Rear Extensions: A Quick Guide to the 2013 Permitted Development Rights
There has been much speculation about the Governments recent changes to permitted development rights for householders. Aimed at removing red tape and kick starting the building industry in difficult economic times, it is questionable whether allowing larger rear extensions will actually have any impact on the building industry. So whilst planning permission may not be...
Community Consultation Techniques
ECA have a wide range of experience in consulting the community at different levels. It is important that the techniques used are appropriate to the community and the type of development. For example it is not always appropriate to rely on written English as a means of communicating proposals and ideas. We pride ourselves in...
Changes to Permitted Development Rights: this may affect you
The Government will be introducing changes to the permitted development rights in 2013. Here is a summary of the changes: Change of use from B1(a) office to C3 residential for the next three years. Some councils will be exempt. A prior approval process will be introduced. Redundant agricultural buildings can be converted to ‘other business...
Office Conversions: permitted development
Eric Pickles announced in January 2013 that planning laws will be relaxed to enable offices to be converted to homes without the need for planning permission. This initiative is hoping to release much needed land for new homes whilst reducing the embarrassing state of the non-prime office market. Local Planning Authorities are able to apply...
Neighbourhood Planning Experience
Neighborhood Planning is probably the most fundamental change that the planning system has seen since 1947. ECA have a diverse range of experience and skills which is proving ideal in this new area of work. We have a history of partnership working and community engagement in complex regeneration areas, complemented by our experience in fund...
Green Belt Stats
When the Government published the final version of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in 2012, campaigners were relieved to see green belt policy relatively intact despite draft versions of the guidance threatening to dilute this historic land use policy. The reality is somewhat different, as we have seen some very unpredictable appeal decisions relating...
Jubilee Gardens: London
The renovation of Jubilee Gardens, adjacent to The London Eye, was completed in October 2012, after over 10 years in the planning. The end result is a simple understated new public realm which will benefit residents and the thousands of visitors to this park each year. Designed by Landscape Architects West 8, this open space...
World Town Planning Day: 8th November 2012
Did you know about World Town Planning Day? It was founded in Argentina in 1949 with the aim to advance public and professional interest in planning and create a special day to recognise and promote the role of planning in creating liveable communities. WTPD was revived in 1995 by the International Society of City and...
CALA Homes: case conclusion?
The ongoing saga of the CALA Homes planning application for 2000 new homes on a greenfield site north of Winchester reached its conclusion yesterday (2 October 2012), when it was announced that Eric Pickles has granted planning permission for the scheme. ECA were appointed by the ‘Save Barton Farm Action Group’ (SBFG) in 2012 to...
New Design Guidance: Building for Life 12
‘Cabe at the Design Council’ launched new design guidance in the form of Building for Life 12 in September 2012, which is now the industry standard, endorsed by Government for well-designed homes and neighbourhoods, that local communities, local authorities and developers are invited to use to stimulate conversations about creating good places to live. The...
Neighbourhood Forum News: Poole Old Town and Hamworthy East
The first meeting of the proposed Poole Old Town and Hamworthy East Neigbourhood Forum was held on Thursday 5th July 2012. ECA are providing planning advice and supporting the formal establishment of this group and gave a presentation on the background to Neighbourhood Forums, which can be downloaded here LEGISLATION ETC There is much for...
Walled Garden at Upton Country Park
There was a great atmosphere at the formal opening of the rejuvenated Walled Garden at Upton Country Park on 30th June 2012, when the new lawn and intelligent water feature (interactive fountain) were put to the test. It was packed with people of all ages. Like Poole Park, Upton Country Park doesn’t have an overall...
What ECA Planning can do for you
Providing a high quality, personal service to our clients who range from developers and public sector organizations to private individuals and architects, our RTPI Registered consultancy is staffed by experts with extensive experience of working in the public and private sectors. • Planning Applications and Appeals • Development Plan Monitoring (LDF) • Environmental Statements, Design...
Planning Applications and Appeals
ECA routinely prepare and submit planning applications for a variety of proposals, mainly larger redevelopments and unique one-off projects for local developers and individuals. We also act on behalf of local community groups, preparing letters of support or objection to planning applications. With a background in Local Authority Development Control, our planning consultants have an...
Planning Appraisals
The ECA planning team undertake regular planning appraisal work for a variety of clients and sites. We tailor our appraisals to meet the clients’ needs and budgets, and they usually require 1-15 days of work. The emphasis is on interpreting the most recent planning policy relevant to the site (rather than just quoting a ream...
Planning for Sport and Play
ECA-P attended another excellent course run by the RTPI South West Branch in April 2012. Speakers came from the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), Sport England, Roger Tym & Partners, and Weymouth & Portland Partnership. While it was interesting to hear of the ODA’s experiences of delivering the Olympic Sites and Legacy Projects, this is not...
Olympic Fever in Weymouth
Just when we were becoming cynical about ‘the Olympic Legacy’ we saw these fantastic new cafe pods on Weymouth Beach. Weymouth and Portland will be hosting the Olympic Sailing Competition this summer, but as Portland and the Sailing Centre itself are actually quite far away from Weymouth, it is sometimes difficult to see what benefits...
National Planning Policy Framework
NATIONAL PLANNING … As part of the government’s ongoing reforms of the planning system, the 57-page National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published on 27th March 2012, setting out the government’s pro-growth attitude to development. The NPPF is now critical in setting policy objectives, against which local plans are being prepared and decisions made...
Development Plan Monitoring
ECA-P routinely provide development plan monitoring services, planning guidance and advice to help developers and individuals through the development plan system. We act on behalf of a number of clients in monitoring the progress of development plans, seeking to protect existing interests as well as promoting future development. We offer a full development plan monitoring...
Strategic Sites
Top Real Estates appointed ECA in 2010 to promote a growing portfolio of sites in the South West of England. ECA-P have a number of roles as the lead consultant, including: • Planning Consultancy • Master Planning • Project Management • Public Consultation Work to date has included: • Preparation of extended Planning Appraisals on...
