Change of use to garden approved

The client submitted an application for the change of use of paddock to create an extended garden at a rural property.  Following problems getting the scheme validated by the Council, we were appointed to get it registered and to ensure that it was supported by the necessary drawings and a Planning Statement.  Following negotiation and amendment, the scheme was approved by Malvern Hills District Council in February 2020.

Permission given for agricultural building

Some buildings are ‘permitted development’ and do not require express planning permission.  They are instead subject to a ‘prior approval’ procedure.  The client approached us following a determination by the Council that planning permission was required for his agricultural building.  Following discussions, we resubmitted a further prior approval application with amendments and a supporting statement.  Herefordshire Council determined that the revised scheme met the requirements of the General Permitted Development Order.  It was approved in March 2020

Planning response to Covid 19 Outbreak

New permitted development rights

Despite the current circumstances, most local authorities continue to receive and determine planning applications – particularly where these are submitted online.  The target timescales
for determination remain unchanged.

The Government wants the planning system to support the country’s economic recovery. It has announced a range of measures including:

  • Greater use of digital technology to operate remotely and efficiently;

  • A trial by The Planning Inspectorate of virtual appeal hearings;

  • The recommencement of appeal site visits by The Planning Inspectorate;

  • temporary measures, including amendments to the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 to help small and medium-sized developers; and

  • Virtual Planning Committees and the greater use of delegated powers to enable senior officers to make decisions.

For advice on the latest measures and how these could affect your project (no matter how large or small), please give us a call, or send us an email. May 2020

The Government is introducing various new ‘permitted development’ rights setting out what can be done without the need for planning permission. Following various amendments to allow changes of use without the need for planning permission, new rights will be introduced in August to allow some existing blocks of flats to be extended upwards with two additional storeys.

In his speech on 30 June the PM announced that under further new rules, existing commercial properties, such as newly vacant shops, would be “more easily” converted into housing. The measures, which should be introduced in September, are aimed at making it easier to create new homes and regenerate vacant buildings.

For advice on these, and other ‘PD rights’, please get in contact. June 2020