Great Northern Classics – Driving our heritage

Great Northern Classics

Samuel Young, part of our Planning Team recently attended a Marketing Derby Bondholder event at Great Northern Classics, off of Osmaston Road, Derby. The aims of the centre, which has recently opened its doors to the general public is to preserve and propagate crucial skills for the classic vehicle industry, which in the UK alone it is estimated to be worth around £6bn. Read on for more information on the history of this important heritage asset, and the plans for its future.

Great Northern Classics

The site of the Great Northern Classics has many links to industry with the previous use not only as the Victoria Ironworks site, but also the site of Rolls Royce Foundry. Victoria Ironworks was an Iron casting business originally under the title of Eastwood and Swingle Ltd when the building was constructed in the early 1850s. The company went on to produce Iron beams for more than 235 bridges in India as well as railways in Japan. This factory still stands as it did in 1850 due to the preservation of this important heritage asset.

The Ironworks with help from Rolls Royce, produced the Eagle Engine which powered 50 different aircraft and airships during World War I. The site, which was then occupied by Rolls Royce up until the 1980s, today serves as a classic car storage unit with a learning facility to introduce new skills to the next generation of car mechanics.

Research by Historic England (2016) found the gross value of the heritage industry to be around £21.7bn. In the East Midlands alone the heritage industry contributes £1.26 bn to the local economy, generating as many as 22,000 jobs in the region.

Great Northern Classics’s plans for the Ironworks will further contribute to the East Midland’s economy. It will help revive the surrounding community, generate local jobs and create a cultural destination centre in the heart of Derby.

Planning & Design Practice’s Heritage Team play a key role in preserving these iconic buildings which play such an important role in showing the heritage of Derby. Planning & Design Practice are a Multi- disciplinary practice of Charted Town Planners, RIBA Certified Architects and Heritage Consultants which together work to create new developments whilst also protecting historic buildings and locations.

The retention of Heritage is a key focus for Planning & Design Practices Heritage team. Planning & Design Practice are well versed in working with Heritage Assets and Listed Buildings such as the Industrial units situated on Osmaston Road, Derby.

Great Northern Classics also features a car show room with the dealership Pinchbeck. Pinchbeck are one of the UK’s leading luxury car dealerships selling cars such as McLarens, Porsches, Land Rovers and Aston Martins.

As well as preserving the Historic infrastructure of yesteryear, the site of the Great Northern Classics shows a great facility for educating and maintaining the practical hands-on skills which are needed to preserve the classic cars of the future.

It is important not only to preserve these skills but also to preserve the buildings which have served a great purpose in our past. Heritage is the future. But it needs protecting. And that’s the aim of Great Northern Classics.

Planning & Design Practice are a multi-disciplinary practice of Planners, Architects and heritage Consultants which could help you retain and repurpose your heritage asset, produce innovative architectural designs or provide Planning advice on your project. Planning & Design Practice have in house heritage specialists who work on a variety of projects that are concerned with Listed Building Consent, Conservation Areas and World Heritage Sites. We always work with the client and the councils to get the best outcome.

If heritage is a deciding factor in your future development plans, please get in touch to find out how we can help you, on 01332 347371 or email enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Planning pedigree – permission secured for redevelopment of a former kennels within the Green Belt!

Green Belt Kennels

Planning & Design Practice are delighted to announce that Full planning permission has been secured for the demolition of existing redundant outbuildings, and the erection of a 5 bedroom house and a detached garage at a former kennels located to the south of Morley, Derbyshire (Erewash Borough Council).

Figure 1: Approved Elevations
Former Kennels
Figure 2: Approved Cross-Section

The house would be of quasi-agricultural appearance in terms of its size, scale, design and finish with a traditional palette of materials including red brick, standing seam metal and plain roof tiles are proposed. The dwelling would comprise an entrance hall, open plan kitchen/living/snug area, utility/boot room, WC living room, study, shower room, plant room, media room and store on the ground floor and 5no. bedrooms (with ensuites) across the first floor.

