anders roberts cheer architects dorset station rd 1

This unique south facing sloping site, on the River Stour in historic Wimborne, formerly contained the Railway Station which was closed in the 1960s and vacant since that time. The now unused and densely wooded railway line embankment can still be seen and forms the eastern boundary of the site.

Our clients, Barratt Homes, acquired the site with the benefit of a planning approval for 28 units, which failed to exploit the views to the River Stour forming the southern boundary of the site. After lengthy negotiations with the Planners, we secured an approval for 34 units, the majority of which have riverfront views. This was achieved by a “U” shaped plan overlooking a central garden courtyard, with views to the river beyond. This had the benefit of removing parking to the rear of the properties giving uninterrupted views down the slope to the riverside walk, and differentiates the private and public realms, creating a “sense of place” which the original approval lacked.

The traditional character of the original railway cottages on Station Road to the north provided the contextual inspiration for the design, with simple brick and stucco elevations generally under steeply pitched slate roofs, some of which contain living accommodation.

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