Manor Farm Regeneration: Planning Application Finally Submitted

Chris Dale • December 1, 2025

We are beyond delighted to share that the planning application for the regeneration of Manor Farm, Laleham has now been formally submitted after 5 years of grafting.

This marks a huge milestone in what has been one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding projects our practice has ever worked on. 

An Opportunity and a Privilege
When we were first approached by Step Property almost five years ago, it was immediately clear that Manor Farm was a once-in-a-career project — a historic farmstead with five Grade II listed buildings, a sensitive Conservation Area setting, Green Belt & flood plain constraints, a struggling commercial yard and collapsing historic buildings that all urgently needed a coherent long-term vision and a strategy to achieve that.

To be entrusted with leading the design and coordination of such a significant site has been a genuine privilege, one which we have not taken lightly.

Five Years maintaining Momentum


Over the last five years, we have:


  • Navigated two full rounds of pre-application consultation liaising with Spelthorne Borough Council.
  • Lead a team of expert consultants to advise on heritage, ecological, highways, flood, structural and archaeological assessments (amongst others)
  • Managed the project through COVID and major economic fluctuations, keeping the team aligned and motivated
  • Refined the proposals through multiple design iterations, each responding to local authority, client, technical and conservation feedback
  • Kept the project moving as the historic buildings continued to deteriorate, making the need for a viable solution increasingly urgent


The dedication from every member of the team has been extraordinary — and speaks to the complexity and importance of the site.



Site Plan: before                                                                                                                        Site Plan: After

A truly Exceptional Client

One of the standout aspects of this project for us has been our client. Gary and Mark at Step Property, who have invested not only financially, but emotionally, in securing a future for this historic site. Their long connection to Laleham, and their determination to do things properly — not the quickest way, not the cheapest way — has shaped the entire direction of the project and the integrity of the design is a testament to this.


They could have pursued other strategies; instead, they were utterly on board with a heritage-led, landscape-sensitive, community-minded scheme.
 

A Remarkable Team Effort

This application represents the full coordination of a talented and collaborative group of specialists, each of whom has contributed significantly:

  • Planning Consultant – Andrew Black Consulting
  • Heritage Consultant – Heritage Fusion
  • Landscape Architects – EDLA
  • Highways & Flood Engineers – Motion
  • Ecology & Biodiversity Net Gain – Ecology by Design
  • Arboriculture – JN Tree Consultancy
  • Air Quality – Ardent
  • Sustainability – BlueSky Unlimited
  • Architectural Design & Lead Consultant – Artichoke Architectural Consultancy


Managing and integrating such a broad team has been a major undertaking, and we’re proud of how well everyone has worked together to shape the final vision.


A Heritage-Led Regeneration

The scheme delivers:

  • Full restoration of the Grade II listed farmhouse, barns, parlour and granary
  • Sensitive but modern extensions that allow viable reuse without harming heritage value
  • A redesign of the commercial yard, enlarging and replacing unattractive sheds with high-quality rural-industrial buildings with an architectural touch
  • A reduction in overall developed land, with a large increase in green space
  • Biodiversity-rich landscaping that repairs the site’s connection to the wider Green Belt


This is a proposal that will finally give Manor Farm the sustainable, long-term future it deserves.

Designed for the Next 100 Years, Not the Last 10


The vision from the outset was simple:

To create a financially viable, beautifully designed, heritage-respectful scheme that secures the future and local integration of this historic site for future generations.


With the planning application now submitted, we are one step closer to achieving that. We couldn’t be prouder of the collective effort that has brought us here — or more excited for the next stage of the journey — and ultimately seeing the development being built.

So - what are Artichoke’s highlights?


It’s hard to narrow down the highlights of the project are as there isn’t an aspect of the design that hasn’t been given deep and thorough thought and exploration to ensure an overall nit of everything on the site.


Because of the humility of the site, there are also no ‘showboat’ architectural features, rather sensitive but delightful details.


The site


  • Soft Landscaping

Of course we get excited about the buildings on the site, the historic farmstead and the commercial yard, which had to be woven together and work as a whole. Careful restoration of the historic elements and the sensitive design of extensions & new buildings. This could easily have failed were it not for the wonderfully sensitive backdrop of the landscaping created by EDLA Landscape Architects. It would have been easy either to overdo the landscaping or to make it generic. Their brief was the same as the one we imposed on ourselves, which is that whilst it is a historic farmstead and should absolutely integrate, it should be a modern design.

 

  • Hard Landscaping

In the same vain, we have very deliberately avoided overly formal or suburban surfacing. A hierarchy of tarmac, gravel, and simple paved access strips breaks down the scale of the yard and reinforces the rural character. The hard landscaping helps stitch the historic farmstead and commercial areas together, ensuring the architecture reads as one coherent place.


  • The Buildings

Across Manor Farm, we’ve designed buildings that don’t shout for attention but hopefully make you smile when you look closely. The approach has been simple: use authentic agricultural materials, then elevate them through precise, modern detailing.

