Client Brief

Hopper huts are a type of temporary accommodation built on farms for hop pickers in the 19th and 20th centuries. We were already working with this client to convert four other properties on their Kent farm , so they asked us to look into planning potential for two hopper huts also on the site. 

Our role was to take care of the full design and planning procedure, allowing the owners to sell the site with approved plans to convert the huts into one residential dwelling, therefore maximising its value. 

Spec included: 

• 5 bedrooms 
• Separate annexe 
• Large living area 

Planning Ideas

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – now known as National Landscapes 
Two rounds of positive pre-application discussion enabled this challenging proposal within the AONB and Green Belt protected areas to gain traction. The first pre-application discussion identified that redevelopment of the site (i.e. demolishing the hopper huts and replacing them with a house) would be inappropriate in this location. 

The second round of discussions focussed on converting, joining and extending the existing hopper huts. Fortunately, we have a very constructive relationship with the local authority which is always very keen to work with us to support sustainable development in the countryside. They were helpful in the negotiations and keen to see the huts preserved through re-use. 

Extension 
Hopper huts are usually very narrow, low buildings which require some form of extension to make them work for everyday living. Extending them in a way which didn’t dominate the huts was a challenge. We used the naturally sloping ground levels to step down into a large rear extension with all the key living functions and main bedrooms. 

Views and light 
We made the most of the long, thin original design of the huts by glazing many of the existing openings and creating new windows looking out across the views onto the valley. This floods the open plan living/dining areas with light and makes the most of the views across the beautiful surrounding countryside.  

Challenges

This was an unusual project given the long, thin spaces and the fact that conversion of hopper huts to residential accommodation is rare which could have made it challenging to gain consent. Our vast experience of working with the local authority meant that we were able to pre-empt many of their requirements and work with them to create plans for a lovely property which perfectly complements and fits into its setting.