New Homes Archives - Planning Design Ltd

Chevin Homes celebrate Dales decision

22nd March 202322nd March 2023 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice is pleased to announce that planning permission has been granted for 18 new homes at land off Normanhurst Park, Darley Dale, Derbyshire for our clients Chevin Homes.

Following constructive discussions with Officers, a recommendation of approval was put forward and after a productive debate at Derbyshire Dales Planning Committee, Members resolved to approve the application.

The development will provide a mix homes, including:

4 x 2 bed houses
7 x 3 bed bungalows
3 x 3 bed houses
4 x 5 bed houses

A traditional design approach is proposed, with the use of Birchover Coursed Stone and plain slate grey tiles used throughout the development, which is considered to respect the character, identity and context of this part of the Derbyshire Dales.

The site includes a number of trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders which will be incorporated into the development. A number of mitigation measures are also proposed during the construction phase including no-dig surfacing and Tree Protection Measures in order to minimise the potential for any foreseeable detrimental impact occurring to the retained trees.

The sensitive scheme has made efficient use of land in terms of maximising the number and size of unit’s deliverable on site, whilst also minimising the potential impacts on the countryside and the occupants of neighbouring properties.

The application was accompanied by a comprehensive Sustainability and Energy Statement prepared by the Planning Team setting out measures on how the development seeks to mitigate against global warming and adapt to climate change. The houses have been designed to optimise the prospect of using solar PV panels in terms of their orientation and positioning within the site. EV charging points would also be included as part of the development.

Chevin Homes are an award winning Derby based housebuilder who have a strong track record of building high quality new homes throughout Derbyshire and the East Midlands. In the immediate locality to this site, Chevin Homes have completed schemes at Bakewell Road, Matlock and Old Hackney Lane, Maltock which have been hugely popular.

We work with developers of all sizes, from small companies working on one property at a time to large housebuilders and commercial organisations where multi-million pound schemes are the norm and are well versed in researching and understanding local Council’s policies and housing positions 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.

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

Images: Chevin Homes

Public Exhibition: Land south of Main Road, Brailsford

28th November 202219th October 2022 by Gary Stringer

On behalf of our client we recently held a Public Exhibition outlining proposals for a development of 90 new homes, plus land for a new medical centre on land south of Main Road, Brailsford, Derbyshire.

The following images show the Proposal in detail, the site itself, the Masterplan and why Brailsford is being considered.

The Proposal:

The Site:

The Masterplan:

Why Brailsford:

For more information on this proposal, please contact Andrew Stock, Principal planner, Planning & Design Practice on 01332 347371 or email enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk

Chevin at Chellaston

28th November 202222nd June 2022 by Gary Stringer

Working for Chevin Homes Planning & Design Practice has successfully secured planning permission for an attractive new development of 8 semi-detached affordable bungalows with associated biodiversity enhancements and landscaping in Chellaston on the south side of Derby, writes Richard Pigott, Director at Planning & Design Practice.

The site was acquired by Chevin Homes but had been earmarked for ecological enhancements as part of a recently completed scheme for 34 dwellings by Redrow Homes. However, with the assistance of Ramm Sanderson ecologists and Golby and Luck Landscape Architects, we were able to demonstrate that the site could be partially developed, with the remaining land being better managed as part of a robust long-term plan to secure significant ecological improvements to the land to the rear of the dwellings. South Derbyshire District Council agreed that the benefits of the provision of 8 new affordable dwellings would be significant and that no other significant harm would result from the proposals. It is understood that Chevin Homes have discussed the proposals with a number of the Registered Providers operating in the district, and that a delivery partner will be identified in the near future.

Planning & Design Practice have a successful history working with Chevin Homes, a renowned local house builder. Working on their behalf we were successful in securing planning permission for the redevelopment of Brookside Farm, Breadsall, Derbyshire.

This development comprises a mix of just five exclusive barn conversions, new build homes and restoration of the original farmhouse. The site is located in a beautifully secluded backwater position with outstanding views and picturesque countryside walks, which is just 5 minutes drive away from Derby.