A detached double garage with accommodation above is proposed to the rear of the site.

Planning & Design Practice - Approved Floor plans for Former Kennels
Figure 3: Approved Floor Plans

A standalone solar PV array would be located at the rear of the site would provide the majority of the electricity for the house. Primary heating would be provided by an Air Source Heat Pump system.

Figure 4: Approved Site Layout Plan

The site is located within the Derby and Nottingham Green Belt and was formerly occupied by kennels which contains a number of redundant buildings of varying size, scale and condition.

Criterion g) of Paragraph 154 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2023) is most pertinent to this development proposal as it supports ‘complete redevelopment of previously developed land’, which would:

not have a greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt than the existing development; or

not cause substantial harm to the openness of the Green Belt, where the development would re-use previously developed land and contribute to meeting an identified affordable housing need within the area of the local planning authority.

When having regard to the nature of the application which is for the demolition of existing commercial buildings and the erection of a single open market dwelling house, the key assessment for the Planning Team was to demonstrate that the proposed redevelopment would not have a greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt than the existing situation.

It was proposed to demolish 7 of the existing buildings on site which have a combined floor area of approximately 734m2 (approximately 1869m3). The combined floor area of the proposed dwelling was approximately 481m2 (approximately 1456m3). The proposed design, layout, appearance and finish is considered to be complementary to the local distinctiveness of the site which would be read as a plain utilitarian functional agricultural building and would sit comfortably against the host residential house.

It was successfully argued that the proposed redevelopment would result in a reduced built form with a building of a lesser scale and proportions thus significantly enhance the openness of the Green Belt by the significant reduction of built development within the immediate and wider site context, in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework.

Gaining planning permission is a key step in almost any development. Planning & Design Practice Ltd is a multi-disciplinary team of Town Planners, Architects, Architectural Assistants, Design Professionals, and Heritage Specialists. Rural developments are something Planning & Design Practice Ltd are well versed in, having helped lots of realise the development potential of a site.

For a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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

Kennels

Statements of Heritage Significance

Statements of heritage significance

Statements of Heritage Significance are vital when it comes to judgements on what forms part of the curtilage to a listed property, they can set out the significance of the building and its relationship with adjoining land and give an accurate history that will aid the decisions of the local authority. Recently Planning & Design Practice were tasked with writing a Statement of Heritage Significance for owners of The Toll Gate House on the outskirts of Ashbourne to aid with planning permission for a dwelling to be built on land they own adjacent to the property.

The Toll Gate House was listed 14-Feb-1974 Grade II: for its special architectural or historic interest. The listing describes Toll Gate house as;

‘Mid C19, on the Southwest side of the later part of the Derby Turnpike Road. Victorian Tudor. Red brick, slate roof with bands of fish scale tiles. Gabled with fretted bargeboards and finials. Tudor style windows with elaborate glazing. Massive chimney stack and subsidiary chimneys. T shaped building with the stem of the T facing the new road. Below the gable is the former signboard, now blank.’

The Toll Gate House at Ashbourne is typical of its type. The original architectural design of Toll Gate House had similarities with the demolished Duffield Road Toll House at Darley Abbey, and with the refurbished Kedleston Road Toll Bar House. These Toll houses were used by the local Turnpike trusts to collect money to maintain the local roads. At the time of building of the Toll Gate House at Ashbourne , many turnpike trusts saw a serious decline in income as long distance traffic was drawn away to the railways. On a restricted budget, some trusts built additional gates on the roads leading to stations. These tollhouses were often much simpler than those built at the height of the turnpike era and may have originally been a narrow cottage alongside the highway not unlike the Ashbourne Toll House.

It was discovered that over the years, using documents provided by the client, the Ashbourne Toll Gate House has undergone many structural changes resulting in the footprint of the building now being dramatically different to when it was initially listed in 1974.

