Barn Conversions at West Bergholt

We are delighted to share that our proposal for the redevelopment of the Barns at Hall Road, West Bergholt has successfully secured planning permission after a challenging and highly collaborative process.

This project, set within the rural landscape west of West Bergholt, involves the transformation of existing agricultural barns into two high-quality dwellings. The site consists of four barns, ranging from a historic traditional timber-framed barn to modern steel-framed structures. The design approach focuses on sensitive adaptation, retaining and enhancing the character of the rural setting while introducing contemporary elements that respect the site’s heritage.

Gaining approval was no small feat. Working closely with the planning consultant and local authority, we undertook a thorough process of design refinement, addressing concerns around scale, layout, and architectural treatment. Amendments to the scheme ensured that the proposals balanced heritage considerations, landscape integration, and modern sustainability principles.

Design Vision

• Barn A: the oldest and most historically significant structure, will be sensitively restored and extended using matching materials, ensuring its character remains intact while providing a spacious, modern family home.
• Barn B: a modern steel-framed structure, will be reclad and extended to create a cohesive and contemporary dwelling, embracing a restrained material palette of black stained timber, dark grey aluminium windows, and an anthracite standing seam zinc roof.
• The removal of redundant agricultural buildings will open up views across the landscape, and the introduction of new planting and hedgerows will enhance biodiversity and soften the development within its surroundings.

Sustainability & Contextual Sensitivity

The scheme maximises the re-use of existing structures, reducing embodied carbon, and integrates high-performance insulation, ground-source heat technology, and water-efficient design to meet modern environmental standards. The architectural language ensures the barns retain their agricultural essence, avoiding over-domestication while delivering highly efficient, contemporary homes.

Looking Ahead

With planning now secured, we look forward to delivering this thoughtful, high-quality conversion that reflects both historic character and modern living needs. This project stands as an example of how sensitive design and constructive engagement with planning authorities can shape a successful and sustainable rural development.

Link to the application: https://www.colchester.gov.uk/wampd/?id=240254

Thanks to our consultant team:

Planning Consultant: Chris Board, ABC Planning

Landscape Impact Assessment: Bobby Browne, Wynne Williams Associates

Heritage Statement: Nicholaas Joubert

Contaminated Land & Geotechnical Assessment: Nott Group

Ecologist: Richard Graves Associates

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