Garage dormer extension approved for a listed home near Darley Dale
Full planning permission has been granted for a dormer roof extension to a detached garage at a listed home near Darley Dale.

Planning permission granted for private stables and riding arena near Drakelow
Planning permission has been granted for the creation of a private stable block and external riding arena in Drakelow, near Burton-on-Trent.

Extension to wedding venue at Grade II listed Yeldersley Hall
A sensitively designed orangery extension to a listed Hall to replace the temporary marquee, incorporating the rebuilding of a outbuilding to create permanent WC, accommodation and a guest entrance.

Planning permission granted for SEN school use at Grade II listed Banner Cross Hall in Sheffield
Planning permission has been granted for the change of use of Banner Cross Hall on Ecclesall Road South, Sheffield, from offices to education use.

Planning permission granted for a domestic poultry house near Brailsford
Planning permission has been granted for a domestic poultry house near Brailsford. This follows other recent work at the same site, including our earlier project update covering a new glasshouse and an agricultural building notification.

Planning permission and listed building consent granted for nursery expansion in Nether Edge, Sheffield
Planning permission and listed building consent have been granted in Nether Edge, Sheffield, to create new early years nursery space within a Grade II listed building.

Planning permission granted for a heritage sensitive cottage extension near Marchington
Planning permission has been granted for a cottage extension near Marchington, creating a more practical home by removing tired rear additions and replacing them with a clearer, better designed set of spaces.

Two rural approvals in Brailsford, glasshouse planning permission and agricultural building notification secured
We’re pleased to share a practical rural planning success in Brailsford, where we helped secure two linked outcomes that support a working farm as it develops.

Class Q prior approval granted near Goosnargh, three new homes secured through barn conversions
We’re pleased to share a rural planning success near Goosnargh, where Class Q prior approval has been granted for two linked barn conversion proposals, Barn A and Barn B, creating three new homes through the conversion of existing agricultural…

Planning and Development in 2026: Changes to Appeal System
From April 2026 onwards, the planning and appeals system in England moves toward a much more streamlined, “submit‑once‑and‑submit‑well” model. Most appeals will go through written representations, and Inspectors will rely almost entirely on the documents that formed part of…

Cleared for Take-off: Derbyshire Dales’ Biggest Development in a Generation Finally Flies
Returning to Ashbourne Airfield after a full decade was a truly surreal moment. It has been ten years since we secured the outline planning permission for hundreds of new homes and a vast new business park, and back then,…

Prior approval granted for a new agricultural building at Monument Lane, Ironville
We are pleased to share a recent planning success at land off Monument Lane in Ironville, where prior approval has been granted for a new agricultural building to support an existing and growing rural enterprise.

Planning permission granted for two new homes at Kinder Avenue, Cowlersley, Huddersfield
Kirklees Council has granted planning permission for two new homes at Kinder Avenue, Cowlersley, Huddersfield, a small site approval shaped around highways evidence and BNG.

Two Class Q barn conversions approved at Glasspool Farm, 10 new homes secured
We’re pleased to share a rural planning success at Glasspool Farm where prior approval has been granted for two Class Q barn conversions, creating 10 new homes, five within Barn A and five within Barn B.

Understanding Infill Plots Within Rural Settlements
Infill plots can support sustainable growth in rural settlements, but success depends on respecting settlement boundaries, scale, local character, access constraints, and avoiding coalescence.

Planning permission granted in Endcliffe, Sheffield, bringing a vacant building back into use as a home
Planning permission has been granted in Endcliffe, Sheffield for a change of use to a C3 dwelling, securing a viable future for a vacant building in a Conservation Area.

Rural planning permission granted in the Green Belt at Denby Hall Farm
Planning & Design Practice are pleased to share a recent rural planning success in Denby Dale (Kirklees), where full planning permission has been granted for a new detached dwelling at Denby Hall Farm. Rural projects can be some of…

Rural Worker’s Dwellings – What Applicants and Readers Should Know
Learn when a rural worker’s dwelling may be justified, what supporting information is required, and the most common reasons councils refuse applications.

Planning Permission Granted for Change of Use | Vine Barn
We’re pleased to share a recent planning success at Vine Barn, Bretby Park, where planning permission has been granted to change an existing holiday let into a residential extension to the main home.

