Examples of recent projects are shown here; but this is just a selection of the work that we do. For further information please contact us for bespoke advice.
| LOCATION: | Dronfield, Derbyshire |
| CLIENT: | Aldi Stores Ltd |
| SECTOR: | Retail |
| PERIOD: | 2009-2010 |
| STATUS: | Planning permission granted |
Project Description
This new foodstore comprises 1457 sqm gross retail floorspace providing regeneration and enhancement of a vacant site previously occupied by a mill. Surrounding the site is a railway line, a number of residential properties and some industrial uses. The site is approximately 300 m from the town centre.
Although out of centre, the Aldi foodstore will complement and enhance the existing retailers in the town centre. The provision of a discount foodstore will strengthen the town centres overall function within its wider catchment, improve choice and contribute to environmental improvements.
Notable Features
Planning Potential addressed several issues during the planning application process including the retail impact of the stores location, design, archaeology and the need to increase choice and competition.
The scheme received support from local residents - 119 letters were received by the Council, including one from the towns Civic Society. The committee report concluded that whilst the proposals would result in the loss of employment land, this was outweighed by other material considerations. Officers particularly welcomed the creation of 20 full-time job opportunities, and around 200 construction jobs making the scheme viable in terms of retail and employment policies. The report also concluded the scheme would enhance the character and appearance of the area including the nearby Conservation Area.
Planning Potential Responsibilities
| LOCATION: | Wragby Road, Lincoln |
| CLIENT: | Aldi Stores Ltd |
| SECTOR: | Retail |
| PERIOD: | 2009-2010 |
| STATUS: | Planning permission granted |
Project Description
This new foodstore comprises 1425 sqm gross retail floorspace along with an 81 space car park available for use by shoppers visiting the store as well as adjacent businesses within the district centre.
Given its unique trading format, the Aldi foodstore will complement and enhance the existing retailers in the district centre. Additionally, the provision of a discount foodstore will form an extension to the exisitng range and choice of shopping facilities and will strenghten the centre's overall function within its wider catchment, improving the choice and competition. The site is well located and accessible to all modes of travel, with additional improvements being made to a pedestrian crossing, further improving the accessibility.
Notable Features
The scheme was subject to consultation with local residents - a public exhibition was held and over 600 newsletters were distributed. No objections were received by local residents to the scheme, in fact the Council received several letter of support including from other retailers in the centre.
Planning Potential addressed site layout and, in particular, the frontage along the Roman Road. Potential S106 contributions were also avoided.
Planning Potential Responsibilities
| LOCATION: | Ware, Hertfordshire |
| CLIENT: | Asda Stores Ltd |
| SECTOR: | Mixed-use |
| PERIOD: | 2008-2011 |
| STATUS: | Planning permission granted |
Project Description
Planning Potential secured planning permission for this regeneration of a former industrial site including a foodstore, children's nursery, refurbishment of historic buildings, residential units and town centre linkage enhancements.
The site raised complex issues including preserving historic assets, the principle of retail development, highways matters and the design of the development, whilst the close proximity of houses on three sides of the site meant residential amenity was also a key concern.
Planning Potential undertook background analysis, showing Ware was losing around 70% of trade to surrounding towns. This was reflected in surveys of local people who wanted more competition for the town's only supermarket. Through a carefully co-ordinated approach wider support was generated for the proposals, reflected at the planning committee where a clear majority of Members voted in favour of the scheme, citing regeneration and investment as key benefits.
Notable Features
The complex nature of the scheme meant it was crucial to address issues at an early stage. Planning Potential closely monitored the application and co-ordinated the team's response to ensure matters were dealt with promptly. The application was closely scrutinised by competing schemes and Planning Potential provided robust rebuttal evidence to discount these objections. A Planning Performance Agreement was agreed with Officers ensuring there was a clear timeframe to progress the application and respond to any issues arising.
Planning Potential Responsibilities
| LOCATION: | Sleaford, Lincolnshire |
| CLIENT: | Gladedale |
| SECTOR: | Mixed-use |
| PERIOD: | 2006-2011 |
| STATUS: | Planning permission granted |
Project Description
Planning Potential has been advising Gladedale on the re-development of this extensive historic site on the edge of Sleaford, but close to the town centre. The site, a former Maltings, comprises a Grade II* Listed complex of eight former malt houses, covering 50,000 sqm of floorspace.
The proposal includes the refurbishment, change of use, extension and partial demolition of the listed buildings to provide a mixed-use scheme for 226 dwellings, health centre, retail and restaurant units, offices and car parking, including enabling the development of 22 new dwellings outside the settlement curtilage to help fund the cost of the repair of the historic buildings.
Notable Features
The scheme brings about the restoration and re-use of historic buildings with the provision of a mix of land uses contributing to the attractiveness and vitality of Sleaford.
