News Archives - Planning Design Ltd

Design for life at Carslow Farm

18th September 202418th September 2024 by Gary Stringer

Having secured Planning Permission for a barn conversion for our client in 2019, our Architect Tina Humphreys was lucky enough to go and visit the project again recently to see the completed project and the progress at Carslow Farm where our designs have been brought to life.

This site with an existing stone barn and agricultural building at Carslow Farm which is located in Brassington Derbyshire has changed a lot since 2019 when the owners first came to us with their vision for the site.

There was originally a dilapidated old agricultural steel frame barn attached to the side of an old stone barn, as shown in the image below.

The original site ad structures at Carslow Farm

Last week I was lucky enough to go and visit the Carslow Farm again as the stone barn conversion and extension which Planning Design Practice designed and gained planning permission for back in 2019 has now completed.

Now the site accommodates a modest but modern extension that mimics the agricultural background of the site with the use of the dark metal cladding, whilst enhancing the existing stone barn.

The owners have completed the project to a very high standard and have created a lovely 2 bedroom home that looks out over the fantastic views of the Derbyshire countryside.

Carslow Farm – Gallery

The completed extension at Carslow Farm Planning & Design Practice

We believe that good design is a crucial part of the planning process. Getting the design of a project right is critical to gaining a successful planning consent and avoiding unnecessary delay and costs. Our planners have worked in the public and private sectors, and have excellent working relations with Local Planning Authorities. This often proves invaluable and is a key to our success.

Our team of RIBA Chartered Architects and Architectural Assistants have a wealth of experience working with homeowners, developers and the public sector.

We can help you to establish your brief and work through your design ideas, whilst bringing solutions to make your building a successful place to live or work in.

For more information on our work and services, or to for a no obligation consultation on your project or property please email enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk or telephone 01332 347371.

Tina Humphreys, Architect, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

2 becomes 1 with Class Q success

18th September 2024 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice 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, unused agricultural buildings to form a new home not far from the village of Cawthorne, in South Yorkshire.

The building in question consisted of two adjacent agricultural buildings within close proximity of each other. Barn 1 consisted of concrete blockwork and corrugated sheet metal cladding, with a steel portal frame. The barn was fully enclosed on three sides. Barn 2 was steel framed with profiled steel cladding panels, open on 2 sides. An accompanying structural report concluded that the buildings were structurally sound and capable of conversion.

The two barns were designed to become one dwelling. Barn 1 was designed to contain the ‘main’ living spaces, including bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen and living spaces. Barn 2 was designed to house the ‘ancillary’ features, including a gym, car port and workshop. The external alterations have been kept to a minimum to comply with Class Q legislation and to respect the rural aesthetic of the local area.

The site benefits from being located in a tranquil, rural area, providing good access to open countryside views.

Class Q and more, our Rural Development expertise

The Permitted Development rights, commonly referred to as Class Q, is the right to convert agricultural buildings into homes as a matter of principle and has been with us since 2014.

Permitted Development (PD) is the right of an owner to develop their land within limits prescribed by a piece of legislation known as a General Permitted Development Order. The point of the order was originally to allow minor developments to go ahead without having to go through the planning application process, for example, small extensions to houses.

In the interest of simplifying the planning system and boosting the supply of houses, the government extended PD rights to include the right to change agricultural buildings to homes. Originally proposed as a temporary measure, this has since been made permanent.

Planning & Design Practice Ltd is a multi-disciplinary team of Chartered Town Planners, RIBA Chartered Architects, Architectural Assistants and Heritage Specialists. Gaining planning permission is a key step in almost any development. We can take a project through from inception to completion, but we also offer the flexibility to engage a client’s own architects and provide a planning service, whilst our design team can also work with clients who have engaged other town planning professionals.

Planning & Design Practice Ltd are well versed in researching and understanding local Council’s policies to ensure the best possible case if put forward for our clients.

For a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01332 347371 or enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Celebrating a successful Class Q appeal

17th September 2024 by Gary Stringer

Continuing a recent strong run of successes, Planning & Design Practice are delighted to 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 Derbyshire. The site benefits from being located in a tranquil, rural area with large open countryside on all sides.

The site consists of a single agricultural building. The agricultural building in question is constructed from poles and box profile sheeting. A structural survey was completed as part of the application, which concluded that the building was structurally sound and could be converted to a home.

The proposed development resulted in the creation of a single one bedroom dwelling benefitting from open plan living, kitchen and dining areas, as well as outdoor amenity space.