Over the Wall Camp, Ockbrook School
We’re pleased to share a planning success at Ockbrook School (The Settlement), Derbyshire, where planning permission has been granted for a scheme supporting Over the Wall Camp — helping provide the facilities needed for an overnight children’s residential activity…

57 Dwellings in Darley Dale
Planning & Design Practice secured outline and reserved matters approval for a major residential development in the Derbyshire Dales, delivering up to 57 dwellings designed to accessible and wheelchair user standards.

A year of Heritage: Planning Design Practice celebrates diverse projects
The Heritage Team at Planning & Design Practice looks back on an eventful year filled with varied and impactful projects, from revitalizing historic mills to creating new community hubs.

Home extensions: Realising your vision – the technical design process
Obtaining planning permission for your home extension project is only half of the battle. To make your project a reality the next step is the technical design process that will turn your ideas into a well-managed and buildable project.

Merry Christmas from Planning Design
As the year draws to a close and the holidays approach, our Director Richard Pigott, looks back to review what has been an interesting year, and looks ahead to what’s in store for planning, architecture and heritage.

One up, one down for double success
Planning & Design Practice are delighted to announce a double success, with planning permission having been granted for the demolition of an agricultural building and the erection of another, on two different sites across Derbyshire and Staffordshire.

Cables secure
PDP share the successful outcome of two planning applications at The Cables, in Matlock. The recently approved consents cover the erection of a detached garage, a first-floor rear extension, and the conversion of the existing garage into a self-contained…

A new lease of life for Lumsdale Mill
With planning permission secured for the historic Lumsdale Mill, our Heritage Consultant Ruth Matthews reflects on the process, and what the new lease of life means for this important site.

Sustainable heritage
Our built heritage is important to our nation’s identity, it helps convey place and influences how people feel about their environment. Most buildings built over 100 years ago were done so for very different living standards than today. So…

Top tips for promoting your site throughout the Local Plan process
Having already covered how the Local Plan process works and how landowners can put land forward for development, in this final article in our series, we conclude with our top tips on Local Plan promotion and what to do…

Home extensions: The planning implications of householder changes
In Part 2 of our series looking at Home Extensions we focus on on the rules, routes and risks of planning for extensions and remodels.

Fallback success for new home
Planning & Design Practice are delighted to announce another successful Class Q fallback application. This will allow our client to rebuild an unused agricultural building to form a new home not far from Hulland Ward, Derbyshire.

Green belt barn to brand new home
Planning & Design Practice Ltd are delighted to announce another successful barn conversion in the Staffordshire Green Belt. This will allow our client to change the use of, and re-use, an unused agricultural building to form a new home.

Home extensions: Do You Need to Extend?
In the first of a 3 part series, looking at Home Extensions, we outline the planning and design process for extending or remodelling your home.

Plan making: Getting involved in the Local Plan process
In this, the second of our three-part series, Chartered Town Planner Richard Pigott will be looking at the formal parts of the plan making process, some of the issues faced by the local planning authorities trying to adopt plans…

Behind the scenes at Friar Gate Goods Yard
Members of PDP join the Chartered Institute of Building to see the work Wavensmere Homes are undertaking to transform the long derelict, Grade II Listed Friar Gate Goods Yard.

Team Derby – A towering success
A truly enchanting evening with our fellow Marketing Derby Bondholders on Tuesday 14th October, when Team PDP joined Team Derby at the annual London Embassy, this year in the stunning surrounds of the Tower of London.

Designing for the Future: Technical considerations and sustainability in residential development
Over the last couple of months, we looked at how to find development opportunities in rural and village locations, and the importance of establishing high quality design principles when designing in context in order to create more sensitive proposals…

Conversion options for agricultural estates
In light of constantly changing and challenging economic landscapes, rural diversification has become a key avenue to sustainable growth. Thankfully, there are several tools at your disposal when it comes to rural diversification, courtesy of the planning system.

Plan making: So you want to promote your site for development?
In the first of this 3-part series we will discuss the main principles of plan making, the effect on plan making of recent changes to the planning system and look at the first part of the plan making process,…

South Derbyshire self-build success
Planning & Design Practice are pleased to announce planning permission for the erection of a single storey, self-build home in South Derbyshire, following 3 previous attempts.