 

  • Listed Farmhouse Extension

The form of the extension sits so comfortably against the original building that it has always been there. But look closer and a modern layer reveals itself: crisp inverted metal corner trims, frameless rooflights, and a gently recessed link that makes the relationship between old and new legible without competing with the historic fabric.

Listed Barns 1 & 2 Extension


The rear extension to these reconstructed barns follows the same principle. Clad in what appears to be simple vertical timber, the material wraps seamlessly up and over the eaves, concealing the gutter and simplifying the roofline. The result is a contemporary but sensitive addition that feels rooted in agricultural tradition, yet unmistakably modern in execution.

The Commercial Yard
 All buildings use honest agricultural materials—timber, corrugated metal, brick plinths—but refined through architectural detailing. A signature feature that we particularly like is the coloured, protruding, pressed-metal frames around doors and windows. These subtle protrusions give each opening depth, rhythm and character, while also helping to differentiate one workspace from another. It’s a small detail that quietly transforms the entire yard.

 

If you’re considering a similar project…

Complex, multi-layered projects like Manor Farm require sensitivity, resilience, leadership and determination.


If you’re a landowner, developer or private client with a heritage, Green Belt, rural, or mixed-use site and would like to explore what’s possible, we would be delighted to talk.

Why Our Kickstarter Package Could Be The Smartest Investment You Make

By Chris Dale • November 3, 2025
Across the UK, many homeowners and small developers are pausing their plans. Construction costs are at record highs, planning requirements have become more complex, and professional fees are also increasing, so even a seemingly simple home extension or redevelopment is much more of a risk. Possibly the greatest concern we hear is – “What if we spend thousands of pounds only to find out it’s not even possible?” That’s exactly why we created the Kickstarter Package — our fixed-fee feasibility study that helps you to make informed decisions at a nominal cost in comparison to house purchases and developments. What is the Kickstarter Package? The Kickstarter Package is a design-led feasibility consultation that explores the planning, budget and design potential of your property. For a modest, fixed fee (from £750 excl. VAT), our experienced architects help you understand whether your ideas are likely to be achievable, affordable, and aligned with current planning policy — saving time, stress and money later on. You’ll receive clear answers to the key questions every homeowner faces: Is planning permission likely to be granted? What might the project cost? How long could it take? What could it look like? What’s Included — and Why It Matters Each element of the Kickstarter Package offers exceptional value compared with typical early-stage architectural or consultant fees. 1. Initial Consultation and Site Visit We start with a detailed discussion about your goals & requirements — from extending your home to redeveloping a site or purchasing a property. Then we visit the site to review opportunities and constraints in person. This early visit often uncovers crucial planning, drainage or design issues before you spend thousands on detailed drawings.

Is It Still Worth Extending Your Home?

By Chris Dale • September 30, 2025
For many families, extending or renovating their home has long been the dream solution — more space, a better layout, and a home that works for modern life. But in today’s climate, with projects in the £100,000–£300,000 range, things feel a lot more challenging. So what’s changed, why is it harder, and how can you still make your project work? The Main Challenges • Planning is getting pricier – application fees are higher, and councils are demanding more specialist reports (heritage, ecology, flood risk, transport, sustainability). • Build costs keep rising – materials and labour are much more expensive than even a few years ago. • Tougher regulations – stricter building rules on energy efficiency, fire safety and accessibility add extra costs. • Financing is harder – borrowing is still more expensive than it was pre-2022. • Trades are stretched – good builders and subcontractors are in high demand, pushing prices and timescales up. • Delays and uncertainty – planning decisions are taking longer, especially in sensitive areas like the Green Belt, Conservation Areas or with listed buildings. • Budgets are squeezed – with the cost of living rising, homeowners are weighing up whether extending or simply moving makes more sense.

A Guest Blog with Mark Taylor Design

By Chris Dale • September 3, 2025
1. Tell us a little about Mark Taylor Design — how did it start, and what defines your approach to bespoke interiors and kitchens? Mark Taylor Design was set up 29 years ago. I was trained in both furniture production and management and was also a keen designer. I had completed an MBA and wanted to apply all these skills to build a business, doing something I loved. I have always believed that you can design beautiful furniture and rooms without imposing a specific ‘look’. The company has built its reputation on listening to the ideas and desires of clients. We then help to steer their vision through space design, interior expertise and craft skills. What people have at the end of their design and build journey is their vision made beautiful – rather than ours. 2. What makes a truly successful kitchen or interior design in your view — and how do you balance aesthetics with day-to-day functionality? There is nothing quite like the beauty of bespoke. Having something created to your specifications is arguably the epitome of modern luxury. Bespoke is most commonly used to refer to hand-made suits and shoes. Now the concept has become much more sought after within the world of interiors and design – with bespoke kitchens leading the way. And it’s not too hard to understand why. Bespoke means not having to compromise - getting exactly what you want and how you want it. It also allows you to unleash your imagination and embrace your creativity. The end result is a room that is crafted, in every way, to embrace your lifestyle and personal taste. Importantly, by incorporating some elements of bespoke furniture into a custom made kitchen it’s possible to give people a unique room without breaking the bank. This could be a bespoke island or dresser for instance. By combining bespoke and custom made you can optimise the space so that the end result flows smoothly and looks amazing too. 3. How do you typically collaborate with architects on a project? What makes those relationships work well? Collaboration early on always helps. We ask architects not only about style and budget but also about the client’s favoured ways of working. Ideally, we like to meet the clients with the architect from the outset. Where this isn’t possible, we at least aim for a walk round the space or a chat through all the plans – even for the areas we might not be designing for, as this gives us a more comprehensive understanding of the clients’ vision.

