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What are Material Planning Considerations in 2025?

What are Material Planning Considerations in 2025?

Once a Planning Application has been submitted to and validated by the Local Planning Authority it becomes ‘live’. In accordance with the Council’s individual processes there will be communication with the local community to notify them of the application. This communication will offer an opportunity to express views on the proposal and might be carried out in a number of different ways including notices in the press, letters posted to your home and notices posted nearby to the site.

There are however only certain matters that will be accepted as ‘material planning considerations.’ It is important to focus any comments on these topics. The list below is a helpful guide if you are notified about an application and wish to make a representation or comment to the council:

Overlooking and Loss of Privacy

If an application proposes built form that may increase a relationship between two properties this might constitute overlooking or loss of privacy. Most Local Authorities will assess an application by measuring distances between buildings to make sure that any new development will not cause harm to any the living conditions of any occupiers. 

Loss of Light and Overshadowing

If an application proposes new development which would create a building that is taller than the existing the Council will consider if this will potentially cause any harm to the occupiers of nearby buildings. Any development should not be constructed so close or built so tall to an existing property such that their enjoyment and amenity is affected.

Parking

Most Councils will have published Parking Standards on their website. These Standards will specify the required number of parking spaces for any application proposed. The Standards will vary depending upon the exact location of the development, the type of application and will also specify different types of spaces required e.g. HGV parking, accessible spaces and cycle storage.

Highway Safety and Traffic

In addition to the required number of spaces, a planning application will also have to demonstrate that vehicles can safely enter and exit a site and manoeuvre within it. Furthermore, proposals will also need to make sure that any additional traffic movements can be accommodated within the highway network. New junctions or changes to junctions will also need to safe and not cause harm to highway safety. Routes for other uses including pedestrians and cyclists will also be considered. Councils will prioritise the use of Public Transport and sustainable travel options.

Noise

For applications where additional noise might be generated particularly proposals which are for commercial/industrial activities the Council will often require detailed information relating to noise. Applications will be assessed on the grounds of whether any additional noise would cause harm to the living conditions of any nearby occupiers. The Council may impose conditions that should an application be approved the hours of operation might be restricted. The Council will usually seek technical advice from Environmental Health Officers or Regulatory Services to make sure that impacts from additional noise will be limited.

Heritage and Historic Considerations

If an application falls within a designated Conservation Area or relates to a Listed Building (or both!) or is close to these the Council’s specialist Officers will consider any impact. The Council may require particular materials be used to ensure that impact is minimised and will often request that additional details are provided to make sure that construction would not harm any historic buildings. If a local area has a special and unique appearance or layout the Council may also take this into account. The Council will also use mapping systems and historic records to consider archaeological matters to ensure that any proposed works are not harmful to sites of archaeological importance. 

Historic England

Layout and Density

Any application will need to make sure that there is not too much being constructed within a site. Proposals need to make sure they include enough space for circulation, gardens and landscaping. For larger schemes the Council will advise on the dwellings per hectare (dph) that should be delivered to make efficient use of more substantial sites

Design, Appearance and Materials

Most applications will usually need to specify how the proposal will appear once it has been completed. Other details that are required might include which materials will be used and what architectural features are included. The Council will usually try to make sure that any application is sensitive to the surroundings and would sit comfortably in the local area once built.

Accessibility

Applications for certain types of development will need to ensure that they are accessible for all groups of society including those with mobility issues and disabilities. Schemes will need to include provision for wheelchair users to live, work and socialise safely.

Historic Planning Decisions

The Council will take into account previous decisions for the site including decisions made by the Planning Inspectorate through the Appeal process. Officers will consider historic decisions to guide future outcomes in the interests of consistency and if they have been ‘tested’ through the Appeal process this will give weight in the determining any application. Whilst previous decisions will be taken in account it is important to be aware that Councils are clear that each application is considered on its own merits so if an application for a similar scheme nearby was approved it will not automatically mean that subsequent applications will have the same outcome. It can be helpful however to highlight any similar proposals if you have examples.

Planning Policies

Planning decisions will be made based on a variety of considerations and criteria but at the heart will be adopted national and local planning policies. At a national level the key document is the National Planning Policy Framework which is periodically updated and sets out the key themes, priorities and aspirations for development across the country. Locally, Council’s will have their own suite of documents which provide more detailed guidance which is particularly relevant to each Local Authority. There will be variations between the local priorities for each Authority depending on their specific characteristics and what their community needs. Officers will consider both national and local policies when making decisions.

Landscaping, Biodiversity and the Environment

Applications which could impact an existing landscape, trees or any protected species will be considered in-line with any Statutory protections. An applicant may need to provide detailed survey information to support an application and the Local Planning Authority will consider any potential harm. Many larger proposals will need to include landscaping as part of any submission to improve the visual appearance and offer wildlife opportunities. In some cases an applicant will need to provide additional biodiversity enhancement measures to add further chances for species to thrive. In many cases planning conditions might be added to any permission to control works during nesting/breeding seasons. 

