November Seminar

Great insights from Lord Charles Banner KC, our own Stuart Houlet, and the Ashford’s team, Katherin Breckin, Jessica Tallon and David Richardson, at the recent joint PCL Planning and Ashford’s seminar.

There was much to debate, including much anticipated revisions to the NPPF, progress of local plans (or lack of), and the ever topical issue of nutrient neutrality.Good to catch up with everyone in person.

Special thanks go to Ashfords as hosts and their caterers for a delicious lunch!

Latest Planning Decision

PCL Planning Ltd has secured Reserved Matters Approval for 21 office units in Chudleigh. The development is the final piece in the jigsaw of a wider mixed-use development, without which the aspirations for a mixture of uses on site would fail.

The site was originally allocated in 2014, and PCL Planning previously assisted in securing permission for 218 dwellings and custom build plots on the wider site.

Kach Developments will utilise local labour in the construction process and the offices will provide welcome employment opportunities for the area.

The proximity of the South Hams SAC (bats), strategic road network, and need to dovetail with neighbouring residential uses presented challenges during the application, all of which were successfully navigated. A centrally located mature tree will be retained and the land around it to be used as recreation to the benefit of future employees.

Image courtesy of Synergy Architectural Solutions

Planning Inquiry Success

PCL Planning Ltd, has secured planning permission, at appeal, for land known as the Former Dairy Crest Site at Totnes, Devon.  South Hams District Council refused permission for a hybrid planning application for mixed use development comprising residential, commercial space, demolition of the existing structures, excluding the historic Brunel Building which will be restored and converted to community uses.

The main issues as the Inspector saw it were –

the implications of the appeal site’s planning history, the relevancy of economic viability, whether the vacant buildings credit (VBC) could apply, and if so, whether its application would render the scheme in conflict with the development plan; and whether allotments, sports pitches and play space should be on site, or if contributions should be paid in lieu of the same.

In the Inspectors view, even taken together, the planning history, economic viability and potential alternative scheme are material considerations that fell short of outweighing the compliance of the scheme with the development plan. Neither they, nor any other material considerations advanced, indicated that a decision should be taken other than in accordance therewith.

Latest News

Exciting news for Somerset and the UK that Agratas (Tata Group’s global battery business) has confirmed a multi-billion pound investment at the Gravity Smart Campus near Bridgwater for a battery manufacturing facility, providing 4,000 new jobs. PCL Planning’s Associate Director, Stuart Houlet, has been supporting ‘This is Gravity’ on the project in a ‘Head of Planning’ services role, specifically focussing on the implementation of the Gravity Local Development Order, which has been instrumental in securing this £4 billion investment. Stuart will continue to perform this key role as this transformational scheme is realised.

Latest Planning Decision

PCL Planning Ltd are pleased to have assisted Treveth in securing full planning permission for 50 homes in Newquay.  The scheme at Bedowan Meadows consists of a mix of 1,2,3, and 4 bedroom homes including flats and bungalows.

In response to the housing crisis, all homes are for those who live or work in Cornwall. A mixture of affordable rent, shared ownership, market rent, and market sale will be delivered.

Within walking and cycling distance of facilities, the homes are designed to reduce the running costs for occupants through the use of low carbon technologies and open space has been designed into the scheme to ensure areas for biodiversity. The scheme is accompanied by a substantial S106 package covering affordable housing, health, transport, public open space, education, and ecology.

Image courtesy of LHC Design

Latest Appeal Decision

PCL Planning Ltd has secured an outline permission for 30 dwellings with associated open space and infrastructure (means of access only to be determined), at Shepperton.

This is the first time, to our knowledge, that the VBC process has been considered at appeal, with PCL Planning Ltd arguing that the Council had misdirected themselves in the determination of the application. The Planning Inspector agreed, allowing the appeal and awarding costs against Spelthorne BC.

Image Courtesy of Mark Timms Architects Ltd