Pellatt Road Receives Planning Approval

No comments yet

GPAD receives planning approval for Pellatt Road, the transformation of an underutilised piece of land opposite Preston Road Sports Ground into a vibrant and characterful new residential development in the heart of Wembley.

The design approach is rooted around the original Metroland ethos, with homes set within abundant greenspace amenity, whilst drawing architectural inspiration from exemplar modernist buildings within the borough.  

The low-carbon proposal features 13 generously proportioned dual–aspect homes that widen the offer available locally and support a community of all ages. Homes that will be environmentally responsible, with carefully selected enduring materials, super–insulated and with on-site renewables to deliver sustainable homes that are cheap to run.

The sculpted form addresses the sports ground in the spirit of the pavilion which once stood on the site. Itresponds to, and acknowledges, its proximity to neighbouring homes with articulation offering further space for planting and retention of existing trees. The proposed design strengthens connections to the sports ground through the introduction of a series of south–facing garden terraces that sensitively tier down to mediate between the building and open space to create a distinct vertical green profile that also contributes to the scheme’s 10% Biodiversity Net Gain.  

The new pavilion building celebrates its prominent position as a gateway into the wider estate with its striking appearance acting as a visual landmark for the surrounding community. Externally, a soft white brick is used for its durable quality and provides a neutral backdrop for the diverse planting that will be introduced. The simplicity of the material palette, reminiscent of Wembley’s modernist architectural heritage, is elevated with playful brickwork patterning at the top of the building and at ground to distinguish the entrance.

Architects View:

A key concept at the outset of the project was to provide meaningful, high-quality amenity for the residents in-line with LB Brent’s aspirations. This ambition has directly influenced the massing approach to the building, with stepped terrace gardens not only breaking up the mass of the building and mitigating overshadowing, but also providing areas for cascading planting and a fantastic space to socialise with your neighbours overlooking the adjacent sports ground.

The challenge of retaining an existing mature tree became an opportunity for the building to sensitively respond to its geometry in harmony with the sculpted language of the proposal. The gently scooped walls allow the building to appear slender and more elegant when viewed within the townscape.

It was a pleasure to work with a brilliant team, design-led client and positively engaged local authority to transform this tricky site into a place that residents will be proud to call home, through bold but thoughtful design.

– Alex Mann, Architect at GPAD

Read more about Pellatt Road here.

Planning Approval For Amendments To New Build Clerkenwell Green.

No comments yet

In 2020 we received planning permission from Islington Council for the construction of a new 30,000sqft office building in the Clerkenwell Green Conservation Area on a site fronting Clerkenwell Green. Like many projects over the last few years, the economic climate meant the possibility of constructing the building looked limited.

We have worked hard with a top consultant team to optimise the scheme, targeting an efficient design and construction approach that drives down cost and a building that maximises efficiency and value through quality.

The planning approval for key changes to the original consent, which include the core location; extent of terracing and entrance sequence, unlocking value and rebalancing the viability. We are looking forward to getting into more detail and (hopefully) building this scheme.

Clerkenwell Green receives planning approval

No comments yet

GPAD’s proposal for the redevelopment of 2-7 Clerkenwell Green, Islington has received planning permission.

Our design is for a contemporary warehouse with a brick frontage and copper-clad mansard roof, sensitive to the conservation area.

The project will also provide a modern, open plan workplace with fully DDA compliant level access and modern amenities, as well as meeting the latest sustainability standards in terms of BREEAM and WELL building standards.

When complete the building will boast 23,048sqft of prime workspace spread over seven floors.

GPAD’s Managing Director, Charles Bettes has said: “We’re a retrofit first practice, opting for refurbishment over new build whenever feasible. The building at Clerkenwell Green, however, would need extensive adaptation and likely need to be replaced by a new build in the not too distant future, therefore it’s more sustainable to address the problems now.

Charles continues: “Our plan delivers not only a better looking, more considered building, it’s also much more energy efficient and space is much better used. This will offer improved longevity and flexibility, while being a positive addition to the character of the conservation area and the street.”

As part of the proposed design, the ground floor will offer workspace accommodation to SMEs. There will also be three roof terraces, cycle storage and showers.