Yesterday, a group of us from gcp Chartered Architects headed out to Lower Chew Forest for a fantastic day of tree planting with Avon Needs Trees – our fourth year returning to support this brilliant initiative.
It’s an opportunity to help create a thriving woodland rich in biodiversity, while also contributing towards offsetting our carbon emissions for this reporting period.
The weather was kind and stayed dry (though we came fully prepared with over trousers, wellies and raincoats just in case!). Once on site, we got straight to work planting new trees with biodegradable tree guards across the 422 acre site, making the most of every available space.
This year’s planting included:
🌳 130 Blackthorn
🌳 90 Field Maple
That’s a total of 220 new trees added to Lower Chew Forest in just one day.
A huge thank you to Avon Needs Trees for having us back again and for the incredible work you do in creating permanent woodland for communities and wildlife to enjoy for generations to come.
Well done to those who attended and thank you for your hard work - Michael Hanson, Rose Nicholson, Esther Slade, Katharine Hegarty, Hazel Bird (Momberg), Nicola Mead, Tina Vasilache and Joe Wood
Planning Permission Granted!
in Housing
We’re thrilled to have secured approval for 9 high-end apartments in Malvern, following submission in November 2024.
The site has stood vacant for several years after a previous scheme for three large family homes proved unviable. Our proposal reimagines the opportunity - delivering a viable, contemporary development that complements its neighbouring buildings of visual significance, while introducing a confident, modern architectural response.
A long planning journey, but our client, Crystalight, had a clear vision from the outset and remained committed throughout. The approved scheme will provide apartments with light spaces, private amenity, generous communal gardens and a standout penthouse with panoramic views across the Malvern Hills.
A fantastic outcome for a prominent site and a great team effort all round.
On site!
in Housing
Great to be on site this morning at Tintagel Close, alongside E G Carter & Co Ltd Contractors.
gcp Chartered Architects are excited to be working on this important scheme, having been appointed to deliver RIBA Stages 4–6, as well as SAP assessments for this new affordable, energy-efficient development of 45 homes for Curo Group.
Redeveloping the 1.5-hectare site of the former 1960s Tintagel Close flats, the scheme has been carefully developed by the project team to ensure Planning designs are fully realised. We’re particularly proud that the layouts provide a mix of M4(2) and M4(3) compliant homes, helping to create accessible, adaptable accommodation that will support residents to remain in their homes as their needs change. All homes are also designed to achieve an EPC A rating, which is the highest standard for energy efficiency. The inclusion of air source heat pumps, solar panels, and heat recovery systems ensures low energy bills and high sustainability.
A fantastic project to be part of, and one that will deliver lasting benefits for the local community.
gcp Shortlisted: Retrofit Design Practice of the Year!
in Retrofit
We’ve been delighted to receive the news this week that gcp Chartered Architects has been shortlisted as a finalist for Retrofit Design Practice of the Year at the 2026 Retrofit Academy Awards. This is great news for the practice that celebrates our commitment to breathing new life into existing buildings, and builds nicely upon the success of Michael Hanson winning Retrofit Designer of the Year in 2025 😊
Retrofit isn’t just about homes. Across every sector, from offices to sports to community spaces, reusing and transforming what we already have is vital for a net‑zero future. Our congratulations to all the nominees across the various categories 🏆and our thanks to The Retrofit Academy for continuing to challenge the industry with these awards.