The application had to ensure complete compliance with Class Q legislation, whilst also respecting the rural aesthetic of the local area. This meant that the building needed to be considered capable of conversion and retain the external appearance of the building. The submitted drawing package, prepared by the Planning & Design Practice design team, demonstrated this compliance.

Contrary to the Council’s refusal, the Planning Inspector concluded that the proposals did comply with the requirements detailed within Class Q legislation and allowed the appeal. The other reason for refusal related to the building’s ability to be converted to a dwelling. The Council, despite the conclusions of the submitted structural report, believed that the building could not be converted without excessive building works. The Inspector dismissed this, stating that there was no reason to disagree with the findings of the submitted structural report.

Understanding Class Q

The Permitted Development rights, commonly referred to as Class Q, is the right to convert agricultural buildings into homes as a matter of principle and has been with us since 2014.

Planning & Design Practice Ltd is a multi-disciplinary team of Chartered Town Planners, Architects, Architectural Assistants and Heritage Specialists.

Gaining planning permission is a key step in almost any development. We can take a project through from inception to completion, but we also offer the flexibility to engage a client’s own architects and provide a planning service, whilst our design team can also work with clients who have engaged other town planning professionals.

Planning & Design Practice Ltd are well versed in researching and understanding local Council’s policies to ensure the best possible case if put forward for our clients.

For a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01332 347371 or enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk

Shaun Hyde, Senior Planner, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Going for Gold at Carrwood Mills

17th September 202417th September 2024 by Gary Stringer

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.

Working with ourselves as Planning Consultants, and James Boon Architects, the company is aiming to secure planning permission for the site, for a project that would bring textile manufacturing back to the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site with a new facility to design and manufacture water sports kits.

Peak UK have been manufacturing world-leading kayaking clothing and equipment for over 30 years. Introduced by Eilis Scott CEO of The Arkwright Society, the company’s Director Pete Astles, who founded the company when he was 19, also highlighted the work of the charitable side of the business Paddle Peak.

Pete Astles, Director of Peak UK has followed his life’s passion for kayaking from a young age and just let it take him on an amazing journey from working at Holme Pierrepont in Nottingham and discovering that there was a gap in the market to clothe the kayakers in suitable gear, to producing the garments himself and being so successful that he needed premises. He built his Darley Dale site and his business now equips Olympians who have won many medals wearing his awarding wining gear. The majority of entrants in the last three Olympic Games wear this company’s products, and the event featured some of this year’s successful Olympians proudly displaying their medals.

But in order to grow further he needs to move premises and expand capacity.

You would think that was enough of an achievement, but Pete likes to give back to his community and has run many adventure weekends giving kids the chance to try something many may not ordinarily get the opportunity to do. So, the charity part of his business, Paddle Peak will benefit from a new location, with the canal side part of the former garden centre site will feature new facilities to provide kayaking opportunities to inspire and enable local youngsters, as well as have greater access to nature and the outdoors.

Pete had his eye on a parcel of land, the former Cromford Garden Centre, close to his home which he knew would be perfect, but he needed to convince the owners to sell it to him. If you are local to the Cromford area of Derbyshire you may remember visiting Cromford Garden Centre, which has the Cromford Canal to its western edge, as part of your day out to the area. Alas for the last decade or so it has been neglected, becoming overgrown and unattractive, unsafe and an environmental hazard. Pete was eventually able to purchase it and is now poised for his next chapter at Carrwood Mills.

A large brownfield site within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site is in planning terms quite difficult to navigate. But for Pete Astles this was not a barrier he was going to let stop his ambitions for Carrwood Mills. Employing James Boon as his conservation architect, James who is based in Cromford has worked on many heritage related projects and has an appreciation and understanding of this sensitive part of the county. James in turn reached out to us here at Planning & Design Practice to assess the heritage impacts of the design, produce the Heritage Impact Assessments and to assist the initial liaison with the council and stakeholders.

James’s design was well received at the recent public consultation for the project held at Cromford Mills. The event was a chance for Pete, James and Planning & Design Practice to showcase the proposal as well as a way for Pete to tell his remarkable story. Planning & Design Practice were able to articulate the various heritage sensitivities that have shaped the design along with the planning aspects of highways, BNG and the SSI status of the canal bank.

An inspiring evening, and an interesting project. Follow our social media and sign up for Monthly Newsletter for updates on this project, as well as the latest architectural and planning news.

“Going for Gold” at Carrwood Mills

PDP welcomes new recruits to the team

17th September 202417th September 2024 by Gary Stringer

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

Part II Architectural Assistant Beth White joined PDP in in the summer of 2024. After studying for her BArch undergraduate degree in Architecture at the University of Lincoln, Beth then went on to complete her MArch Master’s degree at Nottingham Trent University, before graduating in 2023. It was here that she developed an interest in conservation and sustainable design, that she is keen to apply to her work for clients here at PDP.

