CHANGE OF USE

ACHIEVED A CHANGE OF USE FOR OVER 30,000 SQUARE FEET OF WORKSHOP AND OFFICES ON A SINGLE 1.5 ACRE FARMYARD NEAR CHELMSFORD

Planning policy is usually favourable for the re-use of agricultural buildings for commercial purposes. We have achieved a variety of new uses in buildings ranging from horse livery in old cart lodges to community cricket nets in empty grain stores as well as numerous workshops, offices and storage units in buildings of all shapes and sizes.

Obtaining a change of use provides farmers with a diversified income stream and adds value to their existing assets.

ENFORCEMENT

DEFEATED ENFORCEMENT ACTION RELATING TO UNAUTHORISED CHANGE OF USE

Whirledge & Nott specialise in all aspects of defending against planning enforcement action and recently successfully averted enforcement action relating to 30,500 square foot of workshop and storage space.

Planning enforcement can be a major hurdle when diversification projects are already operating without the necessary consents or have outgrown their original permission. Enforcement notice appeals can be complicated and the potential for a breach of condition notice offers no right of appeal. Working carefully with the council from the outset can help to prevent unwanted notices which can run permanently with the land. Detailed legal knowledge is required in addition to sound planning expertise.

If uses have been occurring for ten years or more then they can be immune from enforcement but careful consideration is needed on how those uses may have changed over time.

If you have been subject to threat of enforcement action or received a planning contravention notice then let us provide you with the right advice at the earliest possible opportunity.

AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS

WE HAVE ACHIEVED CONSENT FOR NUMEROUS AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS IN THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS

Agricultural buildings still benefit from the permitted development regime which offers a simpler and cheaper process than full planning. We have successfully justified the need for new buildings for a wide range of agricultural activities.

If you are unsure whether your proposal meets permitted development requirements or if full planning is needed contact our rural planning team.

BARN CONVERSIONS

OBTAINED PLANNING CONSENT FOR RESIDENTIAL CONVERSION OF ESSEX BARNS

Whirledge & Nott achieved planning consent for this Essex Barn to residential accommodation. Consent for barn conversions can be achieved for both residential and commercial uses depending on the site. Local planning authorities are gradually taking note of the shift in policy and approving more applications.

Some authorities require detailed marketing appraisals or reports to assess the viability of other less intrusive uses before allowing residential use and we can provide critical comparable evidence through our Rural Buildings Department. We have also fully supported the successful change of use of a large barn complex to provide multiple dwellings.

AGRICULTURAL OCCUPANCY CONDITIONS

SUCCESSFULLY FREED AGRICULTURAL DWELLINGS FROM PLANNING OCCUPANCY CONDITIONS

Agricultural occupancy conditions restrict the occupation of a property to someone who is or was last employed in agriculture. Should there be no demand by agricultural workers or if the property has been occupied in breach of the condition for a continuous ten year period then there can be an opportunity to nullify the condition. The removal of the conditions can add significant value and improve the marketability of your property.

We have also successfully worked with farmers to provide agricultural justification for new dwellings on farms and provided evidence at appeals. 

STRATEGIC PLANNING

ACHIEVED THE INCLUSION OF SUBSTANTIAL GREEN BELT LAND BANKS FOR HOUSING WITHIN THE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

Our Forward Planning Team recently achieved several strategic successes, one of which was the inclusion of a site for 600 homes in the draft Rochford Core Strategy through representation to the Local Development Framework and we are working with many other sites identified across Essex.

Interest from developers in option or promotion agreements is on the rise again. Land positioned in strategic locations could have development potential for residential, commercial or mixed use developments. Ensure any speculative potential in your land is maximised by early representations.

Whirledge & Nott can assist with promoting strategic land that could be or is included in local development framework proposals. We can also assist with the negotiations with developers to make sure you get the best deal.