The Government has announced further changes to permitted development rights. Shops can now change to housing, subject to prior approval from the Council. There are limited controls over what shops can change, with only those in conservation areas being subject to tests. There is a floorspace limit though

Large planning applications can lead to a large number of objections. In this instance of drilling for oil on the Isle of Wight, over 3,000 objections received. Objectors need to be focused on objections and concentrate on town planning issues and law. The shear weight of numbers against a proposal is not enough in itself to mean a planning application will be refused.

We have a new video on YouTube - a quick guide to show you how to find out if your land or property is at risk from flooding. This is an important matter to consider if you're thinking of extending your property or building on a plot of land. You may need a flood risk assessment to show that you can build. Or the development you want to undertake might be ruled out by the risk of the flooding. Find out before you make what could be a costly mistake.

Planners like to categorise things in neat boxes, and a change is now in place to a crucial area of commercial use classes. The new Class E is now in force, which combines a lot of former business and retail uses into one category. This means that planning permission is not needed for any use within that Class E, for instance a change from a shop to a restaurant, or an office to a cafe. See more here

Who likes cycling? Who likes town planning?! You get both in this place - a cafe the subject of a well-reported planning appeal about whether the number of cyclists meeting for rides harmed amenity. www.facebook.com/velolife.co.uk So long as there aren't too many cyclists - they can carry on operating! The importance of a good appeal statement, and support for your appeal

A recent appeal decision in Yorkshire allowed the conversion of an active pub to a new house for the owner. There was a considerable degree of opposition to the loss of the pub, but the appellant demonstrated reasonable alternative pubs in the area, other facilities and that the pub was not properly viable. The case was made in relation to local and national planning policies, and shows the need for a well-researched and comprehensive, relevant appeal submission.

The plans to expand Heathrow by an additional runway have received a major setback with a successful challenge in the Court of Appeal by a partnership of local Councils and environmental pressure groups. The ruling said that the Government's adopted Airports National Policy Statement was not compatible with the climate change obligations under the Paris Agreement. Discussion continues as to the implications of this ruling. Will it be the end of the additional runway plans? Or does it just mean that the plans can be resurrected, provided they make proper reference to the obligation and other legal requirements? No doubt the objections will continue whatever the decision.