ECE Planning Managing Director Chris Barker attended the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards yesterday where we were delighted to see two of our projects achieve the recognition they deserve.

Ropemakers Academy, Reef Way in Hailsham won the 2021 Public & Community Award and Pond Cottage in Alfriston picked up the 2021 Small Scale Residential Award.

ECE Planning achieved permission for the annexe at Grade II listed Pond Cottage via appeal after the initial application was refused. The judges said:

“A very well detailed and executed scheme that fits comfortably into its rural surroundings.  The green agenda is supported by a ground source heat pump and the green roof to the annexe which roof tumbles down the adjourning slope; a great feature!  A commendable scheme and a positive contribution to the South Downs.  A worthy winner.”

Approval was achieved for the proposed Ropemakers Academy in January 2020. The three-storey school provides spaces for 80 students aged 4-16 and caters for children with SEMH and ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder.) The judging panel had these comments:

“Famed historically as a centre for the making of string and rope, Hailsham is now home to this sensational, modern building, housing a school for children and young people with special needs. The care taken by the funders, the client and the architect to ensure that the needs of the young people were met in the design of the building is most impressive and we congratulate all those involved.”