Planning & Listed Building Consent Secured for conversion of historic building in Conservation Area

PDP were delighted this month to secure planning and Listed Building consent for the conversion of a 19th Century former warehouse building in the heart of a Derbyshire Dales market town to residential accommodation.

The building is situated just off the town’s main shopping street, behind a Georgian town house. The development will bring a disused historic building back into use and in doing so facilitate its restoration and long term upkeep.

Permission was granted for the scheme following consultations with planning and conservation officers, the town council and the conservation advisory forum.

Householder permitted development guidance published

A technical guidance document covering the permitted development regime for householders was published this month by the Department for Communities and Local Government.
Significant amendments were made to permitted development legislation in October 2008. In our experience the amended rules have proved to be enormously beneficial to our clients who have wanted to develop their homes during the previous 2 years, by allowing greater flexibility for expansion without the need for permission, or otherwise providing a good starting point for negotiations with local authorities concerning larger extensions which do require consent. Clients are often pleasantly surprised about how much can be achieved thanks to the legislative changes.
However the legislation has, to a certain extent, been open to interpretation, and with several more marginal cases it has proved prudent to check with the local authority that they agree with our interpretation, given the lack of case law on the subject.
We therefore welcome the new technical guidance document as it will provide greater clarity and smooth the process further.
PDP are happy to provide assistance to anyone wishing to interpret the General Permitted Development Order. With the last remaining grey areas cleared up by this guidance document, the Permitted Development tool can now be used to greatest effect.
The GPDO covers the following types of development:
• The enlargement, improvement or alteration of a house such as rear or side extensions as well as general alterations such as new windows and doors
• Additions or alterations to roofs which enlarge the house such as loft conversions involving dormer windows
• Other alterations to roofs such as re-roofing or the installation of roof lights
• The erection of a porch outside an external door
• The provision of buildings and other development on land surrounding the house (the ‘curtilage’)
• The provision of hard surfaces on land surrounding the house such as driveways
• The installation, alteration, or replacement of a chimney, flue or soil and vent pipe
• The installation, alteration, or replacement of microwave antenna such as satellite dishes.

Housing incentives plan outlined by Government

Housing minister Grant Shapps conformed this month that the government’s plans to 'reward' councils that give planning consent for the building of new homes will be introduced early in the upcoming Spending Review. Shapps has outlined a system of incentives for councils to build new houses which will involve the Government matching the additional council tax raised by every new house built for the next six years.

For example a council approving 100 new Band ‘D’ homes – currently around £1,400 a year in council tax – would be entitled to £840,000. The minister said he wants to use the incentives, which can fund either more frontline services, new playground facilities or council tax discounts, to boost house building.
He said: "With house building falling to its lowest level since 1924, action is needed now to build the homes the country needs”.

A consultation paper on the final scheme will be published following the Spending Review in October. PDP will review the consultation paper as soon as it is available and are happy to advise any clients wanting to know whether the incentives may influence individual development proposals.

PDP visit BRE in Watford and Accordia living in Cambridge

To stay ahead of the game, PDP went to explore the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in Watford, a “world leading and ground breaking demonstration development” intended to show how future sustainable buildings can be achieved.

It boasts seven sustainable houses (built to various levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes), a sustainable health centre and over 300 different construction innovations and emerging technologies designed to minimise environmental impact and reduced emissions, without impacting on build quality.

The prototype buildings are all uniquely designed by various house builders and are constantly monitored for environmental performance over time.

From an architectural perspective, the team was highly impressed by the various innovative features and ideas on display, despite the fact that many of the designs challenged the traditional house building concepts that we have become accustomed to over the decades.

PDP also visited Accordia Living in Cambridge. This is high density housing at its very best, demonstrating that volume house-builders can deliver high quality architecture – and that as a result they can improve their own bottom line.

PDP feel it is important to keep pace with technological advancements across the country, particularly where they concern minimising the environmental impact of new built development.

PDP help concerned residents in Spondon -refusal

Planning Design Practice were approached by concerned residents in Spondon who were seeking to oppose the extension and change of use of a small private gym to a boxing club. There were concerns raised amongst the residents relating to noise, loss of light, and impact upon outlook. Despite a recommendation of approval from planning officers, PDP spoke at planning committee and were able to ensure the application was refused. Both PDP and the local residents supported the proposed introduction of a boxing gym into the Spondon area, but felt that the proposed site was inappropriate for such a use.

