BCP Council (formerly Bournemouth): Darryl Howells, a director of the firm, has recently secured Prior Approval to convert a former light industrial building (Use Class B1(c)) to seven self-contained flats with zero car parking. The client instructed Creative Building Designs to prepare the plans, but asked Darryl to submit the planning application.
Darryl prepared the planning statement that justified the proposed development having regard to the tests and conditions of Class PA, Part 3 of Schedule 2 of the General Permitted Development Order. Darryl successfully argued that there was no issue of flooding, contamination or impact to neighbouring properties. In terms of highways, despite being in an area where zero car parking schemes would not be usually encouraged, Darryl argued that the closure of the existing access to vehicular movements would enhance highway safety due to its proximity to another highway junction. The Transportation officer supported the argument and subsequently the scheme.
Beyond the decision itself to create seven additional flats, another benefit of this type of planning application is the huge savings on the application fee. Had the client applied for normal planning permission the fee would £3,234, however doing the Prior Approval the fee was only £96!
Using the General Permitted Development Order, it is possible to convert several different types of existing buildings to residential development. If you have a vacant premises, and would like to know options about its re-use or conversion, then contact Pure Town Planning for a free confidential appraisal.