6421ea7a

Locking Parklands

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 11:52:06 GMT

Locking Parklands

Client : Backhouse Housing

Section : Residential

Location : Locking Parklands, Weston-Super-Mare

Planning Authority : North Somerset Council

Description : Application to substitute all house types pursuant to approved reserve matters scheme

Project Overview

The development sought permission for the details of access, appearance, landscaping, layout, scale for the erection of 77 no. dwellings with associated roads, footways, parking, drainage, landscaping and public open space pursuant to an existing outline consent. The site, which had both outline and reserved matters approval was purchased by Backhouse Housing who sought to amend the existing reserved matters consent to allow the implementation of their own house types on the site.

Our Role

We prepared a detailed S73 application in order to revise the approved house type designs with that of Backhouse’s. This involved slight amendments to the overall layout, amendments to the on-plot landscaping and new house type designs with public open space being implemented by others. We successfully set out that the proposed alterations would be permissible under the scope of the S73 application, utilising established case law to support our case. Through negotiations with the Council we successfully received planning permission along with associated discharge of conditions to allow Backhouse to implement their scheme.

Former Co-op store and car park, Gillingham

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 11:47:48 GMT

Former Co-op store and car park, Gillingham

Client : Hopkin Estates Ltd

Section : Mixed Use Residential

Location : Gillingham

Planning Authority : Dorset Council

Description : Mixed use development of residential, assisted living and commercial on the site of a former Co-op store

Project Overview

The proposals involve the demolition of the former Coop store on site and the erection of 4 dwelling houses and 38 apartments, 8 of which are assisted living, set across three blocks with communal gardens. The ground floor of block A also includes a retail unit fronting the main access which is redeveloped to provide a higher quality environment fronting the high street. The development was designed to be higher density commensurate with its town centre location and sought to provide appropriate sized retail floor space in light of this.

Our Role

We prepared a detailed planning application for the site and negotiated with officers to secure a recommendation to approve the scheme. Following this we presented the application to the planning committee, delivering a speech to members who refused the proposals in 2023 against officer’s advice. We prepared an appeal and associated costs application on behalf of the applicants rebutting the LPA’s decision with planning permission and full costs being awarded in 2024.

Iron Acton Way, Yate

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 14:16:31 GMT

Iron Acton Way, Yate

Client : Redrow Homes Ltd

Section : Residential

Location : Yate

Planning Authority : South Gloucestershire Council

Description : Residential development of 118 homes and public open space

Project Overview

The proposals will deliver 118 homes, including 41 affordable dwellings, and public open space on the edge of Yate, a town within South Gloucestershire Council. The proposals were designed to be of higher density development facing onto Iron Acton Way, with lower residential development out to the edges of the site to reflect the rural transition into the countryside.

Our Role

We prepared a pre-application and detailed planning application for the site and negotiated with officers to secure a recommendation to approve the scheme. Following this we presented the application to the planning committee, delivering a speech to members who approved the proposals in 2021.

Woodlands Garden Community

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 14:13:36 GMT

Woodlands Garden Community

Client : South West Strategic Developments

Section : Mixed-Use

Location : Woodlands Golf Club, Trench Lane, Bristol

Planning Authority : South Gloucestershire Council

Description : Mixed-Use Garden Community Scheme

Project Overview

The proposals are for the development of 1,750 homes, with 50% affordable housing, a local centre including office hub, convenience store, care village (comprising a mix of assisted an unassisted living), and primary school, new parkland and other public open space, and pedestrian/cycle bridge over the M4. The development is designed on the principles of a 'Garden Community' scheme where pedestrians are prioritised over the private car to create a step-change in how we live, work and play.

Our Role

We have been promoting this site for development on behalf of the clients since 2015. This has involved submitting representations via the Council's Local Plan consultation process and attending the Examination in Public; submitting pre-applications and more recently launching a public consultation to ascertain the level of public support and objection for the scheme. We will continue to promote the site for allocation in the next Local Plan process and are considering an application for the proposals in 2024.

