Author Archives: MichaelWellock

East Staffordshire Consults on Local Plan

After the approval of a number of controversial housing applications East Staffordshire Borough Council have begun consultation on their Pre-Submission Local Plan. The Plan proposes a policy framework to deliver growth in East Staffordshire including approximately 11,650 homes and 40 hectares of employment land by 2031. The Pre-Submission document is the version of the Local Plan that the Council intends to submit to the Secretary of State in spring 2014 for public examination. The consultation closes on the 29th of November 2013. The consultation documents are available here. For expert help with Local Plan consultation responses call 01282 872570.

Posted in Latest Planning News | Tagged | 1 Comment

Kirkwells’ Neighbourhood Planning News October Issue Out Now!

The October issue of Kirkwells popular Neighbourhood Planning News is out now. October’s issue has stories on: Tattenhall compromise Daventry says no Oh No! Not another questionnaire Herefordshire training 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.     ©Kirkwells Town Planners and Sustainable Development Consultants based at the Lancashire Digital Technology Centre in Burnley www.kirkwells.co.uk Research • Planning Policy • Site Search • Site Appraisal • Planning Applications •  Appeals • Sustainable Development • Urban Design • Masterplanning • Heritage Statements • Bids for Funding … Continue reading

Posted in Latest Planning News | Leave a comment

Kirkwells at Civic Voice AGM and Convention

Kirkwells will be speaking at the Civic Voice AGM and Conference in Liverpool on 26th of October 2013. Michael Wellock and Louise Kirkup will be whipping things up with workshop – “Neighbourhood Planning: Is It Really Power?” Not for the faint hearted Michael said: “We never fear to tread on a few toes, or tell it how we see it, and so, using real examples we will be trying to give our take on the current state of neighbourhood planning. Does neighbourhood planning really give more power to local communities? Does it mean less discretion for local planning authorities? How are developers and landowners responding to this new aspect of the planning system? And is it power for some – … Continue reading

Posted in Latest Planning News | Leave a comment

Outgunned? Expert Town Planning Support for Parish and Town Councils

When it comes to the planning system does your parish often feel the odds are stacked against it? Powerless and outgunned when faced with the proposals of developers, local landowners or the local planning authority? If things feel this way Kirkwells can help – we put our skills, knowledge and experience to work for you. With Kirkwells support you can make sure you face a fair fight. Whether you are trying to protect a greenfield, an open space, the local pub or promote the development your area needs Kirkwells can help you achieve your goals. And with our specially reduced fee rates this will be at a price you can afford. By choosing Kirkwells you will have the backing of … Continue reading

Posted in Kirkwell's Comment, Latest Planning News | Leave a comment

Neighbourhood Planning Need Not Cost the Earth

One thing that frightens many of the parish and town councils we talk to about neighbourhood planning is the potential cost. Often they start off by saying “Well, we like the idea but the cost will run in to tens of thousands.” We are not sure where this has come from. Scaremongering? Misinformation? Wherever this comes from, our view is that for most neighbourhood plans the costs will be in the range of £4,000 to £15,000, rather than the hundred thousand mark. We can say this from our experience working on a variety of plans in a number of areas. We can also say this because we offer our expert planning advice at specially reduced rates to parish and town … Continue reading

Posted in Kirkwell's Comment, Latest Planning News | Tagged | Leave a comment

Neighbourhood Planning in Herefordshire

Saturday (28th of September 2013) saw the Kirwells’ 2013 UK Tour hit Hampton Bishop in Herefordshire. This was part of our neighbourhood plan training for parish councils. Organised in association with Herefordshire Association of Local Councils an enjoyable, certainly from the feedback we had, was had by all. Setting off we had been wondering what to expect Herefordshire is after all the land of not only cider but neighbourhood plans. Over 50 designations and climbing. And a very comprehensive local authority package of support. But we probably worried unduly as our mix of: overview to neighbourhood planning; exercises on general conformity and how to put together a plan; sessions on community engagement; and neighbourhood planning and planning applications seemed to hit the spot … Continue reading

Posted in Kirkwell's Comment, Latest Planning News | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Chaddesley Corbett Call Out To Local Residents

Chaddesley Corbett in Worcestershire are one of the parishes Kirkwells are supporting in their neighbourhood plan preparations. And this is one of the ways the parish sent out the call to local residents. We cannnot claim to have come up with this one but we do have plenty of advice and support we can help in engaging you local community around your neighbourhood plan. Click here for our top tips. Email or call Louise to find out more 01282 872570    

Posted in Latest Planning News | Leave a comment

Preston Local Plan 2012-2026 Consultation

Following hot on the news of the listing of Preston’s brutalist bus station we can reveal that Preston City Council will consult on a new plan for the city from Monday the 30th of September 2013. Now helpfully entitled the Preston Local Plan 2012-2026 rather than the mouthful of the “Site Allocation’s and Development Management Policies Development Plan Document” The Preston Local Plan applies the general principles and policies set out in the Central Lancashire Core Strategy about how much new development should take place over the next 15 years and where and when it should occur. In particular, the Local Plan allocates or protects land for specific uses, such as housing or open space. It also contains development management policies to guide the … Continue reading

Posted in Latest Planning News | Tagged | Leave a comment

More Government Support for Grand Designs

Today (17th of September 2013) the Government announced a raft of new measures to support your “Grand Design” – the self build of your new home. The measures include: Providing new grant funding for community self-builders Community self-build and community-led affordable housing projects will now be able to apply for a share of £65 million from the Government’s Affordable Homes Guarantees Programme to build the affordable homes they want in their area. Working with councils to increase land for self-build plots The Government will soon produce new planning practice guidance this will ensure councils establish the demand for self-build in their area, as well as take steps to help aspiring self-builders. This will include compiling a local register of people who want … Continue reading

Posted in Kirkwell's Comment, Latest Planning News | Tagged | Leave a comment

Kirkwells’ Neighbourhood Planning News September Issue Out Now

The September issue of Kirkwells popular Neighbourhood Planning News is out now. September’s issue has stories on: Tattenhall passes examination Online Planning Guide Pickles body blow for Tarporley Local Association Training To get your copy email. 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.     ©Kirkwells Town Planners and Sustainable Development Consultants based at the Lancashire Digital Technology Centre in Burnley www.kirkwells.co.uk Research • Planning Policy • Site Search • Site Appraisal • Planning Applications •  Appeals • Sustainable Development • Urban Design • Masterplanning • Heritage Statements • … Continue reading

Posted in Latest Planning News | Tagged | Leave a comment