Two Detached Houses , Uphall, West Lothian

In 2005 Jefcoate Anderson Architects Ltd were appointed by our client who wished to develop the rear of his garden to create two detached houses with the Uphall Conservation Area.

The long and narrow site spans between East Main Street to the front and Alexander Street. Existing accommodation comprised a stone built, Edwardian, semi detached house on East Main Street with a garden to the rear. The original house had been subdivided to form two separate, upper and lower villas accessed from the rear. Pedestrian and vehicular access to the existing house was provided via a pend from East Main Street.

The client had previously appointed an architectural practice to submit design proposals for planning permission. Despite several redesigns requested by the planning department the revised design proposals were repeatedly refused. The architectural practice believed that they could take the design no further at which point we were approached to help move the project forward.

We were of the opinion that, although there were a number of constraints that had to be overcome, through careful design there was scope for two detached houses on the site.

Constraints included the restricted site size and limited amenity space, issues of privacy and overshadowing of neighbours, parking and access requirements and the fact that the site was located in a conservation area.

After initial discussions with the planning department an application was submitted in 2006.

Despite initial coordinated neighbour objections we were able, through dialogue, to bring these neighbours ‘on board’ without compromising the proposals and they consequently submitted letters in support of the application.

Planning permission and building warrant approval were granted in 2007 and works are due to start this spring.

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