East Watchet

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 14:10:44 GMT

East Watchet

Client : South West Strategic Developments & Edenstone Homes

Section : Residential

Location : Doniford Road/Normandy Avenue, Watchet, Somerset

Planning Authority : Somerset West & Taunton Council (now Somerset Council)

Description : Residential Development of 139 dwellings and hilltop park & ecological area

Project Overview

The proposals involve the provision of 139 new homes including affordable housing and significant public open space, including a hilltop park and dedicated ecological area. The site will be accessed from Doniford Road – originally there was a secondary access to the north but through negotiations this was removed. Following outline planning permission reserved matters have been submitted to deliver these new homes in broad accordance with the illustrative masterplan shown at outline stage to the right.

Our Role

We promoted the site through the local plans process via representations and attending the Examination in Public, and secured an allocation in the plan as a 'reserve site' which would be required should Hinkley Point C be delivered. This came to fruition and as such, we submitted an outline application on behalf of South West Strategic Developments and successfully negotiated consent; following which, the site was sold to Edenstone Homes and we are currently working on the reserved matters on their behalf.

Hillside Gardens, Frenchay

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 14:07:35 GMT

Hillside Gardens, Frenchay

Client : University of the West of England (UWE)

Section : Education/Leisure

Location : Yate

Planning Authority : South Gloucestershire Council

Description : 2x Artificial Grass Pitches, 3x Grass Training Pitches, Changing Facilities and Earthworks Bund

Project Overview

The project sought to deliver a new sports facility for UWE to accommodate their teams as well as provide a new home for 'Rockleaze Rangers', a local football team, for matches and training purposes. Other community use was also agreed by the university to allow access for other local teams to play at the facility when required.

Our Role

The site lies in the Green Belt and accordingly careful consideration needed to be given to the principle of development and its impact on the openness of the area; we recommended that a bund be incorporated into the design to shield the floodlights and development from view, which would act as a green feature and a positive landscape approach. We obtained approval for the pitches in 2016, after which we sought a further permission for the changing facilities which were required to meet RFU/FA standards, which was also successful and approved in 2017.

Land east of Trinity Lane, Chipping Sodbury

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 14:04:42 GMT

Land east of Trinity Lane, Chipping Sodbury

Client : Cotswold Homes Ltd

Section : Residential

Location : Chipping Sodbury, Yate

Planning Authority : South Gloucestershire Council

Description : Residential Development of 60 dwellings and public open space

Project Overview

Cotswold Homes Ltd are a housebuilder local to the area of Chipping Sodbury and Yate in South Gloucestershire. The proposals were to develop 60 homes (including policy compliant affordable homes) and public open space on the edge of Chipping Sodbury, beyond the current settlement boundary line. Part of the site was considered as brownfield land, with the rest in agricultural use.

Our Role

We promoted the site through the local plans process in 2016, before submitting a pre-application later that year, with a planning application following in Autumn 2017. The authority were unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply at the time and accordingly the tilted balance was applied. Following successful negotiation through the various technical issues, the application was recommended for approval in January 2018 and subsequently granted permission subject to a legal agreement.

Land south of A357, Sturminster Newton

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 14:01:21 GMT

Land south of A357, Sturminster Newton

Client : Land Value Alliances (LVA)

Section : Residential

Location : Sturminster Newton

Planning Authority : Dorset Council

Description : Residential Development of 48 dwellings and public open space

Project Overview

Land Value Alliances (LVA) is an investor and planning promoter/project manager who operate across the UK, but predominantly in the South-West. Due to a lack of five-year housing land supply in Dorset Council an outline planning application was submitted in June 2021 for up to 48 dwellings, including bungalows, and public open space.

Our Role

We supported the applicants by preparing an outline planning application for the development and guiding this through the process with both officers and councillors. We successfully negotiated through consultee comments, including highways, drainage, ecology and landscape, as well as s106 contributions. The result was an application supported by both officers and local members which meant that the proposals could be permitted in October 2022.

Drive-Through & Commercial Units, Wincanton

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:58:59 GMT

Drive-Through & Commercial Units, Wincanton

Client : Hopkins Estates Ltd

Section : Commercial

Location : Wincanton

Planning Authority : South Somerset District Council

Description : Café Drive-Through and Commercial Units

Project Overview

The proposals form the last part of an allocated employment gateway site, known as Wincanton services. The application was for the development of a café and drive-through for a well-known franchise, as well as several commercial/retail units. Due to the nature of the application and the location of the development, the proposals had to demonstrate there would be no adverse impact on the town centre of Wincanton.

