Grants Hill House

The proposed design creates a new ‘social heart’ around a shared garden, linking the new development to the existing Thomas Scanlan bungalows thereby creating a strong sense of community from the outset. A series of new landscape opportunities are also introduced across the whole site, including a secret courtyard garden at the centre and the integration of an existing bowls club to the new development. A clear approach to the building and visual integration with the neighbouring community are key considerations for the new design.

Planning History

The existing Grants Hill House, now vacant, was a 1980’s Local Authority, purpose-built, sheltered housing scheme, no longer considered to be fit for purpose and therefore proposed for redevelopment by the Local Authority. During the design development stage of the project, consultation with the Planning Officer, Housing Officers, the Thomas Scanlon Trust and Local Councillors informed the emerging design proposals. The Planning Application for Grants Hill House was submitted in November 2015 and received unanimous approval in March 2016, with committee members praising the new design, calling it ‘the jewel in the crown for Uckfield’.