Planning & Development

• Advice and strategy
• Pre-application negotiation
• Agricultural appraisals of the business 
• Alternative use assessments and applications
• Agricultural workers dwellings and lifting of Agricultural Occupancy clause
• Agricultural and equestrian projects 
• Farm diversification including barn conversions 
• Affordable housing applications
• Negotiation of contracts with land developers
• Tourism and leisure 
• Submission of land for Local Authority consideration 
• Preparation and submission of planning applications
• Planning Appeals – written representation, informal hearings and public enquiries

Unsure as to whether you need planning permission then maybe our Planning Newsletter can answer your queries or need help with an appeal, then why not give Julie Liddle or Neil Henderson a call on 01228 40 62 60 or email Julie  or email Neil to discuss further in complete confidence?

A Freeze on Planning Fees writes Neil Henderson, Chartered Town Planner

Following a 23% rise in planning fees on applications in 2008, research carried out on behalf of the government last year indicated that a further increase in fees was justified, leading to expectations of a further 10% increase this year. However Planning Minister John Healey has recently pledged to freeze to help developers through the economic recovery.

Mr Healey also confirmed that fees for planning appeals will not be introduced this year to avoid placing any further burdens on businesses and householders during this difficult economic time. This will mean that businesses will not have to pay for their decision to be reviewed by the Planning Inspectorate if their applications are rejected.

While this is good news for those who wish to develop in the short term, it is likely that increases have simply been postponed rather than shelved for good. In these circumstances prospective developers might consider bringing schemes forward in order to avoid any future increase in fees.

25th January 2010