Lavata Group Limited

22/12/2022

It is here folks! Lavata Group will be making representation to the publication for a number of clients in the new year. If you would like to discuss then drop us a message!

21/09/2022

After a long evening last night at Planning Committee, Lavata Group secured retrospective Planning and Listed Building Consent was granted for the change of use of a Hotel (C1) to Sui Generis (Supported Accommodation) in Hitchin Town Centre for a well established Hertfordshire service provider. Memebers recognised the urgent need for supported living in the district and wth no objections from statutory consultees (including the Police) and supported by a very robust report (recommending approval) and presentation by the Case Officer, made the decsion to appove (of course it was close!).

All of this against a backdrop of hundereds of public objections, an unplesant social media campaign agaisnt the provider and a deferment at Committee in June for more information, the provider finally has the certainty that they can continue to provide temporary supported accommodation for the most vunerable in society before they are moved into permanent accomodation.

16/09/2022

Latest Government publication showing that the amount of Green Belt has actually GROWN since last year.

02/06/2022

Lavata Group would like to wish eveyone a very happy Jubilee bank holiday!

01/06/2022

A bit late with this one, but two new dwellings for our client! Whilst only two dwellings this was a difficult one being in Flood Zone 3, but as an existing dwelling the case was made for the intensification of the site (bungalow to two 3 bed dwellings)

20/05/2022

Great end to the week!

14/05/2022

We feel your frustration!

The broadcaster said he ‘simply can’t get planning permission’ and said local planners are swayed by ‘people in the village who wear red trousers’.

12/05/2022

Following the publication of the Levelling up and Regeneration Bill we have been digesting the proposed amendments to planning for both my large commercial client and smaller ones, and the following are particularly key at a local level (as well as the farce that are ‘street votes’!):

1) Removing the four year immunity periods for operational development and the creation of new dwellings. This would standardise the immunity period for all breaches of planning control at ten years.

2) Introducing enforcement warning notices - requiring Councils to notify applicants of potential breaches that could be regularised through the submission of a planning application.

3) Increasing fines associated with certain planning breaches and doubling fees for retrospective applications.

4) Extending the time period for temporary stop notices from 28 to 56 days; and giving the Planning Inspectorate the power to dismiss certain appeals where the appellant causes undue delay.

5) Reducing the scope for appeals against enforcement notices so that you cannot appeal an enforcement notice if you have also applied for retrospective consent for the same breach; and
Enabling temporary relief to be given for enforcement action against specific planning conditions.

The Bill will take time to go through the readings and some items may not make it through, but what is clear is that in the future getting proper qualified town planning advise upfront for projects will be even more important to ensure that you do not breach the new planning regulations/laws.

09/03/2022

Lunchtime learning to ensure our clients up being advised properly and competently!

02/02/2022

The Levelling Up White Paper has been published…. all 300 pages of it plus appendices.

With regards to planning reform, the White Paper contains the clearest indication yet that the planning reforms that the Government set out in March 2020 may not be as dead as most conservative back-benchers had hoped.

The Paper promises to:

-make Local plans will simpler and shorter;
-develop models for a new infrastructure levy;
-enhance compulsory purchase powers to support town centre regeneration;
-provide further support for re-using brownfield land for development;
-set a more positive approach to employment land in national policy; and
-support the transition to Net Zero

Michael Gove to unveil the government’s flagship Levelling Up White Paper, setting out a plan to transform the UK by spreading opportunity and prosperity to all parts of it.

16/01/2022

Another quality quote from JC "Nobody has ever left university saying, “I want to run a subcommittee at my local council.” So I understand that he’s constantly disappointed with how life has turned out for him" | ✍️ Jeremy Clarkson

20/11/2021

Leicester City Council are currently consulting on extending the area covered by the Article 4 Direction for the removal of PD Rights to change from C3 (dwellings) to C4 (HMO).

PEOPLE are being asked their views on major new proposals to expand the area in which the city council can control the number of homes being converted to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).