Christchurch Somerford planning permission residentialChristchurch Borough Council: Pure Town Planning have recently obtained planning permission on behalf of a well-known local developer for the erection of  a mini cul-de-sac development consisting of five large bungalows in the Somerford area of Christchurch in Dorset.

Following submission of the application, relatively early on in the process Christchurch Borough Council’s planning officer highlighted that there was some concern with regards to the layout of the proposal. Without delay Matt had arranged a meeting on site with the planning officer in order that these concerns can be fully understood and addressed. Amended plans were submitted within a week along with a comprehensive justification document demonstrating how and why the layout was compatible with the established pattern of surrounding development and how the relationships would not lead to any overlooking or overbearing impacts

There was a certain amount of pressure to secure planning approval first time and within the 8 week time frame to avoid an affordable housing contribution on the site. This is because Christchurch Borough Council are due to adopt their new joint Core Strategy with East Dorset District Council (currently believed to come in around April 2014). At present small open market schemes under 15 residential units such as this are not required to contribute towards affordable housing provision. The new Core Strategy policy as currently written when adopted would have required 40%  of the houses to be affordable on the site or a contribution paid of £350 per square metre created. Clearly then by securing consent first time before this policy came into force, the scheme was far more valuable to our client.

If you have a small development in the pipeline or even a larger one and are looking for a dynamic firm of planning consultants with a proven track record of successfully negotiating solutions to planning problems then we would be delighted to assist you. Call us today on 01202 585524 or email us at info@puretownplanning.co.uk  for a confidential FREE half hour discussion.