third time.
In 2014 a planning application was submitted to replace the current The Panel broadly approved the landscape scheme with some minor
bungalow and all but one of its immediate outbuildings with a qualifications, and the ecological measures. They did not however think
replacement dwelling in a neo-classical design in a different position that the architectural design had been adjusted in response to their
on the site and with conversion of the traditional barn into a cottage. previous comments. They also questioned some of the claims being
The planning justifications were that the development plan was silent made for insulation levels and air tightness, the position of insulation, and
on replacement dwellings of this nature and issues of curtilage; the site the achievability of the stated aims within the constraints of the adopted
was a single planning unit; the design and location of the new home was style. The conclusion was that the proposals still did not meet the exacting
beneficial in comparison to the existing; and conversion of the traditional criteria to satisfy paragraph 79 of the NPPF.
farm buildings to staff accommodation was policy compliant.
The scheme was further developed and re-presented to the Design
The application was refused and a subsequent appeal dismissed. The Review Panel on 21 March 2019. This version was met with enthusiasm
Planning Inspectorate recognised, however, that the appeal process itself and it was felt that, with some minor reservations, the criteria of paragraph
was flawed. Counsel’s advice was sought which concluded that it would 79 had been met. This scheme forms the basis of the current planning
not be a sound and sustainable basis for the Council to rely upon the application.
Inspector’s reasoning in the consideration and determination of a revised
proposal. Comments to the design team from the previous presentations have been
carefully reviewed and considered. The project has evolved and has been
A pre-application discussion was held with Mendip District Council to developed further in response to the feedback and the latest iteration
discuss an alternative scheme which suggested putting a NPPF Paragraph is presented in this document, which starts with a recap of the design
55 proposal (now NPPF Paragraph 79) to the South West Design Review history.”
Panel.
Reflecting the Inspector’s comments regarding the impact of the previous
proposals, a revised scheme was prepared for discussion with the DRP on
9th November 2017. The initial presentation didn’t find favour and a more
radical design direction was undertaken and presented with a unified
landscape and architectural approach with the proposed dwelling in the
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 10Design and Access Statement
Design
Development
VALLEY VIEW FARM, NEW COUNTRY HOUSE
22 .1 1s t Resp ons e – C l a s s i c a l De s ig n
Perspective of the 1st proposal
In response to the client’s request for a classical of greenish Westmorland slate. The exterior was to be relieved by a
house on the highest part of the site, enjoying projecting semi-circular portico on the northwest – entrance – side and
a two-storey domed bow on the southwest side ringed by a single-storey
wide-ranging views in all directions, Francis colonnade. The matching single-storey pavilions were to be linked to the
Johnson and Partners prepared a design for an two –storey house by quadrant wings.
essentially modern family home which would be Sophisticated late-Georgian tricks such as the elongation of the columns
functional in its planning and use of materials, but and elision of the elements of the entablature would have contributed to
not blandly utilitarian. a light and elegant new-classical design and the same qualities would have
been evident in the interior.
The design drew on the work of late-Georgian architects, particularly
This scheme was submitted for, and refused, Planning Permission. It was
James Wyatt, who perfected a restrained form of classicism. This
then submitted to and refused at Appeal.
“Regency” style was much admired by the more serious architects of the
20th Century who saw it as the point at which a new classical movement The reason for refusal centred on the definition of a “replacement
could begin. Much of the work of Francis Johnson and Partners has been dwelling” in relation to National Planning Policy and the impact that
from this starting point. the new house would have on its immediate setting and the wider
countryside, because of its bulk and its location on the highest point of the
The intended effect was one of simplicity but not austerity. The walls
site.
were to be of smooth, honey coloured Bath stone ashlar and the roof
Location plan
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 122 .2 2nd Re s p ons e - Symm e tr ic a l C o tta g e Orn é
This design was conceived as a deeply considered
response to the surrounding landscape and in the
light of criticism of the first application.
Analysis of the landscape around Batcombe led to the conclusion that it
would have been categorized as Picturesque in C18th terms and that the
proper response to placing a dwelling in a Picturesque landscape was to
design it as a Cottage Orné. Many examples of cottages ornés were cited
in the south west of England, ranging from tiny lodge cottages to ducal
mansions. But it was the cottage orné of the middling size that was the
precedent for Valley View Farm.
In order to satisfy the client’s preference for symmetry in architecture, a
symmetrical design was developed based on John Nash’s villa at Liphook,
Hampshire, “Hollycombe”, of c.1800. Whilst much altered today, its
original design was recorded in George Repton’s notebook.
