Author: alex

Planning Approval Secured for Major Expansion of Caravan and Camping Site

Posted on June 5, 2025 by - General News, Planning Permissions

We are delighted to announce that planning permission has been granted for the substantial expansion of an existing caravan and camping facility in Stoney Stanton, Leicestershire. This exciting development will transform the site into a high-quality, 50-unit touring caravan and camping destination, enhanced by a commercial caravan storage area and a dedicated children’s play space.

Building on the success of the current small-scale site, this expansion reflects a growing demand for well-managed, family-friendly rural tourism. The new layout has been carefully designed to retain the welcoming and community-focused character of the original site, while significantly increasing its capacity and facilities.

The addition of a secure caravan storage area provides a valuable year-round service for both visitors and local residents. The inclusion of a purpose-built children’s play area further strengthens the site’s appeal as a safe and inclusive space for families to enjoy the outdoors.

This approved scheme marks a major milestone in the site’s development and represents a positive investment in the region’s tourism infrastructure

Inquiry Success for Simply Planning

Posted on May 14, 2025 by - Appeal, General News, Planning Permissions

Simply Planning Ltd are delighted to receive the Inspector’s recent decision to allow two appeals, quashing an Enforcement Notice and allowing a partial award of costs following a Public Inquiry in April.

The appeal challenged the London Borough of Brent’s Enforcement Notice against operational development and the use of the property as a House in Multiple Occupation (Class C4).

The important wins included:

– The decision reinforced the principle that small HMOs are dwellinghouses and benefit from the PD rights available under the GPDO;

– The Inspector considered the nature of various internal and external changes to the rear extension not to be materially different from a scheme submitted under an earlier prior approval application;

– He rejected the Council’s argument that because the operational works facilitated the HMO use they were subject to a 10 year and not 4 year time limit;

– The rear extension was lawful when it was built, despite the findings of a previous Inspector which considered otherwise;

– The Enforcement Notice which was the subject of Appeal A was not ‘in force’ at the time of the submission of a Lawful Development Certificate for the operational development (the subject of Appeal B);

– The Council acted unreasonably by not fully applying the findings of Caldwell and the ‘Murfitt Principle’ within their assessment. A partial award of costs was granted on this basis.

Congratulations to all involved in this process.

Permission Granted for Four Flats in Birmingham

Posted on February 6, 2024 by - Planning Permissions

Simply Planning have been successful in securing Planning permission for the extension of a building to provide 4 self-contained flats in Birmingham.

The proposals adopt a modern design approach which optimises the potential of the site whilst responding the character and appearance of the conservation area. During the determination period proactive discussions were held with the Council’s City Design Officer to reach a positive outcome for the client. The utilisation of small scale, brownfield plays a vital role in the delivery much needed new homes in the city.

 

Permission Granted for the Extension of Bevan Triumph

Posted on February 1, 2024 by - Planning Permissions

Simply Planning is pleased to have secured planning permission, on behalf of our client Bevan Triumph, for the Change of Use of a commercial unit for use as a showroom and workshop for motorcycles in Cardiff.

Bevan Triumph was established in Cardiff in 1877 and is Wales’ only solus Triumph dealer. This granting of permission will allow for the use of the currently vacant adjoining commercial premises of the existing Bevan Triumph on Hadfield Road,  providing further floorspace to the highly successful Motorcycle Dealer. Furthermore, the permission will result in the provision of two cycle spaces on the site, encouraging the use of active transport in Cardiff

Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent Granted in Aberystwyth

Posted on November 13, 2023 by - Planning Permissions

Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent has been secured by Simply Planning for our client Liberty Builders for the conversion of 43 North Parade into four flats.

The Grade II Listed Building is located on the prominent parade of Georgian town houses and was previously in use as an 8 bedroom House in Multiple Occupation.

Simply Planning provided the heritage appraisal which accompanied the Planning and Listed Building Consent Applications and project managed the applications up to approval. Working alongside Davies & Morgan, we were also successful in demonstrating that it would not be viable for the scheme to provide an off-site affordable housing contribution.

New Starters and a Promotion!

Posted on September 20, 2023 by - General News

Due to the continued growth of the business, we are happy to announce two new starters who have recently joined the Simply Planning team!

Jacob Baldwin has joined our Birmingham Office as Graduate Planner from Hobbs Parker Property Consultants.

Joshua Cheatle has joined our Cardiff Office on a one year placement from Cardiff University.

Furthermore, Nathan Halloran has been promoted to Senior Planner in our Birmingham Office.

We are pleased that the business continues to go from strength to strength and we look forward to training the next generation of employees within the company.

Upwards Extension Approved in Welling

Posted on July 14, 2023 by - Planning Permissions

Simply Planning are pleased to have secured planning permission for the upward extension of 97-99 Welling High Street in the London Borough of Bexley.  For many parts of London, small-scale upwards extensions are the only way of creating the homes that we desperately need.

The upward extension is an attractive zinc-clad mansard roof, with a generous terrace for future residents to enjoy. After positive pre-application discussions with the Council the full planning application was submitted, with the Council’s previous concerns about visual impact addressed with further streetscene assessment work to show the acceptability of the proposals.

A Toast to 250 Years of Veuve Clicquot

Posted on June 11, 2023 by - Planning Permissions

To celebrate 250 years of Veuve Clicquot, the world touring Solaire Culture exhibition was held over two floors of the Grade II listed 55 Regent Street, W1 in May and June 2023. In an incredibly short timeframe, Simply Planning secured the necessary temporary planning permission for the use and listed building and advertisement consent for the signage.

We are delighted to see the exhibition come to life and open on time.

Planning Committee Success for Soil Blending Facility

Posted on March 30, 2023 by - Planning Permissions

Simply Planning have been successful in securing a resolution to grant Planning Permission for a proposed soil blending facility at Forest Wood Quarry, Pontyclun.

Our client, Freeland Horticulture, is largest soil supplier in England and Wales, servicing the landscaping and housing market since 1993. Their product is a high specification soil which is in short supply and has been used in a range of developments and projects, which have included the Olympic Park, the Eden Project and more locally the to South Wales, the Cardiff Ice Arena and Fitzalan High School, amongst various others.

The planning application was met with significant opposition from local residents, with a total of 86 objections submitted during the course of the public consultation.

This type of operation is a prime example of the circular economy in action and is crucial for Wales to reach its carbon zero goals by 2050 and to address the nationally declared climate emergency. Therefore, we are delighted to see the scheme approved by the Committee Members of Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Planning Committee.

76 Bedroom Care Home and 9 Dwellings Approved in Uttoxeter

Posted on March 16, 2023 by - Planning Permissions

Simply Planning has recently secured planning permission for a new 76 bed care home and 9 houses in Uttoxeter on behalf of longstanding client, Mercian Developments. The care home will be operated by Borough Care. An interesting planning case involving the loss of a non-designated heritage asset, diversion of a footpath, loss of trees and challenging surface water drainage.  A great effort in getting this over the line from the client and consultant team.