Places Matter! Design Review Case Study:
Ribble Valley

Places Matter! Design Review has resulted in changes to a project in Clitheroe that satisfy both the architect and the local authority.

Designed by Croft Goode Architects, the new office for Ribble Valley Homes is on a historic site with views of the castle. John Macholc, head of planning at Ribble Valley Council, said, ‘We were unhappy with the scheme and we told the client that we would refuse it. They asked us to see if there was a solution.’ He went to Places Matter! where Design Review Panel Member Matt Brook of Broadway Malyan  produced a report that led the architect to make some substantial changes to the design. In particular, it made the main elevation less complex, and tried to make the building relate more closely to its neighbours.

Station Road Offices

But Macholc still felt there was a problem, and went back to Places Matter!  ‘We were contacted again by John about a conflict between the sight line between Clitheroe Castle up the hill and in the background and the height of the scheme,’ said Charlotte Myhrum of Places Matter!. ‘At this point I thought it would be valuable if I took Matt to Clitheroe to see the site and the relationship with the Castle.’ He suggested changing the flat roof to a sawtooth which would be more in keeping with its neighbours and would allow glimpses of the castle.

Chris Blake of Croft Goode said, ‘I definitely feel it was a very valuable process that we went through. It benefitted the design immensely, producing something much more in keeping and a lot more interesting.’
Macholc added, ‘I was disappointed with the initial design for the roof, but didn’t have the confidence and belief in myself to insist.’ And he was impressed by how the final report stressed the importance of getting the details right. ‘It made me think more deeply about the specifics of the design,’ he said.

The only reservations come from the client, although she admitted that she loves the light that it will bring in. Perhaps she will be persuaded when the building is complete?