Martin Bhatia, Director, BA(Hons) MA CMLI
Martin specialises in highly sensitive landscape settings. Early on in his career he successfully overturned the then National Rivers Authority’s objection to a proposed Sculpture Gallery and park on a floodplain site. How? By proposing a floodable landscape that celebrated the dynamic characteristics of floodwaters, shaping the ground to create sculptural forms that changed as the floods advanced and receded, thereby turning a design constraint into an opportunity. More recently he has used the same approach to help secure planning consent for new developments within landscapes designated for their scenic beauty including the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; Areas of Great Landscape Value; Green Belts and Metropolitan Open Land. Projects of particular note are the recently completed Beaverbrook and The Langley, both country house hotels and spas set in sensitive landscapes. Martin is also fascinated by the analysis of views and the design of skylines. Working with Hal, he successfully fended off proposals for overly tall buildings that would spoil special views, or intrude upon areas of seclusion within the Royal Parks. A citywide study of views and skylines in Edinburgh has informed a review of the city’s High Buildings Policy and now forms part of the planning authority’s guidance for developers. Recent work has focussed on delivering infrastructure improvements at several National Trust properties where he has acted as lead consultant.
London Office
The Old House, 2 Wellesley Court Road
Croydon, Surrey, CR0 1LE
+44 (0) 20 8688 9083
m.bhatia@colmog.co.uk