In this scheme we obtained planning consent for three detached houses on former rear garden land. The proposed design picks up on that of the ‘L’ shaped circa 1970’s houses adjacent at Nos. 30 & 30a Ditton Walk to create a series of courtyard houses. These are orientated to create a southerly aspect to living rooms and south-facing gardens. The dwellings are designed with mono-pitched roofs (with a small flat section on top) which fall from two storeys to 1.5 storeys on the courtyard side to maximize the amount of natural light to these areas and to minimize the scale in proximity to the site boundaries. Although the design is a departure from the 1930’s properties fronting Newmarket Road, we consider that the scale and design of the dwellings create a successful contrast and are sympathetic to the character of the adjoining backland properties to the west. Internally, the houses have an open plan dining/kitchen area linked via a double height hallway to the living area and study. Bedroom accommodation is provided on the first floor.