You’ve built something without applying for planning permission – or something which differs from the plans which were approved by the council. What happens next? As professional planners, we will always recommend that you find […]
Is planning really holding back economic growth?
As planners we’re often accused of being a ‘dead weight’ on the economy, of holding back investment and productivity. But talk to most local authoriities and you’ll find they are doing their best to release […]
What on earth is a ‘non-material’ amendment?
The window needs to be bigger, the door needs to be in a different place, the car park needs to be smaller – you now want to build something different from that which has already […]
Building something which is not in accordance with the ‘approved plans’?
So you have been granted planning permission, but perhaps what you have built is not quite the same as what was shown on the submitted and approved plans. This article focuses on helping you understand […]
Pendower: planning permission, project potential, and personal proficiency
For some time, we have been working on a complex scheme together with our friends at Ainsworth Spark Architects. The exciting potential of the development was matched with some significant obstacles along the journey from […]
A placement can be fun and rewarding – with us anyway!
My work experience at ethical partnership As a Sustainable Development student at the University of Edinburgh, doing work experience at a planning consultancy with a strong ethical and sustainability focus is perfect for me; I […]
Planning to get involved with an ‘Asset Transfer’?
Planning to get involved with an ‘Asset Transfer’? Local councils are having to cut spending amidst tightening budgets. ‘Community Asset Transfer’ involves handing over responsibility for public buildings and land to local Voluntary and Community […]
Do I have a voice?
Planning decisions have an impact on people’s lives and surroundings. The apparently ‘distant’ nature of the planning process is sometimes bemoaned by the public, but do communities have any real agency in these decisions? Are […]
Do you know the real value of your property or land? #value #property #land
Buying and selling land is not a new phenomenon. Trading customs vary across time and culture, but bargaining and purchasing are universal necessities of life – and access to land resources have become part of […]
Who are your partners? #charity #thirdsector #planning #communities #partnership
Two recent RTPI blogposts have highlighted the current conversation about the relationship between built environment and wellbeing. Access (or lack thereof) to spaces, services and structures is a crucial issue for many who face the […]
#Planning – First day, first impressions: Learning to speak the language
“Hit the ground running” is a pertinent expression for my first day in a new role as a Trainee Planner with Ethical Partnership. After a brief induction session covering basic practicalities, the next item on […]
Ground mounted solar panels approved in the green belt
The NPPF presents an interesting planning policy dilemma – the desirability of supporting renewable energy projects against the desirability of safeguarding green belt land. We were asked to tackle one such situation, where a landowner […]