No.24
Design, Pre-Application & Planning
lvp architects were appointed to design and guide proposals for 24 De Freville Avenue, a substantial detached dwelling located within an established residential area of Cambridge and set within a Conservation Area.
The brief sought to sensitively adapt the existing property to support its subdivision into two dwellings, alongside modest external alterations and improved access arrangements. The project has progressed through early design development, pre-application engagement, and a full planning application, and is now moving forward into the technical design stage.
Context
The property occupies a generous plot along De Freville Avenue, characterised by mature trees, landscaped gardens, and a varied residential townscape. The existing house comprises a principal dwelling with a large side extension, with a building form and materials typical of the surrounding area.
Given the site’s Conservation Area designation and the presence of mature trees both within and adjacent to the plot, the proposals were developed with particular regard to townscape character, landscape impact, and the long-term retention of existing trees.
Design Approach
The design approach focused on working with the existing building rather than introducing wholesale change. The subdivision strategy was carefully considered to ensure that each dwelling retained a clear identity, appropriate levels of amenity, and a coherent relationship to the street.
External alterations were deliberately modest, with new openings and roof elements integrated to sit comfortably within the established architectural language of the house. The scale and placement of the proposed extension were informed by the existing massing, ensuring that the development remains visually subordinate within the wider street scene.
Proposals
The proposals include a small front extension, the conversion of the existing garage to form part of a new dwelling, and the introduction of rooflights to support internal daylighting. A new off-street parking space is proposed within the front garden, designed using a permeable, no-dig construction system to minimise ground disturbance and protect the root systems of nearby trees.
Internally, the layout allows the existing house to be sensitively divided into two self-contained homes, each with its own entrance and access to private amenity space. The internal arrangements were developed to work within the constraints of the existing structure while supporting flexible, contemporary living.
stone surrounds and cills
Planning & Environmental Considerations
The planning application was supported by a coordinated package of technical information, including arboricultural assessment, ecology reports, and a Biodiversity Net Gain statement. The proposals were carefully shaped to avoid harm to protected trees, with construction methods designed to limit excavation within root protection areas.
Ecological assessments confirmed that the development would have negligible impact on bats and nesting birds, with opportunities identified for biodiversity enhancements through the provision of bat and bird boxes. The project qualified for a de minimis exemption from Biodiversity Net Gain requirements due to the limited scale of habitat impact.
Next Steps
Planning consent has been secured, and the project is now progressing into the technical design stage. Further information will be shared as the detailed design develops.
Cambridge buff brick
Material Board
red brick banding
slate roof tiles