Here at T2S Architecture, we're privileged to announce that we have submitted plans for consent, on behalf of our client, for the thoughtful and sympathetic extension of a Grade II Listed Georgian townhouse in the heart of Billericay, Essex. The project will convert this former bank branch into a modern, mixed-use building, providing seven new homes on Billericay's High Street.

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The property lies at 41 High Street, Billericay and was built in the 18th Century. It retains many of its original Georgian features, including recessed sash windows, flat segmental arches, moulded architraves, soffits and eaves, and decorative brickwork.

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Constructed in traditional red brick, 41 High Street is listed and occupies a prominent position in the Billericay High Street Conservation Area, which includes many buildings of architectural and historic importance. From 17th-century timber-framed pubs and 19th-century reading rooms to the 15th-century tower of St. Mary Magdalen Church, Billericay High Street Conservation Area is rich in architectural heritage.

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Billericay enjoys excellent connections to other Essex towns, including Southend, Basildon, Brentwood and Chelmsford, and abundant green spaces all around. It is a pleasant and sought-after place to live, and with a journey time of 35 minutes into London, it's become a desirable choice for commuters too.

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41 High Street has been previously extended in the 20th century with two distinct additions, a two-storey block with parallel gabled roof creating a valley between the old and new rooflines. A second two-storey extension is offshot to the rear with a recessed hipped roof.  A passageway runs down the northwestern side of the building, widening half-way and providing access to the rea. The southeastern wall abuts its neighbour.

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To maximise the potential of the site, we carefully considered the existing massing to establish how the volume could be increased within the constraints of the listing and the conservation area. Extending the building upwards would have substantially changed the roof line visible from the High Street. Extending it rearwards was not possible as the existing extensions occupy the whole site up to the rear boundary.

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Our solution was to link the apices of the two gabled roofs with a new massing, invisible from the street, unifying the uppermost floors of the parent building and the existing extension.  Additionally, our plans call for the demolition of the hipped roof on the offshot extension,  replacing it with a taller, gabled roof to allow the addition of a third level. Our plans retain the entire Georgian frontage of the property to ensure the street scene remains unaffected and retain between 70% and 80% of the existing extensions, keeping demolition to a minimum.

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Within the building we plan to constrain the commercial unit to the front, and use the space to the rear to accommodate two single-bedroom dwellings with private access via the passageway, communal access to the residential floors above, and space for secure cycle storage.

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The first floor will house two single-bedroom, duplex apartments at the rear,  and two single-bedroom apartments at the front, while the second floor will accommodate the upper floors of the rear duplex apartments, and one two-bedroom, apartment facing the High Street at the front. We have created private amenity spaces for five of the seven new apartments by recessing portions of the new massing and ensured adequate light through six dormers.

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When completed this project will deliver much-need homes for up to 12 people in the historic centre of this thriving town, within easy reach Essex and London, and a modern commercial unit ideal for a high street business. Our plans carefully consider the historical significance of 41 High Street, respect the integrity of the conservation area, and will help ensure the future of this wonderful building as a successful commercial and residential property.