Planning Potential worked with the project team in developing the scheme and co-ordinating pre-application discussions with the Council and English Heritage. As well as providing planning advice, Planning Potential was responsible for the planning submission.
Planning Potential Responsibilities
| LOCATION: | Shepshed, Leicestershire |
| CLIENT: | MDW Ltd |
| SECTOR: | Retail |
| PERIOD: | 2010-2011 |
| STATUS: | Planning permission granted |
Project Description
Planning Potential secured planning permission for a stand alone foodstore on a site that abuts the defined District Centre boundary of Shepshed. The scheme was specifically designed to provide a modern anchor foodstore to improve and enhance the vitality and viability of the existing centre, maximising linkages to integrate the store with the existing town services.
Notable Features
Planning Potential prepared and co-ordinated a planning application to deliver a foodstore to a town that had a widely acknowledged deficiency in convenience provision, overcoming issues including the impact on neighbour's amenity, the local desire for a high quality design, and the impact on independent traders within the centre.
Planning Potential undertook significant work to agree boundary treatment works with neighbours (who supported the application once submitted), and discussion with local Members who were also supportive of the proposals. Extensive pre-application discussions with Officers were conducted resulting in a close working relationship. Planning Potential was involved in extensive discussions with local stakeholders and led negotiations which secured a pedestrian crossing to further enhance linkages, addressing the main aspiration of local Members.
The significant pre and post submission discussions resulted in Officers taking the application to Committee within 10 weeks with an agreement S106 and a strong recommendation for approval. The application was unanimously supported by Members and planning permission was granted in April 2011.
Planning Potential Responsibilities
| LOCATION: | London Borough of Southwark |
| CLIENT: | Metro Living |
| SECTOR: | Residential |
| PERIOD: | 2008-2009 |
| STATUS: | Planning permission granted |
Project Description
The scheme comprises the re-development of a site to provide a part-three, part-four storey building providing 21 apartments, associated parking, landscaping and access facilities.
The scheme proposes 100% Affordable Housing which will be social rented accommodation and meets Code Level 3, delivering a 20% reduction in carbon emissions through the use of on-site renewable energy and sustainable design techniques.
Notable Features
Significant financial contributions were sought by Southwark Council towards healthcare, public realm improvements, open space and transport. Working with viability experts and the support of a Three Dragons Assessment, Planning Potential managed to successfully negotiate a 30% reduction in the S106 contributions.
The Council had some reservations about design, however after a successful meeting with Officers, Planning Potential agreed with the Council to make only minor amendments to the scheme and secured planning permission through delegated powers.
Planning Potential Responsibilities
| LOCATION: | Epsom, Surrey |
| CLIENT: | Country & Metropolitan Homes |
| SECTOR: | Mixed-use |
| PERIOD: | 2008-2011 |
| STATUS: | Planning permission granted |
Project Description
Planning Potential provided a comprehensive planning service and delivered a flexible consent for a high quality mixed-use scheme on the former Magistrates and County Courts site in Epsom, comprising 46 apartments, medical centre/commercial offices, together with basement car parking. The medical centre is intended to provide new premises for an existing town centre surgery which has outgrown its current location, but consent was also obtained for office use.
Notable Features
Following negotiations with the Council the scheme obtained full support from Officers. However, Members resolved to refuse planning permission on car parking grounds. A written representation appeal was submitted and the appeal was allowed in February 2011. Planning Potential was also successful in obtaining full costs for the appellant.
In addition, representations were made to the Epsom Area Action Plan ('Plan E') which included the site. In order to protect the client's interests Planning Potential attended the public hearing and a number of changes sought were accepted by both the Council and the Inspector.
Planning Potential Responsibilities
| LOCATION: | Eastbourne, East Sussex |
| CLIENT: | MDW (Eastbourne) Ltd |
| SECTOR: | Retail |
| PERIOD: | 2010-2011 |
| STATUS: | Planning permission granted |
Project Description
Planning Potential secured planning permission for a retail-led regeneration of an out-of-centre employment site. The scheme will deliver an 80,000 sqft (gross) foodstore on 'stilts', expected to be occupied by Morrisons.
Background research showed Eastbourne was lacking in food shopping choice, with the Town's three major supermarkets dominating trading patterns. It was also shown that the site was no longer providing a genuine employment contribution to Eastbourne and that meaningful regeneration would only be delivered through a foodstore.
Notable Features
Planning Potential took a 'hands-on' approach to all aspects of the project, including managing the PR events and on-going strategy. Through close working with the development team and establishing a good working relationship with Officers, together with ensuring swift and robust responses to issues, Planning Potential secured a positive recommendation within 6 months of the first planning meeting. We understand this is one of the quickest permissions in recent times and consider it a case study showing how 'red tape' needn't stand in the way of robust and beneficial development.
