Planning Archives - Page 2 of 7 - Planning Design Ltd

Heritage principles inspire future design

22nd November 202226th October 2022 by Gary Stringer

Our Director Jon Millhouse, a Chartered Town Planner and a Full Member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, and our Heritage Assistant Ruth Gray were recently invited to discuss conservation principles with L6 students from the BA (Hons) Interior Design programme at Derby University, Britannia Mill. For their final year project, the students are tasked with developing design ideas to bring Friar Gate Railway Warehouse back to life and develop a scheme which will restore one of the city’s most iconic historical buildings.

The Grade II listed Railway Warehouse was built for the Great Northern Railway, at their Friargate Station, in 1877-8 by Kirk & Randall of Sleaford. The Warehouse has been subject to a great deal of vandalism over the years, including numerous arson attacks and is now in an extremely derelict condition. Fortunately, Clowes Developments, owners of the Friar Gate Goods Yard and surrounding land running from Friar Gate, Uttoxeter New Road and Great Northern Road have been collaborating closely with local authorities and professional advisors to secure a viable future for the historical landmark. L6 students will also get the chance to display their ideas.

Before the students can begin to develop designs, they must consider the heritage value, significance of the buildings and the setting to ensure that any designs are in line with the National Planning Policy Frameworks conservation principles set out below:

archaeological interest: As defined in the Glossary to the National Planning Policy Framework, there will be archaeological interest in a heritage asset if it holds, or potentially holds, evidence of past human activity worthy of expert investigation at some point.
architectural and artistic interest: These are interests in the design and general aesthetics of a place. They can arise from conscious design or fortuitously from the way the heritage asset has evolved. More specifically, architectural interest is an interest in the art or science of the design, construction, craftsmanship and decoration of buildings and structures of all types. Artistic interest is an interest in other human creative skill, like sculpture.
historic interest: An interest in past lives and events (including pre-historic). Heritage assets can illustrate or be associated with them. Heritage assets with historic interest not only provide a material record of our nation’s history but can also provide meaning for communities derived from their collective experience of a place and can symbolise wider values such as faith and cultural identity.’

Jon delivered a PowerPoint presentation to the students that explained how each of these principles effect the decisions that are made with respect to developing a site that has some aspect of heritage significance or value in order to avoid or minimise harm to them. Jon described how at the early stage of planning a project, using a heritage specialist can help to identify limitations and opportunities arising from the asset, thus avoiding costly mistakes. He went on to explain how a heritage report, statements of significance and heritage impact assessments can identify alternative development options, for example more sympathetic designs or different orientations, which will both conserve the heritage assets and deliver public benefits in a more sustainable and appropriate way.

The students were particularly interested in where they would start to find out the necessary information for their Friar Gate Goods yard Project and Ruth explained how she uses a combination of Historic England listing descriptions, Historical Environment Records, historic maps and historical documentation to gather the evidence of what is significant or not about a building or site as well as what impacts any development may have on the wider setting of the site.

Jon and Ruth are certainly looking forward to seeing the students’ projects progress and will be returning to see the outcomes.

At Planning & Design Practice, we recognise the importance of the built heritage in our towns, villages and rural areas. As well as Our Heritage team includes Director Jon Millhouse, who is a Full Member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, Architectural team leader Lindsay Cruddas, a registered Specialist Conservation Architect and Heritage Assistant Ruth Gray who recently completed a Masters in Public History and Heritage at the University of Derby. For more information on the heritage services we offer, or for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project or property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out how we can help on 01332 347371.

Class Q planning appeal success in the High Peak!

15th January 202428th September 2022 by Gary Stringer

Discharge of Planning Conditions HIgh Peak

Planning & Design Practice successfully overturned a decision to refuse Prior Approval for the change of use of an agricultural building to a house in Chinley, High Peak, Derbyshire, under Class Q of the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO).

