Lowood, Belbroughton Road, Clent
Lapworth Architects prepared the full planning application for the demolition of an existing bungalow and the construction of a new dormer bungalow at Lowood, Belbroughton Road, Clent. The property lies in a semi-rural setting within the Wyre Forest district, surrounded by detached homes and open countryside on the edge of Bromsgrove. The existing dwelling was found to be in severe disrepair, with structural issues and widespread damp, making refurbishment unviable.
The proposed replacement dwelling retains the footprint and volume of the existing building, ensuring no further impact on the openness of the Green Belt. The design replaces the outdated structure with a contemporary dormer bungalow that complements the local pattern of ribbon development along Belbroughton Road. The form remains compact, with balanced gables, a standing seam metal roof and vertical cladding to the main front elevation. Brickwork and detailing are carefully proportioned to reflect the rhythm of neighbouring dwellings.
Sustainability measures are integral to the design. A green roof on the rear flat roof section enhances biodiversity and moderates surface water runoff, while photovoltaic panels on the south-facing roof provide on-site renewable energy generation. High-performance insulation, energy-efficient glazing and low-carbon construction materials further align the proposal with Wyre Forest’s Climate Change Action Plan and Policy SP.29 (Sustainable Design and Construction).
The planning submission demonstrates full compliance with Green Belt policy, supported by relevant appeal precedents confirming that replacement dwellings of equivalent volume are not inappropriate development. The revised proposal offers a higher-quality, energy-efficient home that improves the character of the site and contributes positively to the surrounding landscape.
All drawings and planning material were prepared through UK Planning Gateway, maintaining consistency and traceability across submissions.
For readers searching for architects in Bromsgrove or architects in Birmingham, this scheme perfectly reflects Lapworth Architects’ considered approach to rural residential design: sensitive to context, aligned with policy and focused on long-term environmental performance.
