Blocked Conversions

December 2nd, 2014 | Posted by Chris Garner in News - (Comments Off on Blocked Conversions)

Recent figures indicate that in the last quarter 52% of applications for the conversion of farm buildings to residential dwellings were refused. The Country Land and Business Association has described the situation as a “scandal” and has called for the Planning Minister to act “to ensure local authorities take a genuinely constructive approach to permitted … Read more

Pre-Application Planning Advice

December 1st, 2014 | Posted by Chris Garner in News - (Comments Off on Pre-Application Planning Advice)

Lancaster City Council is to commence charging for pre-application planning advice and has issued a Guidance Note and Schedule of Fees. The fees range from £180 to £800 for residential schemes and comes into effect on 1st December 2014. Chris Garner advises property owners and developers to proceed with caution. In the context of a planning … Read more

New Affordable Housing Thresholds

December 1st, 2014 | Posted by Chris Garner in News - (Comments Off on New Affordable Housing Thresholds)

The Government’s response to a consultation exercise undertaken earlier this year is to remove affordable housing requirements for small sites. The Government’s statement says:- “Due to the disproportionate burden of developer contributions on small scale developers, for sites of 10-units or less, and which have a maximum combined gross floor space of 1000 square metres, affordable … Read more