Creating Independent Living Opportunities for Young Adults
In August 2024, I was contacted by Coral Projects, a development agency working on behalf of the Diocese of Leeds, to provide a quotation for an architectural project in Gomersal, West Yorkshire. The project aimed to create 10 supported living apartments designed specifically for young adults who require a level of independent living while still benefiting from a supportive community environment.
The development was proposed on land adjacent to St Mary’s Church in Gomersal, currently occupied by the existing vicarage house. The intention was to demolish the vicarage and redevelop the site into a high-quality residential building that would provide safe, comfortable accommodation for its future residents.
Early Project Work and Pre-Application Stage
Before I became involved, the client team had already completed some initial concept sketches and supporting reports as part of a pre-application enquiry with the local planning authority. This early process also involved discussions with the local community, allowing feedback to be gathered before progressing further.
Although I was not involved in the pre-application stage, I was provided with the full documentation and planning feedback. This proved extremely valuable as it helped inform the design direction moving forward.
Appointment and Design Development
I was formally appointed in September 2024 to develop the project further and prepare a full planning application.
My role involved:
Developing the architectural design based on the feedback received during the pre-application process
Producing detailed architectural drawings
Preparing supporting planning documentation including the Design and Access Statement
Coordinating the wider consultant team
Leading design meetings to refine the proposals before submission
Throughout the project I brought together and coordinated a full design team, including:
- Structural engineers
- Mechanical and heating engineers
- Arboricultural consultants
- Planning consultants
This collaborative approach ensured the scheme addressed all technical, environmental and planning requirements before submission.
Architectural Approach
Given the site's sensitive location beside St Mary’s Church, it was important that the new building responded carefully to its surroundings.
The design approach aimed to balance traditional character with contemporary detailing:
Front elevation: Designed to feel traditional and established, ensuring the building sits comfortably within the existing streetscape and church setting.
Rear and side elevations: These elevations introduce more contemporary elements, including gables and larger glazed areas, allowing more light into the apartments while maintaining a sympathetic relationship with neighbouring properties.
The goal was to create a building that feels like it belongs in the area, while still providing modern, high-quality living spaces for residents.
Planning and Technical Challenges
As with many developments, several challenges arose during the design process.
Highway Access
The site access location required multiple revisions following feedback from highways officers. Several design iterations were required to ensure the access arrangement met visibility and safety requirements.
Existing Trees
The site includes mature trees at the front of the property, which planners were keen to retain. This required careful coordination with the arboricultural consultant to ensure that:
New car parking areas avoided damaging tree root protection zones
The development maintained the character and greenery of the site
Use Class Clarification
One of the more complex planning discussions centred around the use classification of the development.
Planners initially questioned whether the building should fall under:
C2 – Residential Institutions (care homes), or
C3 – Residential dwellings
Following discussions and clarification of the operating model for the apartments, we were able to successfully demonstrate that the scheme met the criteria for C3 supported living, meaning residents would live independently within their own apartments.
This distinction was important in determining how the planning application was assessed.
Planning Submission
After several rounds of design refinement and consultant coordination, the full planning application was submitted in March 2026.
The submission included:
- Detailed architectural drawings
- The Design and Access Statement
- Arboricultural reports
- Engineering input
- Planning supporting documentation
At the time of writing, the application is awaiting determination by the local planning authority.
A Collaborative Project
This project highlights the importance of collaboration, careful design and proactive planning engagement, particularly when working on developments in sensitive locations.
Working alongside Coral Projects, the Diocese of Leeds, and a wider consultant team, the aim has been to create a scheme that provides:
Safe and supportive accommodation for young adults
A building that complements its historic surroundings
A thoughtfully designed residential environment that promotes independence and community.
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