We’re always keen to exchange ideas, knowledge and experience of the development industry. Here’s some of our insights to date, we’d love to hear yours…
To our privilege, an increasing share of our work involves a heritage element – we frequently deal with applications for Conservation Areas and listed buildings, often in constrained urban settings. These make for challenging but rewarding projects. Jules sits on Bristol’s Conservation Advisory Panel so is already pretty au-fait with heritage principles, but as per … Read More
In recent years we’ve dealt with a stream of schemes relating to food, drink and entertainment venues. These have mostly involved changes of use for various cafes, restaurants, bars, take-aways and event spaces, with the odd micro-brewery, gin-distillery and axe throwing venue thrown in. Some have involved individual entities, some mixed-up with other uses, but … Read More
Welcome to 2020 and here’s hoping you had a restful festive break. Before we launch on into the New Year, we’ve been spending some time reflecting on 2019 and taking stock of where we’re at – both as Planners and people – where we fit within the grander scheme of the development industry and how … Read More
‘Context’ is a design-related concept that we usually associate with heritage development. But it shouldn’t just be limited to schemes for listed buildings, non-designated heritage assets and development in Conservation Areas. ‘Context’ is just as important, relevant and integral to creating great design anywhere. A good understanding of ‘Context’ enables the creation of an honest … Read More
We’re back in harness after our summer recess, and looking forward to whatever projects unfold for us over the next few months. Whilst we’ve seen a Brexit-related hold across much of the construction industry over the past year, we’re really hoping that some form of a resolution from the Government (lord knows which way) over … Read More
In our last post, we shared an update on the successful outcome of an appeal to the Valuation Office Agency over Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) that we were running. Whilst still reveling in that decision, the same client asked us what he should do next – when and who to pay and how to document … Read More
Well, we’re back at our desks after that glorious Easter break; hope you all got out and enjoyed the fabulous sunshine and the blessed radio-silence from Brexit for a few days. Our bank holiday weekend was made all the sweeter by the late receipt of a successful decision from the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) over … Read More
Hooray you’ve secured your planning permission; it’s in the bag, and the celebrations done and dusted. You’re building out the approved scheme but now, in the immortal words of the late, great David Bowie, you want to make some “Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes”. Whether big, small, complex or straightforward, you’ll need to formalise these because your development can … Read More
Happy New Year! We hope your festive season was everything you wanted it to be and you’re feeling suitably braced for whatever 2019 has in store. As we kick-off into January, we’re looking forward to celebrating Planning Ventures 5th birthday this year with a whoop. We set up in 2014 with plenty of enthusiasm but … Read More
It’s become increasingly clear in recent years that local communities are becoming more engaged in the planning process, particularly where they feel passionate about individual sites or the impact of development in their areas. This doesn’t just mean old-school NIMBYism, but more a growing desire to have some influence or control over how ‘their’ areas … Read More