Local authorities

Tim: Hello, I’ve got an appointment to talk about a site on Sheepfold Lane in Amersham.

Officer: Ah, yes. You must be, Tim Smith, is that right?

Tim: Yes, that’s right. I‘ve just got a few questions about our client’s plot, or to be more precise, about the plot next to it.

Officer: Okay, have you got the site plan with you?

Tim: Yes, here it is. So this is George Brown’s plot. He recently inherited it from his aunt and has decided to build a home for his family.

Officer: Well, that shouldn’t be a problem. There’s quite a slope there that you’ll have to deal with, but the views from the top must be super. I’ve only ever driven up Sheepfold Lane before.

Tim: The site is wonderful. We’re looking forward to creating something that’ll blend in to the neighbourhood, but still look interesting and, of course, meet the demands of our client and his young family. What I’m really here for, though, is the plot up here. I’ve heard it’s going to be developed.

Officer: Yes, that’s right. The town is looking for an investor to purchase the site.

Tim: That’s such a shame. It’s so nice to have a bit of green within such an urban environment.

Officer: You’re right of course, but it’s also an extremely popular area and an opportunity to provide a range of different people with a place to live. What we’re planning here is a multigenerational estate, which will offer young and old a place to live together.

Tim: That sounds interesting but what does that mean for my client. Will blocks of flats be going up there?

Officer: No, we’ve limited the height of the buildings to two storeys in the south and three in the north. The plot ratio is 0.5, so it’s not going to be very dense and the plan is, in fact, to offer the residents exterior space to enjoy and also use for planting vegetables.

Tim: I suppose that doesn’t sound that bad. What about the distance to the plot boundary?

Officer: The development plans are in the process of being drawn up at the moment. None of the houses will be on the boundary and, if I remember correctly, your client should be fine. There's actually a little footpath running along the northern boundary of your site. You could access the house from up there.

Tim: That’s an interesting thought. Up until now, I’d assumed we would be putting the main entrance on Sheepfold Lane.

Officer: Oh, by the way, the estate that we’re planning also includes a children’s daycare centre. It’ll be on the other side of the estate, but that might be something for your client to look forward to.

Tim: Yes, you’re right. We were really worried when we heard the news, but the project sounds interesting. Might I be able to have a look at the development plan?

Officer: As I already mentioned, it’s still at a drafting stage, but I’ll give you a ring once there’s a more definite plan so that we can arrange a meeting. You never know, there might even be an opportunity to get involved.

Tim: Well, thank you for all the information. I look forward to hearing from you. Goodbye for now.