Plan A

• Plum Architects were appointed in May 2017 following an open competition, which asked for proposals from four local companies.
• Richard Bullen (Plum Architects) very quickly became familiar with what we were looking for, and started work on the first set of designs, based on the user requirements that were being developed.
• The design, consultation, review, and revise process continued through several iterations until the final iteration of changes were completed in September 2019, and the Planning Application was submitted to GBC in October 2019.
• GBC opened the plans for Public Comment, and there were 94 supportive responses, one request to preserve the trees in the garden (which we agreed to), and one objection.
• The Planning Consent was subject to an S106 order, as the design includes a new entrance from the road. This had to be drawn up and then checked by our Solicitor. This became a lengthy process that moved into the Christmas period, delaying the decision on our application until the beginning of 2020.
• The Planning Consent letter was delivered on 9 March 2020, just before we went into the first national lockdown due to COVID-19.

Change of Direction

Detailed technical plans were developed during lockdown, and the project returned to normal operation in September 2021.

The team continued to refine requirements for sustainable power and heating sources and appointed a fundraising consultant to advise the detailed information required by grant funders, and to assist in writing grant applications.

Applications for grants were submitted and responses received during 2022 and 2023.

Although there are some funders keen to support the project, it became clear we would not reach the target of £2.4 million.

We had to change direction.

The Project team identified the mandatory requirements from user surveys and developed an alternative proposal to deliver those requirements.

Plan B was developed during the first quarter of 2024, in collaboration with the Architect, who fully supports the alternative proposal.

Plan B was presented to the PCC in May 2024. They endorsed the recommendation from the Project team, and the project objective is now to deliver Plan B.

Plan B

Allows the PCC to continue to deliver the objectives of the PC Constitution, but without demolishing the current building. The proposal ensures that all current regulations are met, and that the final suite of rooms will serve the growing needs of the community.

Plan B will:

• Meet all accessibility, safeguarding, and road safety regulations.
• Re-use the current building.
• Provide a self-contained Annexe, with capacity for 75.
• Provide new toilets, office, kitchen, and meeting room in the refurbished centre.
• Increase the site capacity by 66% from the current 120 to 200.
• Reduce the carbon footprint by using Solar Power and Air Source Heat pump(s).
• Reduce running costs by using sustainable energy sources and selling excess power generated to the National Grid.
• Ensure Biodiversity net gain by planting a green roof and more trees in the garden.

The documents below provide further information. The project team completed the task reports, the content of which was incorporated into the Design and Access statement.

Click here to view the Supporting Design and Access Statement (Rev A, 15-10-2024)

Click here to view the Plans and Elevations as Proposed (v2025)