‘Reflecting their impressive, wide-ranging backgrounds in the discipline, Lorna and Andy have always been first-class sounding boards and ‘critical friends’ on all aspects of planning practice. Whenever I have referred any clients onto LAS Planning, they have all been impressed by their detailed technical knowledge, their warm customer care and the ‘2 planning brains for the price of 1’ service that they provide. I have no hesitation at all in vouching for LAS Planning.’
LASplanning LLP provided planning policy support, through the preparation of a Planning Supporting Statement for a mixed use Holiday and Rural Enterprise development in the Falkirk Council area. The application (P/24/0076/FUL) has been granted planning permission and is a milestone consent for a rural destination in the making. This project has demanded significant cross-organisation working with a wide-ranging project team working tirelessly with the local authority planning officers to reach this positive outcome. The approval enables the applicants’ commitment to the site and ongoing financial investments to now be further progressed and for mutual benefits to arise for the local and visitor economy, in addition to the place.
Image copyright: LASplanning, Drone footage courtesy of DX2 Consultancy
The proposal was led and project managed by LASplanning LLP, who provided planning justification, supporting information, and coordination of the project teams involved. The application site was a former Gypsy/Traveller site, in part, within land designated as countryside; therefore LASplanning required to regularly liaise with the planning authority and to work closely with an appointed design team to ensure a holistic, place-led outcome for the locale.
Drone footage courtesy of DX2 Consultancy
The planning application was compiled and submitted in line with the Client’s brief and to ensure compliance with the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and the Falkirk Local Development Plan (2020).
This development proposal at Birchwood Farm, responded directly to these national and local policy commitments by first, recognising that the site can offer sustainable and high-quality experiences for all visitors and can do so all year round. Further, the proposal now approved, provides the opportunity to increase the diversity and activity onsite – repurposing the location from its former productive use/s to meet modern rural enterprise demands in a sustainable and commercially viable manner. Accordingly the site has the potential to be transformed from the single consented use as a home for Gypsy/Travellers, to a multi- facetted, dynamic location which provides natural and commercial activity integrated into an arguably underutilised part of rural central Scotland.
The redevelopment of Birchwood Farm benefits the public interest in so far as it re-imagines a location that in its currently underutilised removing the potential for rural blight. Instead, the redevelopment now signposts an opportunity for investment and interest through the realisation of sympathetically sited rural holiday accommodation and linked investment in education, enterprise and leisure assets. Similarly, the role of ‘place’ is recognised through the design led vision to repurpose a fallow location into one that offers local or visitor facilities whilst remaining ‘nature-positive’ by ensuring that the site’s unique woodland assets and location are enhanced. This ensures that Birchwood Farm harnesses the site and locales strong and varied biodiversity quality in addition to harnessing built or natural assets.
Following submission of the planning application…
Following submission of the planning application, LASplanning LLP worked with Falkirk Council, to achieve a positive outcome. This included working through issues identified with the submission of further technical information and in agreeing the type and nature of planning conditions. This collaboration enabled the applicant and planning authority to satisfactorily agree place and economic led outcomes in addition to agreeing on suitable planning conditions to safeguard and maximise opportunity from the new uses of the site.
In this regard, renewable energy generation has informed the overall site concept, with solar photovoltaic technologies identified for the chalets and heat pump technologies identified for the larger buildings. The potential well-being benefits of visiting or staying at a peaceful rural location with access to nature and the countryside are also recognised as are measures to support the sustainable travel hierarchy.
Ultimately, proposed land uses are configured via a design-led approach which ensures that the proposed development phases and respective components harness the imaginative character of the area with quality and sustainability at their core.
More Information
If you would like to find out more about this project, or how we could assist you with your plans, please do not hesitate to reach out to LASplanning.
It is gratefully acknowledged that the positive outcomes achieved at Birchwood Farm were initially informed by early and invaluable inputs by the Alan Seath planning consultant. LASplanning LLP were fortunate to work alongside Alan on this and other projects.