Planning officers agreed that the out-of-town retail provision was acceptable through the application of conditions to restrict certain uses of the commercial/retail building, whilst still allowing the clients sufficient flexibility to be able to offer the units to a great range of potential occupiers and operators.

Our Role

We prepared a detailed planning application for the development to be submitted to South Somerset District Council, which included coordinating a retail impact assessment, highways, drainage and ecology work. After successfully negotiating a highways objection and other comments from the LPA, permission was granted for the scheme in January 2022.

Lower Road, Stalbridge

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:53:22 GMT

Lower Road, Stalbridge

Client : Land Value Alliances (LVA)

Section : Residential

Location : Stalbridge

Planning Authority : Dorset Council

Description : Residential Development & Employment Land

Project Overview

The proposals involve the development of 114 dwellings and up to 2,000sqm of employment floorspace on the edge of Stalbridge, Dorset. An outline planning application was submitted due to a lack of five-year housing land supply, however in the interim period planning policy officers at Dorset Council allocated the site in an emerging Local Plan.

Following an appeal against non-determination, the Inspector agreed that the acute need for housing represented significant weight that outweighed various negatives that the Council had alleged.

Our Role

We guided the applicant through the planning process by submitting a pre-application and request for EIA Screening, followed by an outline planning application submission. As the Council failed to determine the application within the statutory timeframes, we appealed non-determination and led a two-stage Inquiry with the support of Counsel and our consultants. Following many curveballs thrown, we were pleased to see the Inspector agreeing with our assessment of the proposals and granting permission in November 2021.

Treloweth Lane, St Erth

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:51:31 GMT

Treloweth Lane, St Erth

Client : South West Strategic Developments (SWSD)

Section : Residential

Location : St Erth

Planning Authority : Cornwall Council

Description : Residential development of 44 dwellings, allotments, and village green

Project Overview

This scheme seeks to deliver 44 dwellings, village green and allotments in the village of St Erth in Cornwall, with additional affordable housing provided so the overall number of affordable homes would be between 16 and 25 units. The site was arranged to provide a new village green, allotments and links through to Trehayes Meadow to provide access for future residents through to the centre of the village.

Our Role

We promoted the site through the Neighbourhood Plan process which resulted in the land being allocated in two parts. We then submitted an outline application on behalf of the client, and after the Council refused the application, we appealed to the Planning Inspectorate via written representations. We were pleased that the Inspector granted permission in 2019.

Badminton Road, Old Sodbury

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:49:20 GMT

Badminton Road, Old Sodbury

Client : Redcliffe Homes Ltd

Section : Residential

Location : Old Sodbury

Planning Authority : South Gloucestershire Council

Description : Residential development of 35 homes

Project Overview

The scheme involves the development of a greenfield site which lies between existing properties and seeks to deliver new dwellings, including affordable homes, within Old Sodbury – a settlement that has had extremely limited development over the last 30 years. The development involves the provision of 35 new homes (including affordable housing) and public open space, as well as a new formal footpath link through the site.

Our Role

We coordinated and led the detailed planning application on behalf of the client and, following its refusal by officers at South Gloucestershire Council, pursued an appeal via an Inquiry process. In partnership with No5 Chambers and our team of consultants, we prepared evidence on five-year housing land supply, planning balance and highways/sustainable transport.

During the process, the Council conceded that settlement boundaries were out-of-date, a new Local Plan would not be in place for some time, and that the site complied with their sustainable transport policy PSP11. In light of this significant change of position, it was agreed at the end of the Inquiry that the LPA would withdraw their evidence from the appeal and that the site should be granted planning permission.

Newbury Racecourse

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:45:47 GMT

Newbury Racecourse

Client : Newbury Racecourse

Section : Commercial

Location : Newbury Racecourse, Newbury

Planning Authority : West Berkshire Council

Description : Change of Use and Extension to The Lodge Hotel

Project Overview

The project first involved securing permission for a Change of Use for a building on Newbury Racecourse known as 'The Lodge' which was originally used as a hostel to provide accommodation for stable staff, to a permanent hotel with 36 bedrooms. Following this an application to extend The Lodge was submitted for the erection of a three storey extension to the front elevation of The Lodge to provide an additional 40 bedrooms to provide a better standard of facilities for those visiting the local area and make a positive impact on the economy.

