Detached Annexe in the Grounds of a Listed Building, Hinxworth, Hertfordshire

We were approached by clients who currently reside in a grade II listed building in Hinxworth, North Hertfordshire. The property, Hinxworth House dates from the mid-18th century and is the former rectory associated with the adjacent Church of St Nicholas. It is set in fairly substantial grounds largely enclosed by a brick wall which is listed in its own right at grade II., and lies within the Hinxworth Conservation Area.

Our clients, considering future options, approached us for advice regarding the erection of a contemporary ‘HufHaus’ type annexe within the grounds of the existing dwelling in order to provide additional ancillary accommodation. We advised that, subject to very careful consideration being given to its proposed siting, design and size, we felt that a compelling case could be made. We thus worked alongside BBR Design Ltd in order to present proposals that would be appropriate in the setting of the principal listed building and which would preserve the special character of this part of the conservation area, and moreover meet compliance with policy in respect to the provision of annexe accommodation within the grounds of an existing dwelling.

Ultimately, a scheme was devised that was considered by officers to be appropriate in design and heritage terms, and which we were able to fully justify in policy terms as residential accommodation that was self-contained to some degree, but yet suitably related to the primary dwelling. Planning permission was thus granted by the Council in alignment with the officers recommendation.