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Graham Lea Architecture has successfully secured planning permission for the alterations for a change of use of an existing building into a new Special Educational Needs (SEN) School, supporting the growing demand for specialist educational facilities across the North West.

The approved development will transform the existing property into a purpose-designed learning environment, providing modern teaching accommodation, specialist support spaces and external areas tailored to the needs of SEN pupils. The project demonstrates how existing buildings can be sensitively adapted to create high-quality educational environments while making efficient use of existing assets.

The project included:

• Change of use from the existing building to a New SEN School
• Planning permission secured through close collaboration with the local planning authority
• Internal alterations to provide specialist teaching spaces, therapy rooms and sensory facilities
• External improvements including secure play areas, landscaping and accessible entrances
• Full architectural design and planning application services
• Careful consideration of accessibility, safeguarding and Department for Education guidance

This successful planning approval highlights Graham Lea Architecture’s expertise in delivering SEN School projects across the North West. Developed through close collaboration with the client and planning authority, the scheme demonstrates how existing buildings can be successfully transformed into high-quality, inclusive learning environments for specialist education. 

We have a vacancy opening up for an Architect / Architectural Assistant, or a Architectural Technician

Job description

Graham Lea Architecture is a small but busy Architectural practice in Lancashire is seeking an ambitious Designer to join the team. You will be working using CAD on small to medium size residential and commercial developments.

Ideally you will have the following skills and qualifications:

• Proficiency in AutoCAD
• A 2.1 or above Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in an Architectural related discipline.
• Minimum 1 years experience in a related design field, Ideally 3 years+ in an architectural practice
• A full UK driving licence and your own car.
• An ability to work as part of a team and independently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in dealing with the company’s clients and business contacts.
• Be able to prioritise your workload to meet client deadlines.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills

In return we offer the chance for you to work in a professional environment as part of a new and expanding team.

This is a full time position with salary dependent on experience. The company rewards employees whom add value to the practice.

Please submit your CV & portfolio for consideration to graham@grahamlea.co.uk.

We are proud to announce that we have just received planning permission for the conversion of a former night club into 17 flats in Tameside Manchester. 

The building was originally constructed as a gentlemans club and until 14 years ago was Universal Nightclub.

Initially we undertook a feasibility study to find out how many flats could be attained. The developer then calculated whether the scheme would be viable for them. We then followed this up with a pre-application enquiry with Tameside. The council did want some alterations, however as the building had been vacant for so long the council was keen to put it back into use. 

As part of our design process we researched the Gentlemen’s clubs in the early 20th century. The building has many architectural features,focused on retaining and enhancing. Our research led us to add additional feature windows to the upper floors in a way that would not detract from the original architectural vision of the building. 

Fortunately we were able to negotiate permission for 17 flats and this was enough for the developer to make it financially worth doing. The developer is now working on the site and is looking to have the flats converted by 2025.

The proposed application can be seen on tamesside’s planning search under the following application number 22/00692/FUL.

We have just recieved planning permission to convert a house to a Childrens home. Use class C3 to C2.

Over the Years Graham Lea Architecture has secured a number of planning permissions For Children’s Homes. We have also worked on Mother and Baby units, high dependency inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, Hospices, Care Homes, and Mental Health units.

Please contact us if you have a similar project that you would like us to look at.

Our 5 house developement in Ashton Preston is approaching completion. Read more about the project at the following link:http://grahamlea.co.uk/projects/housing-development-in-a-conservation-area-preston/

We are seeking an ambitious Architectural Assistant / Technician to join our team. You will be working on small to medium size commercial and residential developments.

Ideally the suitable candidate should possess:

• A 2.1 or above Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in an Architectural related discipline.
• A full UK driving licence and their own car. The office is located outside of the city with good access to motorways.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to prioritise workload in a busy environment
• Excellent time management and organisational skills

In return we would offer the chance for you to work in a professional environment as part of a new and expanding team.

This is a full time position with salary negotiable for the right candidate.

Please attach your CV & portfolio to the application along with details of your experience and relevant references.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent – Part-time, Contract considered

We have just received planning permission for a large detached house with annex in Lytham. Construction is set to start in the next few weeks.

Despite current events we are still fully up and running here at Graham Lea Architecture, ready to help you with all your architectural needs. We are mostly working from home to maximise social distancing and keep our employees safe however we are still available for site visits which we believe can be done safely and effectively – you’ll just have to forgive us if we don’t shake your hand!

From everyone here at Graham Lea we wish you and your families all the best during this difficult time.

Stay safe.