‘Right to build’ policy publicised

The Government issued an e-leaflet this month to publicise their ‘right to build’ idea. The proposed strategy, which is to form part of the Localism Bill which the administration plans to publish later this year, involves giving community organisations the freedom to permit new local developments without a specific application for planning permission, as long as there is overwhelming community backing in a local referendum.
Any surplus made from the sale or renting of homes would be recycled for the benefit of the community. But community organisations would not be restricted to just building family homes - they could choose to build sheltered housing for the elderly, or set aside plots for people to build their own homes. They could even offer long-term, low rent deals for local shops, community halls or sports facilities.
The Campaign to Protect Rural England and the Royal Town Planning Institute have both questioned the proposals, however, preferring that the development plan system form the basis of decisions rather than simple public ballots.
PDP will keep a very close eye on relevant legislative developments over the coming months and would be happy to advise any individuals or community groups wanting to understand the implications of the policy changes further.

Planning & Design win consent for Ménage and Tennis Court in sensitive rural location

At planning committee on Tuesday evening Jonathan spoke in favour of a new Tennis Court and Menage near Bradbourne. The new facilities are to be added to a property where the company has successfully achieved planning permission back in 2006.

The site lies on high ground close to the boundary with the Peak National Park. The site lies immediately adjacent to the approved house and outbuildings which includes four stables. Using appropriate landscaping and taking account of the slope of the land in the design of the menage a scheme was developed that meet the clients needs while protecting the wider environment. Whilst there were no objections from neighbours the Parish Council was strongly against the scheme and this triggered a referral to planning committee.

Committee members met at the site and were able to speak direct to the Parish chairman who again voiced his concerns. Enhanced landscaping proposals were presented to the meeting to allay these concerns and the changes were supported by the planning officer.

At the committee meeting that evening members supported the planning officer’s recommendation for approval subject to the additional landscaping. Notwithstanding their differences our client and the Parish Council Chairman found that they could get on well. The chairman was given a tour of the property and our client has agreed to become more involved in the parish and to support parish events.

The turn of events in the evening reminded me of the importance of community relations, particularly for new comers to an area. The Parish had drawn erroneous conclusions about our client and had reacted as much to their vision of him as to the development itself.

Get the politics of an area right and the planning process is much easier.

Approval for extension to historic cottage in Conservation Area

PDP were delighted to help secure planning consent this month for the construction of a new two storey extension to a 19th Century stone cottage in a Derbyshire Dales Conservation Area.

PDP worked alongside architects Pilkington McPhee to provide a sensitive design that met the client’s brief whilst also satisfying the requirements of planning and conservation officers.

The proposed scheme involved extending to both the rear and side of the existing cottage, in order to provide a new master bedroom, bathroom, utility and snug.

Despite the amount of additional internal space being provided, the proposed extension does not detract from the character and appearance of the existing cottage. The rear part of the extension is to replace a couple of small previous additions and will be well hidden between the back of the cottage and a large retaining wall. The side part of the extension will be set back from the front face of the building, and will have lower ridge and eaves levels, ensuring that the visual dominance of the original cottage is preserved.

A design statement was submitted with the application which examined the history of the property and its role within the Conservation Area, and assessed traditional local building practices.

After receiving the support of Council officers the application was approved under delegated powers on 15th July 2010.

Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce (DNCC) Annual Golf Day

The Planning and Design Practice and Orchid IT entered a team into the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Day. The event, held on Friday the 11th June 2010 at Cotgrave Golf Club in Nottinghamshire, offered the opportunity to network with likeminded individuals, as well as the opportunity to showcase our businesses through a number of sponsorship packages.

Our team played well and finished in fourth spot, narrowly missing a trophy by just 2 stableford points. Better luck next year!

New policy regime emerging

The development industry is watching with interest as a new national planning policy regime is starting to take shape.

Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles sent a letter to all Local Planning Authorities at the end of May outlining his intention to ‘rapidly abolish regional strategies and return decision making powers on housing and planning to local councils’.

This was quickly followed by the publication in early June of a revised version of Planning Policy Statement 3 (Housing), in which garden land was re-classified from Brownfield to Greenfield, and housing density targets were abolished.

The new measures are intended to return decision making to local councils and stop unrestrained ‘garden grabbing’.

