We are delighted to confirm that McLoughlin Planning was instrumental in obtaining planning permission for the change of use of a Bed & Breakfast (Use Class C1) into a new dwelling (Use Class C3).
Securing a residential use in a town centre location
The proposed change of use raised a number of key planning considerations which had to be carefully navigated, as the 18th century property is situated in a Conservation Area and within the Cotswold National Landscape.
But the main planning issue was related to the Principle of Development, given the property’s location in Stow’s defined town centre. This area is zoned for commercial uses, meaning new residential development is not usually supported. Despite this constraint, McLoughlin Planning was able to persuade Cotswold District Council that in this case, a residential use in the town centre was appropriate.
Our pragmatic approach, nuanced analysis of policy and site context, and the presentation of a strong fall-back position secured the planning approval for this change of use and the further evolution of this historic building, which will now become a family home.
Moving towards a mixed-use High Street?
Councils tend to have policies prohibiting new dwellings in town centre locations, mainly to ensure the ‘vitality and viability’ of the High Street is maintained. However, applications like this demonstrate it is possible to obtain permission for a dwelling in commercial centres. As our High Streets evolve, there is increasing recognition that the introduction of modest amounts of residential uses within town centres can contribute to, rather than diminish, the activity in town centres.
How we can help
Do you own or are you interested in purchasing commercial property in a town centre with a view to changing its use to residential? If so, then please contact us through either our “Arrange a Call” tab on our contact page or via the email and telephone number provided below.
Joe Seymour – Associate Director
E: joe.seymour@mplanning.co.uk
T: 01242895008
Image source: Knight Frank Estate Agency
McLoughlin Planning is pleased to have helped a property owner secure Permission in Principle (PiP) with the London Borough of Sutton for an upward extension (airspace) development for 9 new flats. This is the first approved Permission in Principle granted by this London Borough.
Due to the significant number of reports and plans required through validation for full planning permissions, we have been approached by SME developers to find a means of managing development risk and to ensure the principle of their aspirations is something which can be agreed with the Council before investing in the technical work required. This is particularly applicable to constrained inner-city urban development sites where upward extensions for airspace development can be met with resistance.
Following previous success in London in using Permission in Principle, we worked with the landowner to develop a scheme which could be presented through a PiP to secure the principle of airspace development for the property. As this application type considers only the location, land use and amount of development, the level of supporting information is a fraction of a full planning permission. Whilst it does not remove the considerations and risks of subsequent technical considerations, it does provide an opportunity to agree with the Council whether the amount (i.e. number of residential flats) and location of the airspace development is acceptable. As PiP’s are limited to up to 9 residential units, this type of proposal is ideally suited for smaller development proposals in urban areas.
Following submission, McLoughlin Planning worked closely with the Council and case officer to ensure the proposal was being determined correctly and to agree with the officer on the appropriate amount of development which would be realistic to approve for further technical consent.
We are so pleased to have helped provide the landowner with reassurance through the PiP of their property’s development potential and to secure another first with a London Borough.
If you are interested in finding out how we can help you please get in touch