Celebrating conservation and crafts at Cromford
Members of our Heritage team recently attended the first ever Derbyshire Conservation & Heritage Crafts Festival, held at Cromford Mills. Our Heritage Consultant Ruth Matthews tells all!

Derby’s Assembly Rooms: Ten Years On —renewal, demolition, or delay?
Planning & Design recently hosted a MPlan Student in Regional & Town Planning from the University of Liverpool as part of our work experience programme. We tasked them with looking at plans for the Assembly Rooms, for their view…

From brownfield site to dream home
Our Part 1 Architectural Assistant Ethan Gill discusses the process involved in transforming a disused brownfield site into a dream forever home in South Derbyshire.

New build rural housing – a masterclass
Securing planning permission for new housing in the countryside is often complex and is generally more difficult than within existing settlements. Our planning experts present a guide to what you need to know and what is possible before you…

Development opportunities: Designing in context – creating sensitive, high-quality proposals in rural settings
In the second of a 3 part series looking at development opportunities for small to medium sized developers, we look at the importance of high quality design principles that meet the requirements of both developers and decision makers to…

Class Q Appeal success -conversion of agricultural building to holiday homes in the Staffordshire Moorlands
Great news to receive from the Planning Inspectorate. Our proposal to create 7 new holiday homes in a modern agricultural building at Hollington, Staffordshire have been allowed at appeal.

How to achieve retrospective listed building consent
Following an earlier success for our client in removing an agricultural occupancy condition on their property, our Director Richard Pigott provides an update on a successful application for retrospective listed building consent.

Derby’s railway legacy – The Greatest Gathering
Inspired by a visit to the world's largest railway festival, The Greatest Gathering that celebrated 200 years of the modern railway, our Heritage Consultant Ruth Matthews was full steam ahead looking at Derby's rich railway heritage and the tracks…

Wood from the trees – consulting on BNG
With an an important role to play in ensuring developments have a positive impact on habitats and wildlife, Biodiversity net gain has been with us for almost 18 months. We look at recent consultations on it's implementation.

Finding development opportunities in rural and village locations
In the first of a 3 part series we present a guide to development opportunities for small to medium sized developers, beginning with the process of finding plots and assessing their viability.

Retrospective planning approval secured for beloved local
The Pattenmakers Arms, a historic pub in the heart of Duffield in Derbyshire has recently taken another exciting step forward in securing its long-term future. In May 2025, Amber Valley Borough Council officially approved a retrospective planning application for…

Green belt barn success
Planning & Design Practice Ltd are delighted to announce another successful barn conversion with a modest extension in the Green Belt.

A grand old trip to York
After two successive visits to European cities, for this year's annual Summer Study Trip, the team at Planning & Design stayed a little closer to home with a visit to the cathedral city of York.

Office politics with Marketing Derby
Marketing Derby recently gathered together a panel experts including our Senior Architect David Symons, to discuss Derby’s aim to make the city more attractive as a base for business.

‘Grey Belt’ designation opens up new development opportunities in Cheshire East
Building on the green belt has been a hot topic for many years but the government’s new grey belt designation, included within the December 2024 version of the National Planning Policy Framework has opened up whole swathes of land…

Sign of the times with Smith Partnership
With the opening of an office in Stoke on Trent, Derby based law firm Smith Partnership has expanded its regional footprint. Due to the heritage importance of the building, PDP were asked to secure Advertisement and Listed Building Consent…

From plans to practicalities: Navigating the technical stage and managing your Self-Build on site
With planning permission for your Self-Build site secured, your project can really begin to take shape. Architectural Technologist David Innes, and Part II Architectural Assistant Beth White detail the next phase of the design.

Peak District heritage: Protecting the past, facing the future
Boasting over 2000 listed buildings, and a character shaped by non-designated heritage assets the Peak District National Park enjoys a unique identity. Our Heritage Consultant Ruth Matthews looks at the planning policies that help protect this heritage in the…

Fallback success
PDP are delighted to announce another successful Class Q fallback application, in partnership with Davey Stone Associates. This will allow our client to change the use of, and convert, unused agricultural buildings to form a new home in South…

Crowning glory – Royal Exchange Buildings conditions met
Planning & Design are pleased to announce that the final discharge of conditions have been granted for the Royal Exchange Buildings refurbishment in Derby.

Defining Grey Belt
In the lead-up to the General Election, the Government reaffirmed housing delivery as a strategic priority, coining the term “Grey Belt” to increase development within the Green Belt. We look at the definitions and implications.