It was to be located close to the former farm yard and on lower ground
than the 1st design so that it would nestle into its setting. It did not purport
to be a genuine vernacular dwelling but drew on vernacular elements
distilled and heightened to enhance the picturesque effect and spiced
with exotic features such as trellis verandahs.
This design was submitted to the Design Review Panel on 9 November
2017. The Panel thought the design over-formal and lacking the elements
of quirkiness and eccentricity which it felt should be integral to the
style. They also recommend that a more multi-disciplinary approach be
adopted that considered architecture, landscape architecture, ecology,
M&E and structural aspects in a joined up and coordinated manner.
Proposal plan - 2nd Response, Symmetrical Cottage Orné
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 132 .2 2nd Re s p ons e - Symm e tr ic a l C o tta g e Orn é
Photomontage View of North Front
Photomontage View of South Front
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 142 .3 Current Sc h e me – Bu tte r f ly Pla n C o tta g e Orn é
The criticism of the previous design as not being member, in an unguarded moment, said that if the house already existed, The Panel feels that the proposals have now successfully demonstrated a positive mix of
sufficiently convincing to qualify as a Cottage the Panel would be seeking to have it Listed), it was not considered modern technology, combined with a traditional approach that have now been shown to
that the architectural proposals had demonstrated that they had been blend well and sit comfortably together.
Orné proper led to a complete re-think and informed by environmental, sustainable or ecological considerations. It
redesign by the architects. The principle of a They also commented that “the butterfly plan sits comfortably within, and
was recommended that the house should be extremely low energy, if not
is sensitive to, its setting” and were enthusiastic about the proposed
Cottage Orné being an appropriate response to carbon neutral and that a multi-disciplinary approach should be employed
landscaping.
building in a picturesque landscape was adhered in developing its design.
The scheme here presented will reuse more of the existing buildings
to and the brief in terms of the accommodation A revised version of the scheme was presented to the Design Review Panel
than the one presented in 2019. This is in line with the environmental
to be provided remained the same, but it was on 21 March 2019. The panel commented in written remarks that:
aspirations of the project in that it will preserve the embodied energy
decided to fully embrace the asymmetrical … the proposals have evolved, and clearly demonstrated how they have directly responded present in the bungalow and reduce the amount of disturbance to the
positively to previous comments made by the Panel, which it is felt has contributed to existing orchard and established garden.
and picturesque qualities of many of the most the production of an outstanding design that is reflective of the highest standards in
distinctive cottages ornés. In order to break architecture.
up the substantial volume of accommodation
required into a picturesque composition, the
butterfly plan was adopted and developed to
meet the specific requirements of the site and the
brief.
At the same time, responding to the Panel’s criticism of the lack of
contextual and site analysis and the need to enhance the immediate
setting, a detailed study of these aspects of the scheme was undertaken.
This resulted in a substantial re-thinking of the landscape of the farm
and the presentation of a proposal to create a sustainably managed
picturesque landscape which would be rich and diverse, considered for
its long-term management and ecological enhancement, and forming a
complementary setting for the re-designed house. Fortunately, the client
responded to the new scheme – which had departed a very long way from
the 1st Classical Scheme – with enthusiasm and he was particularly excited
by the geometry of the butterfly plan and its potential for generating an
interesting and enjoyable interior and exterior.