Our Role

Following requests for pre-application advice we submitted both planning applications on the applicant's behalf – despite objections from the local community we secured planning permission via the committee process following a recommendation to approved from officers in 2019. Key issues involved the historic permissions on the site and in particular transport concerns.

Since this time, we have continued to work with Newbury Racecourse and have successfully obtained permission to erect a single storey extension to the Rocking Horse Nursery on site, as well as a temporary Christmas Carnival in 2022. We continue to advise the racecourse on planning matters.

Land south of The Perrings, Nailsea

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:40:28 GMT

Land south of The Perrings, Nailsea

Client : Clifton Homes & Woodstock Homes

Section : Residential

Location : Land south of The Perrings & east of Youngwood Lane, Nailsea

Planning Authority : North Somerset Council

Description : Proposed residential development of 14 dwellings and open space

Project Overview

The site lies within a strategic gap policy and partly within a Local Green Space designation, as well as outside of the settlement boundary. However the site was also close to local facilities and services within the town of Nailsea and considered to be a sustainable location for development. The authority were unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply and accordingly a proposal for 14 high-quality, and well-designed homes was submitted – this included local features such as low stone walls, estate railings, stone quoins and chimneys, as well as bungalows.

Our Role

We submitted a speculative application on behalf of Clifton Homes in 2020 – key issues raised by the authority included ecology, trees and drainage and we navigated the applicants through this process using our technical specialists. Negotiation with officers regarding the concerns over impact on the strategic gap and Local Green Space designation was also required.

The application also attracted a significant level of public objection and accordingly we were required to present the application to the planning committee three times, as well as meeting with members, before securing permission in Summer 2021.

Following this the site was sold to Woodstock Homes and we led a s73 application with them on a number of design changes to the scheme to ensure it was commercially viable and able to be delivered.

Malago House, Bedminster

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:36:38 GMT

Malago House, Bedminster

Client : Redrow Homes

Section : Residential

Location : Bristol

Planning Authority : Bristol City Council

Description : Residential development for 110 homes and public open space

Project Overview

The site was a former industrial area and a gas storage area, which was previously used for employment purposes. The buildings had become extremely dilapidated and unsuitable when considering the surrounding context which was primarily residential. The project therefore comprised a regeneration scheme whereby the buildings were proposed for demolition, and replaced by 110 homes, including provision of affordable housing and public open space.

Our Role

Grass Roots Planning successfully negotiated the application through the planning process including negotiating the level of affordable housing on site, and other contributions towards an improved public transport scheme. The application received an approval for full planning permission in December 2015; on Redrow's behalf we discharged conditions and the site was completed in 2018.

Bristol Bears Training Facility

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:30:01 GMT

Bristol Bears Training Facility

Client : Bristol Rugby

Section : Leisure

Location : Beggar Bush Lane, Failand, Bristol

Planning Authority : North Somerset Council

Description : Training Facilities

Project Overview

The project involved the provision of a new training base for the 'Bristol Bears', including the provision of an all-weather pitch with floodlighting, indoor training barn, three grass pitches and training pavilion including changing rooms. The project provides a high quality centre which can accommodate indoor training during the winter months during times of bad weather, which benefit both the junior and senior squad.

Our Role

The biggest constraint to the site’s development was its designation as Green Belt land and how this intrinsically linked to landscape character. We undertook pre-application discussions and a meeting with the Council, following which we submitted a planning application on Bristol Rugby's behalf and successfully negotiated consent. The site has been successfully operating since 2020 and is considered a world-class training facility.

Imperial Park, Bristol

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:27:38 GMT

Imperial Park, Bristol

Client : Curo

Section : Residential

Location : Bristol

Planning Authority : Bristol City Council

Description : Residential Development of 70 affordable homes

Project Overview

Curo is a housing association and house builder based in Bath and Bristol, providing affordable housing and high-quality care and support services across the West of England. The proposals were for 70 affordable homes, comprising a mix of social rent, shared equity and affordable rent dwellings within a sustainable location in Bristol. This provides critical housing supply to those most in need in the city.

