Change of Use creates new stables

Stables

Planning & Design Practice Ltd are delighted to announce the planning permission for the erection of a new stables and formation of a menage on a site at Coxbench, Derbyshire. The new stables will replace an old agricultural building and will allow the client ample space for horses and horse-riding facilities.

The site is located within the Green Belt and the surrounding land is rural in character. This presented a challenge with regards to the planning application, as generally development in the Green Belt is discouraged, regardless of size or use. This meant that careful consideration was given to ensure that the design, layout and building materials used for the stables was in keeping with the character of the Green Belt and surrounding area.

Proposed elevations of the new stables

The timber material for the stables was chosen to incorporate a natural, sustainable feel to the building which also fits well within the surrounding landscape. The setting of the stables towards the corner of the site also allowed us to obtain planning permission through ‘preserving the openness of the Green Belt’ which is a key policy to conform to when applying for planning permission in the Green Belt.

The keeping of horses is an activity which is not unusual within rural areas. Paragraph 149 of the National Planning Policy Framework sets out what exceptions there are regarding the construction of new buildings. These exceptions include those in relation to outdoor recreation. Therefore, the proposals were policy compliant in this regard.

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.

Alfie Keelin, Planning Assistant, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Shaun Hyde, Planner, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Good things come in threes – Part 3 success for our Architectural Assistant

Architectural Assistant

A further success for the Architectural Team at Planning & Design Practice as our colleague Architectural Assistant Tina Humphreys successfully completes Part 3 of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) education course, which is aimed at those wishing to achieve status as a fully qualified architect in the UK. In this article, Tina describes the process and her future ambitions, which include becoming a PassivHaus Certified Designer.

“I am pleased to say that I have completed my Part 3 Professional Education course in Architecture with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and can now register with the Architects Registration Board.

It has been a very long journey in gaining this achievement, a journey which started back in 2008, when I completed a one year course at college for interior design. My university days were spent at Nottingham Trent University and then DeMontfort University where I completed my Master’s degree.

Planning & Design has been supportive throughout my studies and I would like to thank Siegfried Doering, David Symons, and Lindsay Cruddas for all their help and support.

So with a new year just around the corner, (after celebrating with a few drinks over the festive period) what’s next? Before going on maternity leave in 2021 I started a course in which I can learn how to use a program called the PassiveHaus Planning Package (PHPP). This is an Excel software that can be used at the concept stage, taking the project’s location, orientation, construction method and fenestration to assess the energy efficiency of a design. It makes use of several tested and approved calculations to yield a building’s heating, cooling, and primary energy demand.

Becoming a PassivHaus Certified Designer is also a goal I would like to achieve. There are around 1,500 PassivHaus-certified buildings in the UK and it is growing more popular, and there are many other buildings informed by PassiHaus principles but are not officially certified, and some even exceed its energy efficient standards.

Sustainable design is an important aspect for me and is crucial for mitigating environmental impact, improving energy efficiency, promoting health and well-being, achieving long-term cost savings, adapting to climate change, fulfilling social responsibilities, and meeting regulatory requirements and market demands. As the global focus on sustainability intensifies, architects play a key role in shaping the built environment to be more environmentally friendly and socially responsible.”

Tina Humphreys, Part 3 Architectural Assistant, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

“We are extremely proud of Tina’s determination and effort juggling the pressures of parenting, professional practice, and her studies to achieve this landmark stage in her career and the title Architect. She has worked hard to dig into every aspect of the architectural profession from health and safety to contract management and company structures and has always generated debate within the office by sharing her new knowledge and informed opinions. We are excited to see Tina grow within her new role and are looking forward to supporting her sustainability ambitions for the benefit of the practice and our clients in the future.”

David Symons, Senior Architect, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Sustainability and Planning & Design

As a practice Planning & Design have been researching and promoting a number of sustainability initiatives, including Passivhaus, Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) and the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

From the earliest discussions with our clients we recognise the importance of outlining the advantages and benefits of building with sustainable aspects incorporated into their projects and ways in which they can reduce the carbon footprint of their project. This is obviously in consideration of their construction budget.

Our approachable and experienced design team is comprised of architects, architectural assistants, designers and technicians, who offer a comprehensive architecture service from concept through to completion.

Do you have the desire to build your own PassivHaus home or sustainable project fit for the future and to combat climate change?

