SDA Architecture Ltd are pleased to confirm that in January 2012 one of there longest private projects will coming to a conclusion, after three years the mansion in Read, Clitheroe will be accepting its new owners. The 8,500 sqft home includes dance floor and gymnasium, wine cellar, cinema room, 50ft Kitchen family room, bespoke kitchen, intelligent lighting, formal dining room, family room, formal living room, 5 generous bedrooms, mater suite with dressing room and luxury wet room and self-contained loft entertaining zone with kitchen, additional bedroom, office and two family bathrooms.

SDA Interiors will be providing finished interior images in January so watch this space.

If you are thinking of redeveloping your home or embarking on a new build and require expert professional architectural advice and assistance contact our design studio on 01942 610935

SDA Architecture Ltd are proud to announce and congratulate Heather on her membership status with the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, Heather is one of the companies rising stars, a very passionate and talented architectural designer with a real flair and interest for historic building conservation.

Heather is currently working on the restoration of a 1890′s Edwardian villa in the heart of Wigan, alongside this Heather is also producing architectural designs for the extension of a Georgian Country House in Cheshire.

Congratulations from SDA

If you are thinking of restoring or conserving a building of special historical interest contact our offices on 01942 610 935

Latest Approvals:

• Luxury Kitchen Extension on Wigan Lane
• Barn Conversion in Haigh
• Green Belt renovation in Haigh
• Two extension in Winstanley
• 12 Bedroom Care Home Extension in Leigh

Keep checking our website for November and December Approvals

SDA Architecture Ltd has had one of its busiest years to date from July 2010 to July 2011 we have completed 59 projects and have received 59 full planning application approvals from 7 different Local Authorities. Here at SDA we are extremely pleased to maintain our 100% approvals record throughout 2011.

If you are looking for professional, affordable architectural assistance then look no further and arrange your free consultation via contacting our design studio on 01942 610 936.

Below are just a snip of some of the projects we have been involved with in 2011.

The Beeches Nursing Home 

Description: 26 Bedroom Extension, New Entrance Building, 2 enclosed courtyards and new road planning layout.

1 Brownlow Lane, Billinge, Wigan

Description: 6500 sqft modernisation of an existing bungalow located within the Green Belt.

23 Doefield Close, Culcheth, Warrington

Single storey contemporary glass cube extension and two storey traditional extension to the existing executive home.

58 Newport Road, Chorlton, Manchester

Single storey kitchen diner extension.

1 Park Road, Billinge, Wigan

Two storey traditional extension to the side elevation and new entrance porch.

220 Barton Road, Manchester

Conversion of an existing bungalow into a two storey family home with annex.

47 Taylors Lane, Ashton, Wigan

Demolition of existing dwelling and approval for new build detached family home with off-street parking.

28 Orwell Close, Bury, Lancashire

Single storey wrap round extension to include new family garden room, study and utility room.

46a Longbrook, Shevington, Wigan

Two storey side extension and two storey front extension incorporating new entrance porch and bathroom.

17 the Westland’s , Swinton, Manchester

Single storey side kitchen extension with feature triangular pike glazing.

30 Denholme, Upholland, Wigan

Two storey side extension to include large master bedroom, enlarged family bathroom and study.

SDA Architecture has recently been granted full planning approval to extend and redevelop an existing detached bungalow. SDA have recently received planning approval to redevelop an existing 2600 sqft luxury home into a 6,500 Sq Ft bespoke residential dwelling on Crank Road, Billinge, Wigan. The proposed construction involves integrating a air source heating system, a rainwater harvesting unit, insulated blocks made from recycled timber and many more renewable innovations.

Directors Comments: ‘We are very pleased with the decision and vision show by Wigan Planning Authority and we are extremely excited about this re-development project as it’s the largest single dwelling we’ve taken on this design clearly signify’s our unique style, incorporating a traditional design with modern contemporary finishes.’

The project has taken many many hours of hard work and consultations with the local authority, currently set in Green Belt this project delivered difficulties from inception and few many months of design consultations and strategic meetings with the local planning department we have now received planning permission approval to produce a fabulous family dwelling for our client. Construction is set to commence in August 2011 and set to complete in August 2012.

If your are looking to redevelop or require a one off bespoke home designing contact our design studio and arrange a free consultation with one of our very experienced architectural designers on 01942 610936 or call in at 4 Bishopgate, Wigan, WN1 1NL opposite Wigan Parish Church.

