by George Hopkins | Oct 9, 2025
Introducing De Mel Estate Agent’s new Winchcombe HQ – Planning and Listed Building Consent approved to reinstate the locally important historical building known as Winchcombe Cross as two commercial (Class E) planning units at ground and lower ground floors, including new signage to 1 North Street and 10 High Street. This was an extremely rewarding project for us, as local planning consultants, to support and facilitate bringing this building back into an appropriate use (previously vacant for a considerable period), and moreover, for our local business to support another local business.
by George Hopkins | Sep 18, 2025
Bespoke design to achieve a successful outcome in the National Landscape.
by George Hopkins | Sep 11, 2025
CDC_Committee_10_September_2025
At yesterday’s planning committee, our reminder of councillors’ duty to deliver on housing targets was branded “shocking.” The key consideration was the impact on the National Landscape, and we simply reminded members of the balance to be struck in light of their lack of housing land supply.
Councillors themselves have written to the Government highlighting that changes to the standard method have left them without a five-year housing land supply and exposed taxpayers to costly appeal losses. At committee, we pointed out the obvious solution: if Members approve sustainable housing development, members can avoid wasting public funds defending indefensible refusals. That statement of fact appeared to shock members.
We fully appreciate that landscape impact is, to a degree, a subjective matter. However, the recommendation for refusal in this case appears to fly in the face of both the council’s own published evidence and the findings of an independent appeal inspector. Coupled with the very real need to provide housing, to disregard these established conclusions risks undermining the credibility of the decision-making process.
Planning is not a political game. It must be objective, evidence-led, consistent and in line with national planning policy. Reminding councillors of their obligations and evidence to weigh into the planning balance — and highlighting the cost to the taxpayer of ignoring them — is a professional responsibility. What is shocking about that?
Please see link to the livestream of CDC Planning and Licensing Committee meeting (10/09/2025).
Cotswold District Council – Agenda for Planning and Licensing Committee on Wednesday, 10th September, 2025, 2.00 pm
by George Hopkins | Sep 9, 2025
Planning permission ha s been secured for the removal of an Agricultural Occupancy Condition on a property in Badsey, to allow for its use as an unrestricted Class C3 dwelling.
We successfully demonstrated that the condition was no longer necessary and that the dwelling would, in any case, be acceptable under current local and national planning policy, whilst also contributing to the Council’s open-market housing land supply. Wychavon District Council agreed, concluding that the condition was no longer precise nor reasonable, and it placed an unnecessary burden on both current and future occupiers without serving a specific planning purpose.
Agricultural Occupancy Conditions (commonly referred to as Ag Ties or Ag Tags) have been applied to rural properties since 1948. These conditions are intended to support the agricultural industry by allowing essential workers to live on-site where planning permission would not otherwise have been granted.
However, Agricultural Occupancy Conditions can significantly impact property value, often reducing market prices by up to 30%. While anyone can purchase a property subject to an AOC, only those meeting the occupancy requirements can lawfully reside there.
As such, lifting an Agricultural Occupancy Condition can substantially increase a property’s value. The removal of such a condition would also open access to a wider pool of buyers, simplifies financing, and maximises the potential of both the property and land.
If you own a property which is subject to an Agricultural Occupancy Condition and would like to explore your options, please contact us at mail@brodieplanning.co.uk or call us on 01242 898368. We would be delighted to hear from you.
by George Hopkins | Aug 26, 2025
The Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act 2023 introduced Neighbourhood Priority Statements (NPS) as a simplified way for local communities to express their views and wishes with regard to future development and services.
A Neighbourhood Priority Statement is less detailed and onerous than a Neighbourhood Plan, but it provides a powerful opportunity for residents to highlight the issues they care most about. Prepared by a qualifying body such as a Parish or Town Council, or a Neighbourhood Forum, in consultation with the community, an NPS allows local views to be captured and expressed clearly.
The production of a Neighbourhood Priority Statement is less time consuming than that of a Neighbourhood Plan, as it is not subject to examination, screening, or a Strategic Environmental Assessment. This more straightforward process, requiring fewer resources and less time, is particularly significant in light of the recent decision by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to withdraw funding for the neighbourhood planning support programme.
Neighbourhood Priority Statements can cover a wide range of matters. For example, they may set out where new homes should be located and which areas should be protected from development, the type and design of housing most needed locally, and how important green spaces can be preserved or improved. They may identify the provision of community facilities and services that would help local people thrive, as well as measures to support the local economy and generate employment. They may also highlight the infrastructure and transport connections that would make a real difference to everyday life.
Once approved, Local Planning Authorities are legally required to take an approved NPS into account when preparing their Local Plans. In effect, they ensure that community priorities are not only recorded but actively considered in the planning process.
In summary, Neighbourhood Priority Statements represent an important opportunity for communities to influence how their areas grow and change. With guidance, they can become a strong tool in shaping the future of local places. We can assist you through the process of preparing an NPS from initial scoping to submission, ensuring that your views are effectively articulated.
If you would like to discuss how we can support you in developing a Neighbourhood Priority Statement, we would be pleased to hear from you on 01242898368 or mail@brodieplanning.co.uk