Planning Potential Responsibilities
| LOCATION: | London |
| CLIENT: | Le Pain Quotidien |
| SECTOR: | Leisure |
| PERIOD: | On-going |
Project Description
Planning Potential has been advising Le Pain Quotidien on all planning matters for their existing portfolio and new stores in London since 2006. We have developed a close working relationship with LPQ ensuring we are able to meet their deadlines and manage efficient and effective projects.
Notable Features
Planning Potential have provided planning advice on a range matters including; change of use, new shopfronts, advertisements, external seating and removal of constraints such as opening hours and personal conditions.
External seating is an integral aspect of the Le Pain Quotidien model. Since 2007 we have managed all the permissions for external seating across London. This can range from renewing existing permissions or can involve establishing an evidence base to support proposals to justify a departure from planning policy.
We are currently working with Le Pain Quotidien on their expansion scheme across London. This involves advising on the potential of new sites and co-ordinating planning applications for change of use. This has involved working closely with many of the large London estates including; Howard de Walden, Church Commissioners and Crown Estate.
Planning Potential Responsibilities
| LOCATION: | London Borough of Greenwich |
| CLIENT: | Mast Pond Wharf Ltd |
| SECTOR: | Residential |
| PERIOD: | 2009-2012 |
| STATUS: | Recommended for approval |
Project Description
Planning Potential was instructed to submit a planning application for the re-development of Mast Pond Wharf, located on the south bank of the River Thames. The scheme proposed a comprehensive redevelopment of the site to provide a purpose built facility for the Woolwich Dockyard Angling Club and a 16 storey residential tower. The site contains two Grade II Listed docks that are used by the angling club.
Notable Features
This unique site presented a number of challenges, which have all been considered in detail and overcome, to provide for a high quality, attractive and sustainable development. One of the major tests of this scheme was to create a development on the riverside of the flood defences, on a strip of land between the two listed docks and on a site that had been designated by the Council as Community Open Space.
The scheme has evolved through detailed pre-application discussions with Greenwich Council Officers, the Greater London Authority (GLA), the Environment Agency and English Heritage. Community consultation events were held, which were well attended by the local community in February 2010 and March 2011. All subsequently led to amendments to the scheme to address the concerns of the local community and the Council, such as the height of the building, views, impact on daylight and flood risk.
Following the initial submission in July 2011, the scheme was revised in October 2011 to allow for a higher proportion of affordable units through increasing the number of dwellings from 93 to 100. This benefited both our client and the Council. The revised scheme also provided for a larger area of children's play space.
Through working closely with the Council and relevant stakeholders, such as English Heritage, Members resolved to grant planning permission for the development on 12 January 2012, subject to the completion of a S106 Agreement.
Planning Potential Responsibilities
| LOCATION: | Neatscourt, Queenborough, Isle of Sheppey |
| CLIENT: | LXB Retail Properties PLC |
| SECTOR: | Mixed-use |
| PERIOD: | 2010-2012 |
| STATUS: | Application permitted |
Project Description
Planning Potential were instructed by LxB to co-ordinate and submit a hybrid planning application for a major retail-led out of centre mixed-use development at Neatscourt, Queensborough.
Full planning permission was secured for an anchor large format foodstore, alongside a non-food retail terrace, drive-thru restaurant, pub/restaurant, petrol filling station and trade counter terrace. Outline permission was also secured for in excess of 5,500 sqm of gross employment floorspace.
The site forms part of a wider Strategic Employment Allocation within the Local Plan and was also set aside for employment use within the Queensborough and Rushenden Masterplan.
Despite initial Officer opposition to the out-of-centre retail proposals, Planning Potential were successful in arguing that the retail and economic arguments of widening retail choice, job creation, and investment outweighed the employment allocation. Planning Potential directly dealt with the Council's independent retail consultants who concluded there would be no significant retail impacts.
The scheme was also accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Planning Potnetial co-ordinated and drafted the final EIA document.
Planning Potential also provided communications services, drafting press releases and arranging a public exhibition, all of which helped to secure overwhelming support for the proposals from the local Sheppey population.
Planning Potential co-ordinated a large project team and led discussions with Swale Borough Council, with unanimous support being received from Committee Members in September 2011.
Notable Features
Co-ordinating a large project team and securing a positive resolution at Committee within 5 months. Perparing a robust Retail Impact Assessment and securing the support of the Council's independent retail consultant. Co-ordinating and preparing an EIA. Negotiating conditions and a favourable S106 for LxB.
Planning Potential Responsibilities
| LOCATION: | London Borough of Camden |
| CLIENT: | Capitol City Ltd |
| SECTOR: | Residential |
| PERIOD: | 2009-2010 |
| STATUS: | Appeal allowed |
Project Description
The scheme involved the demolition of an existing mews building located within the Bloomsbury Conservation Area, and the erection of a part-three, part-four storey building to form six flats. The site is located in a highly accessible location with a PTAL (Public Transport Activity Level) of 6b.
