BCP Council: Matt Annen, a director of Pure Town Planning is pleased to report planning permission has been granted, for a change of use from a storage and distribution (B8) use to a mixed automotive restoration workshop (Sui Generis) and car storage (B8) use at a premises on Ringwood Road in Poole.
Our clients; Nemesis Coachworks (https://www.nemesiscoachworks.co.uk/) are an established local business which have outgrown their existing premises based in Bournemouth. They required more space to carry out their high quality restoration and modifications of Classic and top end prestige cars. They had sourced a new premises, but the building did not have the correct use class to fit the nature of their business. Pure Town Planning were called in to assist with the necessary change of use planning application.
Whilst the use would as a general rule fall under B2 for automotive repairs in this particular instance because of the nature of operations Nemises carry out cover a range of services including paint spraying, cosmetic enhancements, window tints, alloys etc we applied for a Sui Generis use. This also gave the Council greater comfort that the unit couldn’t in the future change to a less desirable use under permitted development (as could be the case with a B2 use).
One of the key considerations for the planning officer was that the application fell within an Existing Employment Area where industrial uses were established. Policy PP16 requires Existing Employment Areas to be safeguarded for uses which generate employment and are appropriate to the location. The planning officer considered that the proposal would ensure the continued use of the premises for an appropriate use within the defined existing employment area which, in turn, would maintain the continued viability of the employment area and the positive contribution that it makes to the provision of employment and the town’s economy.
It is pleasing to be able to assist fellow local businesses negotiate their way through the complexities of the planning system. If you are looking to expand or relocate your business and have found the prefect premises but need a change of use to reflect the nature of your business, or perhaps you are looking to make changes to your existing commercial premises such as; increasing opening hours, new shopfronts, new signage, canopies etc. then why not email info@puretownplanning.co.uk for a FREE initial consultation to find out how we can help you.