An appeal Statement of Case was prepared by Planning & Design Practice Planning Team on behalf of the Appellants against High Peak Borough Council’s decision to refuse the application. The Council resolved to refuse planning permission for the proposed development under delegated powers following reasons:

1) The proposed change of use would, based on the submitted Structural Report dated 10th February 2022 which contains a schedule of demolition and construction works and proposed plans, amounts to a “re-build” as opposed to a “conversion” within the context of the ‘Hibbit’ High Court Judgement (2016) and as such does not a form permitted development under Schedule 2, Part 3, Class Q of the General Permitted Development Order 2015 (as amended).

2) Notwithstanding the fact the proposal does not comply with Part 6, Class Q, Paragraph A.1 of the GPDO the proposed change of use would result in a poor and unacceptable form by design, by virtue of retaining the visual appearance of an agricultural building as domestic dwelling which would include concrete profile sheeting which is wholly inappropriate for its intended use. The introduction of domestic fenestration and glazing would result in an odd contrived contrast with the external materials resulting overall in a design and external appearance that would be harmful to the character of the rural landscape, contrary to Local Plan Policies S1, EQ2, EQ3 and EQ6, the ‘High Peak Landscape Character Assessment’ SPD (2006), High Peak ‘Residential Design Guide SPD’ (2018) and relevant paragraphs under Chapter 12 of the NPPF; thus resulting in an unsustainable form of development, contrary to Local Plan Policy S1a and paragraph 11 of the NPPF.

We believe that High Peak Borough Council had taken an unnecessarily narrow approach to defining the scope of work that can be reasonably expected to convert an agricultural building to a residential dwelling through the misinterpretation of Q.1(i) and Q.2-(1)(f) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 and has over extended the procedure outlined in Paragraph W of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 with regard to the design and external appearance of the existing building and the proposed conversion.
With regard to the associated building operations ‘reasonably necessary’ to convert the building the Inspector found that the building would be capable of conversion to a dwellinghouse without necessity for extensive new/re-build.

With regard to the resulting appearance of the proposed conversion the Inspector found contrary to the Council’s position, the proposed development would not appear prominent or cause undue harm to the character and appearance of the wider sur-rounding area.

The Inspector resolved to grant the appeal and allow the conversion of the building under Class Q of the GPDO.

Class Q conversions are something Planning & Design Practice Ltd are well versed in, having helped lots of clients imagine and realise their dream homes.

The permitted development right legislation is a notoriously complicated and complex issue with many Planning Authorities. 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).

If you have had planning permission refused or would like to discuss your options or chances at appeal, please get in contact for a free no obligation discussion on 01332 347371 or enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Andrew Stock, Associate Director, Planning & Design Practice Ltd.

Encouraging emerging talent – Work placements at Planning & Design

28th November 202228th September 2022 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice are proud to have an ongoing tradition of encouraging and supporting emerging talent, having offered a number of work experience, work placements and graduate opportunities over our twenty years in practice.

In September 2021, Matthew Kempster a student at the University of Derby studying Architectural Technology, joined us for a yearlong work placement to gain on the job experience of life as part of our approachable and experienced team of RIBA Chartered Architects and architectural assistants.

Having just finished his second year he joined us as a member of the architectural team, and the opportunity to work on a wide range of new and exciting projects. As his placement comes to end, and he returns to university to complete his studies, Matthew reflects on his time with us and the experience he has gained.

“Now that my time at Planning & Design Practice is coming to an end, I thought this was a great opportunity to look back over the past 12 months and the lessons I have learnt, and the impression this will have on my further academic studies.

In early 2021 I was given the opportunity to work at Planning & Design on a year’s paid placement. Money aside, this was a really exciting opportunity for me, up until this point I had had no real-life experience in an architectural practice and was eager to gain some first-hand knowledge.

I joined as part of the Architectural team. I was greeted by the friendly team who welcomed me into the company with open arms and I started working on a wide range of interesting projects that comes into the practice.

