257-261 Danebury Avenue and retaining walls

A staggered terrace of three bungalows designed for the elderly, built between 1957 and 1958. They were designed in 1952-3 by the London County Council’s Architect’s Department Housing Division, with Colin Lucas as Architect in Charge and J A Partridge, W G Howell, A W Kilick, S F Amis, R Galley and R Stout as job architects. The bungalows are constructed of brick and concrete cross-wall construction, with roughcast infill panels, and have flat roofs balanced by high concrete stacks which contribute significantly to the group’s character. Each single-storey unit incorporates recessed porches to both the front and back. The glazing and panels under the windows have been renewed in UPVC, replicating the original pattern, while the flush timber doors retain the original design. A storage area, originally used as a fuel store, is incorporated into the front wall. Retaining walls define a small front garden, while the rear open grassed area contributes to the overall composition of the development. Internally, the bungalows feature a large single room with a fireplace, a linen cupboard, and a bed recess; the kitchen and bathroom are of less significance. These bungalows are a charming element within the Alton West development, deliberately smaller in scale to contrast with the adjacent large blocks. The unusual chimneys add to their quirky character. This mix of large and small buildings exemplifies the concept of ‘mixed development,’ designed to provide housing for all ages and needs. The bungalows form a strong group with the 18th-century Mount Clare located behind, creating an informal grouping with open roadways that evokes the character of original parklands, integrating well with the taller buildings across the spine road and on the higher slope.