ICE News and Comment Archives - Page 3 of 7

Craig y Wylan

Energy-efficient new build that takes full advantage of the outstanding views.

Client originally wanted to remodel and extend the existing house but the rooms and areas they wanted would have been compromised we advised a new build was a better option, plus there is the benefit they don’t pay VAT

Just received planning permission

Conservation Area

Should be starting on site this year

Make a difference

Sometimes you don’t need to have large extensions to make a difference to the way you live at home. Here is a single storey rear extension with extensive interior remodelling which has created three fantastic spaces: a formal longe and dining area, a spacious kitchen and sitting area and a sung TV room. Enabling the owners to enjoy lots of family entertaining.

How do you feel about the new Planning Laws?

Radical changes were announced to England’s planning system with the hope it will make building new homes and commercial buildings easier.

Councils are blocked from denying planning permission in areas that will be designated for growth. There will also be a replacement to the Section 106 agreements and Community Infrastructure Levy (currently used to fund schools, roads, etc) and a change to affordable housing requirements.

What impact will this have on the local community?

As a developer, do you feel this will help you build faster?

Councils are going to be given 3 and half years to designate areas into 3 categories: growth/renewal/protection and we are told that residents will be consulted over ‘design codes’.

Will these proposals trigger a construction boom, will Green Belt be protected or will communities be sidelined with a lack of affordable or quality homes or infrastructure?

The planning laws need an overhaul as they are complex and draconian however, I have concerns in relation to the control of the quality of the design and sustainability of the new buildings.

Learning from Lockdown

Thankfully, we are out of the Covid-19 national lockdown. However, there are some local restrictions, some people are continuing to work from home, and we all have learned from the lockdown experience.

I wonder, are you OK with your home, or are there niggles?

– Would it be good to have personal spaces for family members, as well as communal areas?

– Do you need clearer distinction between work and play?

– Do you need more space – or better use of existing space?

– Are you taking full advantage of natural light and of the garden and outlook?

– Are you comfortable with the heating and ventilation?

– Are kitchen and bathrooms adequate?

ICE Arch Ltd are geared-up to help. If you prefer not to have face-to-face meetings we can use our tried and tested approach and the skilful use of technology, providing:

– a 30-minute Zoom consultation to determine your requirements

– further consultations, as required, once you have given the go-ahead for the eDesign stage of the project

– an Autocad sketch-scheme that can be used for pre-planning consultation, and builders’ quotations

– Optionally, a 3D model – external and/or internal according to the nature of the proposal

Lower Withington

Conversion of a bungalow into a four-bedroom, two-storey home for a family. Working with Styal Solutions to build this property.

The property is designed so that there is a large open-plan kitchen – dining – family living space, as well as cosy areas, with a snug and study in the roof space.

The master bedroom has a large dressing area and ensuite. Two of the other three bedrooms have ensuites.

This will be like a new-build home when the client moves in.

ICE Arch Ltd – We Are Open !

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by Covid-19. Obviously there is currently a lot of uncertainty and worry. We want to reassure you that ICE Arch Ltd will continue to offer the great service on which we have built our reputation, even with the unprecedented events going on here and around the world.

At ICE Arch Ltd, we are monitoring and acting-on daily the requirements and guidance of the Governments and Public Health Authorities of England and Wales. Our focus is on the health and well-being of our team, our clients, and all those we do business with.

We are mindful that we deal with many small businesses and individuals whose livelihood is under threat. It is vital, therefore, that we maintain our usual level of activity and service.

The Governments’ advice is to reduce face-to-face contact and eliminate non-essential travel.

ICE Arch Ltd offers video meetings, plus email and phone contact, to all our clients and business contacts. Our team is working ‘out-of-office’ but it is in every other way very much ‘business as usual’. We are grateful that we have the infrastructure and capability to continue and enjoy what we do best – delivering architectural services on really exciting and interesting projects.

The submission of planning applications, handling queries, and notification of outcomes are all done electronically, so no changes are needed.

The nature of construction work is such that specialists and contractors can continue normally, or with minor adjustments to working practices, to maintain ‘social separation’.

Thus, there is no need for there to be a slump in activity, followed by overload when the emergency is over.

ICE Arch Ltd has some current projects that are fascinating. We look forward to delivering on these and future projects, and sharing news of their progress with you.

Our best wishes from all at ICE Arch Ltd. Stay safe.

Alison Taylor-Stokes
Director – ICE Arch Ltd.

ICE Arch Ltd – Response to COVID-19

As the COVID-19 situation continues to develop on a daily basis, we would like to give our clients an update on our current working practices.

The safety of the people who work with us, our clients and other members of the construction industry are of upmost importance to us, we have implemented the following:

– Continued to follow all Government advice and self-isolation guidance

– Adopted homeworking for all who no longer come into the office environment

– Use Zoom to replace face-to-face meetings, where necessary

– Do our very best to maintain a high level of service (but please do bear with us)

Our intention is to continue working and to keep ‘business as usual’.

There are undoubtedly going to be challenging times over the coming weeks and months and we hope that we can all pull together to get through them.