The proposal was considered by the Design Review Panel on 22 March
2018. Whilst the landscape proposals were broadly welcomed and the
house plan was acknowledged to work well internally (indeed one Panel
Perspective sketch of the north front as it would be seen from the drive
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 15Design and Access Statement
Inspiration
for the Design
VALLEY VIEW FARM, NEW COUNTRY HOUSE
33 .1 Landsc a p e Hi s t or y The historic map sequence starting 1886 shows the evolution of the landscape at Batcombe • Woods/copses and many orchards surrounding Batcombe village and in the valleys along the water courses. Irregular fields and pastures, varying in size with some tree and hedge planting along the boundaries. Dispersed farmsteads; tucked into hill sides, usually wooded; • Batcombe village with linear pattern and dispersed building groups through and along Kale Street; • Valley View Farm as a complex of 5 farm buildings with belt of trees to the north-west with farm track through fields, from Hincombe Hill. 1903 • Small reduction of wooded areas between Kale Street and the river and to the north of the Rectory - converted into agriculture land; • Field pattern and dispersed farmsteads – similar to the late C19th and Batcombe village similar in form to the late C19th; • Valley View Farm – Arrangement of buildings and access is similar to the late C19th. Small quarry on boundary with Hincombe Hill. 1972 • Further reduction of wooded areas and orchards around Batcombe; • Infill development in village and introduction of terraces along Kale Street, linking the village with the farm buildings at Millards Hill; 2016 • Woods/copses and orchards surrounding Batcombe village and in valleys similar to the late C20th. A few more dispersed farm buildings have been built within fields; • At Valley View Farm a new cluster of farm buildings and a new farm house is built in the north east corner of the study site; Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 17
3 .2 Phy si c a l a nd C ha r a c te r Attr ibu te s o f th e L a n d sc ape
Topography Designations and Public Rights of Way
Land use Landscape Character
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 183 .3 The La nd s c a p e Set t i n g
View 1500m northwest of Valley View Farm looking toward the distant vale View 1200m northeast of Valley View Farm with Batcombe village in the valley to the right
View 500m northwest of Valley View Farm looking over Batcombe village View towards the site from the northeast; existing farm buildings to the left side of the view, the location of proposed house is central
View from Portway Hill Lane 700m southwest of the site View from high ground 1000m southeast of the site with the village in the distance to the left and behind the site
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 193 .4 Analy s i s of t h e Vi l l a g e a n d Su r ro u n d in g L a n d sc a pe
Analysing the context of the site was a very
important part of the design process which led to
the present proposal for Valley View Farm. This
allowed us to find a location for the new house
which not only was the best place to build on the
site, but also the best place to build to enhance
the wider landscape.
We have considered the defining natural and cultural characteristics of
the area. Its distinct topography and the interaction of the site with valleys
that almost encircle it are the key factors determining the attributes that
set this place apart from others. Topography within the site is more subtle
than that of the land around, with a central plateau with two high points,
sloping ground around the margins, a valley towards the entrance, and
proposed house location tucked against slope.
Contours
There is a noticeable contrast in landscape texture between the larger
agricultural fields above the valley and the texture of the steeply sloping
ground on the northwest side and this is reflected in the picturesque
qualities adjacent to the site. More distant, and part of the views out from
the site to the southeast, rising ground to a ridgeline becomes coarser,
again displaying picturesque qualities.
Topography within the site
Valleys around the site
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 203 .4 Analy s i s of t h e Vi l l a g e a n d Su r ro u n d in g L a n d sc a pe
Habitat and vegetation also follows the
topographic pattern with orchards on the slopes
above the village and valley bottom, interspersed
with linear woodlands often following contours,
and calcareous grassland on the steep end slope
of the plateau. These woodlands and overgrown
hedges form visual barriers that combine with the
topography to determine the visibility of the site.
Historically, the site has been divided into large fields leaving a relatively
open and bland landscape. Orchards have historically played a significant
role in forming the setting of Batcombe village and the neighbouring
farms. In the early 20th century, the village was encircled by the numerous Vegetation and visual barriers
orchards filling the small fields of the valley sides. By the late 20th century,
Habitat around the site
most of the orchards had been removed or severely depleted. Valley View
Farm offers the potential to reinstate some of this lost fabric and character
on the lower lying and more sheltered parts of the site.
In summary, the countryside around the farm has many qualities of a
Picturesque landscape but the farm itself is largely open and barren.
Potential locations for orchards
Picturesque semi-natural landscape
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 213 .5 Local Arc hi t e c t u re
The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the features”. The original plans of the houses appear to have been simple
oldest and most architecturally significant rectangular single piles of two or three bays in length with limestone
rubble walls and thatched or stone slate roofs. The windows had stone
construction in Batcombe. Like many parish mullions and were sometimes protected by a “label mould”; main
churches it occupies a site which has been in entrances could have four centred “Tudor” arches. The early houses were
use since at least Saxon times, though none universally extended by later generations, either by adding bays to the
of the present fabric can be dated before the gable ends, as at Stockley Cottage and Boord’s Farm, or by adding a wing
at right angles to form an “L” shape as at Laburnum Cottage and Millards
thirteenth century. The church underwent Hill House.
significant rebuilding in the 1540s, just after the
The isolated farms of the seventeenth century show more ambition. Saite
Reformation, when it acquired an ambitious Farmhouse, though in vernacular style, is an impressive seven bays wide
tower in the Perpendicular Gothic style. The and sited at the end of a large farmyard. Spargrove Manor (a property Millards Hill House
money then lavished on the church is believed which splintered from the Manor of Batcombe while it was still in the
to reflect the wealth of the village at that time. possession of the Abbey) is another notable house to the west of the
village, though its present Jacobean appearance is largely the result of
It is likely that the prosperity of the village in the restoration in the late nineteenth century.
sixteenth century resulted in the rebuilding of
most of the local dwellings as none from earlier
periods survive.