The Architecture of Relaxation: Designing Spaces That Feel Like a Holiday

By Chris Dale • August 19, 2025
It’s summer holiday season — and as clients return from coastal cottages, mountain cabins, or sun-drenched villas, one theme keeps coming up: “How can I bring this feeling home?” That sense of ease, simplicity, and quiet joy isn’t just about being away—it’s about how those spaces are designed. At Artichoke: Architectural Consultancy, we help clients capture that same serenity in their everyday environments, with thoughtful design that’s tailored to how they live. Restful spaces aren’t created by chance. They’re the result of purposeful decisions—about layout, light, flow, and function. And often, it’s the small, well-considered changes that make the biggest difference. With decades of experience navigating UK planning, building regulations, and complex design briefs, we know how to deliver spaces that feel effortless, yet are deeply intentional. A calming home doesn’t need to be minimalist or expensive—it needs to be clear. That might mean reconfiguring a hallway to reduce visual clutter, introducing built-in storage to keep surfaces free, or designing a garden connection that invites you to step outside. These aren’t grand gestures—they’re subtle shifts that support a more peaceful way of living. Previously, on projects such as Halfacre (pictured below) we have found that storage, in particular, plays a quiet but very powerful role. When clutter is tucked away with care, rooms feel lighter, more spacious, and more welcoming. We design storage that’s integrated, intuitive, and tailored to your lifestyle — so your home supports simplicity without sacrificing function.

Should we save or borrow for our extension?

By Chris Dale • July 16, 2025
Like many, I am generally a saver rather than a borrower by default. A client recently told us that they planned to delay their project, so that they could save the additional money they needed to be able to do the extension that they really wanted, rather than compromising. Wisely they had asked us to carry out a costing exercise, so they knew this and could assess the situation and plan for it. In that instance they had £75,000 and needed save roughly another £25,000 to do what they wanted to do, which they thought they might be able to do over the course of 3-4 years. Their question was actually when they should resume the process, which we answered and I suggested that they give themselves a year to be comfortable to get planning, building regulations and find themselves a builder (it’s always better to allow more time than less!). However, it occurred to me that whilst saving rather than borrowing (in my mind at least) is an admirable and patient approach, it made me wonder what other factors should be considered.

How good advice can pay for itself...and then some

By Chris Dale • June 17, 2025
When you're planning a new build, a renovation, or a quirky conversion project you've been dreaming about, there’s one aspect that might not make your heart race like the design itself—VAT. Yes, VAT might sound as thrilling as watching paint dry, but believe me, getting it right can make a significant difference to your overall budget. So, why should you care about VAT? At Artichoke, we are not just here to design good architecture — we are also here to ensure everything from design to delivery is as smart and cost-effective as possible. In some cases, VAT is a hidden savings opportunity. By understanding exactly how VAT applies to each part of your project, we might be able to help make sure you put your money into the right places on a project. And with a trusted team of consultants, including a Quantity Surveyor and a VAT specialist, we'll be well-equipped to secure savings that might just cover all our fees (and perhaps even fund that bit extra for those quirky design touches our clients love). Let’s take a quick look at some common VAT opportunities: • New Build Dwellings – 0% VAT (Zero-rated): When you're constructing a completely new residential home—even if we keep a few charming features like the façade or party walls intact—the project could qualify for a zero VAT rate. • Renovation of Empty Homes – 5% VAT (Reduced rate): If your property has been unoccupied for at least two years before the work starts, the renovation might be eligible for a reduced 5% VAT rate. • Conversions – 5% VAT (Reduced rate): Turning one home into two (or the other way around) or converting a non-residential building (say, an old office or barn) into a cosy home can also save you a bit on VAT. • Energy-Saving Materials – 0% or 5% VAT: Thanks to recent UK legislation, most energy-saving improvements like insulation, heat pumps, or solar panels installed in a residential setting usually attract a 0% VAT rate—though sometimes it might be 5% depending on specifics. • Adaptations for Disabled Persons – 0% VAT (Zero-rated): Any modifications made to help a disabled person can make the VAT bill disappear entirely (well, not actually vanish, but zero-rated, which is just as good). • For Businesses and Developers: If you're VAT-registered—whether as a business or developer—you might reclaim VAT on various building works and professional services (yours truly, the architect, included!). • Grant Schemes and Self-Builds: There are also a couple of schemes out there where, either through grants or self-build VAT reclaims, you could see even more savings—sometimes effectively reducing your VAT cost to zero.