Our client can finally spend Christmas in their new home - after a four-year journey that tested everyone's patience. After four years of persistent effort, we're delighted to share the successful conclusion of a complex planning case that demonstrates the importance of tenacity when dealing with contaminated land issues on challenging brownfield sites. The Site: A Former Petrol Station Our client had constructed a new dwelling on a former petrol station site in Cheshire. Per

ABL Planning & Development are delighted to announce planning permission has been granted for the conversion of two separate planning units to one planning unit, for use as a modern dental practice in Stockport. The successful conversion of two existing premises into a modern dental practices in Heaton Chapel, Stockport represents not only a win for our clients Circle Dental but demonstrates the adaptive reuse of commercial spaces in challenging economic times. The introducti

Over 2 years ago, we were approach by SBS Design to assist with a scheme relating to the demolition of an existing dwellinghouse and garage located on site a) and removal of a static caravan on site b) and erect a new dwelling house on site b). The sites were adjacent to the award winning Boat House (also designed by SBS Design) set on the bank of the River Dee, Cheshire. Our site was not without its constraints being located outside a settlement boundary ( according to polic

We are really pleased to report that our appeal for extensions to a locally listed dwelling in the Green Belt has been allowed on appeal. As part of the appeal, we also brought in the relevant technical experts to address the Council's reasons for refusal on heritage grounds. As evidenced in the Inspectors decision, our own experts statement weighed heavily in their assessment. Whilst the Inspector found that the development would result in disproportionate additions to the o

Boundary Treatments – Not the glamorous side of planning however, they are essential for homeowners, landowners, business owners for protecting their land. If you're running a business in a mixed-use area where industrial and residential properties sit side by side, security is a real concern for business owners. Palisade fencing often seems like the obvious solution—it's robust, durable, and sends a clear message to potential intruders but there's the small matter of planni

Turning a Bungalow Into a Two Storey Family Home ABL Planning & Development have recently secured approval for a first floor upwards extension via permitted development ( GPDO 2015 (as amended) Part 1, Class AA). The clients came to us with a common problem – they'd outgrown their 1970s detached bungalow but loved where they lived and didn't want to move. They needed more bedrooms - the solution, seek to add a first floor under Class AA permitted development rights. Eight wee

When building works don't quite go to plan, it can feel overwhelming—especially when you're dealing with a property that has heritage value. We recently helped a client successfully obtain retrospective planning permission for extensions and alterations to their home, and we wanted to share how we navigated this tricky situation. What Happened? Our client had carried out extensions and alterations to their dwelling, but unfortunately, the works weren't built in accordance wit

Planning decisions can affect individuals, businesses and community groups in different ways. Whilst there is no third party right of...

Firstly, to understand whether CLEUDS and CLOPUD's are worth the effort in obtaining, let us explain exactly what they are. A CLEUD ( as...

Getting planning on green belt land The Green Belt covers large parts of the country, mainly surrounding towns and cities. However, this...

How to apply for Change of Use Planning Permission If you are planning to change the use of a property, whether it's converting a pub...

Everything you need to know to Appeal Planning Permission You can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate against a planning decision under a...

Can you appeal planning permission? We are often asked by our clients who may have received a refusal on an application from the LPA or...

“The most important shot in golf is the next one." Ben Hogan (World Golf Hall of Famer 1974) The use of the Green...

Eco-friendly group self and custom build could possibly be the future and we need proactive people (as well as willing landowners) to get...

Renewables are a hot topic for us at the moment with many home owners looking at renewable energy generating 'plant' to tackle the rising...

Let’s start by explaining what a letter of representation actually is. In terms of planning, a letter of representation gives an...

You could be forgiven for thinking that planning and development consultants such as myself would never contact the ‘competition’. How...

I am often contacted by prospective developers or landowners who have a plot of land to develop or premises and know they want to develop...

Is it a good idea to start a new business in the midst of a global pandemic? Starting a new business at any time is challenging and I...