The village had belonged to Glastonbury Abbey; when the Abbey was
dissolved in 1539 the Manor of Batcombe was bought by James Bisse, a
clothier. While many Somerset villages were prosperous on account of the Saite Farmhouse
wool trade, Batcombe also had cottage industries in processing fleeces,
spinning and weaving which made its inhabitants particularly rich.
Boord’s Farm
The original development of Batcombe village is fairly loose and linear,
following the main roads along the bottom of the valley to the East and
West of the parish church. Westcombe has a distinct centre on the west
side of the River Alham. The buildings are a mixture of sizable farmhouses
and smaller cottages, often in short rows. Further isolated farmhouses are
scattered to the north and south of the village.
VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE
The oldest surviving dwellings within the village are not architecturally
ambitious, but are built in the local vernacular style with few “architectural
Laburnum Cottage and its neighbour, Westcombe Spargrove manor
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 223 .5 Local Arc hi t e c t u re
CLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE
Increasing prosperity in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries led
to the construction of new houses, and the alteration of older ones, in
line with Georgian fashions. Westcombe House (now demolished) was a
substantial essay in the Classical style which served as the principal house
of the manor estate. The first Rectory, now Batcombe House, was rebuilt
with classical features including a parapet urn which disguises a chimney
flue. Rockwells House had a large Georgian addition made on its south
side in the eighteenth century and at the beginning of the nineteenth
century a house with a pedimented doorcase set between bay windows
was constructed close to the church (this became the Rectory and is now
known as The Old Rectory).
Batcombe House Cherry Cottage, Westcombe
New small houses of this period usually have greater emphasis on
symmetry, even when they don’t display many classical features. Cooper’s
Roost has a doorcase with a stone classical cornice, other houses have
plain door surrounds but have symmetrically arranged sash windows. The
most humble cottages, such as those around Gold Hill, have casement
windows and are still predominantly Vernacular in style.
THE GOTHIC FASHION
The fashion for the “Gothic” style which developed in the eighteenth
century is most clearly seen at Batcombe Lodge which was given ball
finials and ogee arched windows. This building was intended as an eye-
Batcombe Lodge The Old Rectory, Batcombe
catcher, to be seen from Westcombe House, which also had a Coach
House with Gothick windows.
The oldest part of Rockwells House was given Gothick casements
with quatrefoils and cusped arches, probably because the owners had
a fashionable interest in antiquarianism and felt this treatment was
appropriate for an ancient house. Some other small houses, such as
Cherry Cottage and Brickell House in Westcombe, were built, or altered
with greater emphasis put of the “Tudor” elements of the vernacular style.
Rockwell’s House, Batcombe Brickell House, Westcombe
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 233 .5 Local Arc hi t e c t u re
VICTORIANA
In the mid nineteenth century the cottage industries of Batcombe suffered
a decline due to yarn and cloth being produced more cheaply by factories.
Dairy farming and cheese making became more important sources of
income. The population of the village began to decline and the Victorian
expansion found in many other places did not occur here.
The terrace of cottages on Kale Street appears to have been in existence
by 1840, when it is shown on a Tithe map. A few individual houses were
constructed or enlarged in the late nineteenth century. Kings Hayes was
enlarged in a distinctly Victorian version of the vernacular style, with tall
mullioned windows. Provis House acquired a Gothic front gate, along
with a glazed veranda and gabled extension with barge boards.
Improved transport brought new materials into the village. Stone slates
and thatch were often replaced with Welsh slate and various types of clay
Povis House, Batcombe Kale Street, Batcombe
tile.
TWENTIETH CENTURY DEVELOPMENTS
In the 1920s the Westcombe Estate was sold and the farmers ceased to be
tenants and became owner occupiers. A great deal of building took place
in the middle and late twentieth century. A number of council houses
were built along Kale Street; these are typical of the period with rendered
walls and tile roofs. A large number of private bungalows and individual
houses were built in the area, particularly at the east and west ends of the
village.
Most of the new buildings were vaguely “traditional”, but show little
in common with the local vernacular or with any historical styles. The
materials employed vary from rendered block, to brick, to artificial stone.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
The twenty first century has seen the development of “luxury” homes
in the village. Most prominent are the converted Church Barn, on a
prominent site at the centre of the village, and the steel and glass eco-
house built to the south of the church.
