Vineyard Life Church, Richmond:
A fortnight ago Philip Kassanis submitted this project for planning approval.
The Church built in 1831 has long been a centre for community support as well as having a flourishing congregation. No part of the building is accessible at street level with the community centre half a level down and the church half a level up. The Community Centre was adapted and relaunched 5 years ago but full inclusive access was deferred because of its complexity.
It is a Building of Townscape Merit in a conservation area. A set of proposals received an unfavourable response from the planners because of adverse impacts.
Philip Kassanis was commissioned to review and recast the proposals as necessary to obtain the best chance of planning approval and grant funding. He devised solutions that removed the areas of controversy and not only satisfied the technical aspects of access but also improved access generally with more spacious circulation and facilities.
This combined problem solving, producing a complete set of plans sections and elevations without the benefit of a measured survey, presentation and report.
