For those without the support of an experienced planning team, a planning refusal can be confusing and often means building plans are altogether abandoned. But for a development of four apartments in Mortimer, West Berkshire, persistence for planning approval has most certainly paid off.
The local authority had previously refused the development plans (which were originally for three apartments) a number of times based on design concerns. These concerns were attributed to the apartments being built on land adjacent to a local supermarket which required delivery access and adequate customer parking.
With their experience and expertise, the ET Planning team knew that this area of land had the development potential for residential units and so, in order to win the Council’s seal of approval, ET Planning supported the client to navigate the Council’s decisions and provide alternative solutions which have since resulted in planning approval.
As part of the solution, the designs were altered by architect Hurrell Architecture to include similar elements to neighbouring properties including building materials, footprint and the height of the eaves and ridges. The retention of an old oak tree under a protection order and plans for additional planting were also added which demonstrated to the planning committee that the development was in keeping with the surrounding area and would in fact enhance the street scene. The supermarket deliveries were also rerouted from the rear to the front of the store.
These design changes have allowed for planning approval to be secured but also for the client to factor in a fourth apartment increasing their revenue opportunity.