Mark Jones Planning Consultancy

A friendly, customer focussed planning consultancy based in Saddleworth, Greater Manchester

About us imageAbout us image
Mark Jones Planning Consultancy started in January 2012 as a small and friendly customer focussed planning consultancy that offers planning advice in an open, honest and transparent way.

Mark Jones is a Chartered Town Planner with over 30 years hands on planning experience in local government and in the private sector.  He holds a BA Hons degree and Bachelor of Town Planning Degree and has been a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute since 1995.  He also has a Diploma in Management Studies and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education.

Over the years the core values of the business haven't changed and it continues to offer a personal planning and consultancy service whether you are a business that wishes to expand or a homeowner who is having trouble obtaining planning permission - we are here to help you!

Our consultancy has a diverse client base ranging from medium sized businesses to individuals. Our aim to exceed the expectations of our customers and to offer a bespoke service by only offering a planning service that we know we can deliver.

Once you become a client we ensure that you are regularly updated either by a phone call, face to face meeting or through an email. One of our greatest strengths is to provide impartial advice and to explain the complexities of the planning system.

Many of our clients return and often become friends, which shows how happy they are with our service.

We also work alongside many architectural practices and technologists as well as tree consultants, noise consultants and surveying companies to provide a comprehensive service. We recommend the relevant professionals to ensure that our planning submission stand the best chance of success.


Our planning services include:

  • Planning applications and appeals

  • Site appraisals and development opportunity assessments

  • Planning enforcement issues - enforcement notices and threats of enforcement action

  • Specialist advice with regards to:-

  1.   Green Belt development
  2.   Barn/agricultural building conversions
  3.   Household extensions
  4.   Hot food takeaways and restaurant uses
  5.   Garden developments  
  6.   Housing schemes
  7.   Commercial schemes
  8.   Agricultural and residential permitted development applications

  • Development Plan representation

  • Design advice

  • Planning objections/representations


Our PLANNING Services imageOur PLANNING Services imageOur PLANNING Services image

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

The main part of our business is to act on behalf of applicants to secure planning permission for development proposals.  We have over thirty years of planning experience, with 20 years of it working for Councils.

We understand the planning process and recent changes in National planning guidance in the form of the National Planning Policy Framework and National Planning Practice Guidance.  

We can recommend Architects and Architectural Technicians to work with us to get a scheme ready for planning submission. By working together you get our expertise in understanding the complexities of the planning system as well as access to qualified designers.  We can also bring in other experts, when necessary, to provide advice in respect of trees, ecological issues, land contamination, topographical surveys and flood risk.

PLANNING APPEALS

Receiving a refusal of planning consent can be incredibly frustrating.   In November 2017 we formed  Planning Appeals North West as a sister business to our planning consultancy to meet the increased demand.    Please have a look at our website for more information about the types of planning appeal that we get involved with and some of our success stories.

Planning appeals are not just about appealing against the refusal of planning permission, but about appealing against unreasonable planning conditions, enforcement notices and the failure of a planning authority to determine an application within the prescribed time period.

PLANNING OBJECTIONS

We also offer the service of preparing written objections against planning proposals. You will receive a site meeting together with advice regarding what are material planning objections.

  • Greenfield, UK

What service can I expect to get?

We are Chartered Town Planners and follow the Royal Town Planning Institute Code of Professional Conduct.  

We act with competence, honesty and integrity and provide you with independent planning advice.

Before being commissioned to undertake the work we will meet with you to discuss the following:-

• scope of the advice which the client really needs.
.
• the client’s objectives in commissioning the work.

• timetable to which the client wants you to work.

• professional resources that you will need to put into the work.

• outputs and deliverables required by the client.

• background information and technical data that are available from the client.
 
• financial or budgetary constraints on the extent of the work.

• any specific requirements the client may have about the way the work is to be managed.

A short letter/email is always provided explaining what is included within the commission, when and how the work will be performed, and what the estimated costs are likely to be.


How much does it cost?

Each commission is different depending on its complexity and the amount of time taken.    

We provide a fee range that the commission will usually fall within and if it starts to exceed this limit then we talk it through with you and agree additional fees beforehand.  This is usually because of additional work, attendance at Planning Committee, additional meetings outside the initial scope of works or a planning appeal.

Fees are paid at the start of the commission, with a final fee once a decision is made.  

Please get in touch and we will give you a general idea of our fees.



Working alongside Creative Architecture we have explored the use of permitted development rights at Chadderton Hall Farm and it will an amazing scheme once implemented.  The farm is located in the Green Belt, where development is carefully controlled, but where permitted development rights still remain.