LASplanning LLP provided planning policy support, through the preparation of a Planning Policy and Design Statement for the erection of 2 no. glamping pods in Midlothian. The application (24/00212/DPP) has been granted planning permission and is an excellent example of collaborative working with local authority planning officers resulting in positive planning outcomes.
Image copyright: LASplanning
The work undertaken by LASplaning LLP, provided planning justification and supporting information for the erection of 2 glamping pods and associated works. The application site was formerly open land within the countryside, generally flat, and used for rough grazing.
The planning application was compiled and submitted in line with the Client’s brief and to ensure compliance with the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and the Midlothian Local Development Plan (2017).
In recent years the Scottish holiday market has changed. Specifically, over the past 5 years, the demand for holiday accommodation, in the form of chalets, has increased. Most recently, with an emerging increase in staycations, due in part to the legacy of the Coronavirus pandemic, the demand has surpassed previous supply. The focus on wellness during the pandemic has now moved on to connecting with local communities and minimising environmental or health footprints in travelling in different ways. These trends have led to a rise in demand for new styles of accommodation such as glamping, cabins and eco-pods. The ongoing cost of living crisis for many UK residents has also exacerbated such behaviours and lifestyle changes, as people seek to find more cost effective ways of holidaying. In an effort to meet this surge in demand the Applicant secured planning permission for the erection of 2 no. glamping pods and associated infrastructure.
Following submission of the planning application…
Following submission of the planning application, LASplanning LLP worked with Midlothian, to achieve a positive outcome. This included working through issues identified with the submission of further technical information and in agreeing the type and nature of planning conditions. This collaboration enabled the applicant and planning authority to satisfactorily agree place and economic led outcomes in addition to monitoring the new use of the site.
More Information
If you would like to find out more about this project, or how we could assist you with your plans, please do not hesitate to reach out to LASplanning.
LASplanning LLP scoped, assessed and compiled a change of use application from a hairdressing salon to art studio/workshop with art classes and wine shop for a new business enterprise Phemie Loves. The proposal enabled the renovation of a vacant shop unit and the enhancement of a C-listed building. The application site related to a lower floor C-listed property within a 2-storey terraced building located at the junction of Croft Road and Commercial Street, Markinch, Fife. The terrace is characterised by some lower storey commercial/shop premises and upper storey dwellings. The application site was also within the Markinch Conservation Area.
Image copyright: MS Design
The work undertaken by LASplaning LLP, provided planning justification and supporting information for the change of use. The proposal was considered to be modest and to ensure betterment to the C-listed building. The property was vacant and the front façade to be in a poor state of repair. The Applicant’s proposal provided betterment for the area, the C-listed building and the Conservation Area. The proposal also reintroduced a viable economic use to a vacant business premise.
Image copyright: MS Design
The planning application was compiled and submitted in line with the Client’s brief and to ensure compliance with the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and the FIFEplan Local Development Plan (2017).
The submitted application responded to National and Local policy considerations in so far as the proposed development brought positive economic benefits to a local centre by virtue of revitalising a currently redundant commercial unit within the Markinch Conservation area. The change of use proposed retains the business and commercial nature of the extant use albeit that it also now enables the Applicant to repurpose enterprise activities to meet changing lifestyle and retail habits. This includes supporting the Arts and Crafts sector in providing gallery space in addition to complementing the demand for specialist retail via wine sales and tasting or art class space.
As the proposed use has been operating as a class 1A for many years, it is self-evident and proven that a commercial demand has been met and that there is a positive economic benefit for Markinch. This application therefore also sought to make a further positive contribution to the vitality and viability of the area by increasing footfall locally in addition to providing further opportunity for new or additional employment within the area.
Following submission of the planning application…
Following submission of the planning application, LASplanning LLP worked with Fife Council, to achieve a positive outcome. LASplanning LLP worked closely with MS Design who compiled the drawings required for submission.
