Lubstree Park takes its name from a long-lost area of medieval parkland. Originally built as a model farm for the Duke of Sutherland near Telford in north Shropshire, the site comprises a Georgian farmhouse and an array of outbuildings which overlook arable farmland and open countryside.
The farm buildings at the rear of the farmhouse were advertised for sale with basic planning permission to convert into eight dwellings. Mark and Lucy Davies of 2 Counties Construction purchased the barns for development – the company’s first in Shropshire.
The 2.88 acre site comprised several derelict farm buildings, including five steel frame buildings and large brick-built barns and storage buildings. Part of the site remained a working farm throughout the conversion.
The project was split into two distinct phases. Units one to three were developed under phase one and units four to eight in phase two.
“Our first task was to address the existing plans. We appointed new project architects – Green Planning Studios. They are renowned for delivering successful projects in the countryside, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and Green Belt.
“We tackled several issues before resubmitting minor amendments for phase one to the planning department at Telford & Wrekin Council. By making some structural alterations and reconfiguring the staircase in unit one we created habitable space upstairs. There was also no allocated parking at the front of each dwelling. We wanted to build this into the scheme, so we negotiated with the farmer and re-jigged the garden and parking areas to make this a more desirable asset.”
Mark Davies, managing director, 2 Counties Construction
Phase one comprises two x three-bedroom and one x four-bedroom red-brick barn conversions which were completed in around 14 months.
Phase two included the largest of the existing barns – unit four. This was converted alongside units five through to eight. The original structures varied depending on the age of the buildings – either timber-frame with brick infill or traditional red brick.
“Once again, we revised the existing plans. This time we made extensive design changes and, with planning consent, increased the size of the development by around 15-20%. The barns are built in a H formation but over time the links have been removed to make way for parking and storage space.
“We were pleased to find some original footings which meant, with planning consent, we could rebuild an area to mirror the structure opposite. This was one of our greatest successes; it enabled us to increase the footprint of unit four, taking it from a two- to a four-bedroom home. We also maximised the 7.5 metre height with a vaulted ceiling in the living area and adding a mezzanine floor for a master suite with ensuite bathroom and dressing room.”
Mark Davies, managing director, 2 Counties Construction
Mark and the team also extended unit eight using traditional build methods, including lime mortar and traditional brick bonds, to match the existing structure.
To future-proof the development, 2 Counties Construction added and improved key services, including the addition of a mains water supply and fire hydrant, three-phase transformer electricity supply, and three new septic tanks.
All the properties are now sold, with phase two sold off plan.
Mark and Lucy are currently working with Habitat+ Architects and are seeking planning permission for phase three – the conversion of the five remaining steel-frame portal buildings under Class Q.