Prior Approval has been granted to convert a 200 year old brick barn in Chadderton into four houses under Class Q. Prior approval has also been granted to add an additional storey to the adjoining farmhouse under Class AA and a large rear extension under Class A of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order.

When considering development works it is always useful to assess what can be undertaken using permitted development rights.
Working alongside Creative Architects Ltd we have obtained planning permission for Grandpa Greenes Luxury Ice Cream Ltd by Oldham Planning Committee for the conversion of the public toilets into a café with takeaway facilities together with a glass extension and sedum roof in Uppermill Park.  The scheme includes a public toilet, which will be open during café opening hours, as well as a range of quality food and of course ice cream.  The Council agreed that the proposal would result in the re-use of a derelict building and the public benefits of allowing the scheme outweigh any harm in terms of its impact on the Uppermill Village Conservation Area.
Holiday Cottage Approve at Former Stables in Grasscroft

Working with Studio OL3 permission has been granted to convert a stable in the Green Belt into a two bedroom holiday cottage with outside hot tub with amazing views across the Saddleworth Valley.

Conversion of Domestic Garage to a One Bedroom Holiday Cottage in Standedge, Saddleworth

In partnership with Creative Architecture we have secured planning permission to convert a garage to a one bedroom house on the edge of the Peak District National Park.  The site is located close to the Pennine Way and other footpath routes and was considered to promote tourism in Saddleworth.  The Council supported the need for additional tourist facilities and recognised that such uses are not always located in the most sustainable locations.

Conversion and extension of timber stable to Airbnb, Heaven Barn, Diggle


Planning permission has been secured to convert and extend an existing timber stable into a luxurious holiday rental.  The site was located within the rear garden and in the Green Belt, close to the Conservation Area boundary.
Planning permission was granted to convert the Royal Oak Public House into a dwellinghouse with garden curtilage.  In granting planning permission the Council imposed a planning condition that removed all permitted development rights for the newly formed  dwellinghouse.

The Council’s objections were based on the impact of permitted development extensions on the openness of the Green Belt and the potential impact on the setting of the neighbouring Heights Chapel, a Grade II Listed Building.

The property is located in a remote location and the applicant was intending to build a detached garage under permitted development for the parking of his vehicles and other equipment associated with the property. He was mindful that being in the Green Belt it would raise issues if he was to apply for planning permission for a detached garage as it would not generally meet the exceptions of paragraph 149 and 150 of the Framework. His only option was to lodge a planning appeal seeking the removal of the condition.

The Council was concerned that the removal of the condition could result in disproportionate additions over and above the size of the original building. The Planning Inspector disagreed and considered the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) (GPDO) does not seek to limit such rights for properties in the Green Belt. Paragraph 54 of the Framework sets out that national permitted development rights can be restricted using planning conditions but on the provision that there is a clear justification for doing so. He came to the conclusion that the planning permission would result in the change of use from a business use to a dwellinghouse which would then benefit from permitted development rights, but this in itself is not a justification for removing such rights.

The Inspector was also concerned that the Council failed to explain why extensions, buildings or alterations would be harmful to the openness of the Green Belt.

In respect of the neighbouring heritage asset the Council stated that permitted development rights would enable a considerably sized outbuilding to be erected, and that there is a need to have special regard to the desirability of preserving the listed asset’s architectural or historic interest or setting. The GPDO does allow, under Class E, the erection of buildings within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse that are incidental to the enjoyment of it. Such a building would be subject to certain limits and conditions and key amongst these are height restrictions and a limit that such a building within the curtilage. The Inspector concluded that given the height and prominence of the nearby listed building and the two-storey form of the appeal property, such a building, erected under Class E of the GPDO would not detract from the significance of either the listed building or the non-designated heritage asset.

The Inspector concluded that the condition would not meet the tests of being reasonable or necessary and as such the appeal was successful.

Many Councils impose planning conditions that remove permitted development rights on developments within the Green Belt as a matter of course without taking into account paragraph 54 of the Framework which clearly states that planning conditions should not be used to restrict national PD rights unless there is a clear justification to do so. If such a planning condition is imposed seek advice to see whether there are grounds to appeal against such a planning condition.
Working with Creative Architects Ltd and after several long months working with High Peak Borough Council, planning permission has been granted to demolish a single storey stable building with a three bedroom bungalow.  The Council agreed that the proposal accorded with Government guidelines with regards to the redevelopment of previously developed land in the Green Belt.  The bungalow allows the applicant to downsize from a nearby property and for her family to live close.