Navigating the planning process with your Self-Build project
With the rise in popularity of self-build homes in the UK, David Symons our Senior Architect together with our Part I Architectural Assistant Joella Hinsley look at the crucial step of securing planning permission for your dream self-build home.

Thornyleigh Green Farm appeal decision
PDP were recently successful in removing an agricultural occupancy condition tied to a Grade II listed farmhouse in the Staffordshire Peak District.

Development within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site
A look into some projects within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site that highlight that development is possible with a considered and sensitive approach.

Meet our latest team members
As part of its continued growth, Planning & Design Practice is pleased to announce some new team members.

Leicester – regeneration and heritage in partnership
In a meeting of minds, members of the Planning & Design Practice Heritage Team were invited by the Leicester Civic Society for a guided tour to view the results of two major regeneration projects that have taken place recently…

The rise in popularity of self-build projects in the UK
With the rise in popularity of self-build homes in the UK, our Senior Architect David Symons begins a three-part series looking at the process of self-building in the UK and the importance of finding the right plot.

Planning success for new homes in Wirksworth
Planning & Design Practice is pleased to announce that planning permission has been granted for the demolition of an existing dwelling, allowing the construction of 7 high-quality new homes in Wirksworth, Derbyshire Dales for our client Elmhurst Homes.

Self-build planning and BNG exemption
In this overview of self-build planning, Chartered Town Planner Richard Pigott looks at the importance of self-build housing to national planning policy, the benefits of the self-build register and the exemption of self-build applications from Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)…

Repurposing rural estates
Repurposing buildings on an historic rural estate involves several important heritage considerations to ensure that the project is sensitive to the property’s historical and cultural significance. Our Heritage specialists present a guide to what you need to know.

Class Q success in Cheshire
A recent planning success for PDP in Cheshire demonstrates the potential of Class Q permitted development rights to deliver much-needed rural housing while respecting the countryside’s character.

Derby office conversion into HMO approved
Planning & Design Practice are pleased to have received planning permission from Derby City Council to convert an office unit into a 7-bedroom House of Multiple Occupation (HMO).

Derbyshire Heritage Charity Expands Buildings at Risk Project to Derby City
Great news from our friends at the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT). Following the success of its pilot phase in Amber Valley, the DHBT is expanding its innovative Buildings at Risk (B@R) survey to Derby City, thanks to a…

Case Study: Farm masterplanning for sustainable rural development
At Planning & Design Practice, our planners and architects understand the challenges and opportunities that come with farm masterplanning, and the processes involved in creating residential spaces from agricultural buildings.

Class Q – Major opportunities
Having talked about the technical challenges of converting barns as well as the design opportunities that these buildings represent. This guide will explore the wider potential of Class Q to redevelop farms to create multiple homes on a single…

Transforming Farmland into Residential Spaces:
At PDP we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with transforming farmland into residential spaces. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and considerations for a successful farm masterplanning project.

Understanding Listed Buildings
Listed buildings are a significant part of our heritage, offering a glimpse into the past through their unique architectural features. However, owning one comes with a host of considerations, especially if you’re looking to make alterations. This guide sets…

The Co-op Cow shines again! A celebration of Derby’s heritage
With the iconic "Co-Op Cow" once again illuminating the Derby skyline, our Heritage Consultant Ruth Matthews shines the spotlight on the history of this beloved piece of city nostalgia.

Approved: Exciting Redevelopment Proposal at Market Weighton
Planning & Design Practice are pleased to have secured consent for the conversion of vacant buildings at the rear of 80 York Road, Market Weighton, Yorkshire into two high-quality residential homes.

Lawful Development Certificate success
We are pleased to announce that an application for a Lawful Development Certificate at Whitemeadows Farm, Osmaston, has been successfully approved. This decision formally confirms the long-established use of the site for storage and distribution purposes, providing certainty for…

Design opportunities for Barn Conversions
Our Senior Architect David Symons looks at the design opportunities that barn conversions present and makes a case for why living with a barn conversion can be so appealing.

Planning permission for St. Helen’s memorial
Planning & Design Practice are delighted to have received planning permission from Derby City Council to allow a plaque with two names missing from a war memorial at St Helens House in Derby.

