Architects Sheffield Archives - Page 2 of 6

Redundant farm building remade as affordable home

21st March 2023 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice is pleased to have secured another consent to convert a farm building to a home under Class Q in the Staffordshire Moorlands, writes Director and Chartered Town Planner Richard Pigott.

The modest agricultural building, located off Heath House Lane near Checkley, is enclosed on three sides but open at the front. The council’s officers recommended refusal on 3 grounds but it was overturned by committee members. The first two concerns, relating to impact on heritage assets and impact on the external appearance of the barn, were not shared by members, who had visited the site earlier that day. The third reason for refusal stated that the external dimensions of the building would extend beyond the existing external dimensions. This related to the proposed enclosure of small sections of external cladding beneath the building’s canopy. We pointed out, however, that Article 2(1) of the General Permitted Development Order 2015 provides that, for the purposes of the GPDO, ‘floor space’ means the total floor space in a ‘building’. It defines building as including any structure and erection, including any part of a building. The area beneath the canopy is under the roof and so in and part of the building, not outside of it. We therefore successfully argued that the enclosure of a small area of side cladding (in addition to the enclosure of the open front of the building) would not extend the building beyond the existing external dimensions.

The approval will mean the re-use of a redundant farm building and provide a modest and relatively affordable home in an area where there is a shortage of this type of house. It will not adversely affect any neighbouring properties, it has a safe access and will assist the council in meeting its housing needs. We look forward to seeing the barn converted in the near future.

Barn Conversion have been with us for many years and have gained in popularity since the 1990’s. There are now many examples of these unique, homes up and down the country, each with its own character. Working with either a ‘modern’ or traditional farm building can both yield spectacular results when approached in the right way. The key is to work with the building and its context to produce something that is unique to that particular site.

In the world of planning there are two ways to obtain permission to convert a farm building to a house. One is through the submission of a full planning application to your Local Planning Authority. The second is through exercising permitted development rights, commonly referred to as Class Q, which involves submitting a Prior Approval application to your Local Planning Authority.

Class Q is complex, and subject to a variety of conditions and restrictions. We have lots of experience in this area, and can provide you with expert advice on issues to be taken into account prior to submission of your application through to receiving the decision.

For more information, or to discuss how we could help with a specific project or property please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01332 347371.

Team PDP football fundraiser

21st March 2023 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice competed in the Business Fives charity football tournament in February, raising money for St Lukes Hospice in Sheffield. Team PDP finished the tournament at the Quarter Finals stage, having advanced from the Group and Knockout Stages of the football competition.

A sluggish start in match one resulted in a 1-0 defeat, followed by a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of the Group Winners, with Joe getting PDP on the scoresheet for the first time. A big final group game was needed to ensure PDP advanced. The game looked like it would be a 0-0 stalemate, until Director Jon provided a silky run from inside his own half and slotted the ball home to give PDP their first win of the afternoon.

The first knockout game saw PDP to a comfortable 3-0 victory, with Joe, Scott and Richard all creating chances while Josh and Shaun kept things tidy at the back. Andrew was still alert to danger and pulled off a number of good saves from between the sticks. The next game was a tightly fought encounter which needed to be decided on penalties, with all 5 of PDP’s penalties being put away successfully.

The final game came at the point where fatigue was starting to get the better of the team, which meant losing the game 2-0. Team PDP were delighted to have reached the Quarter Finals, with everyone holding their heads high.

However the better victory was the money raised for St Lukes Hospice. In total £210 was raised, a big thank you to everyone who donated. St Lukes Hospice care for those who have terminal illnesses throughout Sheffield. They aim to control their symptoms, alleviate pain, and give them the best possible quality of life – all free of charge. We were proud to represent such a good cause.

All eyes set on the next challenge now!

From L-R: Andrew Stock, Jon Millhouse, Joe Cattmull, Richard Pigott (front), Scott Williams, Shaun Hyde, Josh Bunce.

15-minute cities

6th March 202328th February 2023 by Gary Stringer

In the recent weeks, the term ’15-minute city’ has become splashed across our news feeds. The term has caused controversy and has divided different groups of people. This article will define what 15-minute cities are and set out the reasons for and against the concept.

