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The PS was appointed to prepare and supply a comprehensive design and access statement for the erection of a dwellinghouse incorporating an existing external store (former water tower plinth) at Rothley Crag Farm, Longwitton, Morpeth, Northumberland. The property would house the owner’s daughter (Laura Varty-Lindsay) and her family. As a precursor to the submission of a planning application, a pre-application enquiry had been submitted to gauge the Council’s view of the proposal. In its pre-application advice, the Council advised it could not support the application as the proposal did not meet the policies of the Core Strategy or paragraph 55 of the National Planning Policy Framework that offers guidance on new homes in the countryside. Officers felt that the proposal would not deliver a sustainable form of development relative to the sustainability principles of the Framework.

And this is when I was appointed to help. I prepared a comprehensive design and access statement to support the planning application. To the contrary, it set out the reasons why I considered that the proposal was entirely acceptable.

Fourteen letters of support for the proposals were received and it was also supported by a local Councillor. However, sticking to their guns, officers recommended refusal of the application.

The matter was referred to the Area Planning Committee and the application was aired at their meeting of the 7 August 2014. The Committee voted unanimously to approve the application.

Acting chairman Dougie Watkin told the Journal newspaper:

“members just felt that young people in country areas need to be supported. If we are going to keep young people in country areas, that is how we do it.”

So here, common sense prevailed. If only other Council’s area planning committees were so sensible!

I am delighted that I have been able to help my client, alongside Arc 51, in securing permission to build her new home. I wish her all the very best with the build and look forward to seeing the house completed and the family settled into their new home.

Darren Ridley Associate Royal Town Planning Institute Consultant,

The Planning Station

A sympathetic Committee!

Planning Committee overturn officer recommendation in Northumberland

Laura Varty-Lindsay with son Henry Varty-Lindsay - Courtesy of the Journal

“The committee were so positive in keeping a young family local and we’re so positive. We’re absolutely thrilled.”

Laura Varty-Lindsay

“Darren...fully understood what I wanted to achieve and was very easy to deal with and quick to respond”

Michael Lynn & Co Solicitors, London