Having secured planning permission for the site in 2018 for Chevin Homes we were delighted that their development won ‘Residential Development of the Year’ at the East Midlands Business Link ‘Brick Awards’ 2021.

Chase Farm is a bespoke courtyard development of just eight truly unique homes situated on the edge of the Peak District at Ambergate, Derbyshire within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and was completed earlier this year.

This project was an exciting one for us to work on as it comprised of the redevelopment of a brownfield site with a derelict social club and car park, two 19th century cottages and an agricultural barn. The whole site had been neglected for the last few years and the buildings were rapidly degrading. We were successful in achieving full planning permission for one new detached dwelling on the footprint of the old social club, a terrace of 4 new dwellings, the restoration of the two cottages and the conversion of the barn to a dwelling.

We work with developers of all sizes, from small companies working on one property at a time to large housebuilders and commercial organisations where multi-million pound schemes are the norm.

Since being founded in 2002, we have established a strong reputation for providing honest and sound commercial advice, skilled presentation, advocacy and negotiation.

Our core planning and architectural expertise is supported by specialists in Heritage and Urban Design. We always think innovatively, and a collaborative approach is at the heart of what we do.

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.

Approval for bungalows to proceed

28th November 202216th February 2022 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice were pleased when our application to discharge a number of pre-commencement conditions pursuant to a planning approval (17/00200/OL) to build 10 new bungalows was approved on behalf of our client. Pre-commencement conditions are those conditions on a planning permission which must be fulfilled before work starts on site or before the use of land changes.

The original application was for the approval of reserved matters for the erection of 10 bungalows to wheelchair user standard M4(3) comprising of 2 bedroom bungalows of 2 different house types.

The application sought approval of details relating to:

Employment & Training,
Public Art,
Surface Water Drainage,
Assessment of existing land drainage,
Foul Sewage,
Construction Method Statement,
Site Accommodation, Access onto Milken Lane,
Parking and Manoeuvring,
a Written Scheme of Investigation,
a Construction Environmental Management Plan,
a Landscape Ecological Management Plan,
Badger Survey,
Land Contamination,
and a Remediation strategy.

The nature of the conditions were to ensure there was clear mitigation provided. We were able to collaborate with a number of key stakeholders to ensure that the technical details of the application were approved to allow work to commence on site.

The application site forms an agricultural field on the edge of the village of Ashover, in Derbyshire. This is beyond the defined Settlement Development Limit within open countryside which is designated as a Special Landscape Area. It is open in character and slopes from north to south towards the main point of access taken from Milken Lane. A track runs along the eastern edge of the site leading to Grange Farm and Grange Barn to the north east.

The original outline planning permission restricts the approved development on the site to “bungalows” in the description of development, and also by condition 4 of the permission which states that “the dwellings hereby approved shall be single storey only.”

There is no other option then other than to design single storey dwellings for this development.

The theme chosen was that of traditional agricultural buildings – in appearance and materials as well as in the courtyard-type layout that has been submitted for consideration. Inspiration came from existing barn conversions and other rural developments that retain an agricultural character. The design chosen therefore includes materials typical of vernacular rural buildings – stone, timber, and plain clay roof tiles (Staffordshire Blue is proposed to be in keeping with many of the traditional buildings in Ashover). The layout of the site seeks to address social isolation and loneliness. The properties will have living areas to the front overlooking communal open space with land for a communal garden. There is an option for residents to become members of a Residents Association. The properties and layout are designed to encourage social interaction with all properties overlooking the central access road and communal spaces.

The site layout aims to create an informal courtyard feel, to represent the character of a farmyard through the relationship between the buildings.

We work with developers of all sizes, from small companies working on one property at a time to large housebuilders and commercial organisations where multi-million pound schemes are the norm. Our core planning and architectural expertise is supported by specialists in Heritage and Urban Design. We always think innovatively and a collaborative approach is at the heart of what we do. To discuss your project or property, contact us on 01332 347371 to arrange a no obligation consultation.