What is a 15-minute city?

Coined by Carlos Moreno in 2016, a 15-minute city is an urban design in which residents are able to access all of their basic essentials at distances that would not take them more than 15 minutes by foot or bicycle. In this case, essentials are classed as healthcare, greenspace, leisure, education etc. It is not meant to provide everything you would ever need within a 15-minute journey, but rather prevent the use of private transport where possible.

15-minute cities or neighbourhoods have been actively researched in academia in the last few years, but in particular research took-off since the Covid-19 Pandemic. This included research such as Moreno et al., who discussed how a 15-minute city could increase quality of life for residents in a post-pandemic future; or Khavarian-Garmsir et al., who explored how a 15-minute city can contribute to sustainable communities, but how it can also ignore the needs of different social groups. It is in-part this latter point which is causing the controversy in the news.

Advantages of 15-minute cities

The key feature of a 15-minute city is for essential services to be provided within a 15-minute active travel journey time. Active travel includes walking, running, cycling; essentially any form of travel that does not produce carbon emissions and involves you moving your body in some way. There are numerous benefits to this:

Reducing carbon emissions through travel helps mitigate the effects of climate change;
Mental and physical health benefits;
Enhanced social cohesion in communities.

The proximity of 15-minute cities can also help those with low mobility, such as the elderly or disabled, to still access the services they need and allow them to be as independent as possible. Similarly, it can also encourage outdoor active play in younger children and teenagers who might typically spend all day in their rooms if they cannot access services that they want or need.

On top of the social and environmental benefits of the urban design concept, 15 minute cities can also bring economic benefits through the increase of job accessibility and a lower cost of maintenance related to higher-density developments.

Disadvantages of 15-minute cities

Like most things, there are a few disadvantages to what otherwise seems like an ideal concept. One of these is the criticism that it is too physically deterministic. For example, in relation to the groups of people previously mentioned, who is to say how far a 15-minute walk will take them? For those who are less mobile, other forms of active travel such as cycling may not be an option, and therefore the distance in which services can be located is smaller.

It can also be argued that 15-minute cities are/will be difficult to implement in existing neighbourhoods and cities due to the built form, and that trying to implement them now would cause more issues than benefits.

Conclusions

Regarding the news as to what’s happening in Oxford at the moment, The Byline Times do a good in-depth look at what conspiracists are arguing about the 15-minute city. In short, people are arguing that the cameras which will be used to monitor those with permits to drive certain routes will be used to track residents’ every move, and the Council will prevent them from going anywhere further than 15-minutes from their home, therefore removing their personal freedom. It is needless to say that this is not the case and that this idea has been perpetuated by social media. Unfortunately, due to the nature of social media, it is hard for someone to gather all the information and facts without a form of bias being seen.

As detailed in this article, 15-minute cities have a number of benefits, and although the concept isn’t perfect by any means, it can be argued that it is the future of urban form.

Emily Anderson, Planner, Planning & Design Practice.

Delayed and dismantled – Sheffield Shipping Containers run aground

22nd February 2023 by Gary Stringer

In November, an article surrounding the changes in Sheffield’s nightlife economy was published, looking at the growing variety of events, mixed-use spaces and quirky developments being experienced by those visiting Sheffield city centre. Since then, one of the main developments mentioned, the Steel Yard Shipping Containers, has been closed and is being dismantled due to a series of controversies, a lack of profit and Council errors in the erection of the containers.

The previous article detailed the optimism and excitement we felt for this the new, mixed-use, alternative development in the city centre. Steel Yard planned to utilise steel shipping containers to ensure sustainability – steel being synonymous with the city and a more sustainable alternative to brick and cement. It was envisaged that the development would boost the regeneration of the Fargate area with initial investment into the development intended to help the recovery of the post-pandemic economy in the city centre, driving footfall and providing a boost to the night time economy.

Consisting of eight units, the pop-up spaces would help independent businesses gain a foothold and raise their profiles within the city centre, together with introducing green infrastructure, outdoor seating, food vendors, a sports bar and much needed city centre public toilets.

