Yes, you heard it right!

Town planners used to be Olympians (in the non-sporting events that is) and were rewarded Olympic Bronze, Silver or Gold medals for their efforts in urban developments for this iconic international sporting event.

Town Planners Going For Gold – How Did This Start? 

During the 4 Olympic Games (Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Berlin and London) between the years 1928 – 1948, medals were rewarded to town planners for an array of projects they helped to develop and produce in the run-up to the Games. Such included the development of stadiums, sports fields and training centres. The interesting thing was that town planning was categorised under architectural design for the Games – there was no separation of the two. This makes for an interesting insight and poses the question that if there were to be a modern version of town planning being an Olympic sport, it would have its own category due to the differentiation of servicing it offers from architecture.

A Modern Town Planning Olympics

While architectural design is considered in the planning system, there is so much more that the system involves for planning works to take place, such as the functioning of a space to work sustainably for communities, while maintaining the historic beauty of the land. For instance, with a new Olympic Games to take place, thought would need to be considered for residential space, retail, and educational & health environments, along with transport and public use on green spaces.

For a modern town planning Olympics, medals could be rewarded for: 

• The most sustainable build for a sporting event.
• Conversion of a heritage site to meet sporting needs, while maintaining its historic beauty.
• Urban regeneration projects to build a space fit for sporting and in the future for public use and sustainable growth.

Repurpose of Olympic Parks

Over the years the Olympic Parks have been repurposed to make use of the space so it doesn’t become derelict and that the community can enjoy and take pride in using facilities and surroundings that hold such significant value.

Tokyo 2020

• Social and community environment: it has been utilised for family sporting events.
• Residency and commercial use: the Olympic Park has been converted to accommodate and provide leisure activities.
• Reuse of materials: dismantled components have been distributed to local governments to use for various facilities at schools and parks.

Rio 2016

• Underutilised venues: A lot of the Park has become underused with maintenance of infrastructure posing a problem.
• Residential: west of the Park shows a conversion of new housing units which connects well with their Bus Rapid Transit service.

London 2012

• Collaborative hubs: the media and broadcast centre at Here East of the Park has a community of over 6,500 working, studying and collaborating.
• Higher education: UK educational institutions have now developed new campuses in the Park
• Housing: Stratford in East London has been affected with private investments coming in to intensify development opportunities. However, new housing supply at the athlete’s former village may pose the threat of gentrification, leading to prices rising.

So…

What has the Olympics in Paris got in store for regeneration and repurpose after the Games take place? Could it be new residency, utilisation for educational purposes or will it be a community space for those to gain an essence of Parisian lifestyle and enjoy a pain au chocolat or two? As town planners, we are eager to see due to the complex changes that this big worldwide event takes hold of, as development and infrastructure will impact all aspects mentioned, such as public service, the environment, commercial, transport and more.

Resources

• RTPI: a town planner’s Olympic journey
• Irwin Mitchell case study: modern day town planning Olympics
• Town planning – an Olympic sport
• Tokyo Olympics 2020 – a year after the Olympics
• London Here East future prospects

McLoughlin Planning with special thanks to Undercover Architecture, who worked with us on this project and provided the drawings, are pleased to have gained planning permission and listed building consent for the Grade II listed private house, Somerford Keynes House, in the Cotswolds.

Listed building features required for consent

The key areas that the owner wanted consent for were:

• Erection of a porch extension and alterations to the main house.
• Various alterations to Kings Cottage, the Coach House and adjoining outbuildings, which are separately listed Grade II.

Contemporary Changes to the Main House

Alterations to the main house included in this recent granted permission were an addition of a French door with side lights to the side elevation, installation of roof lights in the roof valley between rafters (blocking up of a staircase to the basement with new staircase constructed to access cellar), and other minor workings such as the removal of modern partitions to allow for a more open plan space. In 2011, permission was granted for a stone porch to be added. This time round, a contemporary frameless glazed porch extension, complimented with a living green roof with pressed metal oversailing porch has been proposed to the side of the building to enhance a light and elegant feel to the house.

