Planning Application Submitted in Dean Park, Bournemouth: conversion of a language school into 18 apartments.

Located within Dean Park Conservation Area, the owner of this former language school instructed Studio Homer to convert the Victorian villa into apartments. Being in a sensitive area, where local planning policy identifies the building as a historic asset, a policy-led approach was key to the design process.

An appraisal of previous applications in the area identified that 1970s extensions, similar to the extension located on our site, were considered negative to the appearance of the area by planning officers. New applications were seen as an opportunity to revert to the proportions and features characterised by the Victorian villas located around the cricket grounds of Cavendish Place and Dean Park Road.

With this in mind, we looked to replace the wide and large windows of the 1970s extension with windows that fit with the style and proportions of the Victorian era. The flat roof to the extension was also out of the character of the area. A pitched roof extension proved the opportunity to enhance the character of the building while creating space for additional bedrooms. However, to avoid overpowering the original building, the roof of the extension was set below the ridge line of the Victorian villa.

An application has now been submitted to BCP Council (Bournemouth) for their consideration.