Author Archives: MichaelWellock

Pendle Core Strategy Further Consultation

Pendle Council is consulting on Further Options for the Borough’s Core Strategy. If this document affects you, you have until the 21st of February 2014 to make comments. Once approved the Pendle Core Strategy will set the strategic planning policy for the whole Borough and will guide future land allocations and must be taken account of in any neighbourhood plans prepared for the area. To make sure the Pendle Core Strategy is in line with your thinking for the future of the area get expert help from Kirkwells chartered town planners by calling 01282 872570, or email. To view the Pendle Core Strategy Further Options click here.  

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Dressing Up in North Warwickshire

OK, so it is pantomime season, but last week we were not expecting to be accused of “dressing up” at a Core Strategy examination. But that is exactly what happened to Kirkwells, Managing Director, Michael Wellock. Representing Hartshill Parish Council at the examination in to the North Warwickshire Core Strategy Michael was accused, by consultants representing a large landowner, of “dressing up” the Parish’s representations. Forgive us, but that is what we thought we, as expert planning professionals, were paid to do. In this instance, help Hartshill articulate their concerns that North Warwickshire’s proposed strategy was wrong and identified too much future housing for Hartshill. It seems that Hartshill, by having the temerity to appoint paid professional planners, just like most … Continue reading

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Silent Witness Star Supports Kirkwells

We were a bit taken aback by the first episode in the new season of Silent Witness with star Emilia Fox clearly wearing a pullover from the Kirkwells new designer range. See for yourself below. Don’t believe us? Just look at the background to this web page.

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Chaddesley Corbett Neighbourhood Plan Out For Consultation

The Chaddesley Corbett Neighbourhood Plan has reached the important Regulation 14 consultation stage.  Kirkwells have supported Chaddesley Corbett in their neighbourhood plan preparations by turning the work undertaken by the steering group and theme groups in to effective planning policies. Working closely with Wyre Forest District Council this means that the Chaddesley Corbett Neighbourhood Plan a high quality plan has been produced that is in accordance with national and local planning policy. Louise Kirkup, Director, Kirkwells said: “Working alongside Chaddesley Corbett to help them put together this draft of their neighbourhood plan has been a rewarding experience. We have been able to take the ides of the steering group and theme groups and help turn them in to, what we … Continue reading

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Kirkwells’ Neighbourhood Planning News Winter 2013/14 Issues Out Now!

The Winter 2013/14 issue of Kirkwells’ popular Neighbourhood Planning News is out now. October’s issue has stories on: Speeding up the neighbourhood planning system Not a Thame Ending Planning Explored in Gloucestershire Neighbourhood Development Orders To get your copy email Michael. Make sure you do not miss a future issue – subscribe. Need support to produce your neighbourhood plan? Get expert help. Just call 01282 872570. Not sure what neighbourhood planning could mean for your area? Book one of our FREE training sessions.

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Quicker, Simpler Neighbourhood Plans?

Planning Minister Nick Boles wants a quicker, simpler neighbourhood planning process. Hailing neighbourhood planning a “huge success” with over 800 neighbourhoods now pursuing neighbourhood plans Nick Boles now wants to speed up their preparation. In a speech to the Town and Country Planning Association reported in Planning Boles said the government wanted to look at “which bits of the process were unnecessary or over-long”. He went on: “We all recognise the full level of complexity is not suitable in every case. Is there an easier way of doing it? “We want to hear from people who have done it and come up with something that may be an alternative to the full-blown system or a change in the full-blown system. … Continue reading

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Gloucestershire: Planning Explored

Kirkwells take to the road again in December. On the 3rd, our merry band will be holding forth at a Conference in Gloucester organised by Gloucestershire Association of Town and Parish Councils (GAPTC). Kirkwells  will explore the basis of our current planning system. What is the National Planning Policy Framework and how should it work? What changes have taken place in planning, and what new guidelines should we know about? Where do Neighbourhood Plans and Development Orders fit in? How should Town and Parish Councils understand and use ‘the system’? With so many changes come and share learning and knowledge. PLUS you will also have an opportunity to meet your local planner and check out current issues and the progress … Continue reading

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Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013

The main change brought about by this legislation relates to Conservation Area Consent.  The need to obtain Conservation Area Consent for the demolition of an unlisted building in a conservation area in England will be removed.  Instead, such works will require planning permission. The need to obtain the consent of the local planning authority will therefore remain, but it will no longer be necessary to make two applications (one for planning permission and one for Conservation Area Consent) for a scheme involving the demolition and replacement of a building in a conservation area.  Other minor changes relate to listed buildings, certificates of immunity and statutory listing descriptions.  Need help with planning applications, listed buildings or other heritage issues call Claire … Continue reading

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Streamlining the Planning Appeals Process

The Town and Country Planning (Hearings and Inquiries Procedure) (England) (Amendment) Rules 2013 and the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Amendment No. 2) (England) Regulations 2013 (Listed Buildings Regulations 2013) both came into force on 1st October 2013. The main changes include  introduction of ‘common ground statements’ for hearings a mandatory requirement for all evidence to be provided prior to an inquiry, including a list of documents that parties intend to use to support their case the need for a full statement of case to be submitted (including appeal statements and supporting documents) during the six-month ‘window’ in which appeals can be made ability for the local authority to see the appellant’s full case before submitting their comments other … Continue reading

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Neighbourhood Planning Grants Unaffected By Rising Demand

  We know a number of you have been concerned by some of the headlines you have read about the grant support funding provided by DCLG through Locality – see Planning. Let us reassure you. This is a bit of a good news, bad news story. The really good news is that the grant programme is unaffected. So if you want to secure up to £7,000 to support your neighbourhood plan work there is nothing stopping you. The other good news is that the desire to neighbourhood plan continues to grow and demand for some elements of Locality’s direct support are over-subscribed – so groups wishing to apply for this type of help may have to wait longer than expected … Continue reading

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