Family Orientated Outbuildings

In order for the outbuildings to have a more homely feel, internal changes were made to create larger spatial areas, including a raised ceiling, to accommodate for more bedrooms and a cosier setting at Kings Cottage. Proposed changes to the Coach House consist of a casement window to allow for an en-suit, which is located on the first floor to the linking section of the building. Originally, this wasn’t the case to be implemented, but due to concerns of excessive fenestration, the size of roof lights had to be changed and the dormer windows to be discarded. To allow for a modern way of travel and a tranquil Cotswold setting by the pool, an EV charging point and several air source heat pumps (ASHP), that are to be screened with timber for aesthetic purposes, were proposed.

Maintaining Historic Value and Consideration of Planning Policies

Overall, the proposed scheme has considered the historic value and beauty of the building’s original structure and the modern elements added to it over the years, therefore justifying that the new considered extensions and alterations granted for this permission will preserve the listed building for years to come. Additionally, careful considerations were sought out to ensure the development was aligned with legislation and policies, such as Section 16 of the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) for works to take place.

I’m a Listed Building Owner – When do I need to Acquire Consent?

If you are a listed building owner and are wondering whether and/or when you need to acquire for listed building consent, please get in contact and one of our planning consultants will be able to assist. Additionally, please view our article here about when to acquire for listed building consent.

Joe Seymour – Associate Director

E: joe.seymour@mplanning.co.uk

T: 01242895008

With a new head in parliament, it begs the question to ask what are Labour’s new plans and ideas for the town planning sector? Housing, the environment, commercial development & infrastructure and the planning system & Local Government are areas that Labour has suggested making changes to in their recent manifesto, so what is in store for this and what have they done in their first 7 days of power to try and implement this?

Labour Manifesto 2024

 What is Labour’s housing policy?

Labour is promising 1.5 million homes while in power. Let’s keep in mind that the current national target has been 300,000 homes per year and this was last achieved in 1977. So, what is Labour’s plan for meeting this?

For statistics on house builds over the years, please click here.

Let’s break this down:

• Ensuring authorities have up-to-date local plans.
• Deconstructing and rebuilding the power of sustainability.
• Increasing funds to add more planning officers.
• Revamping the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework).
• Utilising the different ‘belts’ (Brown belt, Green belt & introduction of the Grey belt).
• A new generation! Of land that is – urban extensions and regeneration projects.
• Supporting housing associations and councils for more affordable housing.
• Setting out steps to require cross-boundary strategic planning in combined and mayoral authorities.

What about affordable housing? Has this been considered and valued in the party’s plans?

• Planning obligations will be heightened to ensure housing developments constitute affordable homes.
• Making it a priority that homes should be fitted for social rent.
• Ensuring there is enough capacity for councils and housing associations.
• Switching up the existing Affordable Homes Programme so that existing funding is utilised for more homes.

Commercial Development & Infrastructure

Making plans to develop an industrial strategy and revising the NPPF in order to meet the current economic climate. They say this would help build laboratories, digital infrastructure, and gigafactories.

Planning System & Local Government

Labour shared their views on how the planning system will work and cooperate with local governments to help better utilise and develop the land use.

Labour has stated that in order for the planning system and the Local Government to work well together, there needs to be longer-term funding settlements for local government and better resources for planning departments (yes please!)

What has Labour stated and started to progress with, in the first 7 days?

From the recent speech by our new female Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, it would seem that Labour has started to action some of their plans from the Manifesto.

What’s up with the NPPF (national planning policy framework) and how will it support the housing crisis?

 Labour plans to reform the NPPF with a focus on their key aim, ‘growth’, for the approach to the planning system. This will be decided before the end of the month! And will include measures such as mandatory housing targets. For instance, Labour has already planned to accelerate stalled housing sites, beginning with Liverpool Central Docks, Worcester Parkway, Northstowe and Langley Sutton Coldfield, who represent a combined total of 14,000 homes. A specialised team will also be put into place to progress the stalled housing sites across the UK.

Ban on wind farms lifted!

Energy is hugely considered in the planning system for a multiple array of projects to ensure for a sustainable approach. Labour has already lifted the ban of onshore wind farms in England, that the Conservative Party deemed that having less wind farms was a good idea… how and why – nobody knows?!

