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 →

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 →

South Lakeland District Council are moving forward their Community Infrastructure Levy which indicates a levy will be charged at £50 sq.m for residential developments.  For a 150sq.m house the charge for owners/developers will be £7,500. A hearing before a government inspector is anticipated in early 2015 with the charge likely to come into effect in Spring 2015. Any planning permissions … Read more →

Garner Planning has secured planning permission for a caravan and lodge park near Hambleton, Lancashire. Given suggested concerns about potential flood risk issues a sequential test was undertaken demonstrating the limited opportunities for new caravan and lodge parks in Wyre Borough.

Consent has been secured for three dwellings under the new prior approval procedure by default,  with the planning authority failing to notify the agent or applicant within the legislation’s specified 56 day period.    

Planning permission has been secured by Garner Planning for the conversion of the Orton Liberal Club to a single dwelling. The planning authority accepted, given the nature of the site, that no on site car parking could be provided. A unilateral undertaking provides for a payment towards off-site affordable housing.

Members of Copeland Borough Council’s Planning Panel voted unanimously at their June 2014 meeting to grant consent for a 60 bed care home in Whitehaven. A public consultation exercise was undertaken prior to the grant of consent which showed significant support from the local community for the development. No objections to the scheme were made … Read more →

After a fairly protracted legal agreement process, planning permission has now been granted for the residential development at Greenside Farm, Hincaster. The consent is for 18 dwellings including the provision of 3 affordable dwellings on site and a financial payment towards the provision of off-site affordable housing. Garner Planning acted for the site owners in … Read more →

You should not undertake works without planning permission. It can upset your planning authority. It will also cause you difficulties when you come to sell your property. Where works have undertaken without consent, because the need for planning permission was not appreciated, then all is not lost. You may be able to secure planning permission … Read more →

South Lakeland District Council has issued a Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule indicating the levels of tax to be imposed on new build development. Detailed representations have been made in relation to the proposals by Garner Planning. If you wish to discuss the implications for any proposed development in the District please call Chris Garner.