External Materials and Detailing - Design Approach

An attempt to mirror the style of the existing property or reference aspects of its external appearance is advised as a form of good practice in order to create a harmonising addition. While in some cases heritage significance may influence the approach to be adopted, in others it may not always be possible to match exactly the style that exists. A contrasting design for an extension or alteration may also be acceptable if its relationship with the existing property is shown to have been well considered and the design process convincingly demonstrated, resulting in an additional element or elements which are functional, expressing high aesthetic quality which is unobtrusive and which builds on sustainability in the sense that the design and choice of materials are durable and not appeasing to passing trends.