Batcombe village
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 243 .5 Local Arc hi t e c t u re
VALLEY VIEW FARM
BATCOMBE
WESTCOMBE
Survey of Architectural Character, Batcombe and Westcombe
AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS AROUND BATCOMBE
A number of older barns and farm buildings survive in the area; some
of them have been converted for residential use. They are generally
constructed of the same materials as the domestic architecture of the
period. Since the mid twentieth century new farm buildings have been
exclusively steel framed with corrugated metal cladding. These are
particularly prominent along Horse Hill Lane at Lower Farm, and at Pugh’s
Bottom.
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 253 .6 Pi ctures q u e Re s p ons e to th e Se ttin g
Numerous late eighteenth century and early The “cottage orné” style, which was judged
nineteenth century architects were inspired by particularly suitable for buildings in a picturesque
the rolling hills of the southwest of England to landscape as it felt informal and “natural”. Often
design cottages in a picturesque fashion. Overall the designs were versions of local vernacular
the landscape is pretty but no more than that. architecture with the more quirky and “antique”
It fits well within the aesthetic category of “The elements emphasised.
Picturesque” as codified by Uvedale Price in his
The nine cottages of John Nash’s Blaise Hamlet (1811) near Bristol displays
ESSAYS ON THE PICTURESQUE. a variety of vernacular motifs, exaggerated to an almost comic degree.
Numerous single cottages in similar style can be found across the county
Historian Kathryn Kane explains Price’s early romantic view of the
of Somerset, including The Lodge at Combe Hay, Shrubbery Farm at
countryside thus:
Ashill, Ildene Cottage at Horton and The Old Toll House at Bruton. Later
Price postulated that the picturesque fell midway between the examples emphasise the Tudor elements of the local vernacular as at
Beautiful and the Sublime. A “beautiful” landscape was peaceful, Park Cottage, Bath and Aldon Lodge, Yeovil and are more architecturally Rear of Selwood Lodge
serene, typically a rolling green sward, dotted with clumps of well serious.
kempt trees. At the other extreme, a “sublime” landscape was raw,
Large houses for the gentry, such as Selwood Lodge at Frome, Houghton
awe-inspiring, even terrifying to behold, such as views of craggy rock
Lodge in Hampshire, Angeston Grange in Gloucestershire and the ducal
formations, crashing waterfalls and wind – or lightning – blasted trees.
Endsleigh Cottage in Devon, used the cottage style to reduce their visual
In the middle of that scale was the picturesque, a landscape which
impact and to appear part of the landscape in a way that a Classical house
was furnished with a variety of curious details and irregular textures
couldn’t.
which engaged the viewer, but did not terrify them.
Local precedents of the cottage orné style are illustrated to the right.
Old Toll House, Bruton, 4km from Valley View Farm
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 263 .6 Pi ctures q u e Re s p ons e to th e Se ttin g
Shrubbery Farm Cottage, Ashill Selwood Lodge, Frome Park Cottage, Bath
Aldon Lodge, Yeovil Ildene Cottage, Horton The Lodge, Combe Hay Wake Hill, Kingstone The Gables Hotel, Porlock
Circular Cottage, Blaise Hamlet Diamond Cottage, Blaise Hamlet Oak Cottage, Blaise Hamlet Vine Cottage, Blaise Hamlet
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 273 .6 Pi ctures q u e Re s p ons e to th e Se ttin g
ANGESTON GRANGE
BLAISE HAMLET
PARK COTTAGE FLINT COTTAGE
THE GABLES
SELWOOD LODGE
VALLEY VIEW FARM
ILDENE LODGE
OLD TOLL HOUSE HOUGHTON LODGE
SHRUBBERY FARM
COTTAGE
WAKE HILL ALDON LODGE
KNOWEL COTTAGE
ENDSLEIGH COTTAGE
THE BARN
Location of Cottage Orné in the South West
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 28Design and Access Statement
Design Influences
and Strategies
VALLEY VIEW FARM, NEW COUNTRY HOUSE
44 .1 Pi ctures q u e Ba t c omb e
The Valley View Farm site is south and east of the
centre of the village; close to it but completely
screened by mature trees and a steep slope. Much
of the site is gently sloping upland grazing which
tilts gently to the north and east. The existing
farmhouse and modern barns are located at the
northern end of the site on Hincombe Hill. There
have been attempts to establish trees on the site
including a small orchard by the existing farm.
The proposed site for the new country house is on a slope at the south-
eastern edge of the site, close to a group of farm buildings including an
old stone stable, overlooking a wood fringed valley. In common with the
local properties it is in a sheltered position in a gentle dip in the ground
but elevated above the valley bottom. This site for the house is in some
ways reminiscent of the setting of Endsleigh Cottage on a slope above Picturesque landscape around the farm
the Tamar valley in Devon. There too the house is aligned with the
contours of the hillside with woodland above and gardens and open land
below. Principal views will take in Seat Hill at the end of the valley to the
southeast, and Creech Hill along the Valley of the River Alham to the
southwest.