SDA Architecture have increased there domestic plans drawn services by advertising in the local Wigan Life magazine. As a short promotion SDA Architecture are offering discounted architect rates on all domestic extension and loft conversions.

To find out more contact the design studio on 01942 610 936 and arrange your free no obligation consultation.

SDA was established in 2007, by Simon Lewis who has over 10 years of experience designing and delivering just about every kind of building you can imagine, ranging in project value of £20k to £50m.

The practice is design led and aims to achieve exquisitely detailed projects of the highest standards by employing simplicity and sensitivity. We thrive on the creative use of building materials; both interior and exterior, and the relationship between building and context. We consider these issues to be of utmost importance, as opposed to adopting a prescribed style and response. Ultimately our aim is for each project to reflect an informed and original interpretation of the client, site, brief and budget.

We do not specialise in particular building types. We strive on the diversity of the projects we have undertaken and continue to be involved with; from private residential and developments, bars, restaurants, hotels, leisure centres, swimming pools, spa’s, golf clubs & offices.

Unlike most architects with huge overheads to maintain, SDA have the flexibility to consider all projects of all sizes. The challenge that we have set ourselves is to provide fantastic, innovative, sustainable design that everyone can enjoy.

To see if we can help you create your dream domestic project or create inventive commercial interior designs contact the design studio on 01942 610 936 and arrange your free no obligation consultation.

With exceptional creative flair and knowledge, our team provides a personal interior design service with a difference, whether the commission is from those who wish to refurbish their entire home or those who simply want to re-design and furnish selected rooms, we take the hassle and worry away from our clients leaving them to enjoy the experience. For the last 4 years we have been creating stunning interiors for clients throughout Lancashire, whether rich in tradition, French country chic or sophisticated with our passion for design, detail and quality of materials, we will work with you to interpret your requirements into a beautiful creation personal to you.

We offer home appointments to suit our clients or you are more than welcome to visit us at the design studio in our dedicated Design Room showcasing our large collections of fabric and wallpaper books, paints, flooring and tiles.

Book an appointment or home visit to discuss your interior design project call 01942 610935

12 Steps to successful rural developments by Simon Lewis – Lead Designer SDA Architecture Ltd

What to consider?

1. Is the building structurally sound enough to be converted?
2. How much of the original building do you want to keep?
3. How much will the local planning department make you keep?
4. What is the likely cost (N.B: usually higher cost per sqft than building from scratch)?
5. Does it have a existing use, or is it derelict or abandoned as far as the local authorities are concerned?
6. Is it listed or within a conservation area?
7. Are there archaeological planning restrictions?
8. Is there any English Nature planning restrictions, for bats, badgers or newts?
9. Access to the plot or building and does it cross anyone else’s land?
10. Does the loft have good head height?
11. With Churches and Chapels is there a graveyard where you might be able to build?
12. Are there any agricultural  neighbours that might cause air borne smells or noise pollution?

If you are thinking of a rural conversion or extension and require specialist architectural assistance to get the best out of the building and setting contact our office on 01942 610935 and arrange for one of our experienced architectural designers to visit you.

Don’t fill in that planning application form just yet. To give your project the best chance of getting approval, get to know your council’s 3 ‘P’s’ POLICY, PRACTICALITIES & POLITICS

Planning policies are the principal determining factors in all applications. While they vary slightly between councils, they typically cover a wide range of issues including the location and amount of new housing needed, design guidance, countryside and environmental protection, as well as special designations such as green belts, conservation areas, and areas of outstanding natural beauty. What’s more, they also take care of conversion and replacement, parking and access and protection of employment.

All councils produce planning policy documents, which are reviewed from time to time. Following government efforts to simplify the system, by a transition from local plans to new local development frameworks (LDFs), it’s actually now more complicated than ever.

Whatever planning documents your council is working from, look on its website for policies and explanations, as well as maps showing areas where different policies apply. It can be hard to pin down which documents are relevant to your project and area, so check by calling your council’s planning policy officers, who are generally very helpful.

In addition to their main policy documents, some councils also publish supplementary planning documents. These might give detailed guidance on particular types of development – such as extensions, conversions or backland development – or might deal with policy for a particular location or the council’s approach to affordable housing and financial contributions.

To complete the policy picture, the government publishes planning policy statements (PPSs). You can access these via www.communities.gov.uk

When you’re putting your application together, it’s important to show that your scheme complies with all relevant policies. You can include this information in the compulsory design and access statement, or, if the planning issues are quite complex, set out your arguments in a separate planning statement.