New Sheffield office not to be snuffed at!
Having recently relocated our Sheffield office to Westbrook Court, on the Sharrow Vale Road, our Heritage Consultant Ruth Matthews looks at the history of the building, which happens to be Grade II and is Listed as The Westbrook Snuff…

Farm Diversification without Full Planning Permission
Are you looking to diversify your farming operations and generate an income from your agricultural buildings? If so, there are several opportunities to consider. In this blog, we explore various ways you can repurpose your agricultural building without the…

Planning approval secured for Peak UK’s new kayaking HQ
We are pleased to announce that Peak UK Kayaking Co Ltd has been granted planning permission by Derbyshire Dales District Council to redevelop the former Cromford Garden Centre into a new headquarters.

Bedding in – what last year’s changes to Class Q mean in practice for those looking to convert barns to homes
As we reported significant changes to the Class Q legislation were introduced in 2024. Eight months on, Chartered Town Planner Richard Pigott looks at what these changes mean in practice for those looking to convert barns into homes.

Barns and UK Building Regulations: A guide
Our Senior Architect David Symons presents a guide to the planning considerations of using Class Q Permitted Development Rights to create new homes and the technical realities involved in converting these buildings in order to meet UK Building Regulations.

Consent for Green Belt workshop conversion
PDP are pleased to announce that planning consent has been granted for the change of use of a workshop to form a single new home at The Flourish, Dale Abbey, Ilkeston.

New year, new Sheffield office
A new year means a new location for our Sheffield office. PDP announce that our Sheffield team have moved into a new home! After 2 and a half years at the iconic structure that is Park Hill, we have…

Planning fee increases
The Government has introduced a draft statutory instrument that will raise planning application fees across England. While some planning fee increases are modest, others are more significant. Chartered Town Planner Michael Bamford outlines the increased fees that are coming…

Derbyshire’s political boundaries
Following the recently reported news that proposals have been put forward for Derbyshire to become a unitary authority, Ruth Matthews our heritage consultant looks at how the Derbyshire political map has been carved up historically.

Architecture – a year in review
Lindsay Cruddas, head of the Architecture team here at PDP looks back on the past 12 months, which saw some new appointments, some new legislation and an interesting portfolio of projects.

2024…a year in review
As the year draws to a close and the holidays approach, our Director Richard Pigott, looks back to review what has been an interesting year, and looks ahead to what's in store for 2025, for planning, architecture and heritage.

Reflections on 2024 – Planning
2024 has seen some sweeping changes to the planning system, and with the publication of a New National Planning Policy Framework, our Director and Chartered Town Planner Michael Bamford looks ahead to what we can expect in 2025.

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
With the publication of the much-anticipated latest version of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) by the government, we look at the significant changes to national policy, focusing on improving housing delivery, protecting the environment, and ensuring sustainable development.

2025 – Derby’s Olympic Year
Celebrating our first decade as a Marketing Derby Bondholder, one of the key messages we’ve been hearing is how 2025 is shaping up to be Derby’s Olympic year. We look at some of the key projects that will see…

Heritage 2024 – a vintage year
Our Director Jon Millhouse, a Chartered Town Planner and a Full Member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, reflects on another busy year for the PDP Heritage team,

Marketing Derby London Embassy – sounds like team spirit
On Tuesday 12th November Planning & Design joined around 200 guests, including fellow Bondholders, civic leaders and investors at Mansion House in London to hear about the latest developments in Derby and to celebrate the city’s investment momentum.

Class Q success at Mansell Spinney
PDP celebrate a further successful Class Q planning application allowing our client to create a new home in Mansell Spinney, near Ashbourne in the Derbyshire countryside.

Prior Approval Granted for St Monica’s House Redevelopment in Derbyshire Dales
We are pleased to report the approval of a significant redevelopment project at St. Monica’s House in Ashbourne. This recently approved Class MA Prior Approval application submitted on behalf of our client BASIS Registration Ltd, will see the conversion…

Call for Sites – Creating Opportunities
The Government's draft changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) have sparked a noticeable surge in activity on the plan making front in recent weeks. Numerous authorities have issued Call for Sites for housing, employment and biodiversity sites…

PDP Heritage Team volunteer to help identify Derbyshire Buildings at Risk
Members of Planning & Design Practice’s heritage team attended the launch of a new app designed to help preserve Derbyshire’s most vulnerable buildings at risk.