We also discovered it was built up close to the roadside (due to its original purpose) on a narrow plot, it was not until 117 years later that the adjacent land became part of the property, this land has never been fully integrated in use by the property and has even been used until recently for agricultural purposes. Recent high-density development in the immediate area also meant that there is no longer a rural aspect to the property. Therefore, it was concluded in our Statement of Heritage Significance that the proposed development of the adjacent land does not impact on the integrity of the listed building.

Permission was initially refused but we won on appeal and the planning inspector agreed with what we found stating:

‘Overall, I find that the proposed development will not harm the understanding and experience of the listed building. Accordingly, the effect of the development on the setting of Tollgate House, and to its significance would be negligible.’

Detailed factual historical research enabled Planning & Design to prove that the land being built on was never a factor in the significance of Toll gate House and that recent developments had compromised any argument for it being in a rural location. It is a great result for our client.

Statements of Heritage Significance, Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas

Planning & Design Practice have in house heritage specialists who work on a variety of projects that are concerned with Listed Building Consent, Conservation Areas and World Heritage Sites. We always work with the client and the councils to get the best outcome. If heritage is a deciding factor in your future development plans, please get in touch to find out how we can help you, on 01332 347371 or email enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Success for heritage holiday lets

Holiday Lets

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

Langwith Mill, near Mansfield was erected in the 18th Century. Since then, there have been a number of later additions and alterations, before falling into disrepair and abandonment. The mill has recently been restored to its former glory in a manner than maintains it’s historical character.

This application sought to gain retrospective permission to use the two independent units as holiday lets. This will help to protect the future of the historical building through continued reinvestment which can be generated by using the site for holiday lets.

This development has not just ensured the future of a key heritage asset, but it also provides the public the opportunity to stay in a newly restored historical asset. The rural location allows visitors to experience the countryside in an accessible manner. By reusing an existing building within the countryside, there is also environmentally sustainable aspects to the proposals, as there will be no additional development required in the countryside.

Figures 1 & 2 showing the restorative work of Langwith Mill

The development proposal met multiple objectives that were set out in the Bassetlaw Local Development Framework. Our extensive knowledge of local planning policies, heritage protection and sustainability targets enabled the client to carry through with the development and allow visitors to stay at such a historical location.

Furthermore, in chapter 16 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) there Is a requirement to protect and preserve heritage assets. As there were no alterations to the exterior of the building, the character of the building was preserved.

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.

We recognise the importance of the built heritage in our towns, villages and rural areas. We have an in-house team of consultants, conservation architects and architectural technicians who ensure that proposals are designed sympathetically to conserve and enhance historic buildings and sites.

For more information on our team, and the services we provide, or for a no obligation consultation to discuss your project please contact us on 01332 347371 or enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Barn storming Green Belt success!

Green Belt

Planning & Design Practice is delighted to announce that planning permission has recently been secured for the change of use and conversion of existing traditional red brick agricultural buildings to form 3 houses at a farmstead, within the Green Belt in Ockbrook, Derbyshire (Erewash Borough Council).

Figure 1: Approved Site Layout

The application relates to a series of traditional red brick and plain tiled barns located to the rear (northwest) of the host Farmhouse. The site is bounded by open agricultural fields to the north and west, existing modern agricultural buildings to the east and a single track lane to the south. The site is wholly located within the Green Belt.

Full planning permission was sought for the change of use and conversion of existing traditional red brick agricultural buildings to form 3 dwellings with associated conversion works. A collaborative approach between Planning & Design Practice’s in-house Architects and Planning Consultants was required to produce a sensitive but functional scheme.

Barn 1 relates to a single storey ‘L’ shaped red brick and tiled barn located to the north side of the courtyard. The proposed conversion would comprise an open plan kitchen/living area, 2 bedrooms and bathroom. A residential curtilage and parking for up to 2 vehicles will be provided to the rear of the building.