Labour is going to consult on bringing onshore wind back in the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects regime, meaning decisions on large developments will be taken nationally and not locally.

Energy projects are also going to be a priority so that progression can be made (something the Conservatives seemed to lack) with ideas such as a spatial plan being created for energy by seeing where it can be placed for other infrastructure sectors.

The Secretaries of State for Transport and Energy Security and Net Zero will prioritise decisions on infrastructure projects that haven’t been thought about for quite some time

Let’s talk ‘strategic planning’!

Labour has reviewed who will take charge in parliament to help assist with the planning system and Local Government. Reeves states the following:

• Plans are in the works to set out a policy on bringing the following to strategic planning, consisting of Combined Authority Areas, Local Growth Plans and devolution deals (transferring powers and funding from national to local government).
• Support for local authorities with an addition of 300 Planning Officers across the country.
• A change in minister power is needed to ensure a collaborative understanding.

The Deputy Prime Minister has been appointed to help take urgent action to assist with the planning system and stated the following:

• Write to local mayors and the Office for investment opportunities to ensure that if there was an important planning consideration, then it will be brought to attention.
• Local Planning Authorities will be made aware of what is to be expected of them from now on, such as universal coverage of local plans and reviews of greenbelt, brownbelt and greybelt boundaries.

What does this suggest for the future and how does this impact your development aspirations?

In a nutshell, none of us accurately know yet…

The key test will be the implementation of the revised NPPF, which is promised by the end of the month, but given how much Labour has actioned in the first 7 days and that their power word, ‘growth’, deeming to be a force in their plans, it is a clear indication of the primacy that housing and planning will take under this new Government.

Increasing resources for planning departments and support from the Deputy Prime Minister and Local Government show a clear indication the workings within the planning system will move at a faster pace, meaning that you won’t have to wait as long to see whether your planning permissions were secured or not (woohoo!).

However…

The implementation of 300 new Planning Officers poses the question of whether it is going to be enough given that there are 317 Local Authorities in the UK. Is it really going to make a difference or will Labour have to rethink their strategy?

With the ban onshore windfarms lifted already, this sustainable source of energy implemented should help manage to lower costs as the energy delivers cheaper, cleaner, and more secure homegrown energy.

The introduction of a grey belt should hopefully benefit the housing crisis, as its aim will be to help limit large built-up areas and stop large towns from merging into one. Labour intends the grey belt to be used for new affordable family homes.

Rachel Reeves, Chancellor  [July 8^th 2024] – “The work towards a decade of national renewal has begun”.

Any Questions

If you have any thoughts or questions you’d like to discuss regarding the recent promises set out by Labour, our expert planning consultants are more than happy to discuss these with you.

E: info@mplanning.co.uk

T: 01242895008

Resources

• Labour Manifesto 2024
• New homes built over the years
• Chancellor, Rachel Reeves Speech

Mcloughlin Planning is pleased to have secured planning permission for a series of wildlife ponds (one in Dorset, Cirencester and Withington) with the Dorset Council.

The application concerned Wildlife ponds which required planning permission because of their need for engineering operations to implement. The initial concept was to introduce a single pond within the site, however, the original application had to be withdrawn due to concerns around landscape impact.

The key issues raised throughout the application:

• Landscape impact
• Impacts on the existing biodiversity on the site.

After consultation the scheme was updated to include 3 smaller ponds, to ensure greater habitat diversity and to create additional complementary habitats as well as the main features. The 3 smaller ponds were all connected to allow water flow and of different sizes to promote greater diversity.

We worked alongside Petra Ulrik Landscape Architects to ensure that the proposal was sympathetic to the landscape and utilised native non-invasive species of planting to be consistent with the area’s existing character, whilst providing biodiversity enhancements. Having Petra on board from the start ensured that the proposal was developed with a clear understanding of how the proposal would alter the existing landscape and to ensure that native species were included at all stages.

The proposal offers useful insight into the possibilities of developing agricultural land for biodiversity net gain. By implementing a wildlife haven in this location the biodiversity and landscape character of the area are richer than if existing agricultural practices were to continue.  In our experience, providing wildlife ponds in a sympathetic manner adds both to the character and the biodiversity of the site and the wider setting. The pre-application process allowed for open discussions on the proposal’s concerns to overcome issues including landscape impacts at an early stage and ensure a smooth application process.

