Case Study No. 14: Permission in Principle for housing allowed at appeal

Our client sought advice on the planning potential of a site at the edge of a Worcestershire village. We advised that whilst it was outside the ‘development boundary’ in the South Worcestershire Development Plan, there were good prospects of securing consent for housing on appeal.

We advised that ‘Permission in Principle’ (‘PiP’) be sought. PiP is an alternative way of securing planning permission for housing. In effect, it is a ‘light touch’ process which separates the consideration of matters of principle (Stage 1) from detailed technical matters (Stage 2). The aim of Stage 1 is to give certainty on core matters relating to the location, land use and amount of development, without having to commission costly reports and drawings relating to more detailed technical matters.

Following the refusal of PiP by Malvern Hills District Council, we lodged an appeal with The Planning Inspectorate. The Inspector found that housing here would ‘read’ as part of the village on the ground, and that the benefits, including the delivery of housing, would outweigh any perceived harm as a result of the site’s location. The appeal was therefore allowed.

“Chris was professional, attentive and explained all our options as we went through the planning process. We had a very positive result which validated our trust in his decisions. Couldn’t recommend him highly enough!”

— Oliver Martin

Case Study No. 12: Planning permission granted in Worcester for change of use to two flats

Working together with Malvern Architecture we prepared an application for the change of use of a House in Multiple Occupation to two flats. This was accompanied by a Planning Design and Access Statement, Property Portfolio document, forms, certificates and drawings.

During the course of the application we amended elements of the scheme particularly concerning access and parking, and worked with Council officers to resolve other issues.

The application was reported to Planning Committee where it was granted subject to conditions.

Case Study No. 11: Planning appeal allowed for new dwelling in Worcester

We were approached to prepare and submit an application for a two bedroom dwelling in Worcester. Despite the supporting documentation, the application was refused by Worcester City Council on grounds of highway safety/parking and design.

We then submitted an appeal to The Planning Inspectorate. This included a detailed statement, including evidence relating to design and parking, having regard to the context of the area and nearby decisions.

The appeal was allowed.

The Inspector concluded that the scheme would ‘integrate satisfactorily into the streetscene…and complement the character of the area’. Although he noted that there would be shortfall of one parking space against the Council’s standards, he found that this ‘is unlikely to result in unacceptable harm to highway safety’.

Case Study No. 10: Planning Enforcement Appeal allowed and retrospective planning permission granted for stables in the Malvern Hills AONB

We were approached following the refusal of planning permission for equestrian stables and an associated access track and hardstanding in the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Council served an Enforcement Notice alleging harm to the character and appearance of the landscape.

We prepared a detailed planning appeal statement to demonstrate that the proposal did not harm the AONB and that the scheme accorded with planning policies.

The appointed Planning Inspector agreed and the appeal was allowed.

“Wow amazing result! Well done for your outstanding services.”

— Barbara Prodger