Flood Risk and Drainage

For larger applications and certain smaller schemes technical information will be needed to demonstrate how water will be managed and disposed of. National mapping systems set out flood zones and flood risks information which will inform what information is required. Drainage Consultants are often appointed to provide detailed information to demonstrate that water will be managed and development will not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere. In many cases an application will include on-site measures for dealing with water. 

Flood Map For Planning Service

Conclusions

There are other considerations which the Council will consider as part of determining an application. These matters will depend on the site location, proposed works, constraints, any statutory consultees and and wider considerations which the relevant Council have applied. 

Matters which a Council cannot consider

  • Who the applicant is and their background
  • Loss of views
  • Impact on property values
  • Loss of potential or current trade or increased business competition
  • The strength or number of public representations
  • Disturbance from construction noise during development
  • Concerns from damage to property through construction
  • Maintenance of property
  • Civil matters such as boundary disputes, covenants or other property rights
  • Public Rights of Way
  • Personal circumstances and situations are generally not a material planning consideration

How to get in touch…

Having a consultant involved in your project, is a great way to reduce the risk of errors and it can drastically speed up the timeline for achieving planning permission.

If you think you need support with your project, we’d be happy to help.

You can contact us directly via the details below, or if you would prefer, you can fill in the form below and one of the team will be in touch.

T: 01908 592580
E: info@warnerplanning.co.uk

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Can I appeal a Planning Decision in 2025?

Can I appeal a Planning Decision in 2025?

No one wants an appeal, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. If planning has failed, we’d love to represent you in your appeal.

If your planning application has been refused by the Local Authority you have the right to appeal this decision with the Planning Inspectorate. There are specific timescales in which this appeal needs to be submitted depending on the type of application.

How can Warner Planning help me with my appeal?

Having a planning consultant involved at this stage will give you much higher chances of a successful appeal. Our team at Warner Planning has the knowledge, experience and ethos to quickly focus on the facts, assess if you have grounds for an appeal and provide your case with the best possible prospects.

Our approach to appeals is tenacious and our innovative thinking has brought many appeals to a successful conclusion, when at first they may have seemed to be lost causes.

Having a consultant involved in your appeal, is a great way to reduce the risk of errors and it can drastically speed up the timeline for achieving planning permission.

Contact us to discuss your needs and let’s see if we can help you.

How to get in touch…

You can contact us directly via the details below, or if you would prefer, you can fill in the form below and one of the team will be in touch.

T: 01908 592580
E: info@warnerplanning.co.uk

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Can I appeal a Planning Decision in 2025?

Having a Planning Consultant involved in your appeal gives you a much higher chance of success. Warner Planning have the knowledge, experience and ethos to assess if you have grounds for an appeal and provide your case with the best possible prospects.

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What is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) ?

What is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) ?

In February 2024 a new law was implemented in England which makes it a requirement for all new road and housing developments to achieve a 10% net gain in biodiversity or habitat.

This law will ensure that much needed housing can be provided in England, but it will not come at a cost to our green space, as habitats for wildlife must be left in a measurably better state that they were prior to development.   

Biodiversity is measured in standardised units depending on size, quality, location and type and should be measured by an ecologist who can measure the existing biodiversity value and advise on suitable measures to create or enhance biodiversity.

The Statutory Biodiversity Metric Tool must be used to calculate the required number of biodiversity units required to achieve BNG.

Does this affect me?

Yes, if you are a developer of small sites or major developments, or for nationally significant infrastructure projects from late November 2025.  You will also need to know the new rules if you are a Local Planning Authority or a Land Manager looking to sell in the BNG market.

Your development should try to avoid loss of habitats, and the 10% Biodiversity Net Gain can be achieved either on-site or off-site buy purchasing statutory biodiversity credits.

What developments are exempt from BNG?

  • Planning applications made before the 12th of February 2024.
  • Variations to existing planning permissions.
  • Development that does not impact a priority habitat and impacts less than 25 square metres (5m x 5m) of on-site habitat or 5 meters of on-site linear habitats such as hedgerows.
  • Self-Build and Custom build applications where the LPA are satisfied that the final occupiers have had primary input into the final design and layout and the development is exclusively self-build or custom build dwellings, is of no more than 9 dwellings and on a site no larger than 0.5 hectares.
  • Householder applications are exempt due to the expected low impact on biodiversity.

How can I achieve Biodiversity Net Gain on my project?

Biodiversity Net Gain can be achieved through onsite biodiversity gains, registered offsite biodiversity gains or by purchasing statutory biodiversity credits.

What do I need to do when submitting a planning application?

 

Firstly, you will need to confirm if your development is exempt from BNG. If it is not exempt, information will need to be submitted with your planning application that details how you will meet the 10% BNG objective including how you propose to achieve enhancements on-site.

What happens after I have achieved planning permission?

