Category / Design / Design & Dev

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  • House design

    Planning approval for a sensitive site in Barnstaple

    PMA have obtained planning permission for a lovely individual house design; a detached family home in Pill Lane, situated to the outskirts of Barnstaple, North Devon, in the parish of Bishops Tawton. The two storey house has four bedrooms, comfortable reception space and kitchen and double garage. The biggest challenge was the sensitive location, owing…

  • Woolacombe

    Planning approval for Woolacombe holiday apartments

    PMA have this month obtained planning approval for the development of a property in Woolacombe. This substantial property, located in the heart of this most popular of coastal villages, is currently a mixed use current being a large House of Multiple Occupation (HMO), Launderette and Office now has consent to convert to 6 holiday letting…

  • Class Q fallback position

    Does Class Q give the best outcome for barns?

    Current legislation provides a unique opportunity to convert qualifying existing agricultural structures, commonly referred to as Class Q, into residential units. Having Class Q permitted development approval, are there further opportunities? Yes, potentially under the fallback position. You can possibly unlock the potential of your underutilised or redundant agricultural buildings if the building qualifies under…

  • Off-grid living, a growing trend

    Following research done by scientists Copernicus Climate Change Service 2023 has been declared as the hottest on Earth, ever since records began; 2024 could be even hotter. It is therefore no coincidence that the interest in building sustainable and off-plan homes is on the increase. “We are receiving an increasing number of enquirers from people…

  • Diminishing slates

    Diminishing-sized slates, a nice detail in Dorset

    The rich variety of construction styles are evident throughout the UK, and a reason why so many international visitors praise the history in our buildings. PMA has been appointed architects for this inspirational, major project for 2024, which has taken us to Dorset, working with some fabulous range of traditional stone agricultural buildings. With a…

  • RIBA Chartered Architect

    Understanding the value of an architect

    An RIBA architect is able to draw on years of experience and expertise in design, technical know-how and organisational skills, tied together through excellent communication to bring the project to reality. Through attention to detail, design and planning, the aim is to minimise risks of problems being encountered on-site, their cost and implications. Here are…

  • Ciaran Lane Architect

    PMA expands team, welcoming a new architect

    We introduce our latest team member, Ciarán Linane, who joins PMA following ten years’ experience working in a selection of London architectural practices. An ARB-registered Architect, Ciarán has gained a diverse skill set through the delivery of large commercial schemes for clients with complex and ever-evolving business needs. He has worked on numerous large-scale office…

  • Solar panel

    New rules make solar panels fitting easier

    We’ve seen that the awareness of solar panels has changed over the years, so that now, without exception, our early client meetings feature discussions around energy efficiency, running costs and sustainability. Small initial steps maybe, but absolutely critical steps, with standards improving, cost efficiencies being developed and UK legislation and regulations supporting progress. Rules introduced…

  • Fallback position

    “Fallback position” used for replacement of rural dwelling with Class Q approval

    Usually in the architectural world, the right outcome is rarely easy or obvious? Our aspiration is always the best outcome and often this requires a planned approach and strategy, which needs to be reviewed against progress. In this instance we advised that the fallback position provided an opportunity. Director Perry Mears explained “Generally, a planning…