Housing Development – Green Belt, Infill Development, Conversions
Heaton Planning is experienced in the preparation and submission of planning applications and appeals for a wide range of housing developments including minor extensions, new build dwellings, infill plots, conversions, development in the Green Belt and significant housing/ mixed use developments.
In most circumstances, we recommend an incremental approach to individual projects to ensure that we are clear of the relevant housing development plan policy tests, by which the development will be assessed by the local council, prior to any detailed design work being carried out. It is our view that this will ultimately save our clients time and expense in the long run.
Once we have established the guiding principles on how a housing development may be assessed we have assisted a number of clients in preparing and submitting a planning application. This process often involves project managing the process from conception through to determination of a planning application. If an application is refused this may also involve the coordination and preparation of evidence for an appeal.
We also assist with the completion of all the necessary forms, certificates and if necessary the preparation of a Design and Access Statement. We will also closely liaise with the Council prior to, during submission and throughout determination of the planning application.
In assessing individual housing development sites we look carefully at the relevant national planning policy guidance (as established by central government and applicable to all housing development) and the policy that is specific to the local authority area in which the development is proposed.
Recently, a great deal of focus and attention has been drawn to the new coalition government’s localism agenda and the new powers given to Local Authorities regarding ‘garden grabbing’ and revisions to the key planning policy document PPS3 regarding housing development. Garden land is no longer classified as brownfield, so councils have more control over whether to allow housing development to be built on it. It has also scrapped regional spatial strategies and housing targets for each local authority area, so there is less pressure on councils to give planning permission for housing developments.
In certain circumstances policy tests can be very restrictive on development, for example housing development within the Green Belt. In these circumstances, we sometimes advise clients that the submission of a planning application would not be advisable as it may be expensive and there is little chance of gaining planning permission and that it may be more appropriate to promote the site through the Local Development Framework process. More information regarding the Local Development Framework can be found within the Development Plan Monitoring Section of our website. We act on behalf of a number of clients seeking to protect existing interests as well as the promotion of future development including housing developments from individual sites for one dwelling to large urban extensions involving over 500 new dwellings.
Examples of housing development projects
Keyworth, Nottinghamshire
Following a refusal of planning permission and dismissal of an appeal by the Planning Inspectorate, Heaton Planning were commissioned by our client to review the site and the previous submission. With ongoing liaison between the architect and the Council, Heaton Planning obtained planning permission for four residential apartments.
Caythorpe, Nottinghamshire
Heaton Planning recently gained planning permission for a housing development on an infill plot within Caythorpe. Caythorpe is situated within the Green Belt and there are therefore stricter policy tests on allowing housing development in these locations.
Hickling, Nottinghamshire
Heaton Planning obtained planning permission for the conversion of a barn to housing development within the village of Hickling. The site was within a Conservation Area and therefore the design aspects of the proposal were particularly sensitive.
Orston, Nottinghamshire
Heaton Planning prepared a planning application for the redevelopment of a redundant agricultural complex to accommodate a new housing development comprising four new residential units with associated amenity space, parking and vehicular access.
Arnold, Nottinghamshire
Heaton Planning were commissioned to prepare, submit and project manage two planning applications for the construction of flats at land at St. Mary’s Church, Arnold. The design of the housing development was particularly critical by reason of the proximity to the church which is a listed building. Unfortunately the application was lost on appeal despite Officer recommendation.
The Park, Nottingham
Following refusal of planning permission Heaton Planning were commissioned to prepare a planning appeal for the erection of a new dwelling in the Park Conservation Area.
Stainforth Marina
Heaton Planning have also been commissioned to promote land at Stainforth for a new mixed use marina development, to include a housing development. This is currently the subject of an outline planning application.
Promotion of land for housing development
As well as assisting our clients with the preparation of planning applications, we have promoted a number of sites within the south Nottingham area for housing development through the new Local Development Framework process.
Heaton Planning have assisted one of our clients with the promotion of an urban extension in Clowne, Derbyshire. This is a mixed use development with a significant proportion dedicated to new housing development. The site has now been adopted as a ‘preferred site’ for allocation within the Bolsover Local Development Framework.