This summer has been busy – and special – for staff at JWPC.

We’re happy to announce that Dan Ratcliffe, who’s been with us since 2015, has been promoted to the role of Associate.   Dan already had an invaluable role in the firm as senior planner, bringing his experience and expertise to many aspects of town planning.  Director Paul Tunstall said: “Dan is known within the team…

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Pubs and other businesses given additional planning permissions until 2022

The permitted development rights brought in last year to help pubs, restaurants and other businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic have been extended in England and Wales, to support economic recovery as the country slowly emerges from lockdown.   Temporary Use of Land Permitted development rights (PDRs) for the temporary use of land have been extended…

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New Planning Rules Will Allow Developers to Convert Vacant Buildings to Housing

New rights will now allow vacant commercial premises to be converted into homes.   The new Class MA Permitted Development rights are intended to aid post-lockdown recovery and will allow developers to make use of vacant units on the high street. However, there will be implications beyond town centres, as the owners of any commercial…

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Major shake-up for high street planning controls

Last week central government announced major changes to planning controls in England which are hoped to boost development and make use of empty buildings on the high street.   Amendments to the Use Class Order   The amendments to the use class order will see a change to high street planning controls – the most…

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I’ve received an Enforcement Notice, what now?

It may feel like a catastrophe if an Enforcement Notice lands on your doormat, but we can help – the key is to act quickly. The planning enforcement system is complex and we are happy to review your case and provide impartial advice on any enforcement matters.   Councils can issue a Planning Enforcement Notice…

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Pubs and Restaurants – Temporary planning use for takeaway and delivery service

What you need to do? The sudden closure of pubs and restaurants earlier this week, for an as yet unknown period of time, has resulted in sudden and drastic changes for the industry.  Whilst businesses are getting to grips with the new reality, it does seems that everyone is pulling in the right direction to…

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Lancaster City Council to introduce new powers to limit new student houses.

Lancaster benefits from being home to two university campuses – Lancaster University and the University of Cumbria, totalling more than 22,000 students within a city of approximately 52,000 residents.  All of them need somewhere to live, and while many choose to stay in university-run halls or purpose-built student accommodation, many others prefer to join up…

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Technology in the planning system now and in the future

The planning process is largely a labour intensive process that requires the evaluation of large amounts of information including planning policy, legislation, community engagement and environmental/design considerations. It is becoming clear that certain technologies can aid in the planning system to speed up and even replace some of the manual and repetitive jobs that are…

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Does my Airbnb need planning permission?

The success of temporary short-term property letting companies such as Airbnb, Onefinestay and Homeaway shows no sign of abating. Airbnb UK had a turnover of over £14m in 2018 and the company claims that it boosted the UK economy by £4.2bn last year alone. But with success comes a number of planning issues.   The…

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The importance of a five-year land supply

The need for new housing to be built has been referred to as a national crisis, and successive governments have fallen short in meeting projected demand from population growth and the formation of new households.  Whilst district councils decide on permission for specific house-building projects, it is the Government which draws up the population and…

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