We created a variety of supported living accommodation types, and throughout the process, we were acutely aware of the importance of this development, which is part of a scheme providing a pathway to independence and recovery for many individuals.

The accommodation supports the specialist mental health service sector, helping people with diagnosed mental health conditions, such as anxiety and panic disorders, bipolar disorder, depression and personality disorders.

We were keen to encourage a suitable level of engagement with support workers, placing the design team on a shared journey to help create a development which could empower people to make changes in their life, to improve their self-confidence and emotional well-being.

The site was originally occupied by a public house and extensive car parking and the approved development includes for the demolition of the existing building and for the construction of 5 one-bedroom bungalows and 14 one-bedroom apartments within a two storey building.

The change of use associated with this development site was constrained by a requirement to consider overlooking, and distances between habitable rooms. The adjacent residential environment included two storey dwellings thereby restricting the height of any proposed built form, and the need to retain the existing vehicular access/egress locations.