The illustration on the following page shows how elements of the
Picturesque landscape have inspired the layout for the Valley View Farm
masterplan.
Batcombe nestled within its valley
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 304 .2 Pi ctures q u e La nd s c a p e
Development of Picturesque landscape elements within Valley View Farm, inspired by the Picturesque surroundings
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 314 .3 Bui ld i ng Si t i ng a nd Or ie n ta tio n
The existing bungalow at Valley View Farm is, like
many twentieth century buildings in the village, 140m
positioned awkwardly. It is further from the road
than most of the cottages and village farmhouses HIGH SPOT
LOW SPOT
but is too near the main routes to be considered
an “outlying” farm. For this reason it was decided BOUNDARY HEDGE
that the new house should exploit more of the
possibilities of the landscape setting.
The first classical design used the slightly domed centre of the site. This 145m
location was unencumbered by the topography and led to a static, generic
design. In developing the second and third designs a more characterful PROPOSED LOCATION EXISTING RETAINED
location was sought which would help to develop a very specific solution. FOR THE HOUSE BARN
The location chosen was towards the south end of the site close to an
existing group of farm buildings. In this area the site is bounded by a dry
valley which runs from northeast to south west and the land slopes gently
to the south. The precise location chosen is high enough up the slope
VIEWS
to allow the house to have views over the boundary hedge but keeps it
relatively low on the skyline when seen from a distance.
NORTH
The orientation of the building is generally to the south and southeast,
which allows it to benefit from the views towards Seat Hill to the east and
to Creech Hill to the south. This also allows the building to catch as much
sun as possible on winter mornings when solar gain is most desirable. VIEWS
SUN-PATH
PREVAILING WIND VIEWS
135m
VIEWS
VIEWS
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 324 .4 Massing , Form, Or g a n is a tio n a n d L a yo u t
The present scheme, as has been described,
resulted from the 2017 Design Review Panel’s
rejection of the Symmetrical Cottage Orné and
their recommendation that the more quirky
and eccentric elements of the style should be
explored.
It is not easy for an architect to completely put aside his thinking hitherto
and attempt to come up with a completely new scheme for the same
site and the same brief but of a different character. The accompanying
doodles indicate the wide range of sources which were explored, from
Robert Adam’s castle designs to John Nash’s geometrically planned villas.
In the end, it was the butterfly plan that seemed to offer the most potential Papillon Hall
for a satisfying layout, interesting interiors and a romantic picturesque
exterior full of quirkiness and eccentricity, and to best fit the site.
THE HISTORY OF BUTTERFLY PLANS
The distinctive plan form with four wings projecting diagonally from a
central core is commonly referred to as a butterfly plan. The earliest
example is Westwood House (1612) in Worcestershire, but the form
became particularly popular in the early twentieth century with architects
of the Arts and Crafts movement. The butterfly plan was popular for
allowing the maximum amount of sunlight to enter the house, and for
allowing its inhabitants multiple views out.
The most famous butterfly plan house was Papillon Hall (1902-4)
in Leicestershire by Edwin Lutyens. More directly comparable to the
proposals for Valley View Farm is The Barn (1896) in Exmouth, Devon
by Edward Schroeder Prior; this is distinctly cottagey in detail and has a
curved verandah as a central feature.
Preliminary studies exploring
organisation and layout
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 334 .4 Massing , Form, Or g a n is a tio n a n d L a yo u t
THE BUTTERFLY PLAN AT VALLEY VIEW
At Valley View Farm, the effect of the butterfly plan in elevation is to
break down the bulk of the building and present a variety of different
picturesque compositions from different angles. The apparently whimsical
organic nature of the scheme is underpinned by a carefully thought out
geometry.
The aim is to consciously produce a “pretty” dwelling which will nestle
into and enhance its immediate setting and, where visible from further
afield, contribute an agreeable picturesque feature to the landscape
– without dominating it – in accordance with late eighteenth century
Picturesque Theory.
The proposed house consists of a pair of two storey “L” shaped wings
linked at their angles by a central core in a “butterfly” formation. The
eaves of the main building have been kept to a height of one and a half
storeys which reduces the ridge height of the building, but also offers an
opportunity to insert distinctive dormers along the side elevations. The
wings of the butterfly are “pinned” by four tall double chimney stacks.
