Aspbury Planning & Heritage Ltd.

06/05/2026

✔️PLANNING APPEAL SUCCESS✔️

A Classic Case of ‘Computer says No!’ 🚫

The appeal site is a substantial detached two-storey house dating from the mid-twentieth century with a single storey side extension and garage. It is located within a row of similar substantial houses in good-sized plots, all set within open countryside in the green belt.

The refusal was against the Rushcliffe Design Code (RDC) and specifically, the set limit of 50% for extensions in the open countryside. The proposed extension resulted in an 8% excess of the stated limit. Our appeal case centred around the lack of harm upon openness of the green belt that a first floor extension would create with such a small excess.

The inspector agreed that a small numeric infringement of a design code would not ‘fail to reinforce local characteristics’ nor would it be ‘out of keeping with the character of the local area’. Reasons citied by the LPA.

He concluded that the Council failed to demonstrate that any actual planning harm would arise and allowed the appeal.

Architects and drawing credit -
Town Planner - Harry Phillips -

Contact us today for help with your next project:

📧 [email protected]
📞 0115 852 8050

01/05/2026

✔️PLANNING PERMISSION SUCCESS ✔️

Outline planning permission has been secured for up to 52 residential dwellings on the former Sherwood Hall School playing fields in Mansfield, on behalf of .

Vacant for over 14 years, the site presented a number of sensitivities, including its historic playing field designation, proximity to neighbouring homes and schools, access constraints, and concerns around loss of open space.

Aspbury Planning & Heritage was appointed to lead the application and develop a robust, evidence-led case for redevelopment. A proactive strategy was key. Early engagement with the local planning authority and highways officers helped shape access and technical requirements, while a comprehensive public consultation ensured local concerns were understood and addressed. Over 1,100 nearby households were consulted, alongside ward councillors, with feedback directly influencing the scheme.

The team coordinated a detailed technical evidence base covering highways, drainage, flood risk, ecology, biodiversity net gain, and environmental impacts. A critical element was demonstrating that the playing fields were genuinely surplus, supported by evidence of alternative sports provision nearby.

The approved outline scheme includes a mix of homes, affordable housing, new public open space, and sustainable drainage solutions, alongside pedestrian and cycle connections. Importantly, it establishes the principle of development while safeguarding detailed design for future stages.

This approval not only unlocks a long-unused site in a sustainable location, but also provides a clear pathway to delivery. It reflects a balanced approach to planning policy, technical considerations, and community engagement—ultimately turning a constrained site into a valuable residential opportunity.

Contact us today for help with your next project

📧 [email protected]

📞 0115 852 8050

29/04/2026

On Monday our IHBC Heritage Planner Andrew Pettifor, enjoyed a sun filled and informative day of CPD at the IHBC East Midlands branch event in Northampton.

As ever, great to hear the thoughts of Jon Phipps of Lathams on the current regional and national perspective regarding master planning in market towns.

Fantastic to hear also from Jack Hanson of NODE on the exciting plans for the Greyfriars area of Northampton as well as plans for the wider region from West Northamptonshire Council. The Court Room of the wonderful polychromatic gothic revival Grade II* Guildhall, made for a fantastic venue.

If you have a Heritage or Conversation Planning query, Andrew is waiting to hear from you.

[email protected]

0115 852 8050

05/04/2026

Happy Easter from all of us at

25/03/2026

An early start today for at the Lincolnshire Expo.

Our MD Denise Knipe MRTPI and our BD Melissa Diamond were in attendance.

As proud sponsors, it was great to have the opportunity to speak to a steady stream of people and take part in the event.

At the end, we attended the Team Lincolnshire soup and sarnie and heard from City of Lincoln Council on the CharterHolme project and the North Hykeham relief road.

Lots of follow ups to do and some exciting collaborations on the horizon as a result.

Congratulations to our prize winner Adam Caffrey from Studio G👏🏻 and thank you to Tina King for having us.

If you have a Planning query contact us today

0115 852 8050

[email protected]

24/03/2026

A great event which we proudly sponsored.

Thank you to Influence Environmental Ltd for hosting and giving us the opportunity to present!

23/03/2026

Nottingham City Council is currently consulting on draft guidance on large scale co-living developments until the 9th April 2026.

Nottingham’s stance on co‑living is now crystal clear:

Co‑living can work — but only if it’s high‑quality, well‑managed, and genuinely community‑focused.

The Nottingham City Council wants:

- Properly designed studios/1 & 2 bed units

- Big, usable shared spaces

- Strong 24/7 management

- Sustainable, well‑connected locations

- No more “student block but with nicer furniture”

Promoting high grade living for young professionals in the city.

https://nottinghamcity.gov.uk/co-living-ipg

Need planning support on a project? Our chartered RTPI planners cut through complexity and guide you confidently through the planning process. With us, you’ve got everything to gain.

Email - [email protected]

Call - 0115 852 8050

www.aspburyplanning.co.uk

31/12/2025

Happy New Year from Team Aspbury

25/12/2025