If so, please get in touch on 01332 347371 and we can help you through the process and explain how you can incorporate the latest innovations into your project.

Derby Market Hall – Restored and ready for business

Derby Market Hall

As thoughts turn towards December 25th, and Christmas shopping for the big day, many Derby residents may well be missing their trip to the Derby Market Hall, to stock up on greeting cards and gifts, poultry and panettone. Derby Market Hall which opened on May 29th, 1866, cost £29,000 to build, and is a rare fine example of a Victorian Market Hall. An iconic landmark in the city centre, it is currently closed and being refurbished at a cost of £35 million. This site has a very long history of trading and community engagement, one that stretches back centuries.

At the end of the 16th century Derby had a population of 2000-2500. Many of these were involved in crafts and trades, or were retailers living in and around Irongate, the Market Place and Sadlergate. There was a baker’s shop in Babington Lane, butchers’ stalls in the Market Place, and tailors living on the Morledge. Cloth working was the town’s staple industry, and tailors and cloth workers had their own trade company1.

Previously the site of the Market Hall had been part of the Town Improvement Act when architect Matthew Habershon created a new market area behind the Guild Hall around 1835. It already contained permanent stalls, shops, a butter, egg and vegetable market but by the 1860’s this had become inadequate and it was cleared and built anew2.

Work on building the Market Hall was begun in 1864 with the laying of the foundation stone. It is a lofty and spacious tunnel vaulted space, built of red brick with stone dressings; and has semi-circular headed windows in arched recesses. The centre slightly projects and is of rusticated stone with a blind arch at each side and arched doorway at the centre. The sides have stone-coped brick parapets and centre a moulded cornice and open balustrade. An impressive interior which has an iron and glass barrel-vaulted roof with a central lantern light. The designer was Borough Surveyor Robert Thorburn, modified, after structural weaknesses had been noted, by his successor Edwin Thompson3.

The iron roof of Derby Market Hall covers an area of 220ft x 110ft. The roof span is 86ft 6ins with an apex at 64ft. The Derby Market Hall roof was built from cast iron and wrought-iron components. These were prefabricated by J. & G Haywood & Co of Phoenix Foundry, Derby (whose company was just over the Derwent on Nottingham Road).

Seventy years later, in the 1930s borough architect Herbert Aslin refitted the interior of the Market Hall with new stalls, this allowed the council to raise the rents.

These remained for around sixty years, until 1989 when further remedial work from Robert Thorburns work needed to be resolved, and new stalls were installed. Workmen discovered unique traces of Derby’s history during the renovation work. A well six feet and 30 feet deep was uncovered, which may have served the buildings that stood on the site prior to 1864. Tunnels were discovered running between the Lock Up Yard and the Guildhall. Experts believe they were probably used to move prisoners between the two areas4.

Barely thirty years later those market stalls were again in need of replacing and the building was in need of much needed repairs. Extreme weather such as strong winds, snow, or heavy rain caused a risk that the glass windows might came out of their frames.

This need for renovation presented the Council with an opportunity to transform the Grade II listed building into a contemporary and vibrant destination that will attract visitors from the region and beyond, and act as a showcase for the “Best of Derbyshire”. By linking Derbion and St Peter’s Quarter to the Cathedral Quarter and Becketwell, the transformed Market Hall is intended to serve as a flexible space used for entertainment and restaurants as well as markets offering the best of the region’s independent shopping, food and drink.

The first phase began with extensive roof and structural restoration of its cast iron, copper and glass roof. This was finished in August 2022 and needed a scaffolding structure weighing more than eight blue whales to complete the works.

During these renovations two-time capsules have been discovered by the contractors. They date from 1864 and 1938, the time of the previous renovations. These the time capsules have gone on display at the Derby Local Studies Library, in Full Street, as part of an exhibition, which will run until 16 January.

As one of the most prominent buildings in our city centre, and one envisaged to play such a central role in Derby’s future, the Council have grand ambitions for the revamped Market Hall to function as a seven-days-a-week destination for Derbyshire’s culinary and creative businesses. Equipped with facilities to include a bar and cosmopolitan food court, co-working space, gallery and performance spaces, the Market Hall aims to become a place people want to visit and spend time in again and again.

Time will tell how long this version of the Derby Market Hall will remain but if history tells us anything it is that this Derbyshire icon will continue to serve as a commercial and cultural centre, celebrating the heritage and spirit of innovation that are so distinctive to the region for centuries to come.

