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
by George Hopkins | Jun 17, 2025
The Brodie Planning Team are undertaking the Cotswold Way Ultra Challenge on June 21-22, a gruelling 100km route and whilst doing so hopefully raising funds for a small charity called Horatio’s Garden after one of our team underwent spinal surgery and discovered more about this amazing charity.
Horatio’s Garden is named after Horatio Chapple, a schoolboy who wanted to be a doctor
In 2010, Horatio volunteered at the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre in Salisbury during his school holidays. Talking with patients he noticed there was a lack of outdoor space for patients with spinal injuries and their loved ones.
Tragically, Horatio’s life was cut short in 2011 at just 17, when his camp was attacked by a polar bear whilst on an expedition to Svalbard. There followed an outpouring of love and goodwill, with donations flooding in for his garden to be created.
Spinal cord injury can happen to anyone, at any time, and the results are life-changing, and devastating. There is currently no cure for spinal injury. On average, patients with spinal cord injuries will spend five months rehabilitating at a specialist centre. Many will be isolated from their families, often far from home and confined to a ward with little or no access to the benefits of the outside world. Horatio’s Garden is changing that and nurtures the wellbeing of people after spinal injury in beautiful, vibrant sanctuaries within the heart of all 11 NHS spinal injury centres.
Please do donate whatever you are able to support this amazing charity and Horatio’s legacy; it would be very much appreciated. You can find the link in our bio as well as our Instagram story highlight. Thank you.
by George Hopkins | May 29, 2025
Planning approved for 6no. dwellinghouses and associated works in the picturesque Oxfordshire village of Ascott-under-Wychwood. We were introduced to this proposal during the formal application stage to help resolve a number of issues relating to design, layout, drainage and biodiversity. All matters were resolved to the satisfaction on the local planning authority thus the issue of permission. If we can assist with your development proposal either from the start or during the process, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
by George Hopkins | Jan 16, 2025
Our bespoke designed Dutch barn style Padel court canopy has been constructed at Elkstone Studios in the Cotswolds National Landscape – what a beauty.