Class Q success in Staffordshire

28th November 202219th January 2022 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice Ltd are delighted to secure another Class Q barn conversion in Staffordshire. The modern, steel portal framed building will provide two family homes set in an idyllic rural setting with views over a small brook.

The Farm consists of a relatively modern farmhouse which appears to date from around the 1970s, together with a range of modern steel framed agricultural buildings which predominantly house livestock. Historically, the building was used for the repair of agricultural machinery that worked the farm and for housing cattle. But became vacant in recent years following the reduction in the agricultural holding.

The building in question is enclosed on four sides using block with corrugated sheet metal cladding and benefits from the existing access points which previously supported the former farming use.

Class Q, the permitted development right to change the use of an agricultural building into a dwelling which has been with us for some time now, originally introduced in April 2014. Over the years a significant number of additional new homes have been provided by converting redundant agricultural buildings into homes.

Following careful assessment of the planning history and the structural integrity of the building we were comfortable in advising the landowner and occupant, and submitted an application under Class Q. This is legislation which sets a number of criteria which fix clear parameters to the design of the building. The intention with Class Q is to retain the agricultural character of the building whilst providing a modern attractive home.

Class Q’s are something Planning & Design Practice Ltd are well versed in, having helped lots of home owners imagine and realise their dream homes. The permitted development right is a notoriously complicated and thorny issue with many Planning Authorities. Since the permitted development right was introduced, there have been several notable appeal decisions which have altered and clarified how Class Q applications should be dealt with by an Authority. You can read more about this here.

The Class Q permitted development rights allow us to bring back into use our redundant agricultural buildings to provide modern homes which celebrate the changing nature of our countryside and go some way to addressing the nationwide need to build more homes, particularly in rural areas in a way that is more sustainable.

We have vast experience of working on rural projects for homeowners, landowners and farmers in rural areas including barn conversions (both via a planning application and Class Q) and farm diversification schemes. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for a no obligation consultation to discuss your project or property.

The Barn following conversion under Class Q

Urban Uplift – a material consideration in the determination of planning applications

28th November 202219th October 2021 by Gary Stringer

Harry Capstick, part of the PDP Planning team takes a look at urban uplift, what it is and what it means for the planning system.

On 6 August 2020, the government published ‘Changes to the current planning system’. The consultation paper set out four policy proposals to improve the effectiveness of the current system.

In changes to the current planning system, the government set out the importance of building the homes our communities need and putting in place measures to support our housing market to deliver 300,000 homes a year by mid-2020s.

It has been decided that the most appropriate approach to meet this figure is to retain the standard method in its current form. However, in order to meet the principles of delivering more homes on brownfield land, the government have applied a 35% uplift to the post-cap number generated by the standard method to Greater London and to the local authorities which contain the largest proportion of the other 19 most populated cities and urban centres in England, and have referred to these places as the ‘Urban Uplift’. This is based on the Office for National Statistics list of Major Towns and Cities, ranked in order of population size using the latest mid-year population estimates provided by the Office for National Statistics.

The “Urban Uplift” has now been a material consideration in the determination of planning decisions since June 2021. Two early appeal decisions, both in Sheffield (Deepcar PINS 267168 and Loxley PINS 3262600), have provided an indication as to the implications of the uplift and how it should be applied.

The City Council ran the argument that the Urban Uplift, introduced by changes to the NPPG in December 2020, should not be applied at the date 6 months after its introduction as stated in the NPPG (i.e. 16 June 2021), but only at a time when the Council decided to publish its next updated Monitoring Report, as this allowed the timescales to be aligned. Neither Inspector found this argument to be persuasive, stating that there are no provisions to opt-out of avoiding the effect of the uplift from this date. The Council also sought to argue that the increased number of dwellings could only be delivered in the main urban area and not in other settlements within the City’s boundary.

Again this was rejected by the Inspectors. These appeals also confirm that Councils are required to demonstrate that student accommodation will have a positive impact on the supply of market housing, and that such accommodation cannot just be taken into account, with no adequate analysis. In relation to what this means for the other 20 areas, which are subject to the Urban uplift, this is set out in the Table below.