The central axis of the house runs north – south. To the south-west and
north-west are the formal rooms, whilst the south-east and north-east
wings contain the family room and kitchen. The garage wing turns through
a further 45° to wrap round the contours and embrace the entrance
forecourt. The dining room occupies the central axial position on the
south side.
Sketch drawings refining elevation and plan layout
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 344 .5 Materia l s
The wall facing material is to be coursed rubble
Ham Hill stone, quarried at Hamdon Hill near
Yeovil, with ashlar dressings in the same material.
This is the alternative local stone to Doulting.
Its rich honey colour and shelly structure make
it “one of England’s most seductive stones”, to
quote Alec Clifton-Taylor, and it is attractive to
lichens.
The roofs are to be covered in new Cotswold stone slates from the Tinkers
Barn Quarry near Guiting Power, Gloucestershire. Stone slates were the
traditional roofing material in the area before they were supplanted by
Welsh slates and Bridgwater tiles in the C19th. They are well suited to Ham Hill Stone (aka Hamstone) is a Lower Jurassic limestone of limited extent (Toarcian, Upper Lias). At Ham Hill (west of Yeovil) the relatively soft poorly-fossiliferous quartzose sandstone of the
the character of a cottage orné as well as being beautiful and attractive to Bridport Sand Formation (previously Bridport & Yeovil sands) is represented by 15-20 m of bioclastic limestone. This must have been deposited in a high energy, shallow sea with a reduced input of
quartz sand and an abundant supply of shell debris.
wildlife. Laying them is a highly skilled trade, and one which needs to be
kept alive for the sake of the historic buildings in the region. Ham Hill Stone is a well-cemented medium to coarse grained limestone characterised by its oxidised honey-gold colour due to iron content. It shows marked cross-bedding and moulds of shell debris.
Some horizons have a blue grey centre where the iron has not oxidized. The stone contains thin beds of poorly cemented material and some small soft clay inclusions. These areas weather differentially to
At the centre of the south front, a rustic verandah supported by tree give exposed Ham Hill Stone its furrowed appearance.
trunks (with the bark left on) wraps round the Dining Room bow. The
fenestration to each gable is different, as are the pierced and decorated
barge boards in a variety of gothic patterns. Some of the details are
derived from John Nash’s picturesque designs, as recorded in George
Repton’s notebook, as are the great chimneys on simplified Tudor lines.
Roofing stone can be thick and textured in many different forms and weighing approximately one ton per 10metre sq. Generally a stone roofs minimum pitch should be 45 degrees, although they are more
durable at 55-60 degrees. Stone slates are laid in courses that diminish in size with the largest courses at the eaves and the smallest stone slates at the top courses. A stone tiler sometimes has names for
different types and sizes of stone tiles. Names such as ‘whippets, jonesy, long elevens’.
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 354 .6 Energy C ons er va t i on a n d Ge n e r a tio n We are aiming to show how a house of traditional appearance can be constructed so that it is extremely low on energy consumption through utilising low embodied energy materials with high thermal resistance and long life combined with modern building technologies. The site has no connection to the gas network or community heating system. Other dwellings in the area rely primarily on fossil fuels such as oil and LPG for central heating and hot water. The building construction will be carefully constructed and detailed to avoid unwanted energy loss through the fabric and via air infiltration. Along with the high levels of insulation, a key part of energy efficient building fabric is high levels of air tightness ensuring that ventilation is fully controllable. Passivhaus certified Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems will be installed to serve the building. Four units located in the basement plant room will ensure that the building is ventilated correctly throughout the year. Ground Source Heat Pumps will be installed to provide heating and hot water. The systems will be separated to ensure that maximum efficiency from each system is achieved. The heating GSHP will be connected to a water-based under-floor heating system. With the high levels of insulation in the building fabric and the low operating temperature of the under-floor Graphical Representation of the Proposed Systems heating efficiencies of >400% can be achieved. Secondary high temperature heat pumps combined with 8m2 of costs depending on frequency of use. Stoves have been selected over evacuated solar collectors located on the flat roof in the centre of the open fires, as they can burn fuel up to 4 times more efficiently making building will be employed. The array will be connected to a water storage them a very economical and fuel-efficient source of heat. Ventilation of volume of about 400lt located in the basement plantroom. The solar stoves is much easier with direct connections to the units avoiding open array is expected, under typical use, to provide 60 – 75% of the hot water vents and the associated draughts that occur with open fires. production. A slinky array will be employed for both the ground-source A Photovoltaic array of 100m2 facing south west producing heat pumps 13,000Kwhrs/hr will be located on the roof of the retained barn located There is a wood burning stove located in the family room, sitting room, near the site entrance. The electricity generated via the PV panels will be dining and the kitchen. Whilst these will not form an integral part of the stored in three very efficient batteries, used directly in the house, or sold heating system, they will contribute towards reducing the overall running to the grid. Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 36
