by brodieplanning | Sep 6, 2023
NPPF Updates
5 September 2023
On the 5th September, the government is making new changes that will empower communities to advance onshore wind projects, leading to quicker generation of renewable energy and reduced energy bills for supportive residents.
The government has streamlined planning regulations, granting local communities a more influential role in determining the fate of onshore wind projects. This move aims to foster electricity cost savings and bolster national energy security.
These measures encompass a broader range of methods for identifying suitable locations, including community-driven initiatives, and expediting the site allocation process through alternatives to the local planning process. This approach ensures that the entire community has a voice, shifting the focus from a minority of objectors to a majority of supporters, thereby opening the door to more community-supported onshore wind projects.
Importantly, local policies regarding onshore wind will continue to be decided by elected local councillors, who are accountable to their constituents. Projects will move forward when they can demonstrate local support and address planning concerns raised by the community.
Furthermore, communities endorsing local wind farms could stand to benefit from reduced energy costs, thanks to proposals designed to incentivize more projects. The government has sought input on measures to enhance the benefits and rewards for communities supporting onshore wind farms and will unveil the next steps in this process later this Autumn.
In a post on Gov.UK on the 5th September, the Government confirmed that:
- Communities are able to bring forward proposals for onshore wind – planning policy will be changed to make clear onshore wind developments can be identified in several ways rather than through local plans. This includes through Local Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders.
- Councils should consider the views of the whole community, rather than a small minority, when considering a planning application. This includes addressing the planning impact of onshore wind projects as identified by local communities.
If you have any queries regarding the updated NPPF, or any other planning matters, please use the form below to contact our team today.
by brodieplanning | Jul 11, 2023
Appeal Allowed! Success at appeal resolving a historic parking matter and enforcement case.
We were able to demonstrate that the site at Betts Mead had been in use as an informal car park for a period in excess of 10 years, resulting in the use being considered lawful and exempt from any enforcement action being taken.
The inspector allowed the appeal against the refusal to grant a certificate of lawfulness by Croydon Council, placing ‘significant weight’ upon the provision of three separate statutory declarations. In a comprehensive evaluation of the case, the inspector not only recognized the compelling nature of the statutory declarations but also underscored their pivotal role in confirming the genuine and longstanding nature of the sites usage.
The Inspector concluded that “The Council’s refusal to grant a certificate of lawful use or development in respect of use as car park for occupants and visitors of the property was not well-founded and that the appeal should succeed” and the appeal allowed.
This decision not only sets a persuasive precedent for future appeals but also highlights the crucial importance of robust and well-documented statutory declarations in navigating the legal intricacies of the planning system successfully.
If you would like our help to appeal a planning decision, or for any other planning related advice, please contact us using the form below. Alternatively, email mail@brodieplanning.co.uk or telephone 01242 898 368.
To browse more projects and schemes the team at BPA have undertaken, please use the button below, or navigate to our projects page.
by brodieplanning | Sep 7, 2018
Building Abroad
Nestled amongst the Andes in South West Bolivia, this small town appeals to a worldwide audience. Its salt lake and lithium deposits bring people from North America, Europe and Asia. As such this was an exciting opportunity for us.
The small town is undergoing rapid development including gentrification of the centre. Our client purchased a corner plot in an ideal location close to the central promenade. Her ambition was to create a hotel with a restaurant and shops.
After an initial meeting with her we were clear on what she wanted. However, firstly we had to be mindful of the local situation. Architectural laws and building requirements; building materials and construction methods; extremes of temperature, local flooding and so on. Could we feasible achieve her dream within budget?
We worked with a local builder, contractors and the local government to ensure we complied with the regulations and could source the necessary materials. Once we understood what was possible we had the important task of designing the building. It would require a fundamentally different approach from us.
The client wanted something simple but elegant which would be functional and stand out from the competition. Rather than simply designing a generic glassed building we used architectural elements we knew would work well combined with local features and colours to create a building with a South American feel. With the passion our team has for the built environment and a lot of hard work we drafted a number of schemes to show to the client. She settled on one for which the builder said was achievable and could be made to budget.
The project is currently in the development phase and set for competition in the following year. It showed us that we were flexible enough to deal with different requirements that initially put us out of our comfort zone. But the hard work and dedication shown by the team meant that we were able to deliver a high end project to budget over 6000 miles away from our head offices. The sense of achievement and pride felt by the team was enormous.
We deal with developments of various sizes and types across the UK (normally). Why not come to us about your project? Contact us today so we can help with your vision.
Building Abroad in the Andes
getting planning permission abroad Brodie Planning
Personal note to Kevin McCloud: A great project for Grand Designs don’t you think?
