My Services
Feasibility & Development Potential:
- Planning Guidance and Advice;
- Site Appraisals and Feasibility Studies;
- Planning History Searches;
- Advising on issues in relation to design, heritage, land contamination and highway issue;
- Liaison with specialist consultants where required;
- Design and Layout Guidance;
- Permitted development guidance;
- Advice in respect to Enforcement matters;
- Advice in respect to Council's Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
Submission to Decision:
- Detailed Planning, Design and Access Statements;
- Submission of planning applications and project management of entire application process, including liaison with LPA and stakeholders;
- Pre-Application advice;
- Lawful Development Certificates;
- Prior Notifications (whereby the planning authority is informed that a proposal exercises permitted development rights - these may be controversial in planning terms and therefore sound knowledge of legislation is critical);
- Permission in Principle;
- Class Q Conversions to Agricultural Buildings;
- Variation of and Discharge of Planning Conditions.
Supplementary Statements:
- Heritage Statements (Listed Building Consents, conservation areas, World Heritage Site);
- Landscape Assessments (for for applications in AONBs and AGLVs);
- Advice with Appeals to the Planning Inspectorate;
- Assistance with Submissions to LPA/Planning Inspectorate.
Specialisms
Heritage
I have a passion for heritage and conservation of important assets, but also understand that to preserve them often means bringing them into the present day. I have a portfolio of projects behind me whereby approvals have been obtained for exciting projects, that celebrate heritage structures whilst safeguarding them for the future.
Sustainability
As planners, climate change should be at the forefront of what we do. I'm always seeking new and achievable ways that we can reduce our carbon footprint - whether it be through sustainable building techniques; renewable energy solutions; reducing the need to travel or innovative design. I want to help you create a legacy that we can be proud of.
Ecology
Green spaces are not only good for the environment, but also for the mind. Safeguarding protected species and making sure we look after biodiversity is paramount. There are simple, affordable ways that this can be achieved and I love working with clients to find a balance between creating the optimum potential for both them and nature.
Design
Getting the design and layout right is central to achieving somewhere that makes the most of its surroundings, inspires people and enhances spaces. Whether you have your designs in place or whether you need assistance in achieving your goal, I am able to help shape your ideas and work collaboratively with external designers at the outset.
Projects
Barn conversion & replacement dwelling, near Helston
Planning approval was granted for a replacement dwelling and barn conversion that truly makes the best of the views and rural setting of this site. A loft conversion was added and improvements made to the internal layout, with open plan accommodation, integrated outdoor living spaces and biodiversity gains. Solar PV, a ground source heat pump and underfloor heating will ensure this property is as sustainable and efficient as possible. A lovely project that gained full support of the Parish Council and swift approval in the planning system.
Detailed Planning Feasibility Study
A site visit and detailed assessment of the planning history and relevant planning policy was carried out to provide a detailed feasibility study of the potential for development at this idyllic rural farm complex, comprising listed buildings, historic and modern farm buildings.
Application for Lawful Development Certificate
Confirmation was received in record time to establish lawful implementation of a development, to ensure that a material operation had lawfully commenced. This gives the applicant absolute certainty that the development has been secured in perpetuity - crucial in the current uncertain financial climate and taking into consideration current build costs.
Application for Change of Use of Sui Generic Use to Surf Shop and Associated Works including Installation of Shop front
A brilliant project to be involved with. Detailed business plan strategy and impact to town centre considered as well as broad ranging benefits to community group and sporting enterprise. A detailed Flood Risk Assessment was sourced by Professional Flood Engineer and in house Flood Contingency Plan prepared to ensure a swift decision. Full support from the Town Council and the LPA to allow works to commence before the summer season - a great result for this established surf organisation!
Full Planning Application for pioneering Installation of Ground Source Heat Array including 66 boreholes in road reserve
Part of the Kensa Team 'Heat the Streets' Programme - an innovative and pioneering, first-of-its-kind scheme to make a meaningful contribution to carbon reduction. Collaboration with the professional team at Kensa and LPA consultees to ensure that all material considerations were addressed at the outset. Planning permission delivered in time to ensure multi-million pound funding mechanism delivered in time. Works commenced March 2023 to allow all properties to connect to the GSHP system.
Householder Application for Side Extension
A tricky constrained site and a requirement to maximise space, light and usability for this family home, without impact on neighbouring privacy or light. A wonderful collaboration with an experience designer to ensure a thoughtful yet contemporary response to this 1930s building. A palette of sustainable materials and vibrant green roof were employed as opposed to standard concrete and render. A wonderful addition that will vastly improve this home.
Demolition of commercial building and construction of new cottage style dwelling
The client was sure that this could not be done, and we managed to achieve it. Another wonderful collaboration with Mor Architecture. Planning was gained smoothly for the replacement of a mundic premises in the heart of St Agnes. A detailed and robust planning statement set out the viability and planning merits of the proposal and detailed liaison with the designer ensured that the setting of the nearby heritage assets was preserved. With protected trees, a churchyard and a listed building next door, this project was a great challenge!
First floor extension to modern bungalow, near Redruth
Permission has been granted to transform an modest two bedroom bungalow into a four bedroom home with large, family bathroom. Situated on a hill and surrounded by other dwellings, ensuring that surrounding residential amenity was protected was key to this proposal. The use of natural slate and timber cladding will also raise the design value of this home.
Multiple Ground Source Heat Pump Installations, Nationwide
Planning permission was obtained for multiple GSHP projects across the country; these installations will enable a sustainable supply of energy for heating and hot water within retirement complexes and social housing schemes, dramatically reducing heating costs and contributing to the Government incentive to reduce carbon emissions.
Demolition of Existing Barn and Construction of Replacement Granite Barn Complex with Three Dwellings and Associated Works, near Camborne
Planning permission had been obtained for the conversion of a large, utilitarian building in a rural and sensitive landscape, under Class Q provisions. I worked collaboratively with designers to gain approval for the replacement of this building with three new dwellings, of traditional yet contemporary design. Significant design, landscape and sustainability benefits were presented to Council and support was obtained from the Town Council and the Local Planning Authority, in a timely manner. A great outcome!
Contemporary Rear Extension
A beautiful contemporary extension was achieved on the rear of a beautiful terrace of Victorian dwellings, in the heart of Truro, presenting as a new chapter in the life of this family home. Gaining greater integration with outside spaces and forming a lovely open plan kitchen and dining space was key to the proposal. Sustainable materials such as zinc cladding and maximising light will assist in keeping the environmental footprint of the build to a minimum. Unanimous support was also obtained from Truro City Council and Truro Conservation Advisory Committee, which was a great result.
Certificate of Lawfulness
A Certificate of Lawfulness has been issued in respect to a breach of a planning condition with relation to a long-standing agricultural occupancy condition on a dwelling in a remote, rural location. A suite of evidence and case law was put forward to demonstrate the precise and unambiguous nature of the application and that the use of the property, as an unrestricted dwelling, was lawful, thereby allowing the continued use of the property as an unrestricted dwelling house.
Restoration of Historic Blacksmiths and Change of Use, St Agnes
Planning permission was obtained for the sensitive internal and external restoration of a non-designated heritage asset, in the heart of the St Agnes Conservation Area, adjacent to listed buildings and a churchyard. Proposed works involved the removal of modern additions and replacement shopfront with unanimous support from the Parish Council and Council's Historic Environment Officer. Beautiful historic features will again be revealed and sustainable materials employed to ensure that this building is safeguarded for future generations to enjoy.
I am working on new projects all of the time... Please watch this space for new projects!
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