ACHIEVING PERMISSION FOR HOUSING ON FORMER CAR PARK LAND, FOLLOWING POSITIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE RESPONSE TO INTENSE LOCAL OPPOSITION
Client’s modest changes to development proposals were praised by the Planning Committee Chairman and members as evidence of the client’s positive response to local concerns.
The problem
- Planning application for housing on former car park land at Retail & Leisure Park attracted an objectors’ petition and negative press coverage.
- Ward councillor indicated intention to speak against the application at Planning Committee.
- Residents and local councillors argued land should be used for parking, not housing.
- Residents and local councillors also argued that proposed new pedestrian link to the Retail & Leisure Park, through proposed new housing, would lead to car parking by Park visitors outside existing houses.
The solution
- Liaison with councillors to identify key areas of concern.
- In response, the client commissioned revised proposals which included a more circuitous pedestrian link. Negotiated with Highway Officers to secure their agreement.
- The client also commissioned a new survey of the Retail & Leisure Park car park, which demonstrated under-use even at peak times.
The result
- Alternative pedestrian link and car park survey cited by the Planning Committee Chairman and members, during their debate on the application, as evidence of the client responding positively to local people’s concerns.
- Application approved by a large majority.
Case Studies