It is not yet completely clear how the changes will impact upon decision making at the local level. Although the secretary of state has announced his intention to abolish regional strategies (and the policies and housing targets that go with them), and has requested that his letter is treated as a ‘material consideration’, the formal abolition of regional strategies has yet to occur.

Certain Council’s in the local area are, at the time of writing, continuing to view development proposals on garden land within settlement boundaries favourably, given the need to meet (surviving) housing targets. Others may choose to take a harder line.

Here at PDP we will continue to monitor the situation carefully as the coalition government’s new approach continues to emerge and bed down, and will update clients of any significant developments via the monthly newsletter.

Derby's Property & Business Investment Show

Planning Design Practice exhibited at this year’s Derby Property & Business Investment Show which was held on the 11th May 2010 at Pride Park Stadium, Derby.

The show attracted the cream of Derby’s built environment sector and proved to be a huge success for everyone involved. Although many of the exhibitors talked of tough times, there was a real sense of optimism in the air that better times lay ahead. Over 200 people gathered at the show’s seminars to hear speakers from Cushman and Wakefield and the House Building Federation, as well as from sponsors Marketing Derby, Derby Cityscape and Rigby & Co.

Planning Design Practice are looking forward to exhibiting at the larger and more prestigious East Midlands Property and Business Investment Show in November 2010. We hope to see you there!

Extension to barn conversion approved

Planning Design Practice have secured planning permission for an extension to a converted barn at a site near Rotherham.

Initially, the Local Planning Authority were unhappy with the principle of an extension to the converted barn because they felt that it would result in the over-domestification of the building. However, Planning Design Practice were able to locate Ordnance Survey images of the original barn from the late 1800’s depicting a long linear single-storey extension. Planning Design Practice also put forward photographic evidence of markings on the wall of the original barn to demonstrate the existence of a former pitched roof extension.

Given this weight of evidence, the Local Planning Authority eventually accepted proposals for a substantial single-storey extension to the building. The extension was designed to appear as rural in character and appearance as possible, so as not to impact upon the rural street scene.

Construction of 3 dwellings - land adjacent to 140 Stenson Road, Derby

The site lies on Stenson Road on the south west side of Derby about two miles from the city centre, 140 is a large semidetached Victorian Villa. The property benefits from a large side garden which used to contain a tennis court. The next property along the street is 146 Stenson Road.

When the Street was first developed and numbered it was taken that this ‘plot’ would be used for 142 and 144 Stenson Road. The development proposal now before Derby City Council is for three dwellings, two on the road frontage with a dormer bungalow behind. The outline application shows two large detached houses on the frontage, detailed design of all three dwellings is reserved for later consideration.

The key issues relating to this development are:

1. Trees
2. Access

Two large Copper Beech trees are located on the road frontage. These are important to the street scene and must be retained. Gaining access while retaining these trees and providing the necessary visibility splays and road widths without harming the trees have proved to be very difficult. Various options were considered but in the end widening the existing access was seen as the only way to achieve the access improvements and protect the trees.

Agreement has now been reached with highways and with the Council’s tree officer and a decision from the Council is expected within days.

This is currently a brownfield site as it is classed as garden land. Proposed changes to planning legislation proposed by the Coalition will make garden land ‘green’ land with a presumption against development. This raises an interesting question in relation to the development of urban sites. Locations such as this were originally envisaged as being developed. The history of this site is unusual, and the application addresses the anomaly of the past. This site should be development; its development lowers pressure on Greenfield sites on the edge of the city and provides homes in a location well served by facilities and amenities. Councils have always had the power to protect existing low density developments from infilling using local plan policies. This power could easily be used more widely without a change in the status of garden land.

See PDP at The East Midlands Property and Business Show on 11th May 2010

(Click to View Larger Images)

Join PDP in the Pedigree and Toyota Suites at Pride Park Stadium on

Tuesday 11th May 2010.

Entrance to Exhibition and Sponsors Seminar is free of charge.

Tickets for the exclusive VIP Network Lunch tickets are £17.50 + vat and available direct from accounts@showbizgroup.co.uk

Conversion of The Vaults, Wirksworth into Residential and Commercial Uses

The Vaults is a well known pub and hotel in the centre of the town. One of six remaining pubs in the town centre it closed about 18 months ago after a slow decline. The pub during its last review was rated as being poor for its food, its ambiance and its service. Once the home of a nationally famous wine merchant the building built in 1800 and listed was left vacant while new owners were sought.

