Architects in Bromsgrove: Lowood, Belbroughton Road, Clent

Looking for architects in Bromsgrove for a Green Belt replacement dwelling? At Lowood, Belbroughton Road, Clent, Lapworth Architects prepared the full planning application for a replacement dormer bungalow of equivalent footprint and volume, designed to protect openness while improving energy performance and delivering a council-ready submission.

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 sits in a semi-rural setting on the edge of Bromsgrove, surrounded by detached homes and open countryside. The existing dwelling was found to be in severe disrepair, with structural issues and widespread damp, making refurbishment unviable.

Project at a glance

• Location: Belbroughton Road, Clent (edge of Bromsgrove)

• Scope: demolition and replacement dormer bungalow

• Policy context: Green Belt replacement dwelling

• Key principle: retain equivalent footprint and volume to protect openness

• Sustainability: green roof, PV panels, high-performance fabric

Green Belt design approach

The proposed replacement dwelling retains the footprint and volume of the existing building, ensuring no additional impact on the openness of the Green Belt. The design replaces an outdated structure with a contemporary dormer bungalow that reflects the local ribbon development along Belbroughton Road.

The form is compact, with balanced gables, a standing seam metal roof and vertical cladding to the main front elevation. Brickwork and detailing were proportioned to sit comfortably alongside neighbouring dwellings while keeping the overall mass controlled.

Sustainability and environmental performance

Sustainability measures are integral to the proposal. A green roof to the rear flat roof section supports biodiversity and helps moderate surface water runoff. Photovoltaic panels on the south-facing roof provide on-site renewable energy generation.

High-performance insulation, energy-efficient glazing and low-carbon material choices were used to improve whole-house performance, aligning the proposal with local climate and sustainable design objectives, including Policy SP.29 (Sustainable Design and Construction) and the direction of travel set by Wyre Forest’s climate strategy.

Planning case and supporting evidence

The planning submission demonstrates compliance with Green Belt policy, supported by relevant appeal precedents confirming that replacement dwellings of equivalent volume are not inappropriate development. The proposal delivers 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 consistent document control and traceability across the submission.

Architects in Bromsgrove and the wider West Midlands

For clients searching for architects in Bromsgrove, or architects in the West Midlands, this scheme reflects Lapworth Architects’ approach to rural residential design: policy-led, context-aware and focused on long-term environmental performance. We work across Bromsgrove and the wider West Midlands, including Edgbaston, Harborne and Solihull.

FAQs

Can you replace a dwelling in the Green Belt?
Yes. Replacement dwellings can be acceptable where the proposal does not harm Green Belt openness and remains within the relevant policy parameters, often assessed through footprint, volume and siting.

How did the proposal protect Green Belt openness?
The replacement dwelling retains the footprint and volume of the existing bungalow, so the development does not introduce additional built bulk or spread.

What was built at Lowood?
A contemporary dormer bungalow replacing a bungalow that was in severe disrepair, with a compact form designed to sit within the ribbon development pattern along Belbroughton Road.

What sustainability measures were included?
A green roof to the rear flat roof section, photovoltaic panels to the south-facing roof, and an improved building fabric with high-performance insulation and energy-efficient glazing.

How was the planning case supported?
The submission set out Green Belt compliance and referenced relevant appeal precedents supporting replacement dwellings of equivalent volume, alongside drawings and policy justification.

How did UK Planning Gateway support the submission?
It provided version control, consistent document naming and coordinated uploads, improving traceability and reducing avoidable admin during the planning process.