WSP, one of Manor Architectures planning partners, sought out expertise on a proposed retail unit renovation within Manchester's Grade II listed St James Building as Manchester City Council had expressed concerns about the design's impact on the building's heritage value.
Manor Architecture was called in to provide a technical review and suggest ways to address the conservation officer's requirements. The process began with a detailed point cloud survey of the premises. This allowed a thorough assessment of the proposed design and how each element would interact with the existing building fabric.
Based on this review, a comprehensive heritage impact drawing was created which clearly illustrated all aspects of the project and their potential impact on the historic structure.
By meticulously documenting the design's interaction with the building's heritage, the plans produced were able to demonstrate to the council that the project prioritised the preservation of the historic fabric. This clear communication resulted in a swift approval of the renovation plans.