More Information
If you would like to find out more about this project, or how we could assist you with your plans, please do not hesitate to reach out to LASplanning.
LASplanning have been pleased to offer sponsorship to local children’s football club. Sponsorship has allowed Tiki-Taka Football School to purchase training tops for all children playing in competitive matches.
Tiki-Taka Football School offer coaching from 18 months. Their vision is to make football fun and fulfilling from an early age.
LASplanning have an inclusive ethos offering professional, affordable and accessible town planning advice for all. Our efforts to sponsor local community organisations in this way is an example of our willingness to go the extra mile.
If you would like to find out more about LASplanning, or how we could assist you with your town planning enquiries, please do not hesitate to reach out to LASplanning.
Thank you to all clients and sub-contractors we have worked with over the past year. It has been a great year for LASplanning and we look forward to building on this in the year to come.
We look forward to working with you all again soon and wish you a peaceful Christmas and start to 2024…
.
Image copyright: Images author’s own
More Information
If you would like to find out more about LASplanning, or how we could assist you with your town planning enquiries, please do not hesitate to reach out to LASplanning.
LASplanning LLP scoped, assessed and compiled a change of use application from agricultural land to a dog exercise field. The site was at Blairsgreen Farm, located to the south of the settlement of Saline and to the north of the hamlet of Kinneddar Park, in Fife.
Image copyright: LASplanning LLP
The work undertaken by LASplaning LLP, provided planning justification and supporting information for the change of use. In doing this, it was recognised that rural development takes many forms and that it can be appropriate for diversification schemes to include leisure/recreation uses with appropriate planning justification.
Image copyright: LASplanning LLP
The planning application was compiled and submitted in line with the Client’s brief and to ensure compliance with the FIFEplan Local Development Plan (2017). In doing this, it was recognised that the use will be operated in conjunction with the existing agricultural business at Blairsgreen Farm, within which the site is located. Such diversification is supported by planning policy within National Planning Framework 4.
The sympathetic design and configuration of the proposed development also respects the location and landscape setting. LASplanning ensured this by negotiating screening, habitat protection and by addressing potential residential amenity issues through noise mitigation, to the satisfaction of the Council. The impact of the development on the environment was considered acceptable and the development helps to ensure the continued financial viability of the farm business. It also develops the a suitable rural enterprise, for the farm, inline with market demand.
Following submission of the planning application…
Following submission of the planning application, LASplanning LLP worked closely with Fife Council, liaising with both planning and environmental health officers, to achieve a mutually agreed outcome. During Fife Council’s assessment of the planning application, additional technical work was requested. LASplanning LLP worked closely with R&D Ecology who compiled a Preliminary Roost Assessment to Fife Council’s Natural Heritage officer criteria. This was accepted and planning consent was granted on 12th May 2023.
More Information
If you would like to find out more about this project, or how we could assist you with your plans, please do not hesitate to reach out to LASplanning.
LASplanning configured a 2019 house extension to better utilise former garden ground and most recently (2023) to enhance the overall sustainability of the house and reduce its running cost.
In addition to the physical interventions and design concept, coordination of funding sources was undertaken, through the support of Home Energy Scotland.
The below summary outlines the key project components in switching to a combination of renewable technologies to provide power to the family home.