At Planning & Design Practice we believe in good architecture, to improve our quality of life, create real value and to drive sustainable development, creating robust, resilient homes and buildings to face the challenges of climate change. An RIBA Chartered Practice Beth joins a team that comprises architects, architectural assistants, designers and technicians. Our architects have true international expertise having worked on large scale projects in Russia, Germany, Spain, Canada and the United States as well as across the UK.

Mollie Arif joined our Planning team in May 2024 as a Planner and works closely with the Heritage team. Mollie graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2020 with a BA in Geography, and the University of Sheffield in 2021 with an MA in Urban Design and Planning.

Having completed an Msc in Urban Planning at Sheffield Hallam University in September 2024, Mollie is now working towards her RTPI chartership on the Degree Apprenticeship pathway and is expecting to submit her APC in Summer 2025.

Our planners have worked in the public and private sectors and have excellent working relations with Local Planning Authorities. This often proves invaluable and is a key to our success.

Our values are rooted in friendly service, integrity, teamwork and meeting client’s expectations. We provide honest and sound advice, mediate when required and maintain high professional standards. We aim to build strong and lasting relationships with our clients, and we are always pleased to work with architects and other professional companies.

Richard Pigott, Director at Planning & Design said of our new recruits:

“We are excited to welcome Beth and Mollie to the team. Both are very enthusiastic and have skill sets that complement the work we do in our planning, architectural and heritage teams.“

Looking for our next New Recruits

Looking for your next career opportunity? Planning & Design Practice are continuing to expand with opportunities for new recruits to join our multi-disciplinary team. You’ll be supporting clients both public and private with the aim of achieving planning permission and adding value to land and property. For more details visit the following link or contact us on 01332 347371 to discuss the opportunities.

Planning & Design Practice Ltd is a team of town planning consultants, architects and heritage specialists. Based in Derbyshire, we are perfectly located to work nationally for our clients. We offer a comprehensive range of services, specialising in Town Planning, Architecture, Heritage and Urban Design.

Evolution of the Eagle Market

17th September 202416th September 2024 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design’s 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 area comprising the city’s Eastern Gateway.

I remember going to Australia in 2003 and returning to Derby in 2009 to a city that I didn’t recognise as the Derbion (then Australian owned Westfield) had been built. The change was huge and the effect has been dramatic on the city centre. But one part remained familiar and that was the remnants of the Eagle Market and The Castle and Falcon Pub. Cities do move with the times, they have to and Derby is no exception, and things are moving again with what Derby City Council are calling The Eagle Quarter development, part of an overall masterplan for Derby City.

The Eagle Market attached to the Eagle Centre was built in the early 1970s. For decades the footfall in the market was high, however, in recent times the market declined as customers have so many other choices for discounted goods within the city and online. Drinking habits have changed too and although The Castle and Falcon Pub has a loyal clientele (hopefully they will find somewhere else to meet) the buildings are looking tired and do not make for a welcoming entrance into the city when approaching from the bus station.

It’s easy to feel nostalgic when things are about to be demolished but if we take a quick look back, we can see that this part of Derby has a history of change and planning decisions that have been made in the last fifty years have been a bit piecemeal when it comes to this particular patch of land.

Prior to the Eagle Centre being built, the 1951 OS map shows the original Castle and Falcon pub on the corner of Cock Pit Hill next to rows of shops with a mixture of terrace housing and small businesses behind it, all opposite the art deco bus station. The late sixties and early seventies saw a boom for large shopping centres ushering in a new phase for retail and leisure. Derby wasn’t to be left behind and in 1971 The Castle and Falcon and a swathe of land was cleared for the foundations of the Eagle Centre.

Images: Left: The original Castle and Falcon on Cock Pit Hill prior to demolition. ¹ Centre: Laying the foundations in 1971 for the Eagle Centre and replacement The Castle and Falcon.² Right: Historic England – Derbyshire of Yesteryear.³

The original 1970s view of The Castle and Falcon was very different. There was space around it and one could have a drink and look out from the balcony. The original Eagle Market too was light and bright, although the modernist hexagonal design meant customers often found it hard to navigate.

The original hexagonal stall design.⁴

Consequently, fifty plus years of changes has resulted in being greeted by high brick walls and a street scape that doesn’t feel inviting to walk down especially at night time. To address this Derby City Council have said:

‘The Eastern Gateway, delivered by Derbion and part-funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, will create a new façade and urban garden, transforming the area opposite the bus station and the eastern entrance to the shopping and leisure destination.’