We were approached by the new owner back in the autumn to look at bringing the building back into use. At the same time we were interested in enhancing the building and its setting. Historic photographs showed the building in the 1880s, with gardens and railings and whilst the immediate environment was altered and much of the garden lost in the 1970s when the District Council built a new road and car park nevertheless the opportunity is there and the client is prepared to make the changes.

We had identified the need for smaller flats in Wirksworth for single people and those on moderate incomes. Working closely with the Council’s conservation officer and the planners we devised a scheme for six flats and two commercial units on the ground floor. Having been a pub the ground floor could be converted into shops, a restaurant of professional offices without planning consent .We widened the number of uses to include general offices and heath uses. Following pre-application discussions with County highways we submitted the application. The application garnered wide support and was approved at the end of April 2010.

The vaults is a great example of what can be achieved, the buildings historic character will be protected and enhanced, the setting of the building will be improved, the building will provide new moderately priced homes and the business units will provide employment and enhance the vitality and viability of the town.

Work is expected to start immediately and the first show flat is expected to be ready for viewing at the Wirksworth festival in September.

Permission Obtained For New End of Terrace House in Mayfield, Ashbourne

PDP were delighted to recently secure full planning consent for the construction of a new end of terrace dwelling in the popular village of Mayfield, near Ashbourne.

PDP were asked by a local builder who had purchased the neighbouring property about the development potential of its large side garden.

After holding initial discussions with Planning and Highway Officers about the basic concept, PDP prepared and submitted detailed plans for a new three bedroom, end of terrace property, along with a supporting statement justifying why new development should be allowed in the desired location. The application was subsequently approved under delegated powers by East Staffordshire Borough Council Planning Officers.

To ensure an excellent quality living environment, the new property has been designed to have a triple aspect, with windows looking out across the south-facing front garden, the rear garden and the open fields to the east. Front and rear gardens will be provided for the both the existing and new properties, and a covered walkway will provide pedestrian access between the two houses. Both properties will benefit from off street parking. The existing boundary hedge around the side garden of the existing house will be lowered and retained, to help protect and enhance the quality of the street scene.

Newsletter - March 2010 New Housing Scheme

Approval for Sensitive New Housing in Village Conservation Area

PDP were delighted to obtain planning consent earlier this month for the redevelopment of a large site in the village of Bolehill, near Wirsksworth, with a sensitive scheme for 7 new houses.

The site is currently occupied by an empty timber-framed building which was the Women’s Institute hall until two years ago, a brick house and a garden. PDP put together the scheme on behalf of 2 local builders.

Detailed designs were prepared by PDP, based on an assessment of character of the Conservation Area. The proposed layout was designed to respond to the steep and varied topography of the site, respect the established built form of the village, and complement the existing spaces surrounding the site. Each of the seven houses were carefully designed to individually and collectively reflect the characteristics of existing buildings in the village.

Prior to and during the application process careful negotiations were held with Planning and Conservation Officers, the Derbyshire Dales Conservation Advisory Forum, English Heritage, and the Highway Authority, amongst others.

Despite 21 letters of objection being received by the Council in response to the proposals, the Derbyshire Dales Central Area Planning Committee resolved to approve the application at their meeting on 2nd March.

Newsletter - March 2010 Residential Barn Consent

Consent Secured for Residential Barn Conversion Scheme

PDP were delighted to obtain planning consent this month for the conversion of a range of traditional farm buildings at Park Farm, Little Eaton, to residential accommodation.

The U-shaped range of 18th and 19th Century buildings enjoy a beautiful rural setting, in Green Belt north of the village.

A sensitive scheme for the conversion of the buildings to a four bedroom home was submitted to Erewash Borough Council following initial negotiations. The proposal also included the re-use of a further building as a garage and home office, and the removal of several modern sheds to enhance the appearance of the site.

The application was accompanied by a structural survey, an ecological survey and an estate agents report examining the viability of commercial re-use.

The application was subsequently approved by Council Officers under delegated powers.

We look forward to seeing buildings restored and brought back to their former glory.

The Homebuilding and Renovating Show 2010

The Homebuilding and Renovating Show 2010 was a resounding success. Given this was Planning Design Practice’s first year exhibiting at the event, it was reassuring to learn that show organisers reported increased attendance from last year and previous years. Planning Design Practice were able to help and advise numerous self builders and homeowners of the potential planning pitfalls surrounding their various schemes, with many enquiries turning into new work.

