Halesworth Retirement Living

Project Description

The Halesworth Retirement Living project aimed to create a vibrant community focused on senior living. The development featured retirement accommodation supplemented by indoor communal facilities, beautifully landscaped gardens, and on-site parking. A significant aspect of the proposal included transferring a portion of land at the north of the site to Halesworth Town Council to enhance community assets.

The project is located in an historically rich area, originally a Roman settlement known for its medieval timber-framed buildings and Victorian almshouses. Adjacent to the site is the largest millennium green in the UK, comprising 44 acres of grazing marsh and floodplains that serve as a habitat for diverse wildlife, including owls and otters. Previously, the site was derelict and overgrown, presenting an opportunity to transform it into a beneficial community resource that provides access to local facilities.

Project Objectives and Challenges

Our team was engaged to deliver AVR3 Verified Views to demonstrate that the proposed development would preserve key views relating to it’s location, in part, within a Conservation Area and in proximity to Listed Buildings. The Verified Views were prepared to ensure that the integrity of these assets wasn’t compromised.

We were selected for our meticulous attention to detail and in-depth understanding of how a development can impact heritage assets. Given the site’s neglected state, it was always intended for redevelopment, aligning with our capabilities in managing sensitive historical contexts.

Our primary responsibilities included conducting site photography and producing six Verified Views from and towards local heritage assets, taking into account the views of Listed buildings, public open spaces, and the Conservation Area. The project mirrored the complexities faced in other retirement developments, where developers must balance maximising profitability with the aesthetic quality of the environment.

Our collaboration extended to working closely with Mulberry Land Planning and Cotswold Archaeology. Together, we navigated the intricacies of the project, ensuring that heritage concerns were at the forefront of the design strategy.