Ascott-Under-Wychwood – Construction Underway

Ascott-Under-Wychwood

 

Works are well underway on our site in Ascott-Under-Wychwood for the construction of two dwellings on Land to the North-East of 51 High Street.

In association with Sobry Beak, BPA secured planning permission for two large detached dwellings with garages, which are now being built out on site.

We’re incredibly excited to see how this site progresses and to see the final result once works are complete.

We will keep you updated on this sites progress as we move rapidly towards completion.

If you have any questions about the development at Ascott-Under-Wychwood or have a similar scheme in mind, please get in touch today using the form below to see how we can help you.

4 + 11 =

Open Letter to Nadim Zahawi MP

Open Letter to Rt Hon Nadhim Zahawi MP.

Open letter to Rt Hon Nadhim Zahawi MP on the importance of supporting British farmers such as our client Valefresco to produce fresh wholefoods – this letter follows a meeting with Nadhim last Friday.

Good afternoon Nadhim Zahawi

I write on behalf of Valefresco following our meeting at your constituency office last Friday (20th October 2023).  Our meeting sought to continue discussions on the Government’s progress for policy support to facilitate changes to the current farming and planning systems to secure the sustainable cultivation of fresh wholefoods (salad and orientate vegetables) through protected cropping here in the UK.    Policy support for the cultivation of fresh wholefoods in protected climates (typically green houses and polytunnels) has been highlighted by the Government in the National Food Strategy (2022) and Farm to Fork Strategy (2023).  We were told policy support for protected cropping would be specifically addressed through the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill which has reached final stages and appears to make no mention of this specific support or mechanism to achieve such an outcome.   Please could we have a written response on this matter; namely, how and when will policy support be provided?

I am sure the Government appreciates that farming businesses like and including Valefresco make a significant economic contribution not only in terms of goods and employment but through sustainable farming and the cultivation of fresh wholefoods which directly impact health and education.  As recognised in the aforementioned policy documents, the current destructive approach to farming and influence of ‘Big Food’ has promoted the prevalence of Ultra Processed Foods (UPF) which is the leading cause of illness (obesity, diabetes, and chromic disease from inflammation) here in the UK over and above smoking which previously held this unprestigious mantel.  Therefore policy support for protected cropping of fresh wholefoods here in the UK is not solely limited to sustainable farming practices,  the objective of “building a strong, responsive and competitive economy” (para 8, NPPF), achieving environmental commitments and national food security, it will contribute towards improved health and education outcomes which is of particular importance given the pressure the NHS is presently under and the value people of this country put on this world revered service.

It is therefore essential that meaningful policy support is provided by the Government before key businesses, such as Valefresco, can no longer survive.  A lack of support will only act to move further away from delivering Government objectives as outlined in the policy documents referred to above.  Valefresco, and other businesses alike are able to support and deliver the Government’s aims – meaningless intent or delayed action will only fail to accomplish.  Please prioritise this matter moving forward.

Best regards

Wendy Hopkins | MRTPI

Company Director | Brodie Planning Associates Ltd

Office: 01242 898368 | Mob: 07900243414 | Web: www.brodieplanning.co.uk

The Stables | Manor Farm Courtyard | Southam | Cheltenham | Gloucestershire | GL52 3PB

Contact us today with any planning, design or architectural enquiries you may have. 

11 + 12 =

Planning Fee Changes

Upcoming Planning Application Fee Increases

On the 26th September 2023, legislation to increase planning application fees was approved by both the House of Lords and Commons.

The legislation is to come into effect on the 6th December 2023.

The main changes to the fees are as follows:

  • All application fees will increase by 25%, rising to 35% for ‘major’ schemes.
  • Provision of a ‘Free-Go’ for application re-submissions will be removed entirely.
  • Introduction of an annual increase in application fees from April 2025 linked to inflation (capped at 10%).
  • The ‘planning guarantee’ time period will be reduced from 26 weeks to 16 weeks to be eligible for a refund of fees for non determination of any non-major applications (including householder development).

A full list of the amended planning application fees can be found on the Planning Portal website here.

If you have any questions about the proposed planning fee increases, or need to get a planning application submitted before these increases come into force, get in touch today to see how we can help you.

14 + 2 =

SWDPR Regulation 22 Submission

SWDPR Regulation 22 Submission

*drum roll* SWDPR HAS BEEN SUBMITTED FOR EXAMINATION *cheering and clapping*🎉

 

On Wednesday 27th September 2023, under Regulation 22 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations, 2012 (as amended), the South Worcestershire Councils – Malvern Hills, Worcester City, and Wychavon – submitted the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (SWDPR) for independent examination.

In addition to the SWDPR itself, the Councils have submitted a suite of supporting evidence and other essential documents.

In due course, the Secretary of State will appoint independent Inspector who will oversee the examination process. Their impartial guidance will ensure the examination is conducted thoroughly and fairly.

To facilitate effective communication throughout the examination period, a Programme Officer has been appointed by the Councils, who will be the first point of contact for any matters related to the examination of the plan.

The Programme Officer’s contact details, the submitted version of the SWDPR, and all accompanying documents are available to view on South Worcestershire Development Plan Review | Local Plan Examination Services

For those who prefer to review documents in person, appointments can be made between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday, at any of the South Worcestershire council offices. To arrange a visit, please get in touch with the SWDPR team using the appropriate email address below. Be sure to specify in advance which documents you wish to view.

We are delighted to share this important development in the progression of the SWDPR and encourage you to stay engaged in the examination process.

Please get in touch if we can help to answer any questions relating to how this emerging policy may affect your development proposals and/or development aspirations. You can submit a request via the contact form below, or alternatively email / call us directly at:

Email: mail@brodieplanning.co.uk
Phone: 01242 898368

11 + 7 =

West Oxfordshire District Council’s Call for Sites

Get Involved in Shaping West Oxfordshire's Future: West Oxfordshire District Council's Call for Sites

At Brodie Planning Associates, we believe that active participation in local planning is essential for creating vibrant and sustainable communities. That’s why we’re excited to inform you about an important opportunity to have your say in shaping the future of West Oxfordshire.

West Oxfordshire District Council is running a Call for Sites, Ideas, and Opportunities as part of an 8-week focused consultation from August 30 to October 25, 2023.

This consultation is designed to gather valuable insights and ideas from the community to help shape the future of West Oxfordshire. The consultation focuses on three key elements:

1. Draft Local Plan Objectives: The Council has put forward a series of draft objectives that will guide the development of the local plan. These objectives lay the foundation for the plan’s approach and anticipated policy content.

2. The Future Pattern of Development: The Council is exploring various scenarios for the future pattern of development in West Oxfordshire up to 2041. This includes considering how and where future growth should be directed.

3. Call for Sites, Ideas, and Opportunities: An opportunity for stakeholders to put forward their thoughts on how land in the district might be used in the future such as new housing, employment, infrastructure, community use, green space, nature recovery and renewable energy.

Do you have land to promote through the Local Plan process in West Oxfordshire?

If you need help promoting land or presenting your thoughts, please get in touch today.

Contact Us Today

10 + 9 =

Alternatively, you can email us at mail@brodieplanning.co.uk or call the office directly on 01242 898368.