Out, out… well out on site! Construction coming along at Ascott under Wychwood
Construction of two detached natural Cotswold stone dwellings with garages is coming along and starting to look fabulous in the July sunshine.
Ascott-Under-Wychwood – Construction Underway
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.
Open Letter to Nadim 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
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.
Neighbourhood Planning: Pre-submission Regulation 14 Consultation for the Sedgeberrow Neighbourhood Plan
Neighbourhood Planning: Regulation 16 Consultation for the Norton-Juxta-Kempsey (NJK) Neighbourhood Plan commences on Friday 21st May and runs until 5pm on Friday 2nd July.
The Plan can be reviewed and any comments made via the following link to Wychavon District Council (WDC) – https://www.wychavon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/neighbourhood-planning/norton-juxta-kempsey-neighbourhood-plan Hard copies are also available from Pershore Library and at the Council Offices in the Civic Centre, Pershore.
The NJK steering group have worked hard to progress their Plan to this point and with only two more stages in the process after the Reg 16 consultation – Examination & Referendum – the journeys end is in sight.
We’re Hiring!
Brodie Planning Associates are seeking an enthusiastic and ambitious ‘Planner’ or ‘Senior Planner’ to join our team of friendly professionals.
We are a small but well-established practice, with a thorough understanding of the planning process and a proven track record for securing planning permission for challenging sites. Our projects come in all shapes and sizes, including many substantial and prestigious developments, as well as smaller but complex proposals where our planning input adds significant value. Our clients are similarly diverse and range from national developers, housing associations and country estates, through to small businesses, farmers and private individuals. The vast majority of our projects are from repeat business or on recommendation, endorsing the high-quality of our work.
We are looking for MRTPI-qualified candidates (or actively working towards accreditation) who have private-sector or local government experience. A clear understanding of planning matters and excellent communication skills, including report writing, is vital. The ideal candidate will need to be adept at both team and individual working and will need to be confident in client-facing situations. Drive and enthusiasm are important qualities to help this expanding consultancy continue to prosper.
The remuneration package includes a competitive salary, pension contributions, birthday leave in addition to annual leave entitlement, and a discretionary annual bonus, as well as paid membership subscriptions and CPD events, and excellent career progression opportunities. We also operate a flexible working policy, allowing employees choice, freedom, and flexibility as to where, when and how they work, balancing personal, team and client requirements.
To discuss the role informally and confidentially please contact Wendy Hopkins, Company Director on 01242-898368 or 07900-243414. Alternatively, please email your CV to wendy@brodieplanning.co.uk