Full planning permission was successfully granted within the Swanage Bay Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) for a contemporary single‑storey extension alongside traditional extensions and sensitive renovations to this charming Purbeck stone‑clad cottage. Working within a highly protected landscape, UX Architects collaborated closely with both the client and the local planning officer to refine the design, ensuring it respected the character of the existing building and the wider AONB setting.
A key focus of the planning process involved carefully managing the amount of glazing, developing a refined roof profile, and incorporating bespoke timber louvres to minimise light spill into the surrounding landscape. These design strategies allowed us to achieve a modern, elegant architectural expression while meeting strict environmental and visual impact requirements.
The site benefits from exceptional elevated views across Swanage Bay and the rolling Purbeck fields, and the new extension has been designed to maximise these vistas while enhancing the home’s internal layout. The proposed works will create a generous open‑plan family living space that blends contemporary design with the warmth and character of the original cottage. This project demonstrates our expertise in securing planning permission within sensitive coastal and AONB locations, as well as our commitment to delivering high‑quality, context‑driven residential architecture across Dorset and the wider UK.