By working proactively with the Local Authority through the application life cycle we were able to ensure a smooth process where the application was determined within the statutory deadline.

Our experienced team can help you secure green infrastructure and other wildlife improvements in a wide range of circumstances. If you would like a free initial consultation call then please get in touch below:

Chris Fleming

chris.fleming@mplanning.co.uk

01242895008

McLoughlin Planning is excited to announce the acquisition of Plainview Planning Ltd.

This significant merger unites 13 planning professionals and three support staff from both companies, enhancing our capabilities in providing ingenious, commercially-minded solutions to town planning challenges. With a shared culture rooted in trust and integrity, this collaboration will enrich the service offerings to our clients, providing a broader spectrum of expertise and augmenting personal development opportunities for our team members.

Nathan and Jenny McLoughlin will head the company. Jenny, supported by the very skilled Caroline Pitt and Elle Jones, will focus on finance, HR, client care, business development and marketing. Nathan leads a team of highly knowledgeable and skilled strategic planners: Russell Smith, Polly Mason, and Alex Eatough, all of whom have expertise in strategic land promotion and major mixed-use and residential developments and all who have proven track records of adding significant value to land through their strategic planning advice. Alex is a specialist in town centre regeneration, mixed-use developments, student housing, and residential developments in rural and urban settings. This team marks an exciting time for McLoughlin Planning and its strategic planning capabilities.

Chris Fleming, Catherine Hoyte, and Chris Moore will oversee the development management aspect of the business. They will lead a team of highly skilled, caring, and professional planners who provide outstanding planning advice for rural, urban, commercial, and residential needs. Catherine Hoyte is an expert in development control management strategy. Sam Eachus and Catherine are not only town planners but also chartered surveyors. Sam is a dedicated rural planning professional and a member of the British Institute of Agricultural Consultants, bringing great value to the private clients and estates Chris Fleming advises. We are excited to introduce this expanded team of highly effective development management services delivered by exceptionally knowledgeable individuals.

In recent years, McLoughlin Planning has established an office in London and achieved success with numerous planning applications due to Chris Moore’s extensive knowledge of planning issues in the London boroughs. The team’s capabilities were further enhanced when Polly Mason joined in January. This capability will continue to grow with the experience and knowledge of the Plainview team, especially the expertise of Marcia Perkins, who has local know-how, experience, and a strong history of successful planning applications in southeast England. This focused expansion into the southeast accompanies McLoughlin Plannings’ considerable experience with projects throughout central and southern England, especially in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Warwickshire.

To find out more about our exciting additional team members, please click here.

“We are delighted to welcome the talented team from Plainview Planning into our fold. Together, we will continue to deliver exceptional, client-focused services that adhere to the highest standards of excellence and creativity in the planning industry,” – Nathan and Jenny McLoughlin. 

For more information, please email Nathan.mcloughlin@mplanning.co.uk or jenny.mcloughlin@mplanning.co.uk

What to expect

Class Q is a well-known part of the planning system which allows agricultural buildings to be converted to residential use as a permitted development right. From May 21st 2024, the Government’s latest changes will be brought into effect. The purpose of this Briefing Note is to highlight the key changes and critically, what they mean for those wanting to convert or make alterations to a barn.

The buildings are no longer solely limited to agricultural use

The first key change is that the building does not have to be in agricultural use, but it does have to be part of the same unit. Class Q has been amended to allow for the change of use of agricultural “buildings” to dwellinghouses. The building can be part of an established agricultural unit (i.e. an existing agricultural barn) or a former agricultural building that was (but is no longer) part of an established agricultural unit. Therefore, this amendment has the potential to release barns which may have served other purposes within an existing or former farm. This addresses a key issue we’ve found with Class Q applications in that agricultural buildings on farms often play host to a series of activities, not just agriculture (e.g. ancillary equine activities).

However, there are pitfalls, in the case of a Class Q conversion where a barn (the site), that was (but is no longer) part of an established agricultural unit and has been used for any other non-agricultural purpose, then they will not benefit from Class Q. What is unclear, is how this impacts barns where new or current owners have been using a barn unlawfully for an alternative use for a period below 10 years.