Ruth Gray, Heritage Consultant, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

References – Derby Market Hall:

1: Derbyshire Historic Environment Record MDR11254 – Medieval town, Derby

2: M. Craven. Derby An  Illustrated History.

3: Derbyshire Historic Environment Record MDR10367 – Market Hall, Market Place, Derby

4: BBC News: Victorian Derby Market Hall celebrates 150 years

Derby Market Hall and Osnabruck Square

Storage unit success

Storage Unit Success

Planning & Design Practice Ltd are delighted to announce a successful application for the erection of a storage building in Worksop, Nottinghamshire. The new building will provide additional storage space for the existing business, adjacent to the Chesterfield Canal.

Our client has been at the site for over 15 years, but a recent increase in demand means that an additional storage unit is required to continue the growth of the business long-term. As the district aims to provide sufficient opportunities for business growth and provide a range of jobs for local residents, this development is in-line with these principles to allow for sustainable business growth and cement continued longstanding investment into Worksop.

The storage unit is set within an existing industrial site bounded by other commercial related buildings, as well as being bordered by the Chesterfield Canal. In-line with the clients brief, our Architectural team, in collaboration with the Planning team, prepared a scheme that would not be imposing within the site and would sit comfortably and unobtrusively amongst the other industrial units.

Storage Unit – Plans

The development proposal for the new storage unit met multiple economic objectives that were set out in the Bassetlaw Local Development Framework. Our extensive knowledge of local planning policies, and site designations for commercial activity enabled us to secure planning permission on this occasion and secure jobs for the future for a sustainable business.

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.

Alfie Keelin, Planning Assistant, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

All rise – Planning fee price increase incoming

Planning fee increase

Joanna Averley, England’s chief planner has written to local planning authorities to inform them that planning fees will see an increase in price from Wednesday 6 December.

In the letter it was explained that the government welcomes the increase in income for all planning departments, and that it expects the fee increase to “result in increased investment in the planning service and lead to an improved service”.

The increase follows parliamentary debates that led to amendments to the Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications, Deemed Applications, Requests and Site Visits) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 that were approved and made on 8 November.

On 6 December, planning application fees will increase by 35 per cent for major developments and by 25 per cent for all other applications.

  • The amended regulations will also:
  • Introduce an annual indexation of planning applications fees, capped at 10%, from 1 April 2025.
  • Remove the fee exemption for repeat applications (the ‘free-go’). An applicant will still be able to benefit from a free-go if their application was withdrawn or refused in the preceding 12 months, subject to all other conditions for the free-go being met.
  • Reduce the Planning Guarantee for non-major planning applications from 26 to 16 weeks.
  • Introduce a new prior approval fee of £120 for applications for prior approval for development by the Crown on closed defence sites.

Averley said that local planning authorities should make arrangements to update websites and other material to reflect the changes to planning fees. The new fees will also be ready to implement on the Planning Portal.

The regulations can be found by clicking here.

And to read the letter on the UK Government website please click here.

Comprising RTPI Chartered town planners, RIBA Chartered Architects and architectural assistants, plus heritage specialists, our staff bring a wealth of experience from a range of backgrounds and various parts of the UK and Europe. 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.

For more information about this increase in planning fees, or for any questions relating to the planning service please contact us for a no obligation consultation on 01332 347371 or enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk

New life for Cathedral Green

Cathedral Green

Ambitious plans have been submitted by Wavensmere Homes Ltd and Wilson Bowden Developments Ltd for a 9 storey scheme to bring 186 new homes into the centre of Derby on the long standing vacant site next to Cathedral Green. The scheme also includes a café, residents amenity space, a gym, public and private landscaping, car and cycle parking and vehicular access off Full Street. Director Richard Pigott, with the assistance of research by Heritage Consultant Ruth Gray, critique the scheme and weigh up the pros and cons.

On the face of it, this riverside site is more sensitive, in historical terms, than some other recent major application sites in the city due to its location close to Grade I listed Cathedral Church of All Saints, the Grade II Silk Mill (Museum of Making), Bakewell’s Gates at The Silk Mill, St Mary’s Bridge, Magistrates Court and Amen Alley. It is also situated in the UNESCO Derwent Valley World Heritage Buffer Zone, the Derby City Centre Area of archaeological interest and adjacent to the City Centre Conservation Area.