Summary Data Sheet – Project/ Energy Timeline (detached 5 bedroom home) – all data drawn from client’s personal records to date and may vary depending on property and personal circumstances
1. Detached modern home built circa July 2010
120m2 total size
Combi boiler – Gas Central Heating
EPC: ‘80’ efficiency = C and ‘80’ impact = C
Average billing per annum circa £1200 (Gas – circa £690, Electric circa £450)
2. Home extension added circa June 2019
163m2 total size
Combi boiler – Gas Central Heating
EPC (remained the same): ‘80’ efficiency = C and ‘80’ impact = C
Average billing per annum circa £1400
3. Renewables added June 2022
Air source heat pump @ 12kw
Solar thermal @ 5kw
*Gas removed* (July 2022)
EPC: ‘82’ efficiency = B and ‘84’ impact = B
Average billing per annum circa £1960 – projected energy cost pre-renewables (with gas) – £3500
4. Renewables added June 2023
Solar PV x 12 @ 4.9kw Canadian panels
Battery storage @ 9.5kw
Invertor @ 5.0kw
EPC: ‘95’ efficiency = A and ‘96’ impact = A
Average billing per annum for 2023-2024 (projected) circa £500-£800 – projected energy cost pre-renewables (with gas) – £3500
If you would like to find out more about this project, or how we could assist you with your renewable plans, please do not hesitate to reach out to LASplanning.
Images all courtesy of DX2 Consultancy with all work undertaken by MCS accredited professional contractors. Energy advice and EPC undertaken by nextGenergy
LASplanning have been pleased to offer sponsorship to local children’s sports clubs. Sponsorship has allowed Tiki-Taka Football School to purchase training tops and Balbirnie Park Golf Club Junior Section to purchase sets of junior golf clubs thereby encouraging kids to get into the game.
Tiki-Taka Football School offer coaching from 18 months. Their vision is to make football fun and fulfilling from an early age. Balbirnie Park Golf Club have, in recent years, re-established a Junior section. The Junior section have entered the ‘Flag Championship’ and the regional qualifying is at St Andrews and final will take place at Gleneagles.
LASplanning have an inclusive ethos offering professional, affordable and accessible town planning advice for all. Our efforts to sponsor local community organisations in this way is an example of our willingness to go the extra mile.
If you would like to find out more about LASplanning, or how we could assist you with your town planning enquiries, please do not hesitate to reach out to LASplanning.
“On 21 December 2022 the Scottish Government launched its consultation seeking views on or before 15 February 2023 about a definition of ‘Gypsies and Travellers’ for the specific purpose of planning legislation relating to local development plan evidence reports. It also published a related ‘interim impact assessments’ comprising 51 pages.
The Scottish Government considers that early consultation and involvement of the Gypsy and Traveller communities at the Evidence Report stage of Local Development Plans will enable local authorities to accurately identify accommodation needs.
The proposed definition The Scottish Government is considering the following statement to define the Gypsy and Traveller communities for specific planning purposes: ‘For the purposes of section 16B(14) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (evidence report for preparation of local development plan), “Gypsies and Travellers” means- persons of or from a nomadic cultural tradition, whatever their race or origin, including- (i) persons who have ceased to travel temporarily or permanently as a result of their own or their family’s (including dependants) educational needs, health needs, or old age, (ii) members of an organised group of travelling show people or circus people (whether or not travelling together as such), (iii) persons who require the provision of land for temporary or permanent living (including the use of caravans as defined in section 16 of the Caravan Sites Act 1968).’
The consultation paper also states that: ‘Creating a justified, accurate and inclusive definition of ‘Gypsies and Travellers’ will help to ensure that these communities have stronger visibility in [Scotland’s land-use] planning system. It also allows local authorities to correctly identify these groups during the development planning process.’
The Scottish Government says that the definition is relevant to the way planning authorities plan for the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers and that it will enable the community to voice their needs to planning authorities and promote relationships with the community going forward. It also states that the suggested definition ‘…is proposed as a starting point for discussion with Gypsy and Traveller communities and other relevant groups’ and it ‘…has been provided to enable feedback and all views and suggestions are welcome’.
Comments The consultation ‘overview’ states that the Scottish Government wants to engage with members of the Gypsy/Traveller community and other travelling communities and to hear from those working closely with them, third sector organisations/representative bodies of the Gypsy/Traveller community and local authorities. Some may question whether those aims are best achieved by issuing a consultation paper a few days before Christmas and the festive holidays and a response deadline of 15 February 2023.