 

Following the grant of planning permission a Biodiversity gain condition will need to be discharged, by completing a Biodiversity gain plan which will show how the development will achieve BNG. Until this has been approved, development cannot begin.

How to get in touch…

Having a consultant involved in your project, is a great way to reduce the risk of errors and it can drastically speed up the timeline for achieving planning permission.

If you think you need support with your project, we’d be happy to help.

You can contact us directly via the details below, or if you would prefer, you can fill in the form below and one of the team will be in touch.

T: 01908 592580
E: info@warnerplanning.co.uk

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What are Permitted Development Rights in 2025?

What are Permitted Development Rights in 2025?

Some projects don’t require planning permission as they qualify under “Permitted Development Rights”.

These rights cover a wide range of works including building operations, extensions, demolition and certain changes of use and they can apply to both residential and non-residential properties.

How do I know whether my project qualifies as Permitted Development?

We often receive this question from our clients, and the answer depends on a number of factors, including the size and location of your project, as well as its overall appearance.

Within Permitted Development Rights there are still certain standards and criteria that need to be met such as the size, location and appearance of your project; as well as additional restrictions on Permitted Development in certain ‘designated areas’ such as Conservation Areas and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

We can help you gain a clearer understanding of which Permitted Development Rights may apply to your project, what is likely to be accepted under Permitted Development, or whether a prior approval certificate is required.

Having a consultant involved in your project, is a great way to reduce the risk of errors and it can drastically speed up the timeline for achieving planning permission.

If you think you need support with your project, we’d be happy to help.

How to get in touch…

You can contact us directly via the details below, or if you would prefer, you can fill in the form below and one of the team will be in touch.

T: 01908 592580
E: info@warnerplanning.co.uk

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Six scenarios where a Planning Consultant can help you in 2025

Six scenarios where a Planning Consultant can help you in 2025

Trying to get planning permission for a project, whether it is residential or commercial, can be stressful. There are lots of moving parts and a variety of things that need to be considered before planning permission can be granted.

But, despite the complexities of the process itself, many people don’t fully understand when to get a Planning Consultant involved.

How do I know when I need a planning consultant?

We get asked this question a lot, and to be honest, there are a lot of different scenarios where a team like us would get involved with a project.

So today, we’d like to break some of those scenarios down for you.

Here are 6 different situations that would warrant the support of planning consultants like us…

1. You’ve been refused planning permission for a project (commercial or residential)

This is where we would come in to assess if you have grounds for an appeal, and if so, we can help you put the appeal together. Having a planning consultant involved at this stage will give you much higher chances of a successful appeal. You’ve got somebody in your corner who can cut to the chase and focus on the facts that will present your case in the strongest light.

2. You need somebody to review the development potential of a site

When you’ve got a project in mind, it’s important to get a planning consultant involved early to advise on the planning potential of your project. Having somebody who can analyse whether there are any specific constraints and opportunities is crucial at this stage. It will save you time, and potentially money.

A consultant will be able to recommend a course of action to steer your development through to decision. They will also be able to provide strategy options that could optimise the use of your site.

3. You need somebody to fact check or sense check a development proposal

As we’ve said, the world of planning is a complex one. There are so many moving parts and lots of policies to keep on top of. It can be difficult to keep up if you aren’t familiar with everything that needs to be considered.

Having a planning consultant to review your development proposal can be invaluable. With extensive knowledge of the do’s and don’ts, they will be able to confidently assess the viability of your project.

If there are challenges that will stand in your way, you want to know them at this stage and a planning consultant will be able to highlight them for you.

4. You need support with the production of Planning Justification or a Planning Statement

Having a planning consultant to help with your planning applications and statements can save you so much time! Planning Consultants are there to make your application efficient and cost-effective. We draw together all the key elements for your planning application to achieve the result you want.

With a strong understanding of local and national policies, legal frameworks and the planning system, having a consultant to help with this stage of your project significantly reduces the chances of error in your application.

5. You need help when presenting and attending consultations, appeals, public enquiries, and planning committee meetings

This is where a planning consultant could basically act on your behalf. Having your consultant with you during occasions such as planning committee meetings will drastically improve your ability to defend any challenges against your plans and it will allow you to present your project in the strongest possible light.

6. You have to negotiate and work with professionals such as developers, surveyors and architects.

If you have to negotiate with other parties as part of your project, a planning consultant is a brilliant aly to have in your corner. Again, with their knowledge of the planning infrastructure, they will know how to negotiate confidently whilst keeping your best interests at heart.

So, there you have it. 6 scenarios where having a planning consultant can really help.

In a nutshell, having a consultant involved in your project, is a great way to reduce the risk of errors and it can drastically speed up the timeline for achieving planning permission.

If any of the above scenarios sound familiar and you think you need support with your project, we’d be happy to help

How to get in touch…

You can contact us directly via the details below, or if you would prefer, you can fill in the form below and one of the team will be in touch.

T: 01908 488793
E: info@warnerplanning.co.uk

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