It would be hard to argue that the development will not affect, to some extent, the setting of the Cathedral and the Silk Mill given their close proximity. However, this part of Derby has seen many changes throughout the centuries and Cathedral Green is, to my surprise, a recent construct. The industrial revolution, of which Derby was a key instigator, dominated this part of the city, with factories utilising the nearby canals, river and railways. As can be seen in the photograph below, the Silk Mill and the Cathedral (tower in the foreground) were surrounded by chimneys and industry in the early part of the 20th century.

1928 photograph. Source: Historic England

Since commerce and industry have moved out of the city centre to places like Pride Park and further afield, this part of Derby has been in steady decline and the application site itself has been boarded up for many years and become something of an eyesore.

Derby Civic Society have objected to the proposal which has said it would “wreck the historic skyline of Derby”. However, does this ignore or overlook the history of innovation and evolution within the city? As we have seen above, this part of Derby has changed across the ages in response to economic and social forces and why should this evolution not continue now? No key views or vistas of the cathedral will be blocked or interrupted as far as I can tell. Furthermore, lets not forget the benefits that this development would bring. It will be undoubtedly bring more vibrancy to the area around the cathedral, its green and the Cathedral Quarter in general.

Wavensmere Homes are becoming accustomed to working on sensitive sites, having recently restored both ‘Pepper Pot’ buildings at their London Road Nightingale Quarter (former DRI) site and having committed to sensitive redevelopment projects at both Friar Gate Goods Yard and Milford Mill within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

In the current proposal, Wavensmere, after consultation with stakeholders, have altered their proposals to something that better reflects the historic context of the site. This is an example of how heritage considerations play a part in shaping our cities. This more sympathetic approach will now complement Cathedral Green and enhance the area.

Heritage impacts, peoples’ needs and changes in socioeconomic activity have all combined to be the instigator of the developments that are taking place in Derby today. The suburbs are full but the city is hollow. Residential schemes are bringing life back to the city and, in turn, encourage more to visit the city. Lets get behind this development at Cathedral Green for the good of the city.

Artists impressions of the Cathedral Green scheme

Images: Cathedral One Full Street CGI by Wavensmere Homes and Wilson Bowden Developments

Unveiling the Impact of AI in Architecture: Navigating Tools and Innovations

AI in Architecture

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to seamlessly integrate itself into architecture, reshaping how designers, architects, and planners conceive and craft spaces. In our multidisciplinary design firm, we’ve embarked on an exploration of AI’s diverse influence within our field, delving into various AI-driven tools and methodologies to see if we can harness these for the benefit of our clients.

In the realm of text generation, AI tools like ChatGPT have shown promise, aiding in drafting articles and generating written content (including this very post!). However, when it comes to image generation for design work, tools like DALL E stand out as interesting resources. DALL E enables users to generate diverse and unique images with text-based prompts. We see these tools as being somewhat helpful to generate ideas and precedent images at the start of the design process, but there is definitely not enough control and detail to aid specific design work.

Figure 1 – DALL E text generated image, prompt; “2 storey rural red brick dwelling with bay windows and slate tile roof in an illustrative and architectural style”

AI-powered rendering software such as Veras offer more control by basing image generation on basic 3D models. Vera is a plug-in for SketchUp that can use simple base models to create varied fully detailed renders. Yet, despite the theoretical advantages, unexpected artifacts and complexities necessitate meticulous corrections, which can slow down the process.

We have had the most success so far with tools like Vizcom.ai. Vizcom can convert simple line sketches into striking visuals. Additionally, AI tools integrated into Adobe’s suite, such as generative fill in Photoshop, offer potential in improving our workflows. However, our key focus is always to create consistent and repeatable images that achieve the design intent we are looking for, which isn’t always possible with these tools.

Figure 2 – Vizcom ai visual created from line drawing. Before and after, prompt;  “rural house red brick”

Nevertheless, our core visual creation process remains rooted in established methods involving 2D and 3D CAD software such as SketchUp and Revit, coupled with rendering software like Enscape. These tools provide us with precise control over generating early-stage conceptual visuals or intricate final renderings, aligning closely with our meticulous design approach.

Another intriguing aspect of AI’s influence in architecture is generative design. We’ve explored tools like Dynamo for Revit, utilizing parameters to generate test options and forms. Autodesk’s Forma software has extended this capability, enabling the assessment of multiple iterations of site form and massing, particularly beneficial in the master planning phase for larger-scale development projects.