As well as exhibitions from the key players within the built environment sector, the show delivered a series of master classes and seminars on various planning and environmental issues. Online notes from these master classes and seminars can be found on the Homebuilding and Renovating Show’s website via the following link: http://national.homebuildingshow.co.uk/News.apx.aspx

Planning Design Practice are looking forward to exhibiting at the Homebuilding and Renovating Show 2011, although you needn’t wait until then to approach us with your planning and design related enquiries!

Newsletter - February 2010

Consent for herdsman’s dwelling in rural Staffordshire

PDP recently obtained outline planning consent for the construction of a new herdsman’s dwelling on a 190 acre farm in East Staffordshire.

New dwellings in the open countryside are very strictly controlled by planning policy, however an allowance is occasionally made where there is an essential requirement for a new dwelling to support an established agricultural enterprise.

The farm already contained a dwelling, occupied by the applicant and his wife, however the applicants son was having to commute 16 miles daily in order to fulfil his role as chief herdsman. The application argued that there was a functional requirement for a chief herdsman to be on site 24 hours a day, and that it was unreasonable to expect the applicant, who also worked full time on the farm, to vacate his home in order to provide the required accommodation.

An agricultural appraisal was submitted with the application, to demonstrate the functional need, an assessment of alternative sites, to demonstrate that the site chosen was the most suitable on the holding, and a design and access statement which included case law relevant to the scenario.
The outline approval secures the scale and siting of the new dwelling. Indicative plans which were submitted as part of the application showed a 150 sqm, 3 bedroom detached dwelling with a private garden and detached garage / storage building.

Newsletter - February 2010

PDP wins approval for a new shop, office tea rooms and commercial kitchen on a caravan park in near Buxton

Cloverfields Caravan Park lies to the south west of Buxton, close to Harpur Hill. PDP obtained planning permission in 2003 for 25 pitches and a toilet block. In the last few years we have obtained further planning permissions to extend the operation and the site now has 45 caravan pitches, a camping field for up to 50 pitches, amenity areas and a toilet/washroom block.

The site is operated to a high standard and has an excellent reputation for customer service and with its growth has come a need for new facilities to meet the needs of caravanners, campers and the wider area.

Following discussions with the client it was agreed that the shop, office, tea rooms, toilets and kitchen could all be placed under one roof in a single amenities block. The tea room would also double up as a meeting space for the many group and societies which use the site. The kitchen is designed as a commercial kitchen which will service both the tea rooms but will also provide a range of pre-prepared meals for caravanners and campers which will be sold in the shop and distributed to local retail outlets. The office will replace the owners own home which until now has served the needs of the site.

The building was designed by Jonathan Jenkin from PDP as a timber clad building with veranda providing a meeting space by the entrance to the shop and office, and in keeping with the other approved buildings on the caravan site. The design provides full disabled access to all spaces; the tea rooms benefit from open views across the Derbyshire hills and have level access to a large grassed area at the side of the building which can be used for sitting and for meals in summer. The kitchen has its own separate entrance and vehicular access drive for deliveries and visitors. Attention was also paid to security, and shutters where incorporated into the design for all windows and doors.

The design was agreed in principle by the Area Planning Officer as part of a pre-planning consultation. The site is popular with local people, the applicants are well liked and the proposal did not attract any objections. The scheme was approved under delegated powers and work is expected to commence later in the year.
The amenities building is an example of a development which met and exceeded the clients brief because, through our involvement and discussion, the opportunities to add value became more and more apparent. There are so many linkages and this made the project exciting to work on. The design followed on from the functional needs of the client which as produced a building that is aesthetically pleasing, practical, and cost effective.

Newsletter - February 2010

Homebuilding and Renovating Show at the NEC in Birmingham on the 18th – 21st March 2010




Planning Design Practice are exhibiting at the Homebuilding and Renovating Show at the NEC in Birmingham on the 18th – 21st March 2010.

The event is the UK’s biggest self-build and renovation event and is crammed full of all the advice, ideas, inspiration and innovations you need to create the home of your dreams - all under one roof.

