16A Architecture Proudly Sponsors St. Anselmians Rugby Club, Wirral
16A Architecture Proudly Sponsors St. Anselmians Rugby Club, Wirral
16A Architecture is excited to announce our sponsorship of St. Anselmians Rugby Club, Wirral, for the upcoming season. As a leading team of RIBA Chartered Architects serving Liverpool, Wirral, and beyond, we are proud to support this local grassroots team, wishing them the best of luck for the new season ahead.
At 16A Architecture, we believe in building stronger communities, not only through our exceptional residential and commercial architectural projects, but also through active involvement in local initiatives. Supporting St. Anselmians aligns perfectly with our core values of teamwork, commitment, and excellence. Much like in architecture, rugby requires precision, dedication, and collaboration—all qualities we hold in high regard.
As we cheer from the sidelines, we're thrilled to be part of the St. Anselmians family. Grassroots sports are essential in fostering a sense of community, encouraging physical fitness, and building lifelong friendships. Through our sponsorship, we hope to contribute to the team’s continued success both on and off the field.
Based in Wirral with projects in Liverpool, London, and across the UK, 16A Architecture specialises in creating bespoke residential and commercial spaces. Whether it’s an eco-friendly home renovation or a large-scale commercial development, we bring passion and attention to detail to every project. As RIBA Chartered Architects, we’re committed to delivering innovative designs that meet the highest industry standards.
We look forward to supporting St. Anselmians Rugby Club throughout the season, knowing that together we can help build a stronger community. At 16A Architecture, we understand that success comes from teamwork—whether on the pitch or in the architectural world. Go team!
For all your architectural needs in Liverpool, Wirral, and beyond, contact 16A Architecture today
Feel free to reach out by phone, or call into our studios for a complimentary consultation with our team.
renovating vs. starting anew: should you knock down and rebuild?
with our project on broomfield back on track, today we've taken some time to understand the pros and cons of a new building project or a renovation. if you've got your own project you'd like to talk about please do get in touch with us at admin@studio16architecture.co.uk
pros of knocking down and rebuilding
one of the biggest financial perks of rebuilding is that new builds are often exempt from vat (value added tax) on construction, unlike renovations, where vat typically applies. this can result in significant cost savings.
a new build allows for modern construction techniques, enabling superior insulation and energy performance. better u-values mean reduced heating costs, greater comfort, and a home that meets or exceeds current energy standards.
with a knock-down and rebuild, you start with a blank canvas, bypassing the complexities of adapting an old structure. this can streamline construction timelines, often leading to faster project completion.
starting fresh means you can design a space perfectly suited to your needs—open-plan living, a home office, or that dream kitchen you've always wanted. there’s no compromising or working around existing layouts or constraints.
while daunting for some, starting anew can be liberating. it offers a unique opportunity to create a home that reflects your style and aspirations without the baggage of old design flaws.
cons of knocking down and rebuilding
when you demolish a house, you also remove the foundations, utilities, and other structural elements that are already in place. this waste can feel like a missed opportunity to work with what's already there, especially if the core of the home is still solid.
older homes often have unique architectural details and a sense of history that modern builds can struggle to replicate. For many, a home holds sentimental value, and starting fresh might feel like losing a part of the past.
while new homes can be energy-efficient, demolishing a structure creates waste and consumes resources. renovating, in contrast, can often be a more sustainable choice by preserving and repurposing materials.
a rebuild typically involves securing demolition permits, navigating local council regulations, and meeting zoning requirements. this process can introduce delays and additional costs compared to a straightforward renovation.
making the right choice
choosing between a renovation and a rebuild ultimately depends on your goals, budget, and the state of your existing home. if you’re eager to create a space tailored to your vision, benefit from vat savings, and achieve modern energy standards, rebuilding could be the way to go. however, if you value the charm and history of your current home and wish to preserve its essence, a thoughtful renovation might suit you better.
whatever your decision, investing in the right approach will ensure your home becomes a space you’ll love for years to come.
