Evans Jones were appointed by Gloucestershire County Council to secure Planning Permission for a new build 900 pupil secondary school on the outskirts of Cheltenham.
- Service:
- Planning Appraisals / Master Planning
Case Study: Successful Planning Appeal for Paragraph 80 Dwelling
Project Overview: Evans Jones was engaged to manage a planning appeal for a paragraph 80 dwelling of exceptional design, famously featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs in 2021. The appeal arose from a variation of condition application regarding the design of the constructed dwelling, which had been refused by the local planning authority. Evans Jones was brought in post-refusal to appeal the decision and secure approval for the amended design.
Challenges:
Demonstrating No Harm to Surrounding Character:
A key challenge was to establish that the design amendments would not harm the character of the surrounding area. This required meticulous analysis and presentation of evidence to counter potential objections effectively.
Addressing Factual Inaccuracies:
The local authority’s report contained factual inaccuracies, particularly in how the amendments were classified. Evans Jones needed to clarify that the changes fell under a variation of condition rather than constituting a new dwelling. This distinction was crucial for the appeal’s success.
Navigating Delays:
The ongoing delays within the Planning Inspectorate added complexity to the appeal process. Evans Jones maintained consistent communication with the Inspectorate to minimize uncertainty and keep the client informed at every stage.
Solutions and Approach:
Detailed Evidence Compilation: The team prepared a comprehensive case demonstrating how the amendments preserved the dwelling’s exceptional design quality while respecting the local character.
Proactive Clarification: Evans Jones addressed inaccuracies from the local authority by providing clear, robust evidence and legal interpretation to reaffirm the validity of the variation of condition application.
Client Communication: The team maintained open lines of communication with the client, ensuring they understood the process and implications at each stage, thus fostering trust and confidence.
Expertise in Paragraph 80 Dwellings: Leveraging their extensive experience with paragraph 80 dwellings, Evans Jones demonstrated that the design changes retained the dwelling’s innovative architectural integrity.
Results: Evans Jones successfully navigated the planning appeal process, securing a positive decision from the Planning Inspectorate. The outcome affirmed the team’s ability to:
Effectively counter objections and inaccuracies.
Provide expert advice tailored to the unique requirements of paragraph 80 dwellings.
Manage the complexities of working with the Planning Inspectorate during a time of significant delays.
The appeal’s success not only validated the design amendments but also reinforced the reputation of Evans Jones as specialists in handling complex planning appeals for high-profile, innovative projects.