Plan Research

24/07/2025

In 2023, Plan Research obtained permission for six replacement beach huts at Totland Bay, Isle of Wight, an ecologically sensitive coastal landscape with a recent history of significant ground movement.

Due to the commercial success of these huts, our client asked us to submit a new application (https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=SU0ZE0IQGAZ00) for five more units, further along the beach.

In order to overcome any aesthetic objections, we were able to demonstrate that there had been beach huts in this location in the past, by providing historical photography to the Council.

While new excavations for beach hut foundations on the cliff face were originally planned, we successfully negotiated a redesign with the local planning authority to utilise an existing area of concrete hardstanding, and so an expensive land stability report was no longer required. The scheme will also be far less costly to implement as a result of this change.

Planning permission was granted with conditions preventing overnight accommodation and outdoor lighting, which our client was happy to accept. This case demonstrated that sometimes the path of least resistance is the best option, reminding us to keep the original goal of the project in mind rather than any specific design.

10/05/2024

Plan Research has obtained planning permission for a detached garage with staff annexe accommodation above (https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=RYE3P9IQHGG00) in a National Landscape, formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where development is generally restricted.

The cliff-top coastal site is also adjacent to a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation. A Construction Environmental Management Plan and precautionary method statement must be approved by the local authority in advance of building works, to ensure that wildlife and biodiversity around the site are not harmed by the development now approved.

This case shows that even in sensitive landscapes with many constraints, including legally protected nature habitats, development is possible with the right planning approach.

As lead times for ecology reports can be longer than anticipated, with some wildlife surveys only possible at certain times of year, it is highly recommended to seek expert planning advice at the early stages of your development project. Applying for planning permission without the right reports and surveys on a project like this one is highly likely to lead to delays, or even refusals.

25/01/2024

We are always looking to expand our growing network so if you know of someone working in the following area of expertise, please let them know that we have an exciting spot for them to fill at ’Island Business Network’ events

18/10/2022

Plan Research has discharged planning conditions for a farm campsite (https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=RBLSUBIQK8Y00) which we obtained planning permission for some four and a half months previously (https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=R6RQ4XIQJ9900).

This straightforward scheme for six bell tents and a barn conversion in one corner of a working farm might not have interested the planning system in the past, but the farm's location in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty means detailed negotiations are now required. The local authority even asserted control over the make and model of lightbulbs in proposed lighting fixtures for the campsite.

In all, the process from application submission to condition discharge took seven months, which meant an entire summer season was missed. If you are planning a seasonal use on your land, our advice is to apply for planning permission the year before you intend to start a new venture.

Local authorities might sometimes hit statutory deadlines for delivering planning decisions, but when pre-commencement conditions are applied to planning permissions, the process can last far longer than anyone might reasonably expect.

06/07/2022

A Plan Research client has won an appeal against refusal of planning permission for the demolition of garages and the construction of a pair of semi-detached houses on an urban brownfield site (https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ViewCase.aspx?caseid=3287362).

The local authority had previously refused permission on the grounds of over-development of the site, character and appearance of the area and the amenity of neighbours, despite the fact that this derelict site was located within a densely built-up area of small terraced and semi-detached houses.

While greenfield out-of-town sites are under pressure due to the demand for new and more energy-efficient housing, we are glad that the Planning Inspectorate agreed with our client that this particular brownfield site was suitable for a pair of new homes.

Not all home buyers want to maintain or can afford a large plot. Town centre living, with pedestrian access to nearby work, retail, leisure and education opportunities, is meant to be more sustainable than living in the suburbs, and this case just goes to show that brownfield housing projects are still possible.

11/01/2021

A Plan Research client has obtained outline planning permission for six additional tourism units as part of the redevelopment of a former holiday camp site (https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=QAPY1TIQK8W00&activeTab=summary).

This site had planning permission for 52 very basic flat-roofed tourism units dating all the way back to 1971, a permission which Plan Research had previously obtained a 'Lawful Development Certificate' in order to confirm.

This new outline permission is in addition to six modern holiday units already built, greatly increasing the quality of tourism provision while leaving space for a mixture of residential housing on the remainder of the land.

With the demand for tourism in the south of the UK stronger than ever, this is a great time to revisit those run-down holiday sites and obtain planning permission to turn them into something more attractive.

Investment yields from short-term visitors can be significantly higher than for buy-to-let residential property, and because planning policy encourages economic development, tourism is often given the go-ahead in locations where residential development would be discouraged.

