Pompadours
The pompadours project was the re development of “The Pompadours” old pub site at 64-68 Hilldene Avenue, Romford RM3 8DJ. The existing building is two storeys with a tall-pitched roof and several substantial chimneys. The site itself is partly covered in hard standing used for customer parking. There is a large outdoor area to the rear of the pub which is mainly unused. The application proposed the demolition of the existing Pub, and the construction of 25 new residential units; 11 houses, 7 maisonettes and 7 flats above.
The existing building is not listed and does not sit in a conservation area. The building itself does not have any significant value in terms of architectural quality or historical interest. The site is underused, the pub has been closed for some time, and the proposal seeks to optimise the use of the land whilst enhancing the local area through replacing the existing pub with 11 houses, 7 maisonettes with 7 flats above.
The proposed pitched roof design is coherent with the slated roofs used in the area. To achieve a contemporary look, the Pompadours proposals have a dark grey slate roof of the usual clay or brown colour. To achieve and address the “Be Lean, Be Clean and Be Green” initiative, advantage is taken of the southeast and southwest orientation by installing photovoltaic panels on the pitched roofs. Windows will be timber on the inside and painted the same dark grey as the roof on the outside.
The design has a strong character with a consistent architectural style. From a birds eye view it is possible to see the mosaic of houses and gardens that are characteristic of the area. The proposed building will sit congruously with the area, respectful of its context with regards to its scale, massing and appearance, whilst remaining modern in its detailing and materials. In line with the existing houses on Hilldene Avenue, a simple stretcher bond on a light brown colour is proposed for the two-bedroom terraced to ensure that they do not overpower adjacent buildings. The design intention is to create a simple yet distinctive building, free from clutter with a limited number of different elements, based around high quality brickwork which complements the local palette of materials.