Figure 2: Barn 1 – Approved Elevations and Floor Plans

Barn 2 relates to a split single and two storey red brick and tiled barn located toward the east side of the courtyard. The proposed conversion would comprise an open plan living/kitchen/dining area, 2 bedrooms (with ensuites), pantry and utility room with a WC on the ground floor. A single bedroom would be located on the first floor. A residential curtilage will be provided to the rear of the building and parking for up to 2 vehicles at the entrance to the site.

Figure 3: Barn 2 – Approved Elevations and Floor Plans

Barn 3 relates to a one and half storey red brick and tiled barn and a steel portal framed carport located along the western edge of the courtyard. The conversion would comprise an office, utility room, WC, kitchen, lounge, bedroom (with ensuite) and a snug on the ground floor and 2 bedrooms and bathroom across the first floor. A residential curtilage and parking for up to 2 vehicles will be provided to the rear and side of the building.

Figure 4: Barn 3 – Approved Elevations and Floor Plans

The application site is wholly located within the Green Belt. Paragraph 155 of the NPPF states certain other forms of development are also not inappropriate in the Green Belt provided they preserve its openness and do not conflict with the purposes of including land within it. These include:

“a) mineral extraction;

b) engineering operations;

c) local transport infrastructure which can demonstrate a requirement for a Green Belt location;

d) the re-use of buildings provided that the buildings are of permanent and substantial construction;

e) material changes in the use of land (such as changes of use for outdoor sport or recreation, or for cemeteries and burial grounds); and

f) development, including buildings, brought forward under a Community Right to Build Order or Neighbourhood Development Order.”

Criterion (d) was most pertinent to this application as it supports the re-use of buildings provided that the buildings are of permanent and substantial construction. The main consideration there-fore was whether or not the buildings are of permanent and substantial construction. The application was accompanied by a Structural Report which independently assessed the structural rigidity of each building to which this application relates. It was successful argued that the buildings are of permanent and substantial construction capable of being converted through carrying out some remedial and repair work.

The proposed change of use and associated conversion works to form 3 houses would have little impact on the character and appearance of the existing buildings as only very minor works were proposed as part of the application including the installation of new windows (including roof-lights) and doors. No extensions were proposed as part of the application. Furthermore, it was proposed to retain all existing agricultural detailing as part of the conversion work.

The complete refurbishment of the buildings and repair to roofs using traditional materials are considered to be a significant benefit of the proposal which would significantly enhance the character and appearance of the existing buildings and the surrounding area.

Gaining planning permission is a key step in almost any development. Planning & Design Practice Ltd is a multi-disciplinary team of Town Planners, Architects, Architectural Assistants, Design Professionals, and Heritage Specialists. Barn conversions are something Planning & Design Practice Ltd are well versed in, having helped lots of clients imagine and realise their dream homes. We have vast experience of working on rural projects for homeowners, landowners and farmers in including barn conversions (both via a planning application and Class Q).

For a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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

Planning success aids school masterplan

School Masterplan

Planning & Design Practice are happy to announce that planning permission has been granted for the siting of temporary classroom facilities and an office, as well as a temporary car park at a school in North Northamptonshire.

The School are currently in the early stages of a 30-year masterplan project, which will see it invest in improving the facilities and the educational experience for students. This application, together with the recently approved application to demolish a number of buildings, represents the early stages of the delivery of the masterplan.

The temporary classroom block is to be situated on a patch of green space, adjacent to the access road into the School. The building will house 8 classrooms, an office and a bathroom space. Externally, the unit will be finished with natural timber cladding, anthracite UPVC windows, timber ramps and steps and steel painted doors.

This small loss of green space, when considered alongside the fact that the classrooms are intended to help mitigate any disruption to the student’s education, was considered to be reasonable. It also complies with paragraph 95 of the NPPF, which recognises the importance of creating and expanding high quality schools.

The temporary car park is to be sited on a playing pitch that the School use for football. After dialogue with Sport England, it was agreed that this could be mitigated by improving the adjacent rugby pitch. This will allow it to accommodate both sports during the School’s term.