Planning Design Practice have 250 free tickets to the event to give away to new and existing clients. Should you wish to attend, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Don’t miss your opportunity to meet over 450 of the UK’s leading self-build and renovation companies and view the latest products, services and trends for building, renovating, extending or improving your home. Plus with more independent advice and educational content than ever before you are sure to pick up new ideas. No matter what stage you are at, no matter how many projects you have done before there is something for everyone. From budget to built it’s all covered at this event!

January 2010

PDP - Running 10k for Charity 11/04/10

The team at Planning Design Practice Ltd ran the Derby 10k race last year and had a great deal of fun training and competing in the event, however, this year we felt it would be good to have fun and make some money for a worthy cause at the same time. We've decided to race in aid of the Anthony Nolan Trust, a charity that takes back lives from leukaemia. All we need now is your help and support; so if you feel like making a donation, just follow the link below.

http://www.justgiving.com/planningdesignpractice

January 2010

PDP wins approval for a new road access and outline consent for 5 dwellings in Littleover

The site lies south east of Littleover village centre and consists of two detached houses located within extensive grounds. The properties suffer from a narrow steep and dangerous access which prevents them from being upgraded and sold on. The gardens are so extensive that they long ago ceased to be fully managed and are overgrown. This is a classic sustainable urban site close to a wide range of amenities that should be developed in preference to edge of city locations.

The site contains important roadside trees which add to the amenity of the area and protect the site from road noise. In preparing proposals for the development of the land and the creation of the access, PDP and the applicant worked closely with an Arboricultural consultant. The consultant identified the most important trees, advised on root protection zones and appropriate pruning. The plans were then drawn up to maintain and protect the best trees on the site while allowing for an appropriate level of development. Trees can in our experience add significant value and should be integrated into a development whenever possible.

The City Council has recently adopted new highway standards and has incorporated new advice from the Government. In our experience when new policies are being operated which have not had time to bed down, differences in opinion can arise and in this case the planning approval was held up because of a difference of opinion between the head of highways and a leading councillor. After a two month delay the application was approved in accordance with the councillor’s wishes.

The access is expected to be built in the spring with the development of the five dwellings to follow on later as the housing market picks up. The access will serve the five new houses in addition to the two existing houses. The site also backs onto another parcel of undeveloped land and the layout makes an allowance for further development should it be possible in the future.

January 2010

New Year brings exciting challenges for PDP



The first month of 2010 has seen the Planning Design Practice commissioned to work on a number of exciting projects across Derbyshire and Staffordshire, as clients plan for the year ahead.

Projects commissioned and started this month include:

· A new housing development in a historic part of Chesterfield;
· A new industrial composting facility in the Derbyshire Dales;
· A new caravan park in the Peak District National Park;
· The conversion of Listed buildings in a Derbyshire Dales Conservation Area to residential accommodation;
· The construction of 12 affordable eco homes and a care home in Erewash;
· The construction of a toilet / amenity block and access track to serve fishing lakes in the Staffordshire Moorlands;
· The construction of 12 new homes in a Derby suburb

The team are looking forward to developing the proposals further in the coming weeks and months.

December 2009 Newsletter

Barn conversions nearing completion


PDP are pleased to report that two of the four barn conversions for which they obtained planning permission at Upper Ashgate Farm in Old Brampton, near Chesterfield, are nearing completion.

PDP originally obtained consent to convert the historic range of barns, which are contained within a Conversation Area, in 2006, on behalf of the Sitwell Estate and their agents Shuldham Calverley. In 2009 PDP were involved again in discharging conditions ready for the development to commence.
The estate has since converted the first two barns to a very high standard, and intends to progress to the conversion of the two remaining barns in the near future.

December 2009 Newsletter

PDP represent local residents as housing scheme is refused


PDP recently represented a group of twenty Ashbourne residents in objecting to a scheme for the demolition of a single house and the erection of 14 apartments.

The application was considered by the Derbyshire Dales Southern Area Planning Committee at their meeting of 30th November 2009, and had the planning officer’s recommendation for approval.

Jonathan Jenkin, Managing Director of PDP, addressed the Committee on behalf of the residents group and expressed his concerns about the scale and appearance of the proposed building and its likely impact on the street scene.

Prior to the Committee Meeting, Jonathan Jenkin also made representations to the Town Council, who subsequently decided to object to the scheme themselves.
Planning Committee Members voted unanimously to refuse the application, on the grounds that the scale, siting and design of the proposed development would be detrimental to the visual amenity, character and appearance of the area.