Despite ongoing discussion about the proposed planning conditions the Council imposed fifteen planning conditions which in our opinion many failed to meet the six planning tests. An appeal against some of the planning conditions was lodged.

APPEAL UPDATE

A Full Award of Costs has been awarded and permission granted to vary and delete planning conditions relating the bungalow.

Environmental Health conditions relating to dust, fires and emissions were not considered reasonable as they are more appropriately dealt with under other legislation. A condition relating to an asbestos survey was withdrawn by the Council.

Conditions were amended to ensure that development could start without any pre-development conditions and some were amended for precision.

As is so often the case the Council imposed a condition that removed permitted development rights for extensions, alterations and outbuildings on the basis of its impact on the openness of the Green Belt and on the basis of protecting the character of the area. Such a condition is contrary to Government advice which states that planning conditions should not be used to restrict national permitted development rights unless there is clear justification to do so.

In respect of the Full Award of Costs the Inspector came to the following conclusion:

“Paragraph 049 of the PPG sets out a list of types of behaviour which may give rise to a substantial award of costs against a local planning authority. This includes imposing conditions which are not necessary, relevant to planning and to the development to be permitted, enforceable, precise and reasonable in all other respects.

My findings above lead me to conclude that the imposition of the aforementioned conditions, either in their entirety or their specific wording, were against national guidance in that they were either unnecessary, unreasonable or not precise."


Accordingly, the Council behaved unreasonably which resulted in the applicant incurring unnecessary and wasted expense through the subsequent appeal to challenge this decision and the expense of making the costs application. A full award of costs is therefore justified.”

Despite engagement with the Planning Officer about the suggested conditions during the course of the application none of the conditions were amended and this resulted in the planning appeal.

This is a case where the Council was unwilling to enter into negotiations regarding draft planning conditions and did not assess each conditions against the strict criteria imposed through paragraph 049 of the PPG.
We are absolutely delighted to have obtained retrospective planning permission to use an outbuilding in the rear garden of a house as a small dog grooming business.  This is an example of the local Council carefully balancing the need for flexible home working whilst protecting residential amenity.

Early dialogue with the Planning Officer has resulted in a positive outcome despite vociferous objections from neighbouring properties. Planning conditions were imposed regarding the hours of use and limiting the number of dogs being groomed at any one time as well as ensuring that all windows and doors of the outbuilding are closed whilst dog grooming takes place. This is an example where the imposition of planning conditions overcome planning concerns with regarding the impact of the business on neighbours.

The Planning Officer considered the scale, siting and how the business operates would not lead to any significant adverse impact on the character of the area neither would it detract from the amenity of the occupiers of neighbouring properties to a significant degree.

Positive outcome for Dog Grooming Business in outbuilding to the rear of a dwellinghouse image
We have recently been granted Prior Approval to convert a number of agricultural buildings in the Saddleworth area of the Greater Manchester Green Belt into dwellinghouses as permitted under Part 3, Class Q of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015. These have included conversions at Sandy Lane Farm, Heights Fold Farm and Springhill Farm.  

To meet the provisions of Class Q, strict criteria must be satisfied including the agricultural buildings having been used for the purposes of agriculture on the 20 March 2013, or last used for agriculture before that date if unused on 20 March 2013.  Class Q development does not apply for buildings built after March 2013.

Part Q a. and b. of the Act allows for the following:

  • Creation of up to 3 larger dwellings (up to 465 sq m); up to 5 smaller dwellings (up to 100 sq metres each) or a combination of larger and smaller dwellings of which the number of larger dwellings cannot exceed three and the total number of dwellings cannot exceed five on each established agricultural unit by conversion of existing buildings;
  • The development must not result in the external dimensions extending beyond the external dimensions of the existing building at any given point;
  • The installation or replacement of windows, doors, roofs, exterior walls, water, drainage, electricity, gas and other services to the extent reasonably necessary for the building to function as a dwelling;
  • Partial demolition to the extent reasonably necessary to carry out the building operations above.
  • The curtilage of the dwellings should not be any larger than the land area occupied by the agricultural building.
If you have an agricultural building that meets the above criteria please get in touch to see if we can help you.

