One Reserved Matters application for 71 homes deferred at Committee (our case officer quitting just a couple of days before and the lead officer unable to answer any of members questions!). Incredibly frustrating, but in the circumstances probably the best outcome.
One TPO notice served on a site where we have a live application for 86 new homes. The site was first allocated in a Local Plan some 20 years ago and thereafter rolled over into successive Plans. It was also allocated in the Neighbourhood Plan and prior to submitting the application the applicant undertook extensive pre-application engagement and community engagement. The application receiving support from the Town Council. So one might reasonably ask why serve a TPO now? We can and will address it but its another small hurdle to jump.
Thank you to Somerset Council and Dorset Council UK respectively!
Otherwise much of our teams focus has been on the finalising consultation responses to the BCP Local Plan (due in today) – but more on that under a separate post.
I’m grateful to Jon Bishop, the new Head of Development Management at BCP Council for seeking to reinstate the art of planning, empowering officers to exercise professional judgement rather than hiding behind consultee responses (my words not his, but I think I’ve captured the sentiment correctly). Its the only way that we’ll restore some pride back into our profession and speed up decision making – so its music to my ears! This approach has already helped to unlock a couple of longstanding applications (including the discharge of conditions for c.269 dwellings and a community hub at Canford Vale in Poole). Whilst it doesn’t mean all decisions will go our way, things are at least beginning to move.
Finally, we are delighted to report another success in the form of a Class Q prior approval. Well done to Clare Spiller and Baxter Green Architects for your work on this one. It proved a little more challenging than it first appeared, but your perseverance paid off. Now we just need to get our heads around the new amendments to Class Q which are due to take effect shortly and include scope for up to 10 dwellings!
For information on how Chapman Lily Planning Ltd can help you to navigate the planning system, please contact us.
