Planning Application Submitted in Cheadle Hulme

May 29, 2025 Paul Ashton

This project involves the conversion, extension and rationalisation of a pair of Edwardian semi-detached dwellings in Cheadle Hulme to create four high-quality apartments with ground floor commercial space.

Originally constructed in 1907 in a loosely interpreted Arts and Crafts style, the building had, for many years, operated as a family-owned florist. Over time, the upper floors were amalgamated into a single, expansive family residence. Remarkably, the interiors remained untouched since a 1960s refurbishment, offering a smoky snapshot of aspirational domestic luxury from that era..

Existing

Proposed

Existing

Proposed

Grosvenor Street Manchester

April 2, 2025 Paul Ashton

7 storey residential building with ground floor café bar.

Guide: Hand Made Bricks & Conservation Lime Mortars

March 4, 2025 Paul Ashton

Recently, we had the challenge of sourcing handmade bricks for a project in a Conservation Area in West Lancashire. The original bricks told a story; they were likely made by itinerant brickmakers around 1860 and would have been produced in a brick clamp; a traditional method where bricks were fired in a temporary kiln built on-site. Interestingly, just across the road from the building is an old fishing pond, which was likely the original clay pit that provided the raw material for these bricks.

Article: The ‘Grey Belt’ and NPPF 2024

December 13, 2024 Paul Ashton

The 2024 update to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has now been published by the government. This update has brought a significant shift in how development in the Green Belt will be handled. In the past, building on Green Belt land was generally considered inappropriate, with very few exceptions.

Now, however, certain types of development—particularly housing and commercial projects—will have a clearer path to gaining planning approval, as long as they meet specific criteria. Let’s take a closer look at these changes and what they mean for future developments in Greenbelt areas.

Conservation Area Consent - Wigan

December 9, 2024 Paul Ashton

Private House - Stair

September 25, 2024 Paul Ashton

Fabrication by Fineline Balustrades Ltd. www.finelinebalustrades.co.uk

Feasibility Study - Stockport

December 18, 2023 Paul Ashton

Liverpool University - Proposed Entrance Pavillion

July 3, 2023 Paul Ashton

Proposed Entrance Pavilion

Listed Build Consent - Liverpool Georgian Quarter

May 26, 2023 Paul Ashton

PAA obtained Listed Building Consent for a scheme of window replacement and internal modifications to a five storey Georgian townhouse on Falkner Square, Liverpool.

Guide: Converting Offices to Flats Without Planning Permission

May 23, 2023 Paul Ashton

Converting office spaces into residential flats presents a viable solution to tackle the housing shortage in the UK. While obtaining Planning Permission is often necessary for such conversions, there are specific scenarios where it is possible to proceed without it.

Through the Prior Approval application process under Class MA, it is possible to convert offices to flats without Planning Permission. This guide will provide an overview of the essential factors and necessary steps involved in this process. Paul Ashton Architects Ltd, specialize in guiding clients through this process and delivering the complete package of information required to secure approval under this form of application.

Building Concept, Cleeves Hill Aughton, West Lancs

May 18, 2023 Paul Ashton

Post Industrial Development - Manchester

March 15, 2022 Paul Ashton

Proposed Apartments - Brownfield Site

April 11, 2021 Paul Ashton

The proposals comprise 6 no city-centre apartments arranged over two storeys with basement parking. The site was formerly used as a workshop for light industry and is currently vacant. The site is an infill with an irregular shape derived from the fact that it was simply a piece of land to the rear of the surrounding terraced housing.

Sketch Design for a Garden Office in Alderley Edge

October 20, 2020 Paul Ashton

Garden office pavilion for private client in Alderley Edge designed around a mature tree.

Proposed Dwelling - Worsley, Salford

June 30, 2020 Paul Ashton

Proposed Apartment Building - Formby

March 6, 2020 Paul Ashton

Planning Application Submitted for Green Belt Site - Stockport

December 19, 2019 Paul Ashton

Paul Ashton Architects and Landscape architects ReShaped submitted a planning application for a private orchard on a Green Belt site in Stockport. The scheme enhanced existing public rights of way and included a new access bridge.

Guide: Listed Building Consent

December 15, 2019 Paul Ashton

If you intend to extend or alter a Listed Building in a manner would affect its character then you need to apply for Listed Building Consent.

It is important to consider that an owner of a Listed Building is described as a ‘temporary custodian of the nation’s heritage’. The protection of the nation’s heritage is deemed to be so important that it is a criminal offence to carry out alterations which need Listed Building Consent without obtaining it first.

Residential Proposal for Post-industrial Site - Manchester

November 11, 2019 Paul Ashton

Residential proposal for post-industrial site in Greater Manchester

Extension to Grade II* Listed Church in Liverpool

May 28, 2019 Paul Ashton