Our Role

We undertook a pre-application on behalf of the client which was the subject of extensive discussions with the Council. This ensured that when the application was submitted, it went through the process as quickly as possible. Following negotiations with officers we successfully secured planning permission in 2022.

Selwood Garden Community

nickshallcross@gmail.com (Nick Shallcross) — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:24:31 GMT

Selwood Garden Community

Client : Land Value Alliances (LVA)

Section : Mixed-Use

Location : Frome

Planning Authority : Mendip District Council

Description : Garden Community development comprising 1,700 homes, community hub, primary school, employment areas and public open space

Project Overview

The proposals aim to deliver a garden community settlement on the edge of Frome, which comprises a mixed-use development of 1,700 homes, community hub, primary school, employment areas and public open space. The vision for the scheme is to deliver an innovative and sustainable community integrated with both the town and the countryside. Its aim is to help Fromer’s wider transition to a low carbon economy and will help enable the One Planet Living Agenda to be put into practice.

Our Role

We have been involved with this project since its inception, promoting the scheme through the Local Plans process as well as preparing a pre-application and planning application for the scheme. We are actively still managing the process with the Council through a Planning Performance Agreement and hope that the site will go to committee with a recommendation for approval in Summer 2024.

Frenchay Hospital, Bristol

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:14:53 GMT

Frenchay Hospital, Bristol

Client : Redrow Homes Ltd

Section : Heritage

Location : Former Frenchay Hospital, Bristol

Planning Authority : South Gloucestershire Council

Description : Reserved matters application relating to outline development of 490 homes, health and social care centre, and primary school.

Project Overview

The hospital buildings are located within the grounds of a Georgian Mansion, referred to as Frenchay Park House, which is a Grade II Listed Building, and included in the Gazeteer of Historic Parks and Gardens in Avon. Furthermore, the site falls within the Frenchay Conservation Area. These designations therefore presented a constraint to the site’s development in relation to design features and respecting the character of the local area.

The proposals involved the redevelopment of the site for 490 homes, health and social care centre and a primary school. Due to the site's sensitivities the creation of some contemporary designs were created at key vista points to create juxtaposition between old and new; the school was also repositioned on the masterplan to create a more coherent, legible form of development.

Our Role

We were instructed to coordinate the discharge of outline planning conditions, re-negotiation of S106 matters and the preparation of reserved matters applications for the redevelopment of the Frenchay Hospital site in Bristol.

Since 2016 we have been working on this site on behalf of Redrow Homes and have successfully now secured reserved matters approval for all phases of the development scheme.

Ealing Trailfinders

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:06:27 GMT

Ealing Trailfinders

Client : Trailfinders Sports Club

Section : Leisure

Location : Ealing, London

Planning Authority : Borough of Ealing Council

Description : Sports pavilion

Project Overview

The proposals provide an indoor artificial surface for use by rugby and football clubs that include Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club, Ealing Trailfinders Amateur Rugby Club, London Broncos Rugby League Club, Pittshanger FC and Hanwell Town FC. A three building provides a three-lane indoor cricket net facility for Ealing Trailfinders Cricket Club, changing rooms and other ancillary space such as a small office and storage.

Our Role

We prepared a pre-application and planning application on behalf of the clients and successfully negotiated with officers to secure permission for the scheme. The site lay within Metropolitan Open Land which is similar to a Green Belt designation, therefore it was important to ensure the openness of the area was retained as far as practically possible.

Dundry, Bristol

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 12:57:47 GMT

Dundry, Bristol

Client : Private

Section : Residential

Location : Highridge Lane, Dundry, Bristol

Planning Authority : North Somerset Council

Description : Demolition and replacement

Project Overview

The project involved the demolition of the existing agricultural barns on site, and their replacement with a new dwelling, in the Green Belt. The proposals took advantage of the views out to the north, and were designed to be set into the ground so that when viewed from the south, would look like a single storey dwelling. The design exhibited a contemporary form utilising traditional materials found in the local area.

Our Role

In order to secure permission for our client, we first sought to obtain prior approval under Class Q of the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) for the conversion of the existing barn to an agricultural dwelling. We then used this fall-back position to 'trade in' a better planned and well-designed development. Unfortunately the Council did not agree that the site should be granted planning permission and therefore we appealed to the Planning Inspectorate on the applicant's behalf. The Planning Inspectorate granted the development and supported our arguments about the fall-back position, which represented a strong material consideration in the case.