The application of the urban uplift to the most recently published land supply figures results in the following authorities no longer having a five year supply:
Birmingham (3.71), Bristol (3.15), Manchester (4.63), Sheffield (4.02), Bradford (3.07), Newcastle-upon-Tyne (4.31) Stoke-onTrent (4.61), Southampton (3.25), Plymouth (Joint Planning Area) (2.07), Derby (3.91), Wolverhampton (4.40), and Brighton and Hove (1.55).

With the exception of Bristol, which has a 20% buffer, all of the other areas have a 5% buffer. For 7 authorities, this change would mean that the “tilted balance” is engaged as it was before. For a smaller number of authorities, that change away from a local plan target, would actually result in demonstrating a more than five year land supply. Of course, this analysis just utilises the Council’s most up to-date published information, and as the recent appeals in Sheffield demonstrate, these can in themselves be subject to substantial discounting, depending upon the approach adopted in the collection of evidence by the Council.

Harry Capstick, Planner, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Planning permission converts Public House to private residences

29th November 202228th July 2021 by Gary Stringer

We recently secured permission for the residential redevelopment of a former public house in Derbyshire. We were able to reach an agreement with the local authority for the development of five dwellings. The scheme included the retention and conversion of the original historic element of the public house, which was converted into a pair of charming semi-detached houses. Then, we traded the floor space of the rest of the pub, which had been extended several times in an ad-hoc fashion, to be demolished with the new dwellings erected in its place.

Two key issues that we had to address were the impact the development would have on the neighbouring properties and ensuring the dwellings had safe access to the highway. Tina Humphreys, our Part II Assistant, led the design work and was able to carefully balance the design of the new properties to prevent overlooking, loss of privacy or the new properties being overbearing. The site was spatially compact, and we had to account for the minimum garden depths required by the Authority, which meant careful placement of windows and amenity space. The scheme replicated the density of the surrounding area, and the high-quality design of the new dwellings will make a positive contribution to the street scene.

The issue with the proposed access was that although we could achieve a safe visibility splay in theory, based on a speed survey that was conducted for this application, the road conditions were such that cars regularly parked adjacent to the access, and therefore blocking visibility. We were able to reach an agreement with the local Highways Authority to extend some existing double yellow lines to prevent the blockage, in doing so satisfying the Planning Officer that the development could take place safely.

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

With extensive knowledge about the policies and procedures of individual councils and the approach taken by planning officers and Councillors, we can tailor our services to the site location and the individual needs of our clients. Contact us for a no obligation consultation to discuss your project or property.

Planning permission for Brookside Farm

29th November 202219th May 2021 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice are delighted to have received planning permission for the redevelopment of Brookside Farm, Breadsall.

Working alongside our client, renowned local house builder Chevin Homes, the development comprises a mix of just five exclusive barn conversions, new build homes and restoration of the original farmhouse. Chevin Homes is a Derby-based firm of housebuilders, established in 2002, creating quality new homes throughout Derbyshire and East Midlands.

The site is located in a beautiful secluded backwater position with outstanding views and picturesque countryside walks, whilst being only 5 minutes drive away from Derby.

The development is so popular that all plots were sold off plan within days of the initial press release. For more enquiries and further information, please visit chevinhomes.com

We work with developers of all sizes, from small companies working on one property at a time to large housebuilders and commercial organisations where multi-million pound schemes are the norm.

Since being founded in 2002, we have established a strong reputation for providing honest and sound commercial advice, skilled presentation, advocacy and negotiation.

Our core planning and architectural expertise is supported by specialists in Heritage and Urban Design. We always think innovatively, and a collaborative approach is at the heart of what we do.

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

Phase 2 of Chase Farm released

29th November 202215th December 2020 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice Ltd are delighted to see the ongoing progress of the Chase Farm development, with Phase 2 now released by our clients Chevin Homes. The site comprises an exclusive courtyard development of 8 bespoke dwellings, situated on the edge of the Peak District and enjoying fine views over the Derwent Valley.

