Proposal:
Proposal number 24/01482/FUL. Retiling of roof. Installation of integrated PV solar panels, cladding, louvres, and fume cupboard extract. Formation of new entrance canopy. Alterations to fenestration, bin and bicycles stores, plant enclosure, parking and landscaping. Provision of delivery access, electric vehicle charging points and gas store (amended description).
4150 Chancellor Court John Smith Drive Oxford Oxfordshire OX4 2GX
Our Response:
Oxford Preservation Trust (OPT) welcomes this opportunity to comment on the above planning application.
OPT support the applicants approach to the redevelopment of the site, and the retention of much of the existing built fabric. The reuse of existing fabric can have a vast impact on limiting a buildings whole life carbon footprint, as opposed to the more severe approach of a partial or complete demolition.
OPT does however question the applicant’s choice of material for the standing seam cladding proposed to cover the existing masonry components. It is the view of OPT that the use of tinted zinc is insensitive to the wider context of the proposed development, and consideration needs to be taken on how it will sit within the wider context of the science park. The park currently consists of buildings of a similar scale, massing and materials and the proposed introduction of cladding will be at odds with the established character of the wider site.
OPT are aware that there is pressure to redevelop the existing and vacant plots across the wider science park, and would ask whether it would be prudent to produce a design guide or masterplan to ensure that the individual redevelopment of plots does not result in a mish-mash of building types and styles.
Outcome:
Application approved.