Hengest Farm
This development required the change of use of farm buildings(PDL) to provide seven dwellings. The site was located in the Green Belt but adjoining the settlement boundary of Banstead. Although the principle is permitted under guidance in the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) Reigate & Banstead BC dismissed the first application following stiff opposition from the local community. In response, and contrary to some local preconceptions, we were able to clearly demonstrate that traffic would be significantly reduced by the proposed development. As a result planning permission was subsequently granted at committee.
Care was needed to reduce the overall footprint and volume of the existing structures, to provide a material gain in respect of “Openness” in terms of impact in the Green Belt.
Nicola Farm
Similar to Hengest Farm, the site represented PDL in the Green Belt, where the principle of development is acceptable, as long as there is a net gain in terms of “Openness”. This time Reigate & Banstead BC supported the application of 6-dwellings that was approved at committee.
Boundary farm
Another PDL site in the Green Belt. The application was successful at the first attempt, providing two dwellings. We established a Certificate of Lawfulness for the existing use of buildings no longer in agricultural occupation, thereby confirming PDL. This was approved by Reigate & Banstead through delegated powers.