However, the development was hit with controversy. The opening was delayed by 3 months, from July 2022 to October due in part to the discovery of underground water pipes on the site. This exacerbated existing problems. There were unplanned relocation costs to maintain sewer access, which raised total costs to £420k from the original £300k. Additionally, the council were spending £17k a month on top of £10k to cover fuel and hire a generator because mains power cables were removed. This led to further building work being paused, unfilled units and the bar on the first floor never opening. By early 2023, businesses were told they had less than 3 weeks left to trade as the whole park was to be closed by January 30th.

In light of the decision to dismantle the Steel Yard Shipping Containers, the Strategies and Resources Committee at Sheffield City Council are discussing three options for the future of the containers, including; relocation to an area near the Sheffield Train Station, reuse within the community or sale of the units. With the dismantling of the containers expected to take until March to complete, organisations will be able to submit an application for the future of the units ahead of the Council’s decision on the proposals in April. The preferred option for the containers is for use within the community, with a recommendation to move them to a city centre park to provide public toilet facilities and a café. This will allow local community groups to improve facilities and improve a local park to create a longer-term positive use for the city.

The dismantling and removal of the Shipping Containers will make way for the £15.8 million revamp and redevelopment of Fargate as a whole. This focusses on renewing and reshaping the city centre in a way that drives growth, improves experience and ensures future sustainability. This will be completed with funding from the Future High Streets Fund to implement landscaping, green planting, seating areas and landscaping.

We look forward to watching how Fargate can develop into a sustainable, enjoyable and transformative landscape within the city centre, as well as discovering the positive future for the relocated Shipping Containers.

With an office at Park Hill we have a close connection with Sheffield with numerous clients and projects in the region. Please get in touch for advice on any planning issues or potential projects.

Successful collaboration sees bungalow transformed

21st February 2023 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice have secured planning permission to extend and alter a detached bungalow to provide a front porch, a single-storey rear extension, a flat-roofed rear dormer at first-floor height and associated alterations. The site lies in a residential area of Stockport surrounded by homes of a similar character.

The rationale for the development was driven by a desire for the client to enhance their bungalow, to provide more living space in their home. We worked with Urban Design & Consult Ltd to prepare and submit a full planning application addressing design concerns from the officer’s comments on a previously submitted application, which was withdrawn earlier in 2022. The previous application consisted of a distinctively different design compared to the rest of the street scene which could have caused overlooking and loss of privacy for neighbouring residents. However, the revised design ensured privacy and was a more modest proposition in relation to the existing street scene.

The proposed porch will incorporate a pitched roof in line with the dwelling and similar to neighbouring homes. The rear extensions including the rear dormer are in keeping with the street scene as many other local detached bungalows have undertaken renovations and extensions in recent years. The proposed flat roofed rear dormer follows the limitations of permitted development. All materials will match the existing dwelling and rear elevations will not be readily visible from public vantage points.

Due to the Borough Council’s specific requirements for extensions to homes [Extensions and Alterations to Dwellings SPD (2011)], the bungalow was required to use matching materials for any extensions to the existing property, respecting the shape and form of the bungalow. Additionally, the front porch is a reduced, modest design, when compared to the previously proposed extension, through retaining the appearance of openness around the dwelling, being appropriate in size and respecting existing materials.

We are excited to see work progress on site to enhance the client’s home after a swift approval, and look forward to seeing the completed project.

Whether you need help from a planning expert to decide what you might be able to achieve, or help designing your dream home, here at Planning & Design we will listen to your aspirations and help you to understand what can be achieved.

Our team of experienced professionals work with home owners on a daily basis to provide the technical knowledge, design ideals and relevant expertise to help guide you through what can be a daunting process.

With you every step of the way, from the conception of an idea to the production of design proposals and the achievement of planning permission, we can then help you get Building Regulations approval and, if needed, we can help with contract administration & overseeing the building work.

For more information and a no obligation consultation on how we can help you achieve your dream home, call us on 01332 347371 or email enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Main image: Urban Design & Consult Ltd

Building regulations

13th February 202325th January 2023 by Gary Stringer

We are pleased to be able to say we have been granted building regulations approval for two projects. The first being a barn conversion forming an extension to a dwelling, dealing with the complications caused by insulating solid walls and turning a space not designed for living in, into a comfortable dwelling extension. The second being a stone extension to a traditional dwelling in North Derbyshire where careful consideration was required to ensure the proposed roof structure worked alongside a complicated existing structure.

