MKA Planning and Architecture

09/01/2024

Kent residents will be familiar with the thriving village of West Malling. MKA are currently working with a local developer who has purchased 98 High Street, previously a small shopping arcade, home to some boutique retailers.

On behalf of our client we liaised with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council in order to gain the necessary consents for change of use, so that West Malling High Street will now (soon enough) feature a Turkish restaurant, separate fine dining room and a private residence in a loft apartment.

Construction works are now underway. Watch this space for more updates in the coming weeks and months...

18/12/2023

This year, our Director Joe Martin added his personal touch, sketching out an impressive house for our Christmas card design. To each and every one of our customers and contacts - we wish you a fabulous festive season. Be happy, and safe. From all at MKA 🎄

15/12/2023

We love it when a plan comes together.

We were appointed by a developer who had acquired this former school and Grade II Listing built circa. 1873, to create two beautiful homes.

They were focused on retaining its historic intent and features, and have sensitively restored it to our proposed designs and guidance through the planning and construction process.

The first of two properties is on the market now if you fancy a rural Kentish location with lofty ceilings, and overlooking the quintessential village green - https://search.savills.com/property-detail/gbcbrscks230096

Property details for The Green. One of many properties for sale in Benenden, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 4DL from Savills, world leading estate agents.

17/11/2023

Soil types and contours cause many problems when the detail of them aren’t known in advance. An engineer’s investigation can identify and optimise the land’s potential for development. Constraints can be opportunities, if only we know what we have to work with.

06/11/2023

Too often we see reports detailing whether or not the trees on a site are protected. It’s not always as simple as that when it comes to whether trees are a development constraint.

🤷‍♂️ What’s the condition of the trees?
🤷‍♀️ How close can we build to the trees?

We advise getting the appropriate consultants involved before progressing to designing your development.

01/11/2023

The frustration with RAAC is widespread. Whilst we continue to support our clients dealing with the issues the DfE have identified, we also see this as an opportunity to highlight the need for building safety regulation and assessments post construction handover.

RAAC products have been in place for over 60 years in some cases. Any product of this age should be subject to assessment and survey, but definitely those which contribute towards a building’s structural integrity.

Do the industry need to enforce planned preventative maintenance measures, on all buildings in use?

28/09/2023

You may recognise Villers Street in central London, just steps from The Strand and Embankment Station, which is part of the Savoy Conservation Area. Works are now underway, salvaging this Victorian building which has become structurally unsound, by the growth of this protected tree.

It’s been a long journey getting the necessary permissions to commence work but it is well worth it, to see this historic building preserved and ehhanced, for future generations to continue to enjoy.

15/09/2023

Collaborative architecture is the key to success ✍️🧱🏠

We have been working with Lustre Consulting Ltd collaboratively on several projects recently, and their diverse knowledge has benefited our client’s schemes immensely.

The projects range from a domestic new build dwelling in a rural location which required drainage and contamination reports, to a commercial property in a town centre location which required acoustic studies.

The commercial project in particular had the added challenge of being a change of use, from offices to residential, while maintaining retail space on the ground floor. The added challenge of proximity, being surrounded by lots of different types of uses e.g. residential, commercial and retail, meant that the analysis would determine the way forward in the design of the project, with the future users of the building at the heart of the design.

07/09/2023

Turning extension dreams into reality 🧱

Works are near completion on this traditional dwelling, this has been another great team effort, with our planning and architects successfully working together on RIBA Stages 1-4 including building regulations.

The project included the demolition of the existing conservatory and construction of a single storey modern extension providing a new bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, an open space living area with lounge, dining area and kitchen featuring a grey slanted zinc roof to the rear of the property creating this family's forever home 💪

31/08/2023

Grade II listed planning complications...we overcame them 💪

The Old Power Station is a Grade II listed building located in the heart of Tonbridge within a conservation area, there were numerous complicated planning matters to resolve before we were able to proceed with developed designs for conversion into residential dwellings.

The original exterior and existing features have been carefully incorporated alongside the modern interior with high-spec fittings, high vaulted ceilings and exposed Edwardian steel and timber roof trusses, architraves and brickwork.

23/08/2023

Who doesn’t enjoy the views over a beautiful golf course? ⛳️

We designed balcony extensions to the rear of the modern dwelling at Kings Hill Golf Course providing light to the existing clubroom, and access to the golf course offering lovely panoramic views across the course from the terrace. 🌳

16/08/2023

Project revisited! 🏫

We were tasked with providing new dining hall facilities and a new swimming pool to the Grade I Listed School, with the impact of these facilities on the setting of the Listed Building being of paramount importance.

It was therefore decided that it be sited within the boundary of a Jacobean Kitchen garden wall so that it could be concealed by the structure.

We designed the project from day one through to contract administration through the construction phase to completion working closely with the school's Bursar and Principal throughout and on completion it received an award from the Tonbridge Civic Society. 👏

Every completed project brings us satisfaction in seeing our client’s concepts brought to life!