The Governments Housing White Paper already feels like a distant memory, but its ambition to increase the rate of house building is beginning to gain traction. Higher densities are encouraged on brownfield sites that are well located to shops, services, education, employment and leisure opportunities; albeit design and amenity remain key considerations.
By means of practical demonstration, Chapman Lily Planning has recently secured planning permission for:
- The redevelopment of the annexe at Kemps hotel near Wareham to form a terrace of six 3-bedroom dwellings. Consent to convert the existing building into three dwellings was already in place, but Chapman Lily Planning were able to demonstrate that the site could be used more efficiently without harm to the character or amenity of the area. A positive dialogue was established with officers from Purbeck District Council and a carefully conceived scheme was worked up by the project team.
- A block of ten apartments in Fareham, having previously secured consent for a block of eight apartments on the same site in 2016. Creativity in site layout and in particular car parking layout proved key to unlocking the additional units. The Officers at Fareham Borough Council have to be commended on their pro-active approach to processing planning applications, working with us to secure early revisions to the scheme and ultimately the grant of full planning permission ahead of target.
Brett Spiller, Director at Chapman Lily Planning added that the success or failure of applications seeking to increase density often lies in the details, with a diligent approach required to technical and design standards. One eye must also be had to viability – with CIL and affordable housing thresholds key considerations.
For more information on how to optimise the development potential of your projects, please contact Chapman Lily Planning.