Town planning blog - TOWN PLANNING KNOW HOW BOOKS

Extra storeys need fire protection approval

31/12/2020

Permitted development rights were relaxed earlier in 2020 to allow extensions upwards to existing blocks of flats to provide additional flats. The Government has recently announced a change to the regulations that require fire safety for external wall construction to be an additional matter that must be submitted for prior approval.

Change in housing numbers

22/12/2020

Earlier this year the Government introduced new housing targets for local authorities, with numbers coming from a new algorithm. That saw greater increase in rural areas, prompting a backlash by many. This 'mutant algorithm', as it was dubbed, has now been changed to increase housebuilding in urban areas: an uplift of 35% will instead be applied to 20 cities and urban centres.

HMOs and planning

16/11/2020

A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is where a single family house is used for more than one household. Up to a certain number that may still fall within the same use class as a dwellinghouse, but over three means that a change of use may occur. This can prove controversial with local residents, as this news article shows.

New housing can be controversial

9/11/2020

As the Government seeks to boost the building of new housing across the country, they are finding it runs into opposition - including from their own Ministers. The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, has become the latest Minister to object to a planning application for housing in her constituency, as this report explains.

Perils of buying 'micro-plots'

12/10/2020

Photo by James Maxfield on Unsplash

Small investors, self-builders and individuals can be tempted to buy 'micro-plots': fields carved into parcels of land sold with hope value for housing. These rarely gain planning permission and this good article provides a summary. Take advice if you are interested in purchasing, or want to pursue a planning application or appeal.

New permitted development rights

1/9/2020

New permitted development rights now in force that allow demolition of some commercial buildings and also flats, and erection of new housing. You still need prior approval of details from Council, but it could be a big change for some property owners. See more here

New house appeal

7/4/2020

Photo by Daniil Silantev on Unsplash

New build houses in the countryside are sometimes allowed under the 'paragraph 79' exception contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. But they have to be 'innovative or outstanding quality'. A recent appeal decided that high bar wasn't met - it is a tricky case to argue at appeal. https://buff.ly/3bSl3xQ

Passivhaus homes not enough to warrant permission

3/4/2020

The high energy benefits of Passivhaus housing weren't enough to allow for planning permission to be granted for 25 on a green space in a village in Worcestershire. A planning appeal Inspector found that the site was of historic interest to the village, and of benefit to the local community. The appeal was dismissed.

Photo by Jude Infantini on Unsplash

Homes on Devon coast refused

1/4/2020

Photo by Red Zeppelin on Unsplash

Three architect-designed houses on the South Devon coast have been dismissed at appeal due to harm to the coastline, AONB and trees. The houses would have been cylindrical, looking like castle keeps rising about the treeline. The Inspector was unconvinced about their prominence and effect on the sensitive coastal area.

Government's announcement on Green Belts

10/3/2020

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the new Housing Minister, have been discussing Green Belt policy in the House of Commons. Support for the Green Belt was expressed, but with the Housing Minister saying in response to a question from a Labour Member about delivering houses and protecting green spaces 'We want green spaces that people can enjoy – but we also want homes that people can live in, and she cannot have it both ways'.

Photo by Federico Respini on Unsplash

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