One type of project that Planning & Design are particularly know for, are their Class Q barn conversions. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be involved on two such projects during my time at the practice. These projects are really interesting to work on from a design perspective as the existing structure and framework of the barn has to be considered carefully when designing the proposal. The restrictions of the Class Q application itself can also form constraints during the design process, including, restrictions on extensions of the barn outside of the existing fabric or limits to the amount of demolition to the existing structure. The idea of these limitations is to maintain the character of the existing barn during the process of conversion from agricultural use to a home. Working with these wide range of considerations can result in some eye-catching designs for buildings that would otherwise be left to fall into disrepair in the countryside.

Working at Planning & Design has enabled me to learn a lot on a wide range of different areas due to the practices large range and depth of specialisms, which for me has been a brilliant learning experience. One of possibly the biggest areas of learning for me has been how planning can influence the design and a project as a whole, after all without planning a project cannot be realised. These benefits come from Planning & Design’s business model of having experienced planners and senior architects under the same roof. The company also have a heritage team, which I have had the privilege to work with and learn so much about the fascinating histories of the buildings we have worked on and how they are being redeveloped to enable them to be used for generations to come.

Going forward I am going to be finishing my studies at The University of Derby and after that we shall see what the future has in store for me!”

For more information on our practice, and our work and to hear first about opportunities to join our team including work placements, follow us on social media and sign up to receive our Monthly Newsletter.

Class Q success creates new homes

28th November 202227th September 2022 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice celebrate another Class Q success, having secured planning permission to convert a large, modern agricultural building to provide two new dwellings, and a swimming pool as part of a wider plan to redevelop a farm they are associated with. The site lies in Staffordshire, a rural location with views to the surrounding countryside.

The rationale for converting the barns was driven by a desire for our client to live on site and provide a dream home for multi-generational living. As the client was familiar with our work as barn conversion specialists and barn conversion architects, we were asked to prepare and submit a full planning application to address more detailed design concerns, including the internal layout and materials for the barns, as well as alterations to the access and improvements to parking arrangements. They purchased the site with the intention of converting the building and we have worked hard to realise the dream.  

The process started with a Class Q application which worked within the size parameters allowed under the legislation. The Council approved the application after we were able to demonstrate that the conversion of the barns to dwellings was wholly within the legislative criteria. Class Q had to be the starting point for the project as it is less restrictive than local plan policies on the type of building that can be converted. This provided us with a ‘fallback’ which secured residential use. When converting the building under Class Q, we are limited in the extent of external alterations we can make to a building. The Class Q permitted development right only permits those works which are reasonably necessary for the conversion of the building. The key to the aesthetic of these buildings is that you work with the fabric of the existing building, to protect and enhance its agricultural character even once it is in use as a dwelling.

Following approval, we set to work designing the home to meet all of our client’s needs, which wouldn’t be possible under Class Q. The western elevation of the building is proposed to be fully enclosed to provide a pool area, accessible by both properties. The previous Class Q scheme omitted this section of the building, leaving it vacant for future use. The proposed dwellings and pool area will be heated via a ground source heat pump. In addition to this, the building will have solar panels sited on the East facing roof slope. Both of which go beyond the scope of Class Q.

Externally, the proposed design is not significantly different from the approved Class Q. The ridge of the north elevation of the building is proposed to be raised to provide a more coherent roof form. Externally the timber cladding combined with the use of reclaimed, local brick to externally clad the building will ensure that the proposed development is more in keeping the character and appearance of the area and represents a significant improvement on the existing block work and sheet cladding.

The proposed internal layout of the barns was designed to provide future occupiers with a comfortable and practical new home. One barn will have three bedrooms and the other will have four bedrooms, both will have open plan kitchen living dinning space which include a significant amount of natural light to enter the building via a double height space they will give a real sense of openness within the budling, and frames view out into the surrounding countryside.

We are excited to see works progress on site which have already begun.

We have vast experience of working on barn conversions both via full planning and/or prior approval (Class Q) application routes. For a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Image of the existing agricultural building.

The Extra Mile- Planning permission secures change of use for pub

28th November 202217th August 2022 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice have secured planning permission for change of use of The Mile pub in Derby city centre into student accommodation.