Prior Approval Consents - Part Q conversion agricultural building to dwellinghouses imagePrior Approval Consents - Part Q conversion agricultural building to dwellinghouses image
Permission Granted for three houses IN GREEN BELT -  former cattery site, chadderton, oldham imagePermission Granted for three houses IN GREEN BELT -  former cattery site, chadderton, oldham image
After obtaining outline planning permission for three detached houses we are pleased to have obtained detailed planning permission for three larger houses with generous gardens.  During the course of the planning application the Council imposed a Tree Preservation Order on the site, but with a detailed arborist report produced by Mulberry TMC the issue was successfully addressed.  A detailed landscape scheme was also produced by The Plant Room which proposed a range of native trees throughout the site to compensate for those that were to be removed.  Ecological enhancements were proposed in the form of bird and bat boxes.

Working positively with experienced Oldham Council Planners resulted in agreement being met with regards to planning conditions that met the strict planning tests. Initially the Council planned to remove all permitted development rights for extensions, outbuildings and alterations, but after discussing Government policy and recent appeal decisions, it was considered that such a condition was not necessary. This means that future residents will be able to extend their houses using permitted development rights as well as small outbuildings without having to apply for planning permission.

The site is located within the Green Belt where development is tightly controlled. The Council's Planning and Highway Officer's both agreed that access to the site was safe and would result in much needed housing within the Borough.
We are delighted that outline planning permission has been granted for a two storey detached dwellinghouse on the site of two former agricultural buildings at The Heights, Delph with a next access.  The site is located in the Green Belt and close to St Thomas’ Church, a Grade II Listed Building.

Working positively with the local Council has resulted in planning permission being granted to address access, footpath, tree and Green Belt issues.

Working alongside Studio KMA a 4 bedroom L shaped house will be delivered with integral car parking. We can’t wait to see what the final design will look like in this unique location.

We are absolutely delighted to have obtained planning permission for the demolition of a stone barn/workshop in the Green Belt, in Saddleworth.  

Working closely with Creative Architecture Ltd we have delivered two truly outstanding houses that will deliver lifetime homes for the applicant and her family. By managing the client's initial expectations a fantastic housing scheme has been delivered for local people.

Working closely with Council Planners minor amendments were made to the initial concept drawings, which reduced the need for onerous planning conditions to be imposed.  We can't wait to see the finished properties.
Improvements to the standard of accommodation provides Very Special Circumstances in green belt image
A small extension to the front of a bungalow in the Green Belt has been allowed on appeal even though it was found to result in a disproportionate addition to the original dwellinghouse.  

The Inspector found that when balancing the planning issues the proposal would provide a very significant benefit in terms of the standard of accommodation the dwelling would provide in the long term.  It was also found to improve the living conditions of the current occupiers of the property.

These matters cumulatively carry very substantial weight and accordingly this outweighs the harm to the Green Belt. On this basis the very special circumstances needed to justify the proposal were demonstrated.
APPEAL SUCCESS AND FULL AWARD OF COSTS GRANTED FOR CONVERSION OF HOUSE INTO FIVE BEDROOM HMO image
Another fantastic appeal success at a mid-terraced house (C3 use) in Eccles to convert it into a small 5 person HMO (C4 Use) despite the Council raising objections to the proposal on the basis that the proposed development would not provide acceptable living conditions for future occupants.

Salford Council have a blanket Article 4 Direction which removes normal permitted development rights for changes of use from Class C3 to Class C4 in order to manage amenity and character impacts associated with HMOs, as well as to ensure that balanced communities are maintained within the City.

Planning Inspector Nigel Harrison noted the Council’s licensing team confirmed the scheme would fully comply with its HMO standards with appropriate accommodation being provided. He also confirmed that all bedrooms would be laid out so that they could accept a single or double bed, other necessary furniture, and some storage space. Bedroom sizes exceeded the Council’s Standards for HMOs. Whilst the Council’s HMO Guidance does not form part of the development plan, it is a Council document that has been prepared to ensure HMOs adhere to acceptable standards.

The Framework sets out three overarching objectives to achieving sustainable development. One of these, the social objective, seeks to support strong, vibrant, and healthy communities by ensuring that a sufficient number and range of home types is provided to meet the needs of present and future generations. The appeal proposal was considered to play a part in meeting these objectives.
The Planning Inspector also granted a Full Award of Costs in favour of the appellant on the grounds of the unreasonable behaviour of Salford Council resulting in unnecessary or wasted expense.
     
Detailed planning permission has been obtained for an infill house within the Stone Breaks Conservation Area.  

Constructed in natural stone with a slate roof the house will preserve and enhance the character and setting of the Conservation Area.

Working positively with the Planning Officers ensured that a design was secured that was appropriate to the area as well as achieving adequate privacy and amenity standards.

