Cheffins is pleased to have received planning permission for a modern extension to Apex Coffee House and the construction of a new exhibition building for RAF Witchford at Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, on behalf of Grovemere Property Limited.
The extension of Apex Coffee House, designed by DMA Architects, includes internal and external alterations, providing an additional 58 sqm gross internal floorspace for the growing customer base. The food preparation space and number of covers will increase, and more toilet facilities will be provided. The new Witchford RAF Exhibition building, designed by Gary Johns Architects, is being constructed to the rear of the existing coffee house. The current exhibition will be relocated from within the lobby of Grovemere House to the new high-tech building, increasing the exhibition space and enhancing the visitor experience.
The western elevation of the RAF Exhibition building has been designed to emulate the fuselage of a Lancaster Bomber, serving as a memorial to the brave men and women who served during the Second World War and creating a landmark building within the site.
The proposals also include an extension to existing car and cycle parking, and the installation of additional EV charging points to increase the sustainability of the site, together with the installation of public art, as well as a number of ecological enhancements through detailed planting, resulting in a net gain in habitat and hedgerow units.
Harvey Bibby of Grovemere Property Limited, comments: “We are delighted that the plans have been approved - the existing RAF Witchford exhibition is an important collection reflecting local history, and the proposed purpose-built building provides much needed space for additional exhibition content, with better visibility. Furthermore, it will now be located adjacent to the existing commemorative plaque to no.115 Squadron, which has been relocated to a more prominent and visually attractive position. This provides a contemplative space between the new exhibition building and Apex Coffee House, enhancing the overall experience for both employees at the business park and local visitors.”
Edward Clarke, Director of Planning at Cheffins, adds: “We are delighted to have received planning permission for the extension of the Apex Coffee Shop, which is a fantastic hub and meeting place at the business park, and the RAF Witchford exhibition building, better serving the existing business park and providing a much-needed exhibition space to honour important local history.”
For further information, please contact Edward Clarke in the Cheffins Planning Department on 01223 271 958 via the planning pages on the Cheffins website.