Situated within the Friar Gate Conservation area of Derby and standing proud on one of the main routes into city centre, the former pub had been popular over the years as part of the infamous ‘Derby Mile’ pub crawl. This began at Markeaton Island, continued down Ashbourne Road to Friar Gate and then onto the city centre for anyone left standing. ‘Crawlers’ would take on the challenge of having a drink, usually a pint, in each of the pubs.

The Mile pub used to be owned by Marston’s Brewery until it was bought out privately. The pub has had a few different names above its door, from The Thirsty Scholar, The Wheel Inn, The Old Wheel Inn, and The Garrick back in the 1970’s.

Over the years, with increased competition plus changing tastes and social attitudes, the pub seemed to lose its curb appeal and as customers coming in for a drink dried up so did the money. As such the current owners looked to find another use for the building. As the upper floors of the pub had already been converted into residential accommodation, it seemed the preferred option was to convert the ground floor into residential too, given the area comprises a mix of commercial, student living and shops and being in such close proximity to the city centre. Having worked with the client previously on another residential scheme, the client returned to us to help them visualize a scheme and layout design which would preserve the character and history of the pub as well as the street scene, and for us to help them get the best chance of an approval in planning terms.

The final scheme includes a two-storey rear extension, a courtyard to the rear for an amenity space for the residents and a cycle store.

Owner of a home or business within a Conservation Area? Having worked on numerous schemes affecting Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, we have the in-house expertise to ensure that proposals are designed sympathetically to conserve and enhance historic buildings and sites.

For more information and a no obligation consultation to discuss your project or property please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01332 347371 or email enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk

A bright and sunny day at Haddon Hall

28th November 202216th August 2022 by Gary Stringer

On a bright and sunny day in July, our Specialist Conservation Architect Lindsay Cruddas joined the Derbyshire Archaeological Society for a tour of Haddon Hall. Her guide was Mark Eaton of R.M. Eaton Stonemasonry who has worked on restoration projects at the Hall for the past 30 years.

Haddon Hall is remarkable, I had never been before and was delighted to see how much of the property had been preserved. Entering the lower courtyard you are stunned by the intimate scale and detail, you really feel like you have stepped back in time.

We started off in the Chapel, which dates back to 13th century with C15th fresco seccos upon the walls. A recent program of restoration of the Chancel window had been completed in 2019-2020, from the inside, the window is all about the glass and you can see the care that has gone into its restoration; panes from the Hall’s archive were finally reunited in the C15th window. Externally the stonework is the showcase, whilst the new stone work stands proud, you can see the careful attention to detail that Mark and the stonemasons took to preserve some of the older stone work. Three other chapel windows were successfully restored in an earlier program of work and you can see a cusp detail on one, which is the only original stone to that window.

Listen carefully in the Hall and you can hear what I thought was sketching, however it was the bats, they utilize the roof space and show that we can both use the same space if carefully managed.

The Hall has remained in the same family for over 900 years; the current custodians and occupants are Edwards Manners and his family. The property can be traced back to Sir Richard de Vernon, whose descendant Dorothy Vernon married into the Manners family and inherited the estate. For over 200 years the property lay empty; whilst the family occupied their preferred abode at Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire.

With the property being dormant, greenery overtook and allowed the property to decay from the inside, as the property wasn’t ventilated. Cement mortar was used to undertake the repairs. To be fair, the craftsmanship was great and they managed to get a good finish to blend into the stone mullions, however as we are now aware, stone is a breathable material and the cement mortar only caused further decay in the decades to come and split the face of the stone.

Whilst in the lower courtyard , Mark explained that oyster shells had been found in the joints to bulk out the original mortar; these were reinstated when the repair works were undertaken. Traditionally the lime would have been burnt on site with wood and charcoal and that would have all been added to the mix to bulk out the mortar. This is a method that Mark and his team used to make the current mortar mix. In the lower courtyard you can also see King John’s wall which was licensed to be built in 1193, don’t miss it if (when!) you visit.

