Aylmer Road, Highgate
Private client
The Client was interested to know whether these two semi-detached houses in the Highgate Conservation Area could be redeveloped with a block of nine luxury flats. Our research indicated that redevelopment would be possible, but would require an exceptional scheme to satisfy the relevant heritage policies. We then recommended the architects Daykin Marshall Studio, and worked with them to develop an excellent contemporary design to satisfy the two essential requirements: to enhance the character of the Conservation Area; and to provide outstanding flats to make the most of sweeping views over Highgate Golf Course. Happily the site’s location next to open land, within an area of ‘garden suburb’ development, allowed us to make a strong heritage argument for creating a building taller than its neighbour so as to provide a ‘gateway’ into the local area, following the urban design theory of Raymond Unwin and the Garden City movement.
Our involvement from the start of the project enabled the development of a scheme that successfully addressed all the Conservation Area issues, and secured the support of amenity societies and Council officers during Pre-Application negotiations. The rigorous approach to the project ensured an exceptionally smooth passage through the planning process.