Understanding Building Regulations

Building regulations are a key set of guidelines and standards that all the vast majority of construction projects within the United Kingdom must comply with. These regulations cover a wide range of issues; including fire safety, energy efficiency and accessibility, ensuring that all buildings are safe, somewhat energy efficient and fit for purpose.

It is essential for clients to understand the importance of building regulations and to work closely with their architects to ensure that their construction projects meet all the necessary standards. Compliance with building regulations not only ensures safety and accessibility, but it can also lead to cost savings in the long run for the client, by making the property more energy efficient. It is worth noting that the energy efficiency standards set by UK building regulations should be taken as minimums and not a target.

Finally, it’s important to take into account that not having building regulations approval can make it difficult to sell a property and will certainly negatively impact its value.

In summary, building regulations play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility of buildings in the UK. Compliance with these regulations can bring financial benefits to the client and end user and it is crucial for clients to carefully consider how their project will comply with building regulations when planning out their own projects.

Here at Planning & Design Practice we can take care of your own construction projects, all the way through from the first planning appraisal to the completed projects sign off. This would be done with the help from our team of Chartered Town Planners, RIBA registered Architects and Architectural Technologists, ensuring that planning, design & technical details are all professionally handled from the very beginning of your project.

For a no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please contact us on 01332 347371 or email enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Traditional cottage reimagined

25th January 2023 by Gary Stringer

The design process for a planning application to renovate and extend this traditional cottage farmhouse in Threapwood near the village of Alton, Derbyshire began back in 2019. Gaining planning permission in Staffordshire Moorlands District is often challenging, so after five different design schemes were submitted in order to satisfy the Council, both Planning & Design Practice and our clients, the home owners are delighted that planning has finally been granted.

The owners decided to take on Threapwood farm from their relatives, and make it their forever home. The brief was to create an open plan kitchen and dining area, separate living space/snug, a larger main bedroom with ensuite and walk in wardrobe. It was important for the owners to try and retain as much of the existing history and character of the cottage as possible whilst upgrading the cottage to suit more modern standards. Removing an existing white UPVC conservatory and replacing it, was high on this list of improvements.

Whilst the cottage retained its full Permitted Development rights, the proposals could have included a single storey extension up to 8m and a two storey of up to 3m. However, both Planning & Design and the owners felt that this type of extension would not be appropriate to the size and scale of the existing cottage.

The owners also wanted to make use of the existing barn space, which is attached to the main cottage, as extra living space. A separate planning application for this was submitted.

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 & 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.

With values 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.

For a no obligation consultation to discuss how we can help you achieve your dream forever home, please contact us on 01332 347371 or email enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Solar PV Farm within Green Belt to power up to 952 homes per year

20th February 202325th January 2023 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice is pleased to announce that planning permission has recently been secured for a 4.2MWp solar PV farm on a former landfill site within the Nottingham-Derby Green Belt.

The proposed 6.7ha solar farm would have the capacity to generate approximately 4.2MWp of electricity, enough to power up to 952 homes per year and offset over 1,790 tonnes of CO2 every year4, the equivalent of taking 747 cars off the road. It is anticipated that the solar farm will take up to 3 months to construct and will have an operational life of 25 years. Following construction of the solar farm, the site will be seeded with an appropriate grassland mix.

**Figure 1:** Approved constructional layout

**Figure 2:** Approved landscaping layout

National planning policy is strongly in favour of renewable energy developments. In particular section 14 ‘Meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and costal change’ of the National Planning Policy Farmwork (2021) sets out key considerations in respect of climate change, stating the Government’s belief that this is not simply an environmental matter, but one which encompasses social, economic and environmental issues.

The application site is located within the Nottingham-Derby Green Belt. Inappropriate development is, by definition, harmful to the Green Belt and would not be approved except in very special circumstances.