17/12/2020

A Plan Research client has obtained planning permission for a replacement dwelling on the site of a Class Q residential barn conversion (https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=Q4R7JXIQJ8B00&activeTab=summary).

Although the barn on this rural site was lawful for full-time residential occupation, the method of construction and the design of its foundations meant it was far better to demolish and start again in order to create a comfortable and energy-efficient home.

Class Q permitted development is very useful for farmers who wish to create a new dwelling on their land, but that option comes with many restrictions.

Some barns are worth saving and some are not, and in the latter case a full planning application for a modern replacement might be a better option than living with the restrictions of Class Q.

21/07/2020

A Plan Research client has obtained Listed Building Consent for replacement of a basement door, and new metalwork at the rear, including railings and a ladder, on a historic town-house (https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=Q7FI7HIQJS400&activeTab=summary).

The previous basement door was non-original and not in keeping with the listed building, but could not be seen from the public highway due to the steps above.

This case is a reminder that alterations to a listed building usually require consent from the local authority, even when removing modern alterations which would not be given listed building consent today.

Consent must be obtained before building work starts, including in those cases where passers-by are in all probability never going to notice the improvements!

16/06/2020

Plan Research clients have won an appeal against the New Forest National Park Authority concerning a first-floor extension, solar panels, and the replacement of a conservatory and outbuilding on a 1960's house (APP/B9506/D/19/3238342 https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/documents/planning-committee/planning-committee-19-05-20/).

Extensions and alterations to the dwelling were approved by the National Park in May 2017, but as is often the case, minor changes proved necessary during the construction phase. The local authority then refused a condition variation application which had been intended to regularise these minor changes.

The local authority's refusal of the condition variation application hinged on the definition of habitable floorspace. The National Park has a policy which insists that dwellings cannot be extended beyond a certain percentage of floorspace. Houses which were extended before this policy came into effect are not restricted in size, which means that some neighbours can enjoy the use of an extension to their home, while others cannot.

Plan Research successfully made the case to the Planning Inspectorate that the National Park's calculation of habitable floorspace was incorrect in this case, which meant that our clients did not have to demolish the improvements to their home.

29/05/2020

A Plan Research client has obtained planning permission for a below-ground swimming pool and air source heat pump enclosure in a conservation area (https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=Q5IZH6IQJDK00).

This 10 metre by 4.5 metre pool will be built in the garden of our client's home, just a few steps from the back door and patio area. With many of us spending a lot of time at home at the moment, this project was perfectly timed!

When excavations are required for a domestic swimming pool, these engineering works sometimes require planning permission, depending on the size of the proposed pool relative to the size of the garden.

Outbuildings associated with a swimming pool, such as changing rooms or equipment sheds, might also require planning permission, particularly in the case of a listed building, conservation area or a designated landscape such as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

If in doubt, we recommend consulting a Chartered Town Planner before ordering a pool installation, in order to avoid potentially significant delays and additional costs.

14/04/2020

The Isle of Wight Council planning department has resumed processing householder and minor applications, with notices published in the local press and sent directly to neighbours of proposed schemes, rather than posted on the sites in the familiar way.

Applications for major developments are also being accepted, although determination of these schemes could be delayed while the Council makes alternative arrangements for public consultations and planning committee meetings. Updates on planning department procedures are being posted on the website below.

Our advice is to keep working on your development projects as normal, while observing Government advice on social distancing and reducing health risks. People are still going to need housing and places to work, and domestic tourism could well prove more popular than foreign travel once coronavirus risks in the UK become manageable.

So if you've been stuck at home thinking about your building plans, or perhaps a scheme proposed for your area, why not give Plan Research a call on our local rate number 0845 508 3085? Planning ahead now could mean you'll be at the front of the queue when things get back to normal!

Isle of Wight Council Planning Online

20/03/2020

Plan Research clients have obtained planning permission for a proposed two-storey extension and alterations to their home (https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=Q4K180IQJ7E00).

The house is split-level, because of being built on a site which slopes upwards to the rear, with an internal double garage taking up much of the ground floor. A large extension relocating the garage to the side of the property was designed to deliver a significant increase in usable internal space, and a wider first-floor balcony area.

When you like your property and don't want to move, a major extension can often be the best way to upsize, compared to the cost and uncertainty of selling it and buying something bigger.

This type of project has the added bonus of delivering exactly what you want, with the assistance of a project team who can respond to your personal aspirations.