Work will begin this imminently and is due for completion during the first half of 2025.

Key components of the Derbion Masterplan for the Eagle Quarter include:

To provide new City Centre homes through the introduction of some taller buildings.
New food and beverage, leisure and other new activities at ground floor
A Green Heart will be the focal point of the new development. A big green space with an entrance to Derbion.
A new Green Boulevard is proposed to link the development from Morledge in the north to the Green Heart in the centre of the site.
New walkable streets will significantly improve accessibility within and around this area of the City Centre including to the River Derwent.
The masterplan increases the height of new buildings towards the east of the site with a new landmark building proposed in the eastern corner, marking the gateway into the rear.

It will be interesting to see in twenty years’ time how sustainable this latest change will be. If the area created to provide green space can be retained as such the design should stand the test of time but if the maintenance of the green space is subject to future council cuts there is a risk it will be preferable to build on it again. But maybe that is me being pessimistic for now I think it is a great vision for an area that has seen much change.

Ruth Gray, Heritage Consultant, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Evolution of the Eagle Market – References:

https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink/gallery/you-remember-any-derby-pubs-4160266
Date flown: 22 October 1971Flight: AFL19711022. Photographer: Aerofilms
Historic England – Derbyshire of Yesteryear
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/nostalgia/you-remember-eagle-centre-market-2339045

Sundaes success!

21st August 2024 by Gary Stringer

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.

The site is located within Mill Bay, close to the village of Salcombe. It is also situated in the picturesque South Devon National Landscape, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Due to this designation, it was important to maintain the character and appearance of the area to maintain the beauty of the landscape. This meant that careful consideration was given to ensure that the design of the new food stall maintained the character of the surrounding area.

The application sought to replace an existing ice cream truck that operated at the site for 56 days of the year with a larger food stall, also being sited temporarily. The business has become increasingly popular over the past 10 years of operation and, in order to meet the demand, the applicant needed a preparation and service space that could cope with the volume at peak times.

The proposed unit would be transported to the site as “flat-pack” and assembled at the site, and dismantled when the tourism season is over. The building will be constructed and dismantled as and when required, meaning no heavy machinery or wide varieties of building materials will be required. The stall will be located in a small gap within the forest, protecting the tree canopies but also concealing the stall from wider view.

Local planning policy allows for some refreshment services in coastal locations to meet the needs of tourists. As there was an existing ice cream van operating from the site, it was successfully demonstrated that the proposed food stall would not have any more of an impact on the area as the extant ice cream van.

Planning & Design Practice Ltd is a multi-disciplinary team of RTPI Chartered Town Planners, RIBA Chartered Architects, Architectural Assistants and Heritage Specialists. Gaining planning permission is a key step in almost any development. We can take a project through from inception to completion, but we also offer the flexibility to engage a client’s own architects and provide a planning service, whilst our design team can also work with clients who have engaged other town planning professionals.

Planning & Design Practice Ltd are well versed in researching and understanding local Council’s policies to ensure the best possible case if put forward for our clients.

For a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01332 347371 or enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Shaun Hyde, Chartered Town Planner, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Successful appeal for barn conversion extension

21st August 202421st August 2024 by Gary Stringer

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.

The house is a former agricultural building which was converted to a dwelling under Class Q permitted development rights.

The planning application was initially refused due to concerns that the modifications would alter the building’s character, giving it a more domestic appearance and significantly changing its scale. The case officer also believed that the changes would negatively impact the character of the countryside.

During the appeal process, we successfully argued that:

The principal elevations of the dwelling remains unchanged;
The nature of the change of use from an agricultural building to a dwelling invariably introduces a more domestic appearance;
The design of the proposed development is simple and robust with materials to match the existing building;
The proposed changes increase the habitable floor space by 30m2, which is a modest change and would not significantly alter the building’s scale or character;
Two similar appeal decisions for extensions and alterations to barn conversions demonstrated that the proposed changes would remain subservient to the original building.

The inspector agreed with these arguments, concluding that the proposed development would be of a limited scale and would appear clearly subordinate to the original building. They noted that the roof line and materials would help integrate the changes with the host building, allowing the dwelling to retain a simple, utilitarian appearance. Overall, the inspector found that the scheme would not harm the character and appearance of the host property or the surrounding area, leading to a successfully allowed appeal.

Megan Askham, Planner, Planning & Design Practice Ltd.

Our Appeals Service

Had Planning Permission refused? All is not lost.

Planning & Design Practice specialise in appealing planning decisions.

We have extensive experience with the many types of planning appeals, from written representations to informal hearings and public inquiries.

