We have recently achieved full planning permission for a new detached house on a greenfield site within the Green Belt. Tight restrictions exist for any new buildings in the Green Belt, and securing a new house on an undeveloped site is always difficult. We demonstrated that the proposal would accord with all aspects of Green Belt policy, and other relevant matters, and the application was approved under delegated powers.

Client: private client

A small project, appreciated by the clients after a long-running saga. Planning permission had been refused for extensions to an existing building in a conservation area that has been converted to flats, on the grounds of inadequate internal accommodation for occupants. The architects for that scheme came to us seeking help for a possible appeal. We reviewed the case and established the Council had misunderstood the proposals and not correctly applied policy. After discussions with the client, architect and planners, we prepared a revised application accompanied by a correct policy appraisal, and the resubmitted planning application was approved under delegated powers.

 Client: private investment company

The design and housing think tank, Create Streets, has recently published a document that seeks to encourage additional storeys to existing houses in cities, with a call for more mansard roofs. This was widely reported in The Times. the Report includes a small number of examples to illustrate their objectives, one of which is a past project of our's: an additional mansard storey in Belgravia for our clients, Grosvenor Estate.

The Government has relaxed many permitted development rights over recent years. One that has been popular with developers, but often less popular with local planning authorities, is the change of use of office space to flats. The permitted development route still requires a prior approval application to be made, which needs robust evidence to demonstrate that the change can occur. We coordinated a professional team to address transport, highways, parking, noise, contamination, flooding and internal layout at a scheme for conversion in the LB Richmond: a local authority with a reputation for resisting permitted development. The prior approval application for 12 flats was approved.

Client: private property owner

Planning permission has been granted for works to a commercial property in the small town of Crowthorne, Berkshire to provide additional retail space and new flats. The premises had been in mixed retail and office use, and we gained permission for an extension to the rear to improve the shop as well as the creation of new flats on upper floors. Issues were parking, access, servicing and quality of space. We worked with other consultants to gain permission under delegated powers, subject to a legal agreement.
Client: private developer

We were pleased to receive listed building consent and planning permission for a basement and ground floor extension to the rear of a listed building in Belgravia, London, as well as internal works to the building. The application had been refused on the grounds of perceived harm to the listed building, the basement works and an objection to the modern design, as well as harm to a tree. We demonstrated in the appeal submissions that the design and the changes to the original building were suitable, that the application complied with the Council's basement policies, and the tree would not be harmed.

​Client: St James' Street Property Management

We were delighted to secure planning permission for this striking contemporary house on a riverside site of the Thames. The new house, built for our client as their dream home, will replace an existing dilapidated house on a prime river frontage. The project raised issues of flooding, drainage, ecology, trees and sustainability as well as the design. The application was approved by the Council, with the Planning Committee unanimous in their admiration of the design and securing a permission for a prominent site.

Client: private householder 

We have been involved for a number of years in the preparation of the new South Oxfordshire District Local Plan, making representations on behalf of a number of clients opposing development. The Plan has proved to be highly controversial in relation to housing allocations, and we have advised our clients in detail behind the scenes and made appearances at meetings over the years. We recently appeared at the virtual sessions for the Examination of the Local Plan, which is the first full virtual Hearing in the country.
Client: private individuals and Haseley Brook Action Group

Planning permission was obtained some years ago for the replacement of an existing house in the Green Belt for a larger property. We advised the landowner regarding a series of amendments to that permission which obtained a larger house, including a basement and sunken patio area. This can be a difficult area of planning policy due to previous case law on what is allowed in Green Belt replacement schemes: court cases that we have been involved in over many years. Our advice led to planning permission for the scheme in this new case being granted under delegated powers.

Client: private developer

We were excited to be on site recently to help with last issues concerning the erection of a new house in the countryside in Berkshire. We have been involved in this project over many years and secured various permissions through applications, certificates of lawfulness and appeals. The work is nearing completion for this striking modern house, to be a family home for our long-standing clients.

Client: private householder