Development Potential – Maximising Space with Upward Extensions

Finding land for new developments has always been challenging…

Sometimes commercial property owners are unaware of the development potential for upward extensions.

They can be challenging but they often make effective use of existing buildings and land and often create a sustainable form of development with little to no impact on green space. When designed correctly, considering all the constraints, they can bring huge development potential in highly sustainable town and city centre locations.

Cannon Clarke Architects assisted a private developer in creating 6 residential flats above a mixed-use setting of ground-floor commercial and first-floor residential which was approved by North Norfolk District Council today.

The design retains the mixed-use heritage of the site, complementing the original 1970s architecture, which features a pedestrianised public courtyard and a blend of residential and commercial uses. The new upward development proposal will be clad with vertical architectural boarding with an overall framing of render. The existing brick parapet will be raised to ensure the set-back roof top mass is in proportion to the host building and metal balustrading will form in-board Juliet balconies for the living room areas.

The design ensures that no significant overlooking onto neighbouring properties will occur further than at present with the existing first-floor accommodation. When viewing the increased mass of the second-floor extension from street level it is only the roofscapes of the adjacent precinct buildings that are partially obscured. The proposed form being of no greater height than the existing roof crown.

If you own commercial property and would like to explore the development potential, our expert team are on hand to assist in maximising your development potential.