The Government has issued “Technical housing standards – nationally described space standards” setting out the requirements for the Gross Internal Area of new dwellings. There are specific technical requirements as well as minimum sized areas and storage according to the mumber of sotery and the proposed number of bedrooms.  

A Government Inspector has accepted South Lakeland District Council’s proposal to introduce a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) at a rate of £50 per sq.m of Gross Internal Area for new dwellings. As from 1st April 2015 all planning applications will be required to be accompanied by CIL documentation. The CIL will apply to all planning permissions … Read more →

During the month of February Garner Planning has secured planning permission for a barn conversion in the Lake District National Park, a new build house in the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a change of use of a hostel to a dwelling, a new build house outside of a defined settlement in South … Read more →

Garner Planning has moved to new offices at Stramongate House, 53 Stramongate, Kendal (nearly opposite the AGA Shop). Please give Chris Garner a ring on 01539 734365 if you would like to call in to discuss any planning issues.

Recent figures indicate that in the last quarter 52% of applications for the conversion of farm buildings to residential dwellings were refused. The Country Land and Business Association has described the situation as a “scandal” and has called for the Planning Minister to act “to ensure local authorities take a genuinely constructive approach to permitted … Read more →

Lancaster City Council is to commence charging for pre-application planning advice and has issued a Guidance Note and Schedule of Fees. The fees range from £180 to £800 for residential schemes and comes into effect on 1st December 2014. Chris Garner advises property owners and developers to proceed with caution. In the context of a planning … Read more →

The Government’s response to a consultation exercise undertaken earlier this year is to remove affordable housing requirements for small sites. The Government’s statement says:- “Due to the disproportionate burden of developer contributions on small scale developers, for sites of 10-units or less, and which have a maximum combined gross floor space of 1000 square metres, affordable … Read more →

South Lakeland District Council are moving forward their Community Infrastructure Levy which indicates a levy will be charged at £50 sq.m for residential developments.  For a 150sq.m house the charge for owners/developers will be £7,500. A hearing before a government inspector is anticipated in early 2015 with the charge likely to come into effect in Spring 2015. Any planning permissions … Read more →

Garner Planning has secured planning permission for a caravan and lodge park near Hambleton, Lancashire. Given suggested concerns about potential flood risk issues a sequential test was undertaken demonstrating the limited opportunities for new caravan and lodge parks in Wyre Borough.

Consent has been secured for three dwellings under the new prior approval procedure by default,  with the planning authority failing to notify the agent or applicant within the legislation’s specified 56 day period.