Floorspace and Unit Numbers are up

The amendments provide some positive news by increasing the number of homes which can be secured via a class Q from 5 to 10. To allow for this, the maximum amount of floorspace available for conversion has now risen to 1,000 sq.m. However, the floor space of any dwellinghouse developed under Class Q is now limited to up to 150sqm, a reduction on the previously permitted rights. Therefore, for example, to accomplish the maximum delivery of homes under Class Q, you could convert a 1,000sqm barn into ten dwellings, assuming each dwelling is no more than 100sqm.

This could reduce the attractiveness of buildings to single-occupiers looking for a ‘grand designs’ bespoke barn conversion. However, the trade-off is that more residential units can be achieved.

Extensions are allowed

You can now extend as part of Class Q with a single-storey rear extension for up to 4 metres. However, there must be existing hardstanding which was in place on the 24th of July 2023 which the proposed extension would replace.

Concluding thoughts

The changes are interesting and bring into sharp focus more potential than previously allowed for. However, the same limitations apply in terms of the siting of the building and the somewhat subjective decision as to what constitutes works which are “reasonably necessary” for the conversion to take place.

Whilst there are many welcome changes in the legislation, there are also new pitfalls, which can impact Farm and Barn owners looking to explore taking advantage of the new prior approval rights, particularly Class Q.

This is just a summary of the changes, and because of the delicate detail of these permitted development rights, it we cannot stress enough the importance of an early discussion to develop a strategy and plan how to manage your farm, barn, or forthcoming agricultural building purchase to ensure you can take advantage of the above-permitted development rights or alternative means of securing permission.

Our team of planning consultants are more than happy to answer any questions you have in regard to these changes.

Enquire today for your FREE consultation call.

McLoughlin Planning is delighted to confirm that Technical Details Consent (TDC) has been approved for a new self-build dwelling in the Cotswolds National Landscape (formerly AONB).

In 2021 Permission in Principle (PIP) was obtained for one dwelling at the site. The follow-up application for TDC was approved at Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Planning Committee as Ward Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the Officer’s Recommendation to approve the application. Together, the PIP and TDC approvals now comprise full planning permission.

Despite being outside of a Settlement Boundary, the Council were in favour of the proposal as it constituted an infill development in a part of the village characterised by detached dwellings. McLoughlin Planning managed to secure the support of all the technical consultees, and with the principle of development already secured, this paved the way for full planning permission to be granted.

This project demonstrates the effectiveness of the Permission in Principle route for secure planning permission for small-scale residential developments. If you have a similar proposal you would like to explore, please contact:

Joe Seymour

joe.seymour@mplanning.co.uk

01242895008

McLoughlin Planning has secured planning permission for a new rural exceptional farmstead home in Sussex.

Our clients own a parcel of land in Sussex, isolated in the idyllic Sussex countryside. Whilst planning permission would not normally be achievable for a new home in such a location, paragraph 84 of the National Planning Policy Framework sets out limited circumstances where new homes are permitted in isolated locations.

Point (e) allows for new homes where the design is of exceptional quality, reflecting the highest standards in architecture, raising the standards of design more generally in rural areas and significantly enhancing the immediate setting. To offer a brief history of the intention of Paragraph 84(e), it is widely accepted that Paragraph 84 is a modern continuation of what was originally referred to as “Gummer’s Law”, a means of protecting the long-standing tradition of building large British Country Houses. Therefore, Paragraph 84 sets out a series of scrupulous tests to demonstrate the proposal embodies this tradition.

Because of this high threshold, we worked closely with an experienced Architect and project team to develop an initial concept scheme. The vision for this proposal was to create an authentic country home, which is intimately connected to its place, improving the immediate habitat. Using the client’s and Architects’ extensive knowledge of renewable energy technology, the home aspired to be Net-Zero Carbon and install various technologies. The result was a home which visually resembled a typical Sussex Farmstead at a distance, but when approached, the building’s form, detail and sculptural quality give a clear indication of its contemporary design, successfully blending traditional building methods and materials with modernity.