In our pursuit of innovation, we have a commitment to staying updated on technological advancements, continuously experimenting with AI-driven tools. However, while AI presents immense potential in reshaping architectural workflows, our approach remains grounded in time-tested practices.

As the possibilities for AI in architecture continue to expand, we’re eager to harness these advancements to further elevate our ability to craft high quality spaces. We are on the lookout for bold and ambitious clients eager to test these tools and software for their projects, collaborating to explore the possibilities and push the boundaries of what’s achievable in architecture.

David Symons, Senior Architect, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

AI in Architecture: References:

  1. ChatGPT: OpenAI’s ChatGPT
  2. DALL E: OpenAI’s DALL E
  3. Vizcom.ai: Vizcom.ai
  4. SketchUp: SketchUp
  5. Revit: Autodesk Revit
  6. Enscape: Enscape Rendering Software
  7. Dynamo for Revit: Dynamo for Revit
  8. Autodesk Forma: Autodesk Forma

Our approachable and experienced team 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. We offer a comprehensive design service through all the RIBA work stages from concept through to completion.

Planning & Design Practice 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. For a no obligation consultation to discuss your project or property, please get in touch on 01332 347371 or enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk

Retrospective planning permission

Retrospective Planning Permission

Planning & Design Practice is delighted to have assisted in securing retrospective planning permission for the installation of an oil tank associated with a recently constructive new build house.

The retrospective application related to work that had already commenced on site due to an honest error by our client who believed that planning permission was not required, as the installation of an oil tank fell within the limitations of Class E ‘buildings etc incidental to the enjoyment of a dwellinghouse’, Part 1 ‘development within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse’, of Schedule 2 of the General Permitted Development Order (2015).

However, following by the Local Planning Authority (LPA) it was advised that planning permission is required as a small part of the building is situated on land forward of the principal elevation of the original dwellinghouse.

It is first worth clarifying that the carrying out of ‘development’ (i.e. building works, material changes of use or engineering operations) without the benefit of planning permission is not, initially at least, ‘illegal’ but is better described as ‘unauthorised’. ‘Breaches of planning control’ are normally anonymously flagged by the general public to the LPA. In other words, the system is reactive – rarely do LPA’s proactively monitor compliance with planning consents.

Once a ‘breach of planning control’ has been identified the local planning authority (LPA) will often invite a landowner to submit a planning application to ‘regularise the breach’ – in other words to retrospectively obtain planning permission for development. In these circumstances, the LPA must assess the application in the same way as if it were a proposed development and not let the fact that it is a retrospective application affect the outcome either way.

If the application is approved, that is generally the end of the matter, with consent issued subject to any relevant conditions minus, of course, the usual 3 year commencement time frame. If the application is refused, however, the landowner then has the option to appeal the decision or rectify the breach of planning control (i.e. to correct the unauthorised works or cease the unauthorised use).

In most cases, we recommend that you appeal against the Enforcement Notice. We can help prepare, manage and submit your appeal. For more information on our enforcement service click here.

Andrew Stock, Associate Director – Chartered Town Planner, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Building Stability within the Green Belt

Stability in the green belt

Planning & Design Practice are pleased to announce that they have successfully secured planning permission for a new stable building within the Green Belt, a positive result for our client having been achieved.

The new stable building is intended for equestrian use and will help create a better quality of life and environment for the horses on the site. It will provide much needed storage space for hay and associated equipment to cater for the newly acquired use for the site. The stable building is of wooden construction with Shiplap Cladding, whilst the roof is black Onduvilla tiles.

Before the construction of this stable building the site consisted of one agricultural field with no notable obstructions to the Green Belt in terms of buildings. As this site is within the Green Belt this did pose the complication of having to prove the building is necessary to cater for the horses on the site. This was unavoidable as the Council wouldn’t approve the construction of a building within the Green Belt without compelling evidence that it is essential for the new equestrian use of the site. As the land was previously under an agricultural use it was also necessary to apply for a Change of Use so that horses could graze on the land.

Another key aspect to this project was preserving the openness of the green belt whilst also constructing a building upon the land. To do this the building had to be linked to recreation and/or outdoor sport as part of Policy EN2.