Discovering Derbyshire with Jon Millhouse
Our Director and Heritage Specialist, Jon Millhouse, can now add published author to his list of accomplishments, with the release of his first book, “Derbyshire: A Journey of Discovery”.

PDP secures consent for new homes and commercial development at Brailsford
Following an appeal hearing in July Planning & Design were delighted to receive the inspector's decision to grant planning permission for our mixed-use scheme at Brailsford.

Lets Copenhagenize our cities, it’s the future
For it's annual Study Trip, the team at Planning & Design Practice visited the Danish capital, Copenhagen. Our Director, and Chartered Town Planner Richard Pigott reflects on the trip and what the UK could learn as part of a…

RTPI Young Planners 2024
On Friday 11th and Saturday 12th October, hundreds of Young Planners, including Megan, Mollie and Shaun from our Planning team flocked to Cambridge to attend the annual RTPI Young Planners’ Conference. This year was hosted by the RTPI East…

New lease of life for Ockbrook Moravian Settlement
The Ockbrook Moravian Settlement is an interesting historical site in Derbyshire, and we are pleased to have successfully achieved Listed Building consent for a single storey extension and internal alterations to a former school to facilitate its new use…

North East Derbyshire Call for Sites equals opportunities
North East Derbyshire District Council has launched a call for sites. The Council is asking for submissions to help understand where land that can be developed in the future is located within the borough.

RIBA Stirling Prize 2024
With the much anticipated RIBA Stirling Prize announced this month, on Wednesday 16th October, members of Planning & Design's Architectural team take a look and give their thoughts on 6 of the worthy candidates for the renowned award.

Design for life at Carslow Farm
Having secured Planning Permission for a barn conversion for our client in 2019, our Architect Tina Humphreys visited the site recently to see the completed project and the progress at Carlsow Farm where our designs have been brought to…

2 becomes 1 with Class Q success
PDP are celebrating another successful Class Q application, working in partnership with Davey Stone Associates. This successful planning application will allow our client to change the use of, and convert two unused barns to form a new home in…

Celebrating a successful Class Q appeal
Continuing a recent strong run of successes, PDP announce a successful Class Q appeal decision. This will allow our client to change the use of, and convert, an unused agricultural building to become a new home near Ironville in…

Going for Gold at Carrwood Mills
We were Going for Gold at Cromford Mills recently at a special event where Planning & Design Practice LTD's client Peak UK outlined their plans for the former Cromford garden centre at Carrwood Mills.

PDP welcomes new recruits to the team
Planning & Design Practice are excited to announce two new additions to its team, that comprises RTPI Chartered town planners, RIBA Chartered Architects and architectural assistants, plus heritage specialists.

Evolution of the Eagle Market
Our Heritage Consultant Ruth Gray looks back on the recent history of the Eagle Market and The Castle and Falcon pub and discusses Derby City Council’s latest vision for the city's Eastern Gateway.

Sundaes success!
Who doesn't love an ice cream sundae? Planning & Design Practice are delighted to announce that full planning permission has been secured for the siting of a food stall in Mill Bay, Salcombe.

Successful appeal for barn conversion extension
Planning & Design Practice have successfully overturned a decision to refuse planning permission for a single-storey extension, a roof extension between garages, and the retention of a patio and pergola to an existing barn conversion in North East Derbyshire.

Success for Sheffield parking scheme
Planning & Design Practice are delighted to announce that full planning permission has been secured for a new means of access and car parking extension for a business in Sheffield.

Annexe appeal for the ‘hole’ family
We're excited to have successfully won an appeal to overturn a refusal of permission by Derbyshire Dales District Council. The appeal concerned the construction of a dependent relative annexe within the curtilage of a Grade II Listed Building known…

School’s out – Planning permission for new home
Planning & Design Practice have successfully secured full planning permission for the erection of a new house at land South of Main Road, Brailsford, Derbyshire. The site is located behind the Old School House which used to accommodate Brailsford…

Retrofitting historic buildings in England
There are an estimated 370,000 listed buildings across England and to ensure their future use, retrofitting is often required. We look at the challenges and the opportunities for developers.

Appeal success
PDP have successfully overturned a decision to refuse planning permission for a dormer bungalow plus alterations and extensions to an existing home in Leek, Staffordshire.