With the support of ecologists and landscape consultants, a landscaping scheme was also prepared which would see the strengthening of a small woodland with further tree planting, wildflower meadows and work to an adjoining watercourse to support significant biodiversity net gain and enhancements to the surrounding character of the area.

McLoughlin Planning assisted in managing the planning strategy and the application through initial pre-application engagement with the Mid-Sussex District Council and through Design Review Panel presentations before developing and undertaking the submission of the planning application.

During the planning application process, McLoughlin Planning engaged with the Case Officer to assist in responding to statutory consultees, reviewing, and agreeing to relevant planning conditions and assisting in the preparation of an S106 agreement. Working proactively and maintaining regular contact with the case officer, we were able to secure planning permission under delegated powers.

We are overjoyed that this new multi-generational and exceptionally designed home has secured planning permission and look forward to seeing the development progress over the coming years to provide a new landmark in Mid-Sussex.

If you would like more information on the above, our Director, Chris Moore, is more than happy to help answer any questions you have in regard to new home builds in a rural setting:

Chris Moore

chris.moore@mplanning.co.uk

01242895008

McLoughlin Planning has successfully secured Permission in Principle (PiP) at Cotswold District Council’s Planning Committee to construct 2 dwellings in the village of Driffield, a non-principal settlement near Cirencester.

The most notable aspect of this PiP approval is that it is the first one since the Council adopted their strategy for mitigating against recreational pressures on Special Areas of Conservation (SAC). Until now, it has been considered that PiP applications cannot be granted at all within SAC Zones of Influence because there was no legal mechanism to tie the SAC mitigation payments to a PiP decision.

However, this decision shows the SAC mitigation payments can be paid upfront before a subsequent Technical Details Consent application is submitted.

If you would like more information on PiP applications please do not hesitate to contact:

Joe Seymour

joe.seymour@mplanning.co.uk

01242895008

According to Historic England, there are approximately 500,000 listed buildings on the National Heritage List for England (NHLE), varying from Grade I, II, II* listed buildings marking their contribution to special architectural and heritage interests and to protect these assets for future generations. Those who own a listed building and intend to undertake repairs, restorations, alterations, or extensions to their property may likely require either planning permission or listed building consent (possibly both!).

The challenge with determining whether you need Listed Building Consent is that often even works which may be considered “simple” may require consent. It is often a fact and degree assessment, considering the level, scale or intensity of the work proposed. If you undertake works to a listed building, where consent is required, it is a criminal offence, and the Council could take Enforcement Action.

This uncertainty can often prove challenging when trying to retrofit and improve the energy efficiency of listed buildings (EPC rating) to provide a more sustainable home or business. For example, installing an EV charging point, replacing, or adding secondary glazing or installing an air source heat pump/solar panel often require Listed Building Consent and/or Planning Permission. As Listed Building Consent applications can take approximately 8 weeks to be determined from validation as well, ensuring you capture all works within your application is important to help avoid delays to your project.

Seeking expert advice can help in determining before work commences whether Planning or Listed Building Consent is required. Working in partnership with experienced heritage consultants and architects, we have helped guide and support owners in securing their retrofit aspirations. Some examples to illustrate our recent experience working with listed buildings include:

• Consent for an EV Charging Point to a Grade II Listed Manor in the Cotswolds with Cotswold District Council.

• Replacement Windows and other Internal/External Alterations and Upgrades on a Grade II listed Hotel adjoining Hyde Park with Westminster City Council.

• Retrospective Listed Building Consent for the installation of Windows, Doors, and Internal Appliances in a Grade II listed home with Cheltenham Borough Council.

• Alterations to Shopfront on a Grade II* listed shop on Cheltenham’s Promenade with Cheltenham Borough Council.

• Replacing Roof Tiles on a High Street Store in Wooten under Edge with Stroud District Council.

• Providing a Planning Appraisal and Advice for the holistic enhancement of a Grade I Listed Manor in the Southwest of England.

If you are considering works to your listed property and are not sure whether you may require planning or listed building consent, then please get in touch with one of our experienced planning consultants for an initial FREE consultation.

T: 01242895008

E: info@mplanning.co.uk

Alternatively, you can book a meeting via the “book an appointment” contact form on our website.