The scheme includes integrated bird and bat boxes and enhancements to the ecology of the area through tree and hedgerow planting.
Working with Studio OL3 detailed planning permission close to Glossop Town Centre and adjoining St James Conservation Area.  

Working proactively with the Council Planners, Conservation Officer, Highway Engineer and Arboricultural Officer a scheme has been designed that the Planner has assessed to be of 'high quality' and preserves the setting of the adjacent conservation area.

Measures to improve biodiversity within the site have been achieved including integrated bird and bat boxes, native hedgerow planting and trees.
Infill house granted adjoining conservation area in glossop image
Permission has been successfully granted for the conversion of a historic workshop into a pair of houses and the redevelopment of the remaining site to accommodate two detached bungalows with access improvements.

Working with Aspin & Co, Chartered Surveyors we were able to demonstrate that there was no commercial viability with retaining the commercial use and full support was given by Tameside Planners and Committee Members.

A courtyard design was chosen to reflect the historic arrangement of buildings.

The proposal will provide a small, sustainable housing scheme that will provide a range of house types to create mixed and balanced communities.
Working alongside Studio OL3 Architects we have secure planning permission for a modern infill house within the side garden of a property in Saddleworth.  The house is to be built in natural stone with a slate roof to fit in with the Saddleworth vernacular was fully supported by the Planners.

The site is located close to trees covered by a group Tree Preservation Order and by working with out Arborists at Urban Green we modified the scheme to include a cellular confinement system for part of the driveway and permission to carry out works to the protected trees that overhang the application site.

The Planners considered it to be acceptable in land use terms and would not have a harmful effect on residential amenity or the character of the street scene.


Approval granted for business centre in Royton imageApproval granted for business centre in Royton image
Working with Studio OL3 detailed planning permission has been granted for a mixed use industrial scheme within Moss Lane Industrial Estate, Royton.

The scheme includes a block of five units, each measuring 2,000 sq ft and will be available for a mixture of B1 - Business, B2 - General Industrial or B8 - Storage or Distribution Use. The units can be combined as one or more larger unit, depending on the nature of the business.

The units will be marketed through Breakey & Nuttall  http://www.breakeynuttall.co.uk/

Three detached houses, The Heath, Glossop image
Working with Studio OL3 Architects detailed planning permission has been secured for three detached houses.  

The site contains a beautiful TPO oak tree. Working with Council Officers and our own Arboricultural Consultants the design was modified to secure the retention of the protected tree, whilst at the same time deliver sustainable development.

During early 2020, permission was granted for minor amendments to the approved scheme.  Positively working together with the case officer resulted in no pre-development conditions being necessary as all information was provided with the application.  
Conversion of B1 Offices to 19 Studio Apartments - Prior Approval Application

Conversion of B1 Offices to 19 Studio Apartments - Prior Approval Application

The use of permitted development allows the conversion of offices into residential devlopment

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Conversion of health and fitness centre to mixed use as gym, retail and cafe

Conversion of health and fitness centre to mixed use as gym, retail and cafe

Consent granted to convert existing gym into a mixed use development in close proximity to Grade II Listed Building

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Demolition of house and redevelopment of site for up to 6 dwellinghouses

Demolition of house and redevelopment of site for up to 6 dwellinghouses

Demolition of existing house and redevelopment of house and garden plot

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Industrial extension

Industrial extension

Large extension to industrial premises in close proximity to river and houses

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Over the last few years we have worked with Caffè Grande Abaco to secure Listed Building Consents and planning permissions for the external canopy and extensive remodelling and conversion of the first and second floor offices into the extended coffee shop and wine bar.

The conversion is of high quality and retains many of the original features.

Working positively with Council Planning Officers and Conservation Officers resulted in a positive outcome that brings life back into the premises.
Erection of ten stone stables

Erection of ten stone stables

Stone stables in the Green Belt

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Outline planning permission for residential

Outline planning permission for residential

Outline planning consent granted in former quarry in Green Belt

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Grandpa Greenes - Formation of car park

Grandpa Greenes - Formation of car park

Formation of a car park and disabled access ramp in the Green Belt to support a local ice cream business

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Barn conversion and extension

Barn conversion and extension

Convert and extend former barn to house and detached stable

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Replacement of dwellinghouse in Green Belt

Replacement of dwellinghouse in Green Belt

Support for new house in the Green Belt

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Creative Architecture - Adam Hegab

Tel 07788200255

www.creativearchitectureltd.co.uk


PLanz -  Keith Myhill 39 Market Street,  Broadbottom, Hyde, Cheshire SK14 6AX

Tel:   07712 409024