The site formerly comprised of a derelict social club and carpark, two 19th century cottages and an agricultural barn. The whole site had been neglected for the last few years and the buildings were rapidly degrading. Planning & Design Practice Ltd achieved full planning permission for one new detached dwelling on the footprint of the old social club, a terrace of 4 new dwellings, the restoration of the two cottages and the conversion of the barn to a dwelling.

The site had its challenges, being located in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, which significantly impacts any potential development as it must either preserve or enhance its character and appearance. We engaged proactively with the Council and local Conservation Officer in lengthy discussions to secure a design that was not considered to harm the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site. The plans were designed to ensure that a high-quality scheme was produced, with careful attention to detail.

The site is being developed by high-quality housebuilder Chevin Homes and is proving to be hugely popular. With prices starting from as little as £225,000 (*£180,000 with Help To Buy), enquiries can be made by visiting www.chevinhomes.com or by contacting info@chevinhomes.com

Planning & Design Practice Ltd have worked on numerous schemes affecting the restoration of Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Director Jon Millhouse specialises in heritage planning and architectural team leader Lindsay Cruddas is a registered Specialist Conservation Architect.

For more information, or to discuss a specific project or property please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Arresting development for Derbyshire industrial site

29th November 202221st October 2020 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice Ltd continue to demonstrate a proven track record with developers, having secured an Outline Application, all matters reserved, for the development of up to 160 new dwellings with associated public open space on a Derbyshire industrial site.

The site lies on the western side of Nether Heage, which is part of an area of built development comprising the villages of Heage and Nether Heage. The site is less than a mile from the centre of Heage which is located to the East. Nether Heage and Heage lie between the market towns of Belper (2 miles away) and Ripley (3 miles away).

The site was formerly a prisoner of war camp during the Second World War (camp no. 58), before being subsequently developed as an industrial site. There is currently a total of approximately 34,000sqm of industrial units on site, with an additional 1,700sqm of office space. 11,100sqm of the industrial units are currently vacant.

The site is on the Council’s Brownfield Sites register (BLFR0042) and is registered with the Government as a priority brownfield site for redevelopment for housing. It was considered that as the site is not allocated for business/industrial development within the Local Plan and given its location it is considered to be a poor-quality industrial site with poor quality buildings which require substantial investment. The proposed layout has been designed to only utilise previously developed land for housing; Green Field land has been left undeveloped. The proposed housing scheme will break up the existing form of the large and visually prominent industrial buildings located on the site. The lower density housing will be located at the front and eastern side of the site. The detailed houses and bungalows will be interspersed with additional tree and shrub planting, with the existing mature trees along the northern edge of the site protected from development.

Public open space has also been provided which would be accessible for use by residents of the locality and is not exclusive to residents of the development.

It was considered that residential development is considered to be acceptable in this location as the site provides an opportunity to create an attractive development and contribute to the need for housing within Heage, Nether Heage and the wider Borough.

Economically the development will contribute to building a strong, responsive and competitive economy, through the creation of construction related jobs at the site and the ongoing contribution to the local and wider economy resulting from the creation of additional households in the area. Benefits of New Homes Bonus would also be secured. The economic sustainability dimension is clearly provided for by the proposed development. The proposal will provide up to 160 much needed new homes, contributing towards the Borough Council’s housing need and five-year housing land supply and up to 30% of the housing on the site will be affordable, as secured by a Section 106 Agreement. The new homes will provide for the housing needs of the current population and also make more homes available for future generations.

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 values are rooted in friendly service, integrity, and 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 other architectural practices and other professional companies nationwide. For a no obligation consultation to discuss your project or property, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Chevin Homes celebrate Dales decision

Public Exhibition: Land south of Main Road, Brailsford

Chevin at Chellaston

Approval for bungalows to proceed

Class Q success in Staffordshire

Urban Uplift – a material consideration in the determination of planning applications

Planning permission converts Public House to private residences

Planning permission for Brookside Farm

Phase 2 of Chase Farm released

Arresting development for Derbyshire industrial site

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