The site is one of the last parcels of Chapel Gate (Basingstoke) – an important town centre site where Vivid have already delivered over 600 new homes (in partnership with Barratt Homes), including an award-winning conversion of the art-deco White Building (for which Hannah was the planning agent).

We previously undertook (as planning agent) an office to residential conversion on the adjacent Dextra Court site and also for various planning applications across Chapel Gate (including conversion of the White Building).

Having worked on the wider site, we were appointed as planning agent and led the consultant team through the planning application and appeal.

We worked with the client to understand the viability and built form to formulate a strategy that allowed for flexibility, such that Modern Methods of Construction could be utilised at a later stage.

Vivid Homes are now taking forward the proposals through Reserved Matters stages.

Vivid Homes have a largely positive working relationship with Members in Basingstoke, in light of the strong track record in that area.

That was harnessed for the application to resolve early issues raised by Members on design and layout, leaning heavily on previous experience.

Although an issue specific to Basingstoke, this case turned on the ability to justify the open space provided on site. This was undertaken through an analysis both of provision on site, and a review of surrounding provision.