This consultation takes forward the October 2019 joint action plan by the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (‘COSLA’) Improving the Lives of Gypsy/Travellers: 2019-2021, in particular, the commitment to support local authorities and the wider public sector to listen to Gypsy/Travellers in their areas in a meaningful and supportive way and engage them through local policy, planning and budgetary processes.
Two related points can be made. First, the Gypsy/Traveller community has for some time, even before the Equality Act 2010, been considered in law as a ‘distinct ethnic group’. See, for instance, the acknowledgement in the March 2013 report Where Gypsy/Travellers Live by the Scottish Parliament’s Equal Opportunities Committee. That report references a Tribunal decision (Mr K MacLennan v Gypsy Traveller Education and Information Project 2009) in which it was held that Gypsy/Travellers are a distinct ethnic group and therefore covered by the Race Relations Act 1976. Second, the issue arises of ensuring that the land-use planning system applies fairly and equally to both the settled and traveller communities. This aspect was one which was considered as part of the 2014 consultation by the UK Government with the August 2015 consultation report by its Department for Communities and Local Government addressing that issue. This directly referenced that local planning authorities will need to be mindful of the European Convention on Human Rights, Art 8 (the right to respect for private and family life, home and correspondence) and the best interests of the child. Further, if the most significant test is to ensure ‘fairness’ in accessing or influencing the Scottish land-use planning system, this consultation could have perhaps addressed this directly.
By including in the proposed definition those who have permanently ceased to travel as a result of, inter alia, disability or old age the Scottish Government avoids an issue raised in the 31 October 2022 Court of Appeal decision in Smith v Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities and Anor [2022] EWCA Civ 1391.
Also, the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 does not define any group within a community save, in its Sched 19, a ‘community body’. A community body is empowered to prepare a Local Place Plan. It will be interesting to follow this consultation exercise having regard to the preparation of such a plan especially as regards endeavours to making places and the integration of recognised minority groups such as the Gypsy/Traveller community.
In practice, as with this consultation, many in the Gypsy/Traveller community will see practical action on their behalf as the key test, given that for many within this community literacy levels are often low. Some will perhaps also be pointing to the apparently on-going delivery of the 2021 Scottish Government ‘Housing to 2040’ strategy including its commitments for more and better sites for Gypsy/Travellers and for a Design Guide for Gypsy/Traveller sites. That strategy’s welcome capital allocation of £20m over five years to improve local authorities Gypsy/Traveller provision appears however to have been already allocated to up to four demonstration locations (within the administrative areas of Aberdeen City Council, Clackmannanshire Council, Fife Council and East Dunbartonshire Council) without any apparent cognisance being given to the outcomes of this consultation. Had such an alignment occurred, perhaps the opportunity could have been afforded to the Gypsy/Traveller community (as defined) and local authorities (as mutually agreed) to apportion this spend and indeed to agree such pilot ‘demonstration locations.’
Finally, this attempt to define who those within the Gypsy/Traveller community are does not immediately appear to signpost what their respective needs are, or their individual (and often private) intentions and lifestyles. If this is for local authorities to do the outcome of the consultation will required to be aligned with assessments of appropriate places. Thereby ensuring that the focus is placed not solely on defining the grouping or societal mix but rather the qualities of appropriate places for Gypsy/Travellers.
Regrettably, the consultation may not afford the Gypsy/Traveller community the time nor be configured and presented in a manner which they can practically access or influence. However, as many within the Gypsy/Traveller community, by virtue of their chosen lifestyle and tradition often have low levels of literacy it perhaps therefore falls to professional advisors or representatives, including the third sector, to respond on their behalf.”
SPEL Journal (Scottish Planning & Environmental Law) is one of the leading information sources on land use planning and environmental legislation across the country.
Citation (2023) 215 SPEL 4
More Information
If you would like to find out more about this or how LASplanning could assist you, please do not hesitate to reach out to LASplanning.
