Residential Planning Application
This is an application for associated development to a residential home; a pre-assessment, survey, architectural drawing plans and application management. The assessment looks at any constraints within the site and local area. The survey provides key information to the planning expert and architectural designer to design a proposal to the client’s needs, whilst ensuring it is a favourable scheme to the council. The application is prepared and submitted along with drawing plans to the council seeking planning permission.
Client
Private, EN9
Proposal
Erection of an outbuilding in the rear garden
Overview
The client wanted to erect an outbuilding in the rear garden to be used as an office/gym.
Planning Pros completed a planning history check where it was established that permitted development rights were removed and therefore planning permission would be required from the council.
A site visit and architectural drawing plans were completed in accordance with the client’s proposal. The outbuilding is designed with a modern, contemporary look whilst complimentative to the host dwelling. A planning application was prepared and submitted to the council.
Result
Planning permission was granted.
Commercial Pre Assessment
This gives you an idea of how the Council may assess a proposal and whether it would be likely to get planning permission. It is advisable to carry out a pre-assessment when you’ve got a tricky proposal and not sure whether it is something that would be deemed acceptable, which could save you a lot of time and money.
Client
Cafe Lime, E1
Proposal
Change of Use from A1 to A3
Overview
The client proposed to change A1 retail unit to an A3 use class so that a cafe can operate from the premises.
A Pre-Assessment was completed to check whether the change of use was a viable option. Historically planning permission was required for the change of use from A1 to A3, however it is now catergorised as one class and therefore there is no change of use; planning permission is not required.
Result
The client did not need to apply for planning permission for the change of use.
Commercial Planning Application
This is an application for proposals relating to commercial type development and changes of use. This involves a pre-assessment, survey, architectural drawing plans, planning statement and application management. It will usually require obtaining external advice and reports from specialist professionals, and may require legal consultation and agreements with the council.
Client
Cafe Classic, E1
Proposal
Change of Use from A1 to A3
Overview
Planning permission was historically refused for a change of use to a mixed use which consequently resulted in an Enforcement Notice being served as the business was operating without planning permission; a breach of planning control.
The client consulted with Planning Pros a week before the compliance deadline of the Enforcement Notice. In negotiations with the council, Planning Pros sought an alternative step to regularise the breach. In order to meet the compliance requirements and to secure planning permission for the use of the units, ground and basement, two planning applications were submitted to the council comprising a planning statement and architectural drawing plans.
The application demonstrated that the change of use of the units was deemed acceptable as our client’s proposal was in accordance with planning policy. Without due diligence in assessing our proposals, the council refused the applications. The decision was appealed and it was upheld by The Planning Inspectorate as they agreed with our case.
A Pre-Assessment was completed to check whether the change of use was a viable option. Historically planning permission was required for the change of use from A1 to A3, however it is now catergorised as one class and therefore there is no change of use; planning permission is not required.
Result
The Enforcement Notice was complied with in time within the deadline, saving the client from any prosecution.
The refusal was challenged through the appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. The appeal was upheld allowing the client to operate two separate units as proposed to the council, rather than one whole unit; maximising the potential overall income.
Commercial Site Appraisal
This provides landowners and developers an insight into the planning potential of a site and advice on how to maximise its value. This can also help with identifying any breaches of planning control and avoid situations where the council may take formal enforcement action.
Client
Private, Dover
Proposal
Redevelopment of land
Overview
The client owns a plot of land in a rural area, with a mobile home and commercial workshop.
Planning Pros completed a pre-assessment to check the planning history of the site, possible constraints and viable options to increase the value of the land.
The client was advised to submit a Certificate of Lawfulness to establish the residential use of the mobile home and the associated land where it had been in situ for more than four years. By virtue of the passage of time, the development becomes immune from enforcement action. The client was advised that there is a possibility to erect a new dwellinghouse in connection with the workshop, as part of the agricultural exceptions of development in AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).
Result
Establishing a residential use of the land and increasing the value of the land exponentially, and advising of further options to by possibly erecting a new dwellinghouse. The client was saved from incorrectly submitting an incorrect application which would have resulted in planning enforcement action; and therefore losing the residential use.
Residential Planning Appeal
When a local authority refuses planning permission, applicants have the right to appeal the decision. This appeal is assessed independently by the Planning Inspectorate. An appeal requires a robust case, and an appeal statement is essential to putting that case forward to the inspector. There is a timetable to follow for submitting appeals, statements and associated documents. It is casework that requires expert knowledge to understand and manage the process, and submit an appeal that holds weight.
Client
Private, IG8
Proposal
New dwellinghouses
Overview
The client had previously tried to secure planning permission for the erection of dwellinghouses on a plot of land comprising an existing garage.
Planning Pros completed a planning statement where the planning history, constraints and previous schemes were assessed to form a new proposal and demonstrate compliance with the National Planning Policy Framework, local plans and policies, and therefore planning permission should be granted.
Result
Planning permission was granted, subject to conditions.