4 .7 Integra t ed Ap p roa c h
WINDOW OVERHANGS
TO AUGMENT TREE
PROTECTION AGAINST
SUMMER SUN GOOD CROSS FLOW
OF AIR IN ROOMS
NOT SHADED BY
TREES IN SUMMER PLANTING ON
TERRACE REDUCES
TREES PLACED TO AVOID RADIATED SOLAR
BLOCKING VIEWS FROM GAIN
PRINCIPAL WINDOWS
MVHR TO ALL ROOMS
TREES PROVIDE SHELTER
FROM WESTERLY WINDS
TREE SHADING
OF BUILDING AND
GROUND
TREE SHADE ANALYSIS USED TO
DETERMINE THE POSITION OF TREES
VERANDAH TO
PROTECT AGAINST
SOUTH SUN
FOUNTAIN AND POOL HELP COOL
SOUTH / SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS
Architecture, garden design and building technology combined to provide the optimum micro-climate and minimum energy consumption
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 374 .8 Respon s e t o De s i gn Re v ie w Pa n e l C o m m e n ts
“The scheme for a proposed new Paragraph 79 The panel felt that, subject to specific commitments being made regarding 5. Building Services have been indicated on the plans in Section 5.4.
(previously referred to as Paragraph 55 in the learning outcomes, “the proposals would help to raise standards of design
6. It is acknowledged that “airtightness in building is achieved 90% by
more generally in rural areas, and that they are sensitive to the defining
NPPF) dwelling at Valley View Farm, Batcombe characteristics of the local area.”
design and 10% by extra effort by the contractor,” and that it involves any
has been presented to The Design Review Panel person who reacts with the external envelope. As many as possible should
They however raised a number of points which they felt should be be trained, or workshops arrangement on site. We propose that there
on the following four occasions; addressed in a subsequent planning application: should be an “airtightness champion” on site, not the site manager, but
possibly the client or deputy site manager.
• 9th November 2017 1. Provide confirmation that the quality of the interior architectural detail
will also be outstanding. The proposed masonry construction with wet plaster and screeded
concrete floors is a reliable way to build an airtight layer, but all areas
• 22nd March 2018 2. Provide appropriate fencing for grazing long-horn cattle.
need to be plastered, even if they are not exposed. The planning of the
3. Provide a method statement for the initial achievement of the meadow sequence of all the relevant steps will be important from inspections,
• 20th September 2018 and for its long-term management. recording (including photographs) sealing works, through to the number
of airtightness tests and when they need to happen.
4. The revision of the Energy Statement Document.
• 21st March 2019” Consideration of all of these aspects will be paramount in the preparation
5. The indication of the building services on the plans.
of the working drawings and the writing of the specification, and ultimately
On the last occasion, the Panel concluded that 6. Careful consideration to the achievement of the building airtightness so in the selection of the contractor.
“the proposals had demonstrated that they are as to meet the stated aspirations.
7. The Thermal Modelling Report July 2020 prepared by Thomas
truly outstanding, reflecting the highest standards 7. The inclusion of IES Ve modelling to demonstrate the building’s thermal McCosker of Ridge is included as Appendix B. It was prepared using
in architecture”. performance. dynamic thermal modelling software (IES Ve 2019) to estimate the
proposed building’s thermal performance. It will be updated as the
8. The provision of further information on the detail and function of the
detailed design of the building progresses.
outside living spaces.
8. The use of the various terraces around the house has been identified on
9. Proposed long-term commitments regarding learning outcomes.
the garden layout plan.
9. In order for the project to be useful as an educational case study, it is
In response, proposed that a written and video record of the construction process
should be kept from the point that planning consent is granted. Both the
1. We have enlarged upon the proposed treatment of the house interiors in
construction of the building and the implementation of the landscape
Section 5.2a Interiors.
design and the biodiversity strategy would be documented. In the
2. The fencing to the field has been identified on the landscape layout recording of the architectural aspects of the project, particular attention
plan. would be paid to the successful integration of traditional aesthetics and
craftsmanship with new materials and techniques. By showing that a
3. A method statement for the achievement and long-term management
modern home, built to high standards of efficiency and sustainability,
of the meadow has been added as Appendix A.
can also have a traditional appearance the project would help to raise
4. The Energy Strategy Document has been revised under Section 4.6.
Valley View Farm, Batcombe | New Country House | January 2021 38You can also read