The scheme provides high quality layout and modern design, including terraces for two apartments. The scale, form, massing and detailed design of the building were designed to respect its context and the amenity of its immediate neighbours as there are several Grade II listed buildings close to the site.
Notable Features
The appeal was heard after the publication of PPS5 in March 2010. Although the existing mews buildings are identified as making a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area in the draft Bloomsbury Conservation Area Statement (2008), the Inspector did not regard the existing building as satisfying the 'significance criteria' in PPS5.
Planning Potential Responsibilities
| LOCATION: | UK-wide |
| CLIENT: | Pret-a-Manger |
| SECTOR: | Leisure |
| PERIOD: | On-going |
Project Description
Planning Potential have been advising Pret-a-Manger on all planning matters for their existing portfolio and all new stores throughout the UK since 2007. We have developed a close working relationship with Pret's property team, project managers and external consultants to ensure we are able to meet their deadlines and manage projects efficiently and effectively.
Notable Features
Planning Potential provide advice on a range of matters including change of use, new shopfronts, advertisements, external seating, seating licences, and removal and/or variation of condition.
Since 2010, Planning Potential has also undertaken the management of all external seating throughout the UK. This work includes both making new seating applications and licence applications, as well as renewing all existing permissions.
We are currently working with Pret-a-Manger on their expansion scheme across the UK. This includes advising on the potential of new sites, and co-ordinating planning applications for change of use.
Planning Potential Responsibilities
| LOCATION: | Windsor |
| CLIENT: | Southern Co-operative |
| SECTOR: | Retail |
| PERIOD: | 2009-2011 |
| STATUS: | Planning permission granted |
Project Description
Planning Potential successfully obtained consent for extended opening and delivery hours on behalf of Southern Co-operative at a newly permitted retail unit in Windsor. The hours imposed by condition on the original consent fell short of the requirements of small convenience retailers. The change to the opening and delivery hours have allowed Southern Co-operative to run a viable business which is now a popular store, providing essential day-to-day goods to local people.
Notable Features
Following lengthy negotiations with Planning and Environmental Health Officers, involving the submission of further evidence to demonstrate that the proposed extended hours would not have any significant harmful impact on the amenities of nearby neighbours, Officers felt they could support extended hours. However, they granted a trial period for Sunday deliveries so that they were able to monitor any potential impact on neighbours.
Nine months into the 12-month trial period, an application to allow Sunday deliveries to take place on a permanent basis was submitted. The Council were satisfied that these deliveries were not having any harmful impact on neighbours so consent was granted.
Planning Potential Responsibilities
| LOCATION: | London Borough of Wandsworth |
| CLIENT: | Youngs Brewery |
| SECTOR: | Residential |
| PERIOD: | 2008-2010 |
| STATUS: | Planning permission granted |
Project Description
This scheme involved the conversion of The Wheatsheaf, a vacant public house on Putney Bridge Road, to create a three bedroom singe dwelling house. The scheme retains the existing façade of the pub and includes rear and upward extensions to create a family home. A private rear garden and a balcony to the front of the property are also included.
Notable Features
The size of the site proved to be a significant constraint in bringing this vacant pub back into a viable use. Whilst residential development was the most suitable use for the site, any extensions to enable the property to be large enough to accommodate a viable development were resisted heavily by the Council on the grounds of scale and massing.
A further constraint was the site's location in a Conservation Area and proximity to two Listed Buildings, which limited the scope for demolition and complete re-development. Design was a key aspect of the planning process.
After detailed discussions and amendments to the scheme, Planning Potential managed to convince the Council to support the proposals for significant extensions to the property, despite objections from the neighbouring residents. We managed to successfully negotiate with the Conservation Officer and the Planning Officer to address their concerns regarding design and impact on residential amenity, and secured planning permission at Committee.
Planning Potential Responsibilities
| LOCATION: | Milton Keynes |
| CLIENT: | X-Leisure |
| SECTOR: | Leisure |
| PERIOD: | 2010 |
| STATUS: | Planning permission granted |
Project Description
The scheme involved the change of use of a vacant 3,000 sqft A1 retail unit to an A3 restaurant within the Xscape Centre, which has an extensive range of retail and leisure facilities.
Notable Features
The main thrust of the planning case was that the provision of a new restaurant would provide the beneficial occupation of a vacant unit, as well as the opportunity to extend and enhance the range of facilities and employment opportunities within the Xscape Centre.
It was agreed with the Council that the proposed ventilation, extraction and air conditioning equipment associated with the unit could be appropriately dealt with by way of a condition, rather than the submission of details prior to determination of the application. The Council agreed that the proposal was in line with planning policy and no objections were received during the consultation period.
Planning Potential Responsibilities