It is thought that the original stone was sourced from a quarry behind the Hall between Haddon and Chatsworth; however the quarry was exhausted and stone from Birchover and more recently Grindleford had been used in the restoration.

Our next space to visit was The Long Gallery, via the Banqueting Hall – a must see for anyone visiting Haddon! The Long Gallery dates from C1540s which was designed to entertain visiting guests, display artwork and undertake exercise in the rainy Derbyshire climate.

The Gallery boasts Bombay windows which at first sight look like they have warped with age however they were designed like that to allow more light in to the room. Each pane can accommodate more ‘quarries’ (kite shaped pieces of glass) and therefore allows light to refract and enter the room. The colours of the glass are wonderful, pinks, purples, yellows and greens; they are truly remarkable to see.

A bay in the Long Gallery is currently undergoing the Spring Summer 2022 phase of restoration works. The bay had to be underpinned and at one point was 1.5m into the wall as the walls are that thick. Whilst in place part of the hoarding to protect the visitors from the site works was painted screen blue, this was because Haddon Hall is also famous for being a film location. Pride and Prejudice, Mary Queen of Scots, The Other Boleyn Girl but to name a few have all been filmed there. Most recently a new film about Henry VIII and Catherine Parr were located here up until the end of June.

We ended in the private courtyard, where some stone masonry tools and the last of the scaffolding were set up. Mark showed us some old sections of stone that had to be removed and allowed us to look closely at some of the tools of his trade including his lifting lewis’ and plug and feather.

Many thanks to Mark and Alice for the excellent tour and answering our many questions and to Derbyshire Archaeological Society for organizing the tour.

Lindsay is a Chartered Architect who joined the Planning & Design Practice in January 2015.

Lindsay qualified as a RIBA Chartered Architect in 2012, after receiving her degrees in architecture at Leeds Metropolitan University, she has a specialist knowledge and interest in historic building conservation, reuse of redundant buildings and residential design. In 2018, Lindsay obtained accreditation to the RIBA Conservation Register as a Specialist Conservation Architect, of which there are currently only 141 in the country.

Making a splash with swimming pool extension

19th June 202320th July 2022 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice are delighted to have gained planning permission for an extension to facilitate a swimming pool for the family home of Bryn Hall Farm.

Bryn Hall Farm is a large family home that resides in the tranquil location of Bradbourne in the Derbyshire Dales. Uninterrupted views over miles of rolling hills creates a panoramic scenery around the property. The fine country residence with contemporary interiors, individually designed to a high specification includes Stable Blocks, ménage and tennis court, there is a South West facing terrace and the rear elevation ensures all day sunshine and the most glorious evening sunsets.

The new extension is designed to contrast the stone exterior of Bryn Hall Farm to create a contemporary space that catches the eye while creating an improved flow from the ménage and tennis court into the house. The extension captures more of the south west sun and creates stunning views across the rural landscape all from the comfort of the indoor swimming pool and spa. The pool directly links into the family games room and bar through a glass link that allows a family to enjoy all the spaces fluidly while giving access onto the patio.

Sustainability is also a major part of the development with the addition of Solar Panels, Ground Source Heat Pump and Biomass Boiler to help heat the pool and the house in a more sustainable manner.

Planning & Design Practice 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.

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

Reflections on 20 years of Planning & Design

13th December 202230th May 2022 by Gary Stringer

As Planning & Design Practice celebrate 20 years of success, founder Jonathan Jenkin looks back and offers his reflections on our 20th anniversary of providing town planning services, architectural expertise and specialised heritage advice.

The Beginning

In 1999 I was working for the Environment Agency as their Regional Planning Manager, and I did not enjoy it. The Environment Agency only comments on flood risk, the protection of their ‘main rivers and the protection of groundwater. I was managing the four teams in the Midlands Region, but I did not get to deal with the applications. I had to commute to Solihull from Ashbourne, and I was beginning to dread going to work on a Monday morning.

So, with the support of my civil partner Phil, I quit. I’d worked as a Principal Planning Officer for two councils and was a chartered town planner. So, I started a consultancy, initially working out of a small office of my partner’s art gallery and café in Ashbourne. I enjoy planning and architecture and although I had never run my own business, there seemed nothing to lose.

