Gulval, Penzance

We are delighted to see the progress made with the LiveWest scheme in Gulval, Penzance.

The site will deliver 79 affordable homes to families in local need, in response to the housing crisis in Cornwall.

Discussions started in 2016 and there were many challenges along the way, not least viability difficulties in delivering an affordable scheme whilst meeting wider policy requirements. PCL are pleased that the site is nearing occupation stage.

Tamar Valley Crematorium

PCL are pleased to have helped Tamar Valley Crematorium Ltd secure full planning permission for a small community sized crematorium to the north of Plymouth designed to serve the Tamar Valley. Sufficient need was proven and alleged ecology, tree, landscape, and highway issues were successfully overcome through the course of the application.

Construction is nearing completion, and the Crematorium will soon be operational.

Latest Planning Decision

Very pleased to say that a client of ours has secured planning permission for a major energy sector project in Plymouth, which is the last of five projects that PCL Planning Ltd have been advising them on since 2022. Our client, OFGEM’s distribution network operator, undertook a strategic review and identified a range of projects to improve site safety and efficiency, and ultimately provide an economic and reliable electricity network for customers. This review culminated in five projects (two in Exeter, two in Plymouth, and one in Torbay).

Our role started in 2022 with a series of initial planning appraisals of competing options and ultimately concluded with a suite of five planning permissions in place.

Many other excellent professionals were involved in these five projects, notably @DB3 architects as project lead. That is not to forget the role of Exeter City Council, Torbay Council, and Plymouth City Council in processing the applications in a timely fashion.

Whilst residential work is PCL Planning’s bread and butter, it is always an interesting case study dealing with other sectors such as energy, just to see how the public, officers, and Members react to non-housing schemes…

Well done to all involved.

Latest Planning Decision

Thrilled that clients of ours, Vistry Cornwall South West and Plymouth Community Homes Ltd, have secured planning permission for 125 affordable homes in the northern suburb of Plymouth known as Southway.

There have been aspirations to redevelop this former factory site for many years and numerous attempts have failed.

Part of the site is situated within the former Airport Public Safety Zone (PSZ) of Plymouth City Airport where development is restricted. The City Council's objective of safeguarding the former airport for future general aviation use needed careful navigation. As did the economic challenges of delivering 125 affordable homes in a viable manner whilst meeting the new challenges of Biodiversity Net Gain and Climate Change requirements that have arisen since this site was originally identified for development.

Overall, the proposal was found to be sustainable development, providing new affordable dwellings in an accessible location close to services and facilities, providing a good standard of accommodation whilst not prejudicing amenity.

PCL are pleased to have acted as agent in securing permission for these much needed affordable homes.

Image courtesy of DMA Architects

Latest Planning Decision

Planning and listed building consent has been secured at Dartmoor National Park's February planning committee for renovation and extension of Glebe House in Holne, Devon.

Glebe House is Grade II listed and birthplace of social reformer Charles Kingsley (author of The Water Babies). The thatched building had fallen into disrepair and without work, we would see the slow deterioration and loss of a historic asset.  It’s taken 14 months but great to see Dartmoor officers and Members appreciate the substantial efforts of our client in saving and taking the building forwards. 

Picture courtesy of Synergy Architectural Solutions

New MD Announcement

PCL Planning Ltd is pleased to announce that Alex Graves has become the Managing Director after David Seaton stepped down from the role. Alex will be supported by Stuart Houlet, who is being promoted to Planning Director.

Alex has been at PCL Planning for over 12 years, 7 years as a Statutory Director.

Alex says:

“It is an honour to take over the stewardship of PCL. I will strive to continue the work of David Seaton, and David Lobban before him.  PCL is in excellent shape, and I am proud of what the team is achieving. It is very much business as usual, and we will continue to provide a comprehensive approach throughout the planning process.

Our unfaltering willingness to confront challenges and complex problems with determination, adaptability, creativity, innovation, and honesty will continue to assist clients in making well-informed decisions to navigate the ever-changing planning system. We welcome the opportunity of continuing to work with you all in the future.”