What’s it like working as an independent planning consultant? I thought this year, at the end of each month, I would do a short post about our work. Let’s see how it goes. Let me know if there’s anything of interest or things you’d like me to cover. Firstly, i write this on a Friday. I plan to continue the work-life balance of Fridays off, but todays catching after the start to the year.
As a starter for ten, COVID-19 remains pretty much foremost in all our minds. The onset of fever and aches mid month resulted in a very rare shutdown for over a week, all after a late post Xmas return. Its difficult to accept when self-employed not least it can impact income and creates pressure on work. A few days lost working were more than compensated by a negative result.
Welsh Government has prolonged temporary (online only and hard copy) PAC procedures, which were due to expire this month. The extension, until 08 October 2021 