Design Statement Smailholm Knowe

Lord Haddington's Testamentary Trust Design Statement Smailholm Knowe Residential Development Smailholm Roxburghshire Contents 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Site Details 2.1 Location & Local Context 2.2 Proposed Site Plan & Access 2.3 Proposed Development 3.0 Design Principles 3.1 Conservation Status 3.2 Conservation Strategy 4.0 Concept Design 03 02 4.1 Vision – North (entrance) 4.2 Vision – South (garden) 1.0 Introduction A small village between Gordon and Kelso, since the early 1970s, Smailholm has been part of the Scottish Borders Council in the historic county of Roxburghshire in south- east Scotland. Smailholm Conservation Area is outlined on the adjacent map (01) in green line, it covers most of the village and includes the proposed development site at Smailholm Knowe (marked with a yellow hatch) The purpose of this Design Statement is to support our Planning Application for the development site at Smailholm Knowe by illustrating the considerations and the approach that has led to the design of site specific residential houses. 01 SBC Conservation Area Map, March 2012 Conservation Area Boundary Development Boundary Proposed Development Site Smailholm Church 2.0 Site Details The Site is located in Smailholm at the western boundary of the village. It extends to approximately 1.3 acres and is currently open space / vacant scrub land. The site is accessed from the centre of the village via B6397 between Kelso and Earlston. To the South of the site is the Village Hall and residential properties beyond towards the East with the elevated Church centrally located. The site is identified within the Scottish Borders Local Development Plan and in the Conservation Area of Smailholm. Site Boundary Smailholm Church Site Indicative Conservation Area B6397 2.1 Location & Local Context B6397 Indicative Development Site Area Church Village Hall Trough East Third Farmhouse Cottage 2.2 Site Plan & Access Land West of Field View (Planning Approved) Garage building Bin store / Drying area Possible pedestrian access to village centre Informal route to village hall Proposed House Type 1 & 2 (replace existing) Road access Parking Site Entrance located by Paving SBC Roads Planning Department. (standard service lay-by) Planting Boundary planting Path access (village hall) Tree removal / Path relocation Plot boundary Site Entrance formed to SBC standard service lay-by detail 2.3 Proposed Development Site Entrance located by SBC Roads Planning Department. (standard service lay-by) Informal route to village hall (replace existing) Possible pedestrian access to village centre 3.0 Design Principles The site offers a development opportunity for two • The enhancement of good quality design is a priority for sustainable residential detached houses. the redevelopment. The proposed house types A + B have been carefully • Provision of details and materials which compliment considered to maximise the setting and reflect the existing and reflect the existing buildings within the village. site conditions. • Landscaping to be integrated within the design, trees Designed to a high standard, that take advantage of current and planting to be retained or replanted. sustainable design and construction methods. A future proof approach that will limit energy bills and • Integration of sustainability using low-carbon energy adapts to both the changing needs of the occupants and the technology that will benefit the buildings in years to changing climate over the lifespan of the building. come. The design reflects the character of the conservation area • Formation of additional housing in an established and in considering the proposals the following items were settlement that seeks to complement the conservation incorporated: area by providing a modern design solution that fully respects the visual setting of the village. • Development with clear sense of place that take account of Planning Policy North facing elevation and access to the development. House type A (stone finish), House Type B (render finish) 3.1 Conservation Status Alterations to the Smailholm Conservation Area boundary The architectural style is predominantly characterised by from that shown in the Roxburgh Village Plan (1996) traditional building materials such as render, whinstone consist of the inclusion of the Village Hall and our proposed mixed with ochre coloured sandstone, slate, and in some development site at Smailholm Knowe. instances pantiles. A Conservation Area is a place of special architectural or Architectural details such as sash and case windows, skews, historic interest. The character or appearance of which it is rybats, margins and quoins also feature greatly. desirable to preserve or enhance. We have visited Smailholm village and reviewed the Conservation Area Stone boundary walls appear often within the Conservation Statement carried out by The Scottish Borders Council to Area and contribute significantly to the character of the identify the historical context of the surrounding area. place. The buildings of Smailholm conservation area form part of a linear street pattern and is described as the “the narrow village”. The centrally located category “B” listed Church and graveyard are an important part of the village. Located centrally within the village - category “B” listed Smailholm Church and graveyard. Major renovation was carried out in 1632 and 1820 and fine stained glass windows from 1907 commemorating Sir Walter Scott. 3.1 Conservation Strategy Located within Smailholm Conservation Area - it is fundamental to achieve the architecture where old and new complement each other. Massing has been carefully considered to reflect the existing scale – a modern approach that respects the existing and surrounding construction methods. Designed by fusing new technologies with traditional building materials whilst incorporating sustainability ideals to create a viable solution for the future, rather than simply remodelling the methods of the past. • Strive to create a distinctive attractive place, easy to move around and responsive to its context. • Appropriate balance and mix of new buildings designed to compliment the existing buildings within the village. • Demonstrate adaption of typical materiality. • Protect views from and to the surrounding country side. • Lay-by site entrance (recommended by SBC Roads Department) 4.0 Concept Design 4.1 Vision – North (access) • Stone boundary walls/garden walls • Render / whinstone mixed with ochre coloured sandstone. • Slate roof • margins and quoins Appropriate balance and mix of modern buildings designed and design character to reflect the existing buildings within the conservation village – such as: • Scale and roof configuration (cross gabled roof) 4. Vision – South (garden) Bin and drying area South facing garden ground.

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