What we've done

Acting for a local developer and housebuilder, redevelopment of this edge of village site located in the West Yorkshire Green Belt was problematic, given there is a general presumption against new development.  

An initial exercise was to establish the amount of development that would be allowed on this underutilised site.  

Working with officers at the City Council and local politicians, we confirmed that the site comprises previously developed land.  A set of special circumstances emerged which resulted in permission for four new-build, cottage-style dwellings constructed of local stone.

Changes to agricultural practices and standards require continuous investment so that farmsteads and buildings can be upgraded and improved, or replaced.  This can be for a variety of reasons.  For example, to accommodate larger modern machinery, to satisfy health and safety work practices and for the welfare of livestock. 

On behalf of the landowner and farm tenant, full planning permission was achieved for the expansion and consolidation of activity on to the existing Home Farm holding.  

In turn, this released obsolete and isolated land and buildings elsewhere on the holding for residential development, so as to fund the investment required for Home Farm.

Following closure of the family business, we were approached to consider redevelopment options for this site in a mixed-use area.   

Working with the architect and developer, a scheme was prepared for this awkward-shaped site, and to address potential amenity issues from adjacent commercial activity.  

Preapplication engagement with planning officers and the Town Council ensured  a high level of support, and a successful outcome with nine new family homes.

Small infill plots arise in many villages and towns where land uses have changed or buildings are disused, or have collapsed.

In this case a former tennis court, garden and disused paddock came forward at the same time on adjoining landholdings.  

After appointing an architect to the design  team we worked with the two landowners to meet their individual aspirations and to deal with particular issues, such as highways, arising from the two schemes.  

The successful outcome was eight new build family homes. 

Numerous parts of the countryside are valued and protected for their landscape and natural beauty.  In such areas, it is important that the economy remains prosperous so that rural communities can flourish and grow.

In this case, within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a full planning application was submitted for market and affordable housing, along with a community car park and pick-up and drop-off for the local school.

Money from the approved scheme was used  to renovate local protected buildings.

In England, most development proposals and the use of land are controlled through a system of local plans and guidance.  

In this example, land was promoted through the Local Plan to provide housing and open space.  As the Local Plan progressed, the site was supported for affordable and market housing, with part of the site reserved for the provision of a new/replacement two-form primary school.  

Evidence was presented at the Plan's Examination to seek changes to the policy to ensure that, if the need for the school changed, the reserved area could be developed for housing. 

A business park owned by a client is fully occupied.  

On behalf of the client we are promoting adjacent land to accommodate two stages of expansion over the coming years. The scheme will achieve high levels of sustainability.  

A submitted masterplan 

proposes a series of buildings which reflect the existing complex of former agricultural buildings to provide modern serviced accommodation in a landscaped setting, using a palette of modern materials. 

Some projects take many years.  

Acting as agent for the Crown Estate, we worked with the adjacent landowner to bring forward a major scheme in East Anglia through the Local Plan.   

The resultant scheme was pursued as a hybrid planning application supported by an Environmental Statement and technical reports. 

The approved scheme includes over 4000 houses, plus employment and commercial uses, along with open space, recreation, leisure and social facilities and associated infrastructure.   A masterplan ensures the new neighbourhoods integrate into and with the existing community. 

Leisure and tourism are large sectors of the economy and play an important role in welfare and well-being.

In this example, on behalf of an investment fund, we explored the potential redevelopment of a public house and restaurant for a more intensive tourism use.

Planning designations, adjacent uses and highway/access issues were identified which resulted in the proposals not being progressed.

Not all schemes come to fruition. 

Often, we are approached by clients seeking to improve or adapt property to meet their changing needs.  Sometimes what is wanted and what may be allowed are not the same.    

In working with the client, we seek to ensure that their proposals are achievable and comply with necessary regulations  and standards.  

A number of our clients own and manage extensive and varied property portfolios. 

We are retained to provide advice for these clients in order to protect their interests.  For example, where neighbours propose development schemes or changes of use which may affect the client's property directly, or indirectly, or in certain circumstances (mistakenly) includes the client's property.  

Where necessary, representations are submitted seeking changes to such schemes.  

Some clients have an idea. 

We have advised numerous clients exploring opportunities to build their own home or start a business and are looking for a suitable property or premises, or have found one.  

We can advise on the suitability of the site and probability of the scheme being approved for development.