Navigating the Greenbelt: A Guide to Obtaining Planning Permission
Navigating the Greenbelt: A Guide to Obtaining Planning Permission
Amidst the sprawling urban landscapes and bustling city centres, greenbelts stand as vital breathing spaces, offering respite from the concrete jungle and promoting environmental sustainability. These designated areas of open land are intended to curb urban sprawl, protect natural habitats, and preserve the countryside's beauty. However, the process of obtaining planning permission within a greenbelt is far from straightforward, as it requires careful consideration of environmental impact and development restrictions. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of obtaining planning permission in a greenbelt, exploring the challenges, guidelines, and strategies involved.
The Essence of Greenbelts
Greenbelts are treasured landscapes that encircle cities and towns, safeguarding them from unchecked expansion. Their purpose is to maintain a balance between urban development and nature conservation. Often comprised of agricultural land, woodlands, and open spaces, greenbelts offer a multitude of benefits, including improved air quality, recreational opportunities, and the protection of biodiversity.
The Significance of Planning Permission
The need for planning permission within a greenbelt is paramount. This permission ensures that proposed developments align with the overarching goal of preserving these open spaces and minimizing their encroachment. Whether you're planning a new construction or alterations to an existing structure, planning permission serves as a safeguard against compromising the greenbelt's integrity.
Key Considerations for Planning Permission
- Local Authority Policies: Each greenbelt area may have distinct policies that govern development. Understanding these policies is essential before embarking on any planning application.
- Very Special Circumstances: Greenbelts are generally considered "inappropriate" for new developments. However, exceptions can be made for "very special circumstances." These could include projects that contribute to sustainable development, benefit the community, or protect heritage assets.
- Environmental Impact: Assess the potential impact of your proposed development on the greenbelt's natural and visual aspects. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) may be required, addressing issues like traffic, drainage, and habitat disturbance.
- Brownfield Sites: Some greenbelt areas might contain previously developed land, often referred to as "brownfield" sites. Utilizing these sites for development can be more favorably considered, as it minimises new construction on untouched land.
- Land Reuse and Regeneration: Planners are more likely to approve proposals that involve repurposing existing structures, restoring historic buildings, or enhancing the greenbelt's amenities.
The Planning Application Process
The process of obtaining planning permission within a greenbelt shares similarities with standard applications, albeit with an emphasis on environmental protection and conservation. Here's an overview of the general steps:
- Initial Research: Understand the specific greenbelt area's characteristics, restrictions, and local planning policies. This knowledge will guide your proposal's alignment with preservation goals.
- Development Proposal: Formulate a well-researched proposal that takes into account the greenbelt's ecological, visual, and historical significance.
- Pre-Application Consultation: Engage with local planning authorities for pre-application advice. Their insights can help you fine-tune your proposal and address potential concerns early on.
- Formal Application: Complete the necessary application forms, including all relevant documents such as architectural drawings, impact assessments, and environmental reports.
- Impact Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment of your proposal's impact on the greenbelt. This involves ecological studies, traffic assessments, and other considerations as required.
- Public Consultation: Depending on the scale of your project, public consultation may be necessary. This provides the community with a chance to voice their opinions and concerns.
- Decision: The local planning authority will evaluate your application, weighing its benefits against potential drawbacks. The decision-making process can take time, so patience is key.
Overcoming Challenges
Gaining planning permission within a greenbelt often presents unique challenges:
- Stringent Guidelines: Greenbelt policies can be stringent, necessitating innovative solutions that harmonize development with preservation.
- Environmental Sensitivity: Projects within greenbelts must prioritise the environment. This might mean altering plans to minimise disruption to habitats or adopting sustainable building practices.
- Community Concerns: As greenbelts are cherished by the community, projects can face opposition from those who fear its degradation. Open communication and transparency are essential.
- Longer Approval Process: The complexities of environmental assessments and public consultations can lead to extended timelines for decision-making.
Conclusion
Obtaining planning permission within a greenbelt requires a delicate balance between development and conservation. The process demands a deep appreciation for the environment, a thorough understanding of local policies, and a commitment to sustainability. While the road to approval might be challenging, the result is a harmonious integration of human needs and the natural world—a testament to our ability to coexist with nature while continuing to grow and progress.
- Joel Anthony Roderick, 16a Founder
