Planning Applications are complex. They can be rejected for a number of reasons and, when a planning application is refused, it is tempting to just give up. But in fact you can often find the basis for a future successful planning application in the wording of the rejection.
Of course you need perseverance and expert knowledge to work out how to put together a successful planning application second time around. It might even be third or fourth time! The key thing is that often you can turn it round by focussing on the objections and then coming up with evidence to counter them. Think of it as a battle lost. But you can still win the war!
I recently helped a developer obtain planning permission for two new dwellings after their initial planning application was rejected. In fact the proposed development, in Angmering, West Sussex, went through a few cycles of negotiation with the local Council before finally gaining approval.
Objection 1
The council judged that there was not enough space for two dwellings. We countered this objection with evidence of the size of comparable buildings in the surrounding development. And we compromised a little in terms of the size of the proposed properties.
We reinforced our arguments with a full Planning Statement.
Once this hurdle was overcome the Council raised another objection.
Objection 2
Secondly, the Council raised a concern about the site location. Under the Council’s new Local Plan, development outside the Built Up area was not allowed. We responded to this with evidence that the development was adjacent to, rather than beyond, the boundary of the Built Up Area. We also drew attention to the fact that a recent development to the north of the site had been approved. This indicated that the Built Up Area had in fact been extended.
Detailed analysis of the Council’s objections and in depth research of recent planning approvals gave us the ammunition we needed to respond effectively to the council’s concerns.
When the case was put before Planning Committee, with all our input, it was approved.
Convert Planning Rejections to Planning Approvals!
Working on your own as a developer or an architect, it’s very easy to give up at the first hurdle. But, with the help of a Planning specialist, Council Planning decisions can be overturned.
I am a Planning Consultant with 18 years experience working for and with local councils. I know how to address their concerns in a pragmatic and effective way.
Give me a call on 01403 458169 or send me a message to find out more about how WPS Planning works with developers and architects to get the right result from the Planning system.