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

Over the last 20 years, we have worked with and for a wide range of public sector and not-for-profit bodies including Government Agencies, District and Unitary Local Authorities, County Councils and Town/Parish Councils, as well as schools and NHS Property Services. A number of our senior team have extensive experience of working in the public sector and this undoubtedly helps us to understand the requirements of public bodies.

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.

Temporary school classroom facilities – Proposed elevations

Image: Pick Everard

Appeal success for barn conversion and extension in Derbyshire

Barn Conversion

We are pleased to announce that working as Architects, alongside Bagshaws LLP acting as planning agents, we have been granted planning permission by the Planning Inspectorate for the conversion and extension of a disused stone barn in Derbyshire. The standout feature of the scheme being the proposal of the modern Corten clad extensions to the barn.

A contentious scheme, in the planning authority’s eyes at least, from the start, this is one we are very proud of. The project was carried out in multiple stages, the first being to secure permission under Class Q of permitted development, to establish the principle of residential conversion. Following this, full planning permission was obtained to simply replace the monopitch roof with a traditional dual-pitched roof. This provided the main part of the barn with a more spacious head-height throughout and opened the door for the barn to be converted, and increasing its value, with or without the extensions.

Following the approval for the new roof, a further application was submitted to infill the existing stone-walled pig sties at each end with modern ‘Corten’ steel clad extensions. The extensions bring the dwelling to life, providing more useable space and allowing it to properly function as a family home, as well as providing much needed natural light and making the most of the spectacular views over the countryside.

Obtaining permission for the extensions proved tricky however, initially being refused permission by the Council. However, our proposal was successfully pushed through the appeal process by Bagshaws.

The Planning Inspector noted that “The extension has been deliberately designed to have a contrasting, contemporary appearance to the main building,…” which along with its subordinate appearance in relation to the main building, as a result of its lower ridge height, would ensure that it would not overwhelm the appearance of the main building or the site.

He concluded that “Its contemporary design and rustic style would achieve a high quality and sympathetic design, as opposed to it appearing as a domestic extension.” meaning that the resulting development would appear as a converted agricultural building. Also that the setting of the proposed development, with its secluded position in the rural landscape and the backdrop of trees, would ensure that it assimilates well within the landscape.

As the Architects for the project, we are delighted with the outcome and are looking forward to progressing the scheme in the near future – and even more so, to see the scheme built and brought to life.

Barn Conversion and extension – before and after

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

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. 

Permission secured for Peak District barn

Planning & Design_Peak District Barn

Planning & Design Practice are pleased to announce that planning permission has been secured for the erection of an agricultural building in the Peak District National Park. The building will allow our client to store their tractor securely, complimenting the existing rural business.

In line with our clients brief our Architectural Team, in collaboration with our team of RTPI accredited Town Planners, prepared a scheme that would sit comfortably within the Peak District landscape whilst also considering the rural surroundings of the site. The scheme took into consideration the potential impact on the character of the area and the beauty that the national park offers. These considerations informed the final scheme and the siting of the barn.

The proposed building will be steel framed, with concrete blocks infilling the steel and externally covered in timber. The timber cladding will be vertical and stained dark brown. The roof will include clear panels to allow natural light into the barn. The location of the barn was chosen as it will be sited adjacent to an existing tree line, helping to integrate it into the landscape.

The agricultural building will store a tractor and other agricultural machinery. A tractor and associated equipment (eg mowers, baler, trailer) are needed for hay making, topping and practices relating to the sheep. The tractor is also a vital tool in general maintenance on the farm for example hedging, fencing and wall repairs.

Planning in the Peak District National park

Due to the natural beauty that the Peak District offers, gaining planning permission can be difficult if certain factors are not considered and given sufficient attention during the design phase. Within the National Park, factors such as the proposed design, materials and location within the landscape should always consider what the potential impact could be. These initial details should always be discussed with Clients early on, so any potential hurdles that could occur have been thoroughly considered and subsequently avoided or mitigated.”

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

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

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

Shaun Hyde, Planner, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

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