Crane 29

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 11:55:46 GMT

Crane 29

Client : Canopy & Stars

Section : Leisure

Location : Central Bristol

Planning Authority : Bristol City Council

Description : Crane 29

Project Overview

The proposal sought to temporarily turn the M Shed Crane 29 into an abstract tree house built around a crane cabin, that people were able to stay overnight in. The treehouse was built using sustainable materials, including reclaimed windows, reclaimed timber (supplied by the Bristol Wood Project), compost toilet, low LED lighting and plastazote foam.

The project ran for three months and directly supported the charity Trees for Cities, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of planting trees in cities to the social, cultural, health and environmental well-being of city dwellers and the city as a whole.

Our Role

We provided planning advice and guidance to progress the development through the planning system, successfully negotiating with the Local Planning Authority’s consultees, including Bristol’s Harbour Master, the energy and sustainability team and highways authority, in order to secure permission in May 2017.

Chew Valley Comprehensive School

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 11:31:44 GMT

Chew Valley Comprehensive School

Client : Lighthouse Schools Partnership Trust & Collinson Construction

Section : Education

Location : Chew Magna, Bristol

Planning Authority : Bath & North-East Somerset Council

Description : Multi-purpose school hall and dance studio

Project Overview

Backwell Secondary School provides education for 1,700 children between the ages of 11 – 18. The school comprises a range of buildings providing for a variety of subjects; however, some modular buildings had come to the end of their expected lifespan and were no longer fit for purpose. This included three science labs, four general classrooms and two drama rooms within the southern part of the campus. In addition to this, the existing indoor sports facilities were not DfE / Sport England compliant. As such, the Lighthouse Schools Partnership Trust proposed to replace these existing classrooms with a brand-new purpose-built facility including science labs, classrooms, and a new indoor sports hall which would accommodate a range of different sports.

Our Role

Following a pre-application submitted by the applicants in 2019, Grass Roots Planning advised on technical work that would be required to support the application and liaise with Collinson Construction who designed the building. We submitted the application on the applicant's behalf and secured permission in June 2020.

After we successfully secured permission for this development we also supported the school with a retrospective application for a Multi-Use Games Area on the school campus, which was required following COVID restrictions.

Hillhead Farm, Bude

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 11:26:13 GMT

Hillhead Farm, Bude

Client : South West Strategic Developments (SWSD)

Section : Mixed-Use

Location : Bude

Planning Authority : Cornwall Council

Description : Residential-led mixed-use 260 dwellings, primary school, GP Surgery, allotments, business/community space, scout hut, band hall and pubic open space

Project Overview

The scheme involves a large-scale, mixed use development between Bude and Stratton, in Cornwall. The proposals were sensitively designed to incorporate a ‘green spine’ route throughout the centre of the development to ensure separation is maintained between the two settlements. This was considered key to the success of the proposals and provides green infrastructure such as allotments, play areas, natural and open space.

Our Role

We coordinated and led a pre-application and outline planning application on behalf of the client. Successfully negotiating through various consultee comments from officers to ensure that the scheme to be delivered would be sensitive to the local area whilst delivering a viable scheme, permission was secured in 2016.

Bristol City Football Club

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 11:22:24 GMT

Bristol City Football Club

Client : Bristol City Football Club

Section : Leisure

Location : Clevedon Road, Failand, Bristol

Planning Authority : North Somerset Council

Description : Grass pitches and pavilion building

Project Overview

The scheme was to support Bristol City Football Club in their aspirations to replace their temporary changing and gym facilities with a new training ground and facilities to support the club's Championship Status and progression in the league to the Premiership; the proposals were also to aid the club in its successful Football Academy programme.

The development involved the provision of three full sized grass pitches (one with floodlighting), training areas and a new pavilion building providing changing rooms, gym, kitchen and dining space, medical rooms, analysis suits and for other functions.

