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 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 21, 2025
Appeal allowed for the siting of 6no. shepherd huts for mixed retail and community use at Elkstone Studios, an established rural commercial centre near Cheltenham. Thank goodness for the common-sense approach of the Planning Inspectorate in coming to this decision to allow the sustainable growth and expansion of this business in a rural area, which will consequently support achieving a prosperous rural economy.
If you need assistance representing your case in either a planning application or appeal, please get in touch. We love a successful outcome!
by George Hopkins | Jun 30, 2025
⚽️ 🎉Champions 🎉⚽️ A massive well done to Winchcombe Town U13 winning the Bishop’s Cleeve Colts Football Club Tournament over the weekend. Sponsors Brodie Planning could not be prouder of the team and coaches 🎉🎉⚽️
