Barn Conversion, Ashford Borough Council, Nov ‘24
Candid Planning Consultancy was delighted to secure permission to convert a disused agricultural building into a 3-bed family home in the parish of Egerton, near Ashford. Following a refusal for the same site in 2023, Candid Planning was approached to provide a fresh perspective. This involved a review of the site and its history and an exploration of planning options. A fresh planning application followed, with drawings prepared by Robinson Waters Architects and specialist input from other disciplines including highway engineers, ecologists, structural engineers and arboriculturalists. Permission was granted in November 2024 and involved successfully demonstrating that the scheme will achieve 10% Biodiversity Net Gain.
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Agricultural Development, Wealden District Council, Aug ‘24
Our client – a restauranteur and biodynamic farmer – acquired a 5-hectare site in the High Weald National Landscape on the edge of the Ashdown Forest in order to provide locally sourced “farm to table” food.To increase yields and crop diversity, the client wanted to build a large greenhouse (250 sqm), two polytunnels, a storage & packing plant room and an access track. Having reviewed the site and proposed designs, Candid Planning Consultancy recommended pursuing the quicker and more efficient prior approval route. A case was put together to demonstrate that the works were “reasonably necessary” for the purposes of agriculture, and the scheme was approved in 28 days. This effective strategy has saved the client having to go through the more formal and onerous planning application process and the scheme will ultimately have a positive economic, social and environmental impact on the area for years to come.
Office to residential, South Hams District Council, Sep ‘24
On behalf of South Western Fish Producer Organisation (SWFPO), Candid Planning Consultancy secured prior approval to convert offices into a dwelling under Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.This was a potentially tricky permission given the property was in Flood Zone 3 and the office unit next door tried and failed to gain a similar permission couple of years ago. However, Polly identified recent legislative changes as well as a quirk in the building's planning history, to successfully navigate the scheme through the prior approval process, resulting in a positive outcome and very satisfied client.
Lawful Development Certificate, Basildon, Jul ‘24
Our client, with a growing family, wished to station a large mobile home in their garden. Based on knowledge of ‘The Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act’, case law and relevant appeals and applications, Candid Planning Consultancy was able to demonstrate that the development was lawful and did not require planning permission.