Our Role

The site lies within the Green Belt and accordingly we submitted a pre-application to North Somerset Council seeking the LPA's advice on the proposals. Following their advice, changes were made to the scheme and we submitted a detailed planning application – after successfully negotiating through the technical issues we received an officer recommendation to approve. We represented the applicants at the planning committee where members voted to approve the scheme. Since this time, we have discharged conditions, submitted s73 applications where required and undertaken additional work for other facilities at BCFC.

Boringdon Park, Plympton

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 11:14:34 GMT

Boringdon Park, Plympton

Client : South-West Strategic Developments (SWSD)

Section : Mixed-Use

Location : Plympton

Planning Authority : Plymouth City Council

Description : Residential Development & Sports Hub

Project Overview

The proposals are for a new sports hub including changing facilities, artificial grass pitch, grass pitches and a new cycle track, set within a new woodland. Supporting this is a residential development of circa 200 dwellings, including affordable homes. A hilltop public park and allotments are also proposed.

Our Role

We began promoting this site for allocation in the Plymouth & West Devon Local Plan on behalf of the client in August 2016. Following a series of meetings with the Council, we agreed a Statement of Common Ground between the parties which resulted in an allocation in the plan for a sports hub and enabling residential development.

We have then led the proposals through a pre-application and are currently preparing an outline planning application on behalf of the client, which is due to be submitted in Summer 2023.

Bleadon Quarry

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 11:09:41 GMT

Bleadon Quarry

Client : Edenstone Group

Section : Mixed-Use

Location : Bleadon

Planning Authority : North Somerset Council

Description : Development of 42 homes, offices and public open space

Project Overview

The site was previously a former limestone quarry used for the manufacture and distribution of concrete products. Given the brownfield opportunity for redevelopment the site was allocated in the North Somerset Local Plan for a mix of uses, including 42 homes and 500m² of office space (Class E) development, aiming to support the self-containment and sustainability of Bleadon village whilst also improving the public realm.

Our Role

Grass Roots Planning successfully negotiated the application through the detailed design process, applying for reserved matters permission in 2022 and securing permission in early 2023 on behalf of Edenstone Homes. We continue to advise the applicants as the build progresses including discharging conditions and managing minor amendments to the scheme.

Blackford, Somerset

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 11:03:51 GMT

Blackford, Somerset

Client : Hopkins Estates Ltd

Section : Heritage

Location : Blackford

Planning Authority : South Somerset District Council (now Somerset Council)

Description : Conversion of curtilage listed barn to residential dwelling

Project Overview

The project involved the sensitive conversion of a curtilage listed agricultural barn on the edge of the village of Blackford, in Somerset. The proposals involved an extension along the side of the barn to provide more living space for future occupiers, as well as a glazed link extension to an existing outbuilding to provide an additional bedroom.

Our Role

We supported Hopkins Estates Ltd through the pre-application stage as well as the full planning application, and negotiated the design with South Somerset District Council. We then went on to discharge conditions, submit a s73 application to make design changes to provide an additional porch area, and negotiated the diversion of the existing Public Right of Way which crossed the site.

Backwell School, North Somerset

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 20:16:32 GMT

Backwell School

Client : Lighthouse Schools Partnership Trust & Collinson Construction

Section : Education

Location : Backwell, North Somerset

Planning Authority : North Somerset Council

Description : Sports Hall, Changing Rooms and Science Block

Project Overview

Our Role

Houlgate Way, Axbridge

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 19:39:35 GMT

Houlgate Way, Axbridge

Client : Bellway Homes

Section : Residential

Location : Axbridge

Planning Authority : Sedgemoor District Council (now Somerset Council)

Description : Residential Development of 53 dwellings and public open space

Project Overview

Following outline planning permission being granted, Bellway Homes bought the site in 2022 and sought to bring forward the detailed design for the scheme in a timely manner to ensure that homes could be delivered as early as 2023. The proposals are for 53 dwellings, comprising a mix of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes, along with public open space including ecological habitat area, and a new public car park for the adjacent doctor’s surgery.

Our Role

We progressed a reserved matters application for the clients as quickly as possible and this was submitted in October 2022. We successfully negotiated on a number of points and concerns raised by officers including on housing mix, parking, and materials, and sought to address any amendments to the project with the team as quickly as possible. The proposals were very controversial at outline stage and as such the application was required to go to committee – we were pleased to secure an almost unanimous decision by members which endorsed their officer’s recommendation, in March 2023.