Paragraph 151 of the NPPF states:

“When located in the Green Belt, elements of many renewable energy projects will comprise inappropriate development. In such cases developers will need to demonstrate very special circumstances if projects are to proceed. Such very special circumstances may include the wider environmental benefits associated with increased production of energy from renewable sources.”

It was successfully argued that the proposal will make a meaningful and valuable contribution to cutting greenhouse gases and to meeting the UK’s renewable energy targets, and this factor should attract substantial weight in the overall planning balance. The very special circumstances necessary to justify the proposal were demonstrated, in this case, and therefore the scheme did not conflict with local or national Green Belt policies.

Solar farms are a simple and established technology providing a source of safe and clean energy which produce zero emissions when in operation. Solar energy is not only sustainable; it is renewable, meaning that we will never run out of it. It also enjoys the highest levels of public support for renewable energy in the UK, with 85% of the public in favour.

The Planning Team at Planning and Design Practice Ltd, on behalf of our client successfully liaised with key stakeholders in the preparation, submission and management of the planning application. The team of Chartered Town Planners are well versed in understanding and promoting renewable energy developments for all stakeholders to ensure the best possible case if put forward.

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

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

2022 – the year in review

3rd January 202321st December 2022 by Gary Stringer

As the year draws to a close and the holidays approach, our Director Ricard Pigott looks back to review what has been an interesting year, and looks ahead to the opportunities of 2023.

Review 2022

The annual rush to get things submitted and completed before Christmas at Planning & Design Practice has for us this year been punctuated by an unusual distraction in the form of the football World Cup. I have to admit that I was supporting Argentina in the final largely because of their universally loved number 10. Lionel Messi retired from international football in 2016 because of a catalogue of ‘painful’ failures but he was tempted back and managed to win the big one at the 5th time of asking. I think one of the key lessons from that victory was that if you keep persevering and ‘doing the right things’, anything is possible if you work as a collective and have strong leadership.

Which brings me to one of the issues of the day, Climate Change. Progress on reducing the UK’s carbon emissions appears slow, largely because local and national policies and government action appear to be out of step with public opinion. A YouGov survey has found that 80 per cent of people in the UK support regulations making solar panels mandatory on new-build houses (only 9 per cent oppose this). The survey also found that 66 per cent believe that battery storage should be included in new homes to increase the efficiency of solar panels while 60 per cent want to see heat pumps included in all new-build homes, with just 17 per cent opposed. MCS Charitable Foundation, who commissioned the survey, argue that unless a requirement for all new-build homes to have solar panels, battery storage and heat pumps as standard is included in the government’s Future Homes Standard, carbon targets will be hard to meet. And who can argue with this? If housebuilders know that these measures are mandatory they can be factored into costs from an early stage, safe in the knowledge that they are delivering a superior ‘product’ that is better adapted to meet our future needs.

It is encouraging to see that the moratorium on wind power seems to be coming to an end after more than a decade when it has been nigh on impossible to get planning permission to erect an on-shore wind turbine. You can read more about that HERE.

When it comes to retrofit and home improvements, the system is also out of step with the views of ordinary people. An article in the Architects’ Journal in February summed it up perfectly: “Rules governing listed buildings prevent us from upgrading single glazing on homes – completely bonkers when you consider our uphill struggle to sustainably retrofit the UK’s existing housing stock. We have removed the common sense factor in determining planning decisions; the idea that the natural state of a window would outweigh the need to reduce a building’s carbon footprint is perplexing.”

At a local policy level, whilst some local planning authorities are adopting their own supplementary planning documents or reviewing their Local Plan policies on tackling climate change, we feel that they could go further to raise standards. It remains a very important issues for local councillors, reflecting the public mood.

The requirement to achievement Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) on all developments larger than householder improvements is now becoming a reality and will become law from November 2023. BNG is an approach to development, and/or land management, that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state (at least 10% better) than it was beforehand.

However, there remains uncertainty about how exactly this should be secured in instances where it can be achieved on site and even more uncertainty about how it can be achieved where net gain needs to delivered off site. The availability of offsite land to deliver BNG requirements appears to be a challenge but an even greater concern appears to be whether Local Planning Authorities have an appropriate administrative resource and skillset to deal with BNG in a timely manner.