The appeal process is there to allow the opportunity for an independent assessor to review the application and determine whether or not it should be approved. It’s essential that the best argument is put forward when appealing a planning decision.

That’s where we come in. Our expert team at Planning & Design Practice can help you to navigate the complex appeals process and give you the best chance of a favourable outcome. For more information or to discuss your case contact us on 01332 347371 or email enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk

Success for Sheffield parking scheme

21st August 202421st August 2024 by Gary Stringer

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.

The site is located within a Fringe Industry and Business Area, as detailed in the Sheffield Core Strategy, with good access links to the M1 Motorway and Meadowhall interchange. The business has grown in recent years and required a new access road to allow easier access for HGV’s arriving at the site. As a result, the existing car park needed to be extended to allow for HGVs manoeuvring in the site, but still allowing for sufficient staff car parking provision.

The new access point needed to demonstrate safe visibility splays. After discussing this with the applicant, the new access point into the site was agreed which could demonstrate safe access to and from the site, whilst still providing sufficient round for HGVs to manoeuvre within the site.

The site was within a sustainable area, serviced by public transport and accessible by cycling and walking. The site was not located in an area at risk of flooding, and the land is previously developed and underutilised.

Local planning policy allows for alterations to existing businesses, as long as it is well-designed and appropriate in scale.

As the application was submitted after the new biodiversity net gain legislation had been adopted, a baseline ecological assessment of the site needed to be provided. This provided details on the sites existing ecological value and what would be needed to demonstrate a 10% improvement. After discussions with the Officer, it was agreed that this assessment was suitable and the improvements could be delivered by a condition.

A RIBA Chartered practice Planning & Design Practice Ltd is a multi-disciplinary team of RTPI Chartered Town Planners, Architects, Architectural Assistants and Heritage Specialists. Gaining planning permission is a key step in almost any development. We can take a project through from inception to completion, but we also offer the flexibility to engage a client’s own architects and provide a planning service, whilst our design team can also work with clients who have engaged other town planning professionals.

Planning & Design Practice Ltd are well versed in researching and understanding local Council’s policies to ensure the best possible case if put forward for our clients.

For a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01332 347371 or enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Shaun Hyde, Chartered Town Planner, Planning & Design Practice

Annexe appeal for the ‘hole’ family

21st August 202421st August 2024 by Gary Stringer

We’re excited to share that Planning & Design Practice has successfully won an appeal to overturn a refusal of permission by the Derbyshire Dales District Council. The appeal concerned the construction of a dependent relative annexe within the curtilage of a Grade II Listed Building known as Hole In The Wall. The site is one of two 18th century cottages linked by an arch through which Yeldesley Lane passes beneath in Moorend near Bradley in the southwest of the Derbyshire Dales.

The proposed project involved replacing an existing outbuilding with a detached annexe to accommodate a dependent relative. Before submitting the application, we sought pre-application advice from the Council, which acknowledged the acceptability of the development in principle but recommended some design modifications. We incorporated these design changes both before and during the application process. Despite these efforts, the Council ultimately refused the application, citing concerns over the potential impact of the new building on the setting of the Listed Building and the character of the area.

On behalf of our clients, we submitted an appeal to the Inspectorate, arguing that the proposed annexe had been carefully designed and positioned to minimize its impact on the Listed Building and the surrounding area.

The Inspectorate agreed with our assessment, concluding that the proposal would preserve the setting and significance of the Listed Building. They also noted that, although the new building would have a slightly larger footprint than the one it replaced, it would still comply with policy and would not harm the character or appearance of the area.

Emily Anderson, Planner, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Our Appeals Service

Had Planning Permission refused? All is not lost.

Planning & Design Practice specialise in appealing planning decisions.

We have extensive experience with the many types of planning appeals, from written representations to informal hearings and public inquiries.

That’s where we come in. Our expert team at Planning & Design Practice can help you to navigate the complex appeals process and give you the best chance of a favourable outcome. For more information or to discuss your case please contact us on 01332 347371 or email enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk

Design for life at Carslow Farm

Carslow Farm – Gallery

2 becomes 1 with Class Q success

Class Q and more, our Rural Development expertise

Celebrating a successful Class Q appeal

Understanding Class Q

Going for Gold at Carrwood Mills

“Going for Gold” at Carrwood Mills

PDP welcomes new recruits to the team

Looking for our next New Recruits

Evolution of the Eagle Market

Evolution of the Eagle Market – References:

Sundaes success!

Successful appeal for barn conversion extension

Our Appeals Service

Success for Sheffield parking scheme

Annexe appeal for the ‘hole’ family

Our Appeals Service

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