Grounded Planning Consultancy

23/08/2024

I was l fortunate to do an article for Home Building magazine. Check it out for some if my tips on getting the most out of the planning process.
https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/i-m-a-town-planner-and-these-are-my-5-planning-application-tips

31/07/2024

Grey belts and no more beauty treatment...

Yesterday saw the consultation start on the updates to the National Planning Policy Framework which also include giving areas mandatory housing targets. A bit of time to respond but should you wish to see what the plan is for this plan it's all here:

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19/04/2024

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-68849078 - change could be coming in terms of how we look at the green belt...

Low-quality green belt areas will be classed as "grey belt" and targeted for development, Labour say.

30/03/2024

The Acorn Advice Post – Tip 7

Tip 7 – Enjoy it!

Easy to say we know but try to have fun doing what you are doing. We are trying to get some exciting things built for people to enjoy for years to come in a variety of places across the country.

One of the wonderful things about England is its rich variety. Within a few minutes you can go to busy urban living to the tranquillity of rural life. So enjoy being able to study this environment and work with a range of different people with expertise on a range of different things.

Web: https://purpleacornplanning.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07954 580621

29/03/2024

The Acorn Advice Post – Tip 6

Tip 6 – …And then have some local plan for pudding

Of course we can help find it, but local plan hunting can be tough. Sometimes they are old, sometimes they are in review but all planning applications must the in with the current local plan so if you can make your proposal fit this then you are onto a winner.

Councils also have documents to supplement this with specific details like separation distances, paid obligations and parking standards.

Web: https://purpleacornplanning.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07954 580621

Planning consultants. Specialists in Planning Appraisals, Planning Submissions, Planning Appeals & Enforcement.

28/03/2024

The Acorn Advice Post – Tip 5

Tip 5 – Eat the NPPF

Whether you build in York or Yate, Durham or Dunchurch, English planning needs to respond to the aspirations of the National Planning Policy Framework.

This contains a lot of policy on specific topics that will apply to development types and therefore you need to ensure that your scheme respects these.

It is also what local councils plans must do to so if you can get your plan to fit in with this then you are a good way there.

The good thing about this document too is that it stays relevant for a long time compared to local plans which can take a few years and be in transition if they are being updated at the time of consideration.

Web: https://purpleacornplanning.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07954 580621

27/03/2024

The Acorn Advice Post – Tip 4

Tip 4 – Don’t assume

Just because you see a space next your house and think you could pop a house in the gap or build on an open space that hasn’t been built on for years, don’t assume you can without issue. There may be a whole lot of issues that you have not thought about where a good planning agent will help.

Our initial appraisals in particular will give you at least an idea of what are likely to be key considerations and the relevant policies that apply to that bit of land you’ve got your eye on.

Web: https://purpleacornplanning.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07954 580621

26/03/2024

The Acorn Advice Post – Tip 3

Tip 3 – Trust the process

Ultimately, planning is there to ensure development is well designed, safe and does not create issues when developments are built. It’s serious stuff dealing with highways and flooding matters where life and death is a key factor etc. so important to get it right.

Design is of course a bit more subjective and where there is possibly more debate but with a good consultant looking at this, you should find it easier to curry favour with the local council who will determine the applications.

Web: https://purpleacornplanning.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07954 580621

25/03/2024

Tip three (well actually 2.5 as I've thought about this today!):
For all major applications, please contact the Lead Local Flood Authority in your area if you can before you submit your application with the drainage strategy.

In our experience, this is the consultee that we find has the highest rate of requests for additional information following submission. Therefore, if you can have this ironed out before the application is made the less time you will need going back to sort out issues in this area.

Web: https://purpleacornplanning.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07954 580621

Planning consultants. Specialists in Planning Appraisals, Planning Submissions, Planning Appeals & Enforcement.

22/03/2024

Tip number two (sorry it's been a long day!):
Trust all those involved and try and appreciate the views of everyone.

Those who have experienced the planning process before may tell you that things can be difficult and emotions can take over.

Ultimately, this process is a transparent one where people are fully entitled to get involved and express opinions. They may live close to these developments or travel past them, seeing the places they know well change rapidly, sometimes beyond recognition. The important thing therefore is to remember this and understand that we all experience things differently.

For us, we will ask that we take the time to listen to these views and if we can respond to these where possible. Don't get us wrong if people are unreasonable in their concerns we will make this known.