For Planning & Design , we have had another year with many proud achievements for our clients and more details can be found on the News page on our website. Particular highlights include helping to provide a significant boost to rural employment opportunities in the Derbyshire Dales, planning permission for a new wedding venue in South Derbyshire, securing the change of use for a Derby drinking landmark, ongoing success in delivering Class Q barn conversions, and being recognised as an RIBA chartered architectural practice. All this in a year in which we celebrated our 20th Anniversary in providing town planning services, architectural expertise and specialised heritage advice.

We are delighted to have continued to work with a diverse range of clients including landowners, existing business owners, farmers and other architects including Matthew Montague, John Smedleys Ltd, Chevin Homes, Derby and Burton University Hospitals Trust, Evans Vettori, Derbyshire County Council, Elvaston Castle and Garden Trust, Callow Hall – Wildhive, Meadowview Homes, and Microsoft Rare Ltd.

In Derby we have got used to being largely back in the office again after 2 years of hybrid working and we can also celebrate another successful year for the Sheffield office which resulted in a move to the iconic Park Hill development, the Grade II* listed set of buildings overlooking the city.

Looking towards 2023, I can only hope that local planning authorities and other key organisations within the planning system can be better resourced as we are finding that 8 and 13 week determination deadlines are becoming increasingly meaningless. Reduced funding and a loss of senior staff has inevitably led to a gap in training and expertise, which in turn leads to longer application times and delays in the development process which has knock on effects for jobs, the economy and the environment. We are doing our bit at Planning & Design to develop our own talent by taking on graduates, sandwich year students and apprentices, and this has always been the approach taken by our long time MD and founder, Jonathan Jenkin, who is retiring at Christmas. We are very sad to see Jonathan hang up his scale ruler but wish him all the best in the future.

All that remains for me to say is that we will continue to strive for ever more sustainable development and hope to see many of you in person over the next 12 months. I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Richard Pigott, Director, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Planning success promotes industry

20th December 202214th December 2022 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice Ltd is pleased to announce that planning permission has been secured for the erection of 3 no. commercial/industrial buildings for B2 (Industrial), B8 (Storage & Distribution) and E(g)(iii) (Industrial Processes) helping promote industry at a site in Longcliffe, Derbyshire.

The application site is a roughly rectangular shaped 0.26 ha plot set over two levels located within the established industrial/commercial area of Longcliffe.

The redevelopment of the site was specifically developed for our client (SWR Property Holdings Ltd) to enable a multi-use site for both their existing businesses, Robinsons Longcliffe Ltd and Telford Group Ltd.

The Architectural Team in collaboration with the Planning Team at Planning and Design Practice Ltd prepared a sensitive scheme that would make efficient use of land in terms of maximising the number and size of unit’s deliverable on site, whilst minimising the potential impacts on the countryside.

Building A is a two-storey steel portal framed building with a gross internal floor area of approximately 311m2. The building would contain a vaulted commercial/industrial space with ancillary office accommodation.

Building B is a single storey steel portal framed building with a gross internal floor area of approximately 214 m2. building would contain 3 no. units for commercial/industrial/storage uses, each with a single toilet.

Building C is a steel portal framed building with a gross internal floor area of approximately 151 m2. The building would be used for commercial/industrial/storage uses with a single toilet. The exterior of the building would be clad/roofed with a corrugated metal sheeting material (anthracite grey).

Robinsons Longcliffe Ltd has undertaken steel fabrication for many of the heavy industrial and quarrying companies in the county and also nationwide. They have been operating in the area for almost 70 years and have gained an excellent reputation as a go-to company for industrial solutions.

It was successfully argued that the redevelopment of the site for new build B8 (Storage and distribution) and E(g)(iii) (Industrial Processes) units would be an appropriate form of employment development within the defined countryside as it would represent an opportunity to create much needed rural employment opportunities within the area. The development will support the local economy by providing a range of fit for purpose modern commercial units for local residents within the area which will in turn contribute towards the creation and retention of rural employment opportunities.

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.

Andrew Stock, Associate Director Planning & Design Practice Ltd.