Planning practicalities
When standing looking at your site and wondering how best to fit in the house you want, consider the following:

Character and design
All new building is supposed to fit in with the character of its surroundings. If you want to build something that’s different to prevailing styles in your area, you’ll need to think carefully about how it will fit in and be prepared to argue your case. Attitudes to innovative architecture vary from council to council, and even between officers.

It’s always a good idea to find out how other schemes similar to yours have got on, either by talking to planning officers or to local architects. Planning officers can and do get involved in not just the type and overall design of houses, but also external detailing, finishes and materials. They are usually rather less concerned about internal layouts.

Layout, neighbours and privacy
The effect of a new building on its neighbours is always a prime concern of planners. Will your new house overlook or overshadow neighbouring houses, or will it be so large and close as to be over-bearing? Particular attention is paid to the privacy of windows in bedrooms and main living rooms, as well as private garden areas such as patios.

You can usually adjust the layout of your house to avoid these problems, typically by fitting obscured glazed windows to bathrooms or landings in positions that might potentially overlook neighbours.

Access and parking
All new houses must have safe access onto the public highway. Highways authorities apply standards to define what is safe, based on the amount of clear visibility up and down the road at the point of access. Problems occur where the access is on a bend, the crest of a hill, or where the view is obstructed by neighbouring walls and hedges, or street furniture. There also has to be enough space to turn a car on site to avoid backing out into the highway, apart from in quiet cul-de-sacs.

Adequate on-site parking is also required, although this can be waived in town centres or anywhere well-served by public transport.

Council planners refer all applications to their highways authority for feedback on access safety and parking. If in doubt about access or parking, speak to the highways authority and resolve any difficulties before you submit your planning application.

Drainage
Planning application forms ask how both foul and surface water will be drained from your site. In built-up areas there are usually public foul and surface water drains in the road, but you can’t just assume this, nor that they have adequate capacity for your new house. In more rural areas or if you have a good-sized garden, private packages or cesspits are usually the answer if there’s no public mains sewer.

Surface water can drain to soakaways, ditches and watercourses, but the Environment Agency will need to be satisfied this it won’t increase the risks of flood during heavy rain. Avoid flood risk areas unless you can get confirmation from the Environment Agency that effective mitigation measures are in place. Building in a flood plain can be a reason for refusal of planning permission.

Trees and landscaping
They add to the character of an area, provide screening and privacy between houses and are attractive features in themselves. If your plot has trees on it, ensure your design and layout preserves as many as possible and that any losses are compensated for by new planting. Trees are a very common reason for problems and delays with planning applications. If there are any on your plot you’ll have to submit an arboricultural report.

Ecology
If your plot or building for conversion or replacement could be home to protected species, you’ll need to submit an ecological report with your application.

Contributions
Check whether your council requires you to make a financial contribution with your application. Some councils don’t want any money for single dwellings, others want a lot – tens of thousands of pounds in a few cases – which can fundamentally alter the economics of your scheme. If you are required to make a contribution, but don’t do so, your application will be refused.

Planning politics
Although the government is keen to see most planning applications decided by planning officers, a good many still go before planning committees made up of elected members of the council. Their decisions tend to be influenced by a wider range of factors than just planning policy and practicalities.

In particular, objections to an application from neighbours and the parish council can be given more weight in the decision-making process than they should. Be aware of this and undertake a careful PR exercise before you make your planning application. Letters of support from neighbours, as opposed to objections, could make all the difference to the success of your application.

Most councils allow you to lobby councillors, although some don’t so always check first. The support of your local councillor can sometimes be essential for your application to succeed in front of the committee.

Putting it all together
As you can see, trying to meet the sometimes conflicting pressures of policy, practical and political requirements can be quite a juggling act. It’s therefore essential that you know as much as you can about your council, the way it applies its policies and the way it makes its decisions before you submit your application.

For example, is your application likely to be decided by planning officers or by committee? If committee, what issues are they particularly concerned about? If, say, parking and highway safety is their current concern, then ensure you have those areas properly covered in your scheme.

For further information and expert advice contact SDA Architecture Ltd’s head office on 01942 610935

SDA Architecture has been nominated for 4 local authority design awards in the domestic design award sections for designs for Kitchen Extension Plans in Orrell, Bungalow Extension and Refurbishment in Billinge, Two Storey house extension in Standish and a commercial nursing home extension in Chorley.

SDA Managing Director, Simon Lewis is very proud of the teams efforts in producing professional architectural design services of the highest standards.

Since starting the domestic plans drawn services the company has really enjoyed producing designs that have exceeded their clients requirements.