I quickly received work locally, rural work, in the Derbyshire Dales. I formed a good working relationship with Nick Hansen from Bagshaws and we started getting planning permission for his clients and evaluating the potential of farms and farmsteads.

I undertook an evening CAD course at University of Derby, and I started preparing drawings as well as the planning applications and statements to support the applications. In those pre-digital days it was four paper copies of all documents and I because a regular at dropping off envelopes at Matlock, Ripley, Bakewell, and Derby.

These early successes prompted a move to premises in Derby, and in 2002 Planning & Design Practice was created as a stand-alone company.

Today

Twenty years later the company has become a major player in development. We have 17 staff, two principal offices, one in Derby and one in Sheffield and we are both a chartered planning practice and an accredited RIBA practice. We have achieved successful development on several thousand sites, we have won several significant planning appeals and generated many millions of pounds of development value across the Midlands, in the Southeast and in South Yorkshire.

In 2021 I stepped back from the leadership of the company and sold the business through an MBO. I now work part time as a consultant planner with time to pursue new interests and opportunities. The new shareholders are Richard Pigott, Jon Millhouse, and Michael Bamford.

I was pleased to welcome Jon Millhouse to the company back in 2005. He is now a company Director, part owner of the company and runs our heritage team. He is an acknowledged expert on listed buildings, conservation areas and the World Heritage site. Lindsay Cruddas our lead architect and company Director, is also an accredited conservation architect and together they provide sensitive development solutions in constrained locations.

Richard Pigott is a chartered town planner and joined the company in 2011. He specialises in appeals and major applications. Michael Bamford is also a chartered town planner and runs our Sheffield Office and is the third shareholder and a Director.

We are a team of committed professionals. The new management team has brought a new energy to the business and is exploring new opportunities. They are building on the company’s past achievements, its reputation, and its legacy. Their aim is to build further on the company’s reputation in rural development, heritage, and architecture with more large-scale high-profile projects and in extending the reach in which the company operates.

As we celebrate this 20th Anniversary, I am proud of what we have achieved, the clients we have helped and the problems we have solved and continue to solve. In the end the work is about problem solving, understanding our client’s needs, and providing a bridge between the client and the Local Planning Authority.

Jonathan Jenkin, Consultant, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Planning Success: Biodiversity gains in rural Derbyshire

28th November 202225th May 2022 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice is pleased to announce that retrospective planning permission has recently been secured for the retention of two wildlife ponds at Woodhay Farm, Marston Montgomery, Derbyshire, creating biodiversity gains.

Woodhay Farm is in the process of diversification and this latest approval relates to two wildlife ponds reconfigured following the change of use and conversion of a modern steel portal framed building under Class Q that we had obtained prior approval for.

The development provided an opportunity to maximise landscape, wildlife and biodiversity benefits through the reconfiguration of the ponds, creating an attractive landscape feature with excellent wildlife and biodiversity advantages.

A previous land owner diverted effluent from the farmstead into the pond for several decades which resulted in an extremely smelly and unattractive blot on the landscape.

The creation of the two wildlife ponds have significantly improved the character and appearance of the immediate and wider landscape through appropriate management. The ponds were designed to encourage wildlife to thrive on site and the surrounding land providing a great habitat for invertebrates, newts and frogs alongside attracting other wildlife such as snails, insects and birds.

When having regard to the condition of the pre-existing ponds the development has significantly increased the ecological value of the area and will benefit many different habitats within and immediately surrounding the site.

The assessment of Biodiversity Net Gain has become an increasingly important consideration for landowners, developers and Council’s following the publishing of the Environment Act (2021) which came into law in November 2021. An article on the importance and benefits of the Environment Act can be found here.

We have vast experience of working on rural projects for homeowners, landowners and farmers in rural areas. We 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 a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01332 347371.

Andrew Stock, Principal Planner, Planning & Design Practice Ltd.