Stage 1 Permission in Principle Approved in Cheshire
- ABL
- Mar 31
- 2 min read
I recently had a 'healthy debate' with another professional over whether or not Stage 1 Permission in Principle (PIPs) applications are worth it, given that the Government guidance states applicants only need to submit an application form, a red line location plan ( showing the all important north and arrow) and pay a fee.
Whilst applicants can submit the bare minimum, in reality, for the PIP to stand any chance of success, applicants should be encouraged to support their applications with the relevant technical evidence which is relevant to the ' In Principle Matters. Put another way, are their likely to be any technical issues which are going to be relevant to the In Principle matters being considered ( land use, location and amount of development).
If it transpires that there are issues relevant to the In Principle matters, the Council consider these issues at Stage 1. Therefore, a Stage 1 PIP should identify these but at the same time, demonstrate that the potential technical issues are actually not an issue for restricting development as there are solutions ( these solutions being evidence in the technical reports).
I am a big fan of the Stage 1 PIP and in all of the cases we have dealt with, we always encourage our clients to ensure that their applications are supported by any relevant technical drawings / documents relevant to those 'In Principle Matters' to give their application the best chance of success.
In the most recent approval in Cheshire, the site had an extensive planning history dating back to the 1990's comprising of refusals and dismissed appeals. However, a shift in planning policy opened up a window of opportunity to seek permission in principle for a residential development on the site and as part of the Stage 1 PIP application, it was important to make the Council aware of such changes and essentially, tell the story, all of which was set out in a Planning Statement prepared by ourselves.
I am please to share that by adopting a robust approach to Stage 1 PIPs, we have secured another approval on a site in Frodsham, Cheshire.
