Former CeramTec, Colyton
Number/street name:
Sidmouth Road
Address line 2:
City:
Colyton
Postcode:
EX24 6NR
Architect:
PLACE By Design
Architect contact number:
01179 517 053
Developer:
Wain Homes.
Planning Authority:
East Devon District Council
Planning consultant:
Wain Homes
Planning Reference:
22/2795/MRES
Date of Completion:
Schedule of Accommodation:
1bed x 6, 2bed x 14, 3bed x 27, 4bed x 23, 5bed x 2, 6xlight industrial units B1 (total of 718smq GIA)
Tenure Mix:
80% private, 20% affordable (70% affordable rent, 30% shared ownership)
Total number of homes:
72
Site size (hectares):
3.0ha
Net Density (homes per hectare):
46
Size of principal unit (sq m):
88
Smallest Unit (sq m):
50
Largest unit (sq m):
160
No of parking spaces:
160
Scheme PDF Download
Planning History
The site extends to just over 3 hectares and is situated on the north-western edge of Colyton. The site is a disused commercial site which was formerly occupied in the main by several substantial-scale industrial buildings. There were also some associated offices, car parking and landscaping. The buildings have since been demolished in accordance with the conditions set out on the outline planning permission (3/06/2020) by Homes England. The scheme has gone through pre-application discussions and three rounds of amendments to address the technical constraints to deliver viable and aesthetically pleasing solutions.
The Design Process
In a sensitive rural setting, prominently visible from various public roads and footpaths, the site serves as an introduction to a village boasting a relatively unspoilt central core with a significant number of listed structures within a conservation area. The challenging geography, coupled with the site's historical use, presents difficulties in opening it up for housing. The steep slope necessitates the creation of relatively level platforms to accommodate rainwater attenuation basins, with the alternative being underground chambers – an expensive construction and maintenance solution.
A steeply sloping site, like this one, provides grounds for not fully adhering to Highways recommendations, but reasonable efforts to implement them in line with guidance allow to replicating the closely knitted nature of East Devon villages. Long terraces and parking courtyards, adapted to modern needs with new focal space boosting not only biodiversity but also social cohesion. The building form was strategically designed to navigate and resolve significant level differences while preserving important long-distance views. Preserving the majority of existing trees necessitated the thoughtful proposition of bespoke split-level house types, demonstrating careful consideration of materials in the process. The architectural narrative crafted for this scheme delves into thresholds, enclosures, window details, front door style, and vertical articulations, with the explicit goal of directly aligning with the design language of the neighbouring conservation area.
The inherent conflict between requirements and the need for compromise, inherent in any design process, is particularly pronounced in this location. Every decision on this site revolves around a nuanced balance of judgment, with the overarching goal of promoting quality design.
Key Features
Back in late 2019, when Wain Homes South West approached us to craft a mixed-use proposal for a former Ceramtec factory site in Colyton, our collaboration began. We worked alongside them to establish priorities, develop a vision and execute their project brief. Together, we navigated through various challenges (conservation area proximity, drainage and post industrial significant level changes, views to AONB), adapted strategies, and, most importantly, stayed true to our company vision - Enhance life by design.
