Vale of Glamorgan Council has submitted plans to redevelop Crawshay Court, a retirement complex with more than 20 flats in Llantwit Major, south Wales. The proposal aims to boost the building's energy efficiency and introduce general aesthetic improvements.
Proposed Works
The planning documents state: "The proposed scheme has been designed to increase energy efficiency to the building as well as by retaining the landscape such as the trees and communal green space to keep biodiversity and vegetation with further work on parking to allow for off-road parking for the residents."
Works outlined include roof and wall insulation, new windows, enhanced air-tightness, and solar panels. The complex's lounge area will be remodelled. Plans also include an eight-space visitor car park and dedicated drop-off zones on Crawshay Drive and Eagleswell Road, designed for easy access from the two main roads.
Design and Aesthetic Changes
Changes to the roof are proposed to accommodate solar panels and "create a more interesting street scene as well as make the building more interesting with the use of varied levels to the ridges." The external finishes will be brick slip panels and render finish to break up the visual appearance and create a desirable character, with dark grey window frames and doors for a contemporary feel.
The surrounding area is predominantly residential, characterised by established housing and well-maintained green spaces. The building itself contains landscaped outdoor areas for residents. During design, it was important to understand existing and historical characteristics of Llantwit Major to use similar materials and avoid disrupting the area's aesthetics.