Planning within the Green Belt

Planning Design Practice Ltd is a multi-disciplinary team comprised of Architects, Planning Consultants and Heritage specialists.

Obtaining planning permission in the countryside can bring about significant gains and help to maximise the value of your rural property. However, development in the countryside is subject to strict planning controls which can make obtaining planning permission very difficult. Our RTPI Chartered planning experts have vast experience of working on projects for homeowners, landowners and farmers in rural areas including agricultural buildings, barn conversions, Certificates of Lawfulness and farm diversification schemes.

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.

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.

Samuel Young, Assistant Planner, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Reasons planning permission can be refused

Planning permission

If you are embarking on a development project, it is more than likely that the planning permission application for the project will occupy a large amount of time and effort. You may have recently had an application refused, and you might be wondering why. 

There are a wide variety of factors to consider before an application for planning permission can be accepted. The more time that you spend reviewing local legislation and regulations, the more time you will save in the long run. There are a number of different factors that local authorities consider when reviewing applications, largely dependent on the local area. So, what possible reasons are there for a planning permission application being refused?

Applications are often refused due to issues that local authorities may have with the proposed development. Such issues include:

  • Incomplete applications
  • Loss of privacy
  • Potential damage to a host building
  • Negative effect on local amenities
  • Detrimental effect on the character of the local area
  • Traffic and parking pressures

Read on to find out more about why planning permission can sometimes be refused.

Top Reasons Why Your Planning Permission May Be Refused

It is important to consider the effect that your proposed development may have on the area that it is planned for. For example, is the proposal conflicting with local authority planning policies? Does your proposal clash with multiple council policies? Your proposal must be possible, and must not go against local or national planning policies, such as those set out in the Local Plan, Neighbourhood Plan, or the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Below are some of the key points that must be considered prior to your planning permission application being approved.

Incomplete applications

This may seem obvious, but a large number of planning permission applications are declined simply because they are either incomplete or contain errors. Be sure that before you submit your application, you have thoroughly checked every single detail to make sure that there are no errors that may lead to the application being refused.

Loss of privacy

Another reason why a large number of planning permission applications are refused is due to the impact that the proposed development would have on residents in the surrounding area and their privacy. It is safe to assume that people would prefer to remain private while in their homes, and so if your development would infringe upon other people’s right to privacy, your planning application will most likely be refused.

Potential damage to a host building

While this point mainly refers to developmenting a listed building, it can still apply to others. Areas and buildings that are considered to hold significant value or importance are highly protected by strict planning regulations. Without taking these unique regulations into consideration, your planning application will almost definitely be refused.  Seek advice from professionals if you are unsure of how to go about developing a listed building. 

Negative effect on local amenities

Amenities refer to facilities that are inside the boundaries of a property, but outside of the physical building. This could include gardens, balconies, parking, and security features. Local authorities are obliged to protect the living standards of local residents, and so if your development might negatively affect the quality of life for those in surrounding areas, your application may be refused.

Detrimental effect on character of the local area

In UK planning, this particular point becomes highly subjective, and will be varied from case to case. If your development might look significantly out of place when taking into consideration the local architectural style, your application may be refused. It is therefore important to consider the quality and size of your proposed development, especially with regards to accommodation projects and plans for development in and around the Green Belt.

Traffic and parking pressures

Does your proposed development have the potential to increase the volume of traffic to the local area? If so, have extra parking measures been implemented to your plans? If your development would reduce the amount of off-street parking available, increases the potential for congestion, or negatively impacts any on-street parking, you may be refused planning permission. 

Can Planning Permission be Revoked?

Under the Town and Country Planning Act (1990), local authorities have the power to revoke planning permission to ‘such an extent as they consider expedient’. However, this procedure is rarely used, so once your application has been accepted, it is highly unlikely that permission would then be rescinded. 

What Can I Do If I Have Been Refused Planning Permission?

Before a planning application is refused outright, you may be informed of your local authority’s decision prior to them refusing permission entirely. If this is the case, you will have a chance to withdraw your application and make any necessary adjustments. 

If you are certain of obtaining your original plans, you may be able to appeal a decision to refuse your planning permission via the Secretary of State, or by contacting the Planning Inspectorate

Get Help From the Experts at Planning & Design

Need help with your planning permission application? Be sure to contact us for any advice or guidance that you may require during the process. Our expert team is on-hand to assist with any of your planning, architecture or heritage requirements. 

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