Supporting heritage restoration in the Derwent Valley Mills
Planning & Design's Heritage Consultant Ruth Gray details the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site and explains how it is rich in development opportunities, because of, not in spite of it's unique historical status.

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill – Architecture
David Symons, Senior Architect at Planning & Design Practice takes a look at the new government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill. and the opportunities and uncertainties this could present for the architecture and planning industry.

Extension granted
PDP have successfully secured householder planning permission for the construction of a two-storey side extension in Swanwick.

Labour and the Planning & Infrastructure Bill
With the election results published and a swing in political majority all eyes are on the incoming Labour government. Michael Bamford, Chartered Town Planner takes a look at what changes could be in store for planning and architectural services.

Infill inspires – New home in Derby
Planning & Design Practice have successfully secured planning permission for the construction of a new home in Mackworth, Derby. The site consisted of a parcel of unused land located within a residential area.

Investing in heritage – Cromford Mills
PDP are pleased to announce that they have become the first Corporate Support of Cromford Mills as part of a new scheme to develop business partnerships to support the Arkwright Society, a charity which manages the Derwent Valley Mills…

Partnership brings restoration success
Planning & Design Practice announce that householder planning permission has been secured for the restoration of outbuildings to provide additional living space at a site in Cawthorne, South Yorkshire, working in partnership with Davey Stone Associates.

Section 73 success for hospital car park
PDP announce that they have recently secured an approval of a Section 73 application for the variation of the design and conditions of the previously approved scheme for a multi-storey car park at Royal Derby Hospital, on behalf of…

Demystifying the planning and design process – Part 3
David Symons, our Senior Architect sets out the typical planning and design process you can expect to follow when working with us and details Stages 4 to 7 of the RIBA plan of work.

What is Class MA? Class E to Residential Applications
We look at Class MA, a new change of use to go from Use Class E to Residential. This is a prior approval process where the change of use is already acceptable in principle.

Dancing days are over, leaving endangered building
Planning & Design's Heritage Consultant Ruth Gray discusses the plight of one of Derby’s prominent heritage buildings, the former Education Department that has had an eclectic past, but now makes the Victorian Society 2024 list of endangered buildings.

Parking permitted…
Planning & Design Practice are pleased to have assisted Noviniti, on behalf of the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, in securing temporary consent for the change of use of land to a temporary car park…

Demystifying the planning and design process – Part 2
David Symons, our Senior Architect sets out the typical planning and design process you can expect to follow when working with us and details Stages 1 to 3 of the RIBA plan of work.

Quarry appeal – Balancing the benefits
PDP Director Richard Pigott recently appeared in a public inquiry relating to the refusal of planning permission for the re-opening of a former quarry to extract 520,000 tonnes of building stone in the Bradford district. Here he gives his…

PDP commended at RTPI East Midlands Awards for Planning Excellence 2024
Planning & Design Practice (PDP) are delighted to have been Commended at the prestigious RTPI East Midlands Awards for Planning Excellence 2024, which showcase and celebrate the best plans, people, and projects.

Make it Happen – Constructive discussions, positive change
Megan Askham from our Planning team recently attended "Make it Happen" a national conference delivered by East Midlands partners dedicated to celebrating good design delivery and best practice during challenging times.

Borrowed time for 27 Queen Street?
Ruth Gray, our Heritage Consultant here at Planning & Design writes about the History of Number 27 Queen Street in Derby, the former home to a famous Astronomer and influential Artists.

Getting the Insider knowledge
Samuel Young, part of our planning team here at Planning & Design recently attended one of the Marketing Derby Insider Tours, designed to showcase the regeneration and development happening in Derby’s city centre.

Class Q changes
Changes are coming to Class Q. Chartered Town Planner Michael Bamford explains the incoming changes to Class Q and what they mean for rural development projects.

Modest vacant building fulfills its development potential
Planning & Design Practice is pleased to announce that full planning permission has recently been secured for the change of use, conversion and extension of an existing outbuilding to a house within Kirk Ireton, Derbyshire allowing it to achieve…

Biodiversity Net Gain Becomes Mandatory
With biodiversity net gain becoming mandatory for all development Planning & Design provide an update on what this will mean for developers.

Demystifying the planning and design process – Part 1
The planning and design process can be a complex journey for those that haven’t carried out a building project before. David Symons, our Senior Architect sets out the typical planning and design process you can expect to follow when…

Fallback approval secured in Derbyshire Dales
Planning & Design Practice is delighted to announce that Full planning permission has been secured for the change of use and reconstruction of agricultural buildings to form a single house near Kniveton, Derbyshire.

Success for new agricultural building
Planning & Design Practice are delighted to announce that prior approval has been obtained for a new agricultural building off Rectory Lane, Breadsall, Derbyshire.

All the world’s a stage, Derby’s theatrical tradition
With the exciting news that plans for two of Derby’s much-loved theatres are set to move forward, our Heritage Consultant Ruth Gray takes a look back at some of the city’s other performance venues and the theatrical tradition within…

Electrifying partnership with Down to Earth Derby
Planning & Design believe in collaboration, and are “electrified” to announce that they have joined Derby’s nature based regeneration journey by partnering with Down to Earth Derby as part of their Corporate Sponsorship programme.

Change of Use creates specialised grocery store
Planning & Design Practice have secured planning permission for the change of use of the ground floor of a house to create a specialised grocery store near Derby city centre.

Building the Future Sustainably: Exploring Straw Bale Construction
In an era where sustainability is paramount, innovative construction methods are emerging to address environmental concerns while meeting the demands of modern architecture. We look at one such method, straw bale construction.

Great Northern Classics – Driving our heritage
Samuel Young, part of our Planning Team recently attended a Marketing Derby Bondholder event at Great Northern Classics, off of Osmaston Road, Derby. The aims of the centre, is to preserve and propagate crucial skills for the classic vehicle…

Three is the magic number for Class Q applications
PDP announce three successful Class Q applications, as well as a successful full planning application for the creation of a new home. This successful planning application will allow our client to change the use of, and convert, a number…

New rural home – thanks to Class Q
Planning & Design Practice are delighted to announce another successful Class Q application. This will allow our client to change the use of, and convert, an unused agricultural building to form a new rural home in Staffordshire.

Planning pedigree – permission secured for redevelopment of a former kennels within the Green Belt!
Planning & Design Practice are delighted to announce that Full planning permission has been secured for the demolition of existing redundant outbuildings, and the erection of a 5 bedroom house and a detached garage at a former kennels located…

Statements of Heritage Significance
Planning & Design Practice were tasked with writing a Statement of Heritage Significance for owners of The Toll Gate House on the outskirts of Ashbourne to help our client secure planning permission.

Success for heritage holiday lets
Planning & Design Practice announce a successful planning application for the retrospective change of use of one dwelling to two holiday lets, at Langwith Mill House.

Subdivision and conquer
In partnership with Davey Stone Associates Planning & Design Practice have secured planning permission for the subdivision of a house to form two apartments in Cawthorne, South Yorkshire.

Green belt opportunities
Planning & Design Practice are pleased to announce the approval of an outline application for the demolition of outbuildings including an old barn allowing the erection of a new home in Heage, Derbyshire.

Heritage update winter 2024
Our Director Jon Millhouse, both a Chartered Town Planner and a Full Member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, brings us his latest Heritage Update on several of the interesting heritage and conservation projects that are happening in…

Barn storming Green Belt success!
Planning & Design Practice Ltd is delighted to announce that planning permission has recently been secured for the change of use and conversion of existing traditional red brick agricultural buildings to form 3 houses at a farmstead, within the…

RIBA House of the Year 2023
Each year the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) searches for the best architect designed home in the UK, focusing on innovation and quality. Our Senior Architect David Symons discusses this year's shortlist and this year’s winner.

Old barns, new homes
Planning & Design Practice have successfully secured planning permission for the conversion of two former farm buildings into two houses within the open countryside in Loscoe, Derbyshire.

Planning permission boosts rural business near historic hall
Planning & Design Practice are delighted to announce that planning permission has been granted for the cladding of a building (retrospective) and change of use to a house, that will support a rural business in Barlborough, a village in…

Lawful Development Certificate secured for farm shop
Planning & Design Practice are pleased to have secured a Lawful Development Certificate, alongside a Section 73 application, for Morefruita Farm.

Successful appeal secures new home
Planning & Design Practice have successfully overturned a decision to refuse to grant planning permission for demolition of an existing bungalow to be replaced with a new house in Quarndon, Derby.



































































































































































