As Planning Consultants based in central Manchester, people are sometimes surprised to discover that we are involved in a range of development projects throughout all parts of England and Wales (which is the way we like it!)
For example, we recently secured planning permission on two very different projects in Brighton.
The first related to the redevelopment of a former commercial site in suburban Hove which had been used as a dairy since the 19th century until falling vacant in 2016. The site was classified by the Council as a locally listed heritage asset as it contained several historical barn buildings thereby requiring a detailed Planning and Heritage Statement.
In collaboration with Urban View Architecture, we prepared a mixed use residential development comprising 19 new homes and commercial floorspace which successfully restored the historical buildings on site. By engaging proactively with the Council, we secured the full support of Planning, Design and Heritage Officers as well as Members of the Planning Committee (despite the usual opposition from some members of the local community who didn’t agree).
We are really proud of this scheme and can’t wait to see it built out in 2023!
Moving into central Brighton, we were instructed to review the development potential for our client’s site which had operated as a small, informal car park for many years and suffered from regular fly tipping. The site was subject to considerable overlooking from neighbouring windows and located within the city’s West Hill Conservation Area, so not exactly straightforward…
We prepared a scheme for a new family home that was carefully designed to respond to the various constraints of the site and to avoid any negative impacts upon neighboring properties. Unfortunately, the Council didn’t share our vision and the application was refused.
We were therefore delighted to recently overturn this decision at appeal, with the Inspector concluding (amongst other matters) that the proposal “would comprise a significant improvement to both the character and appearance of the streetscene and the Conservation Area”.
This goes to show that there is often potential to be unlocked at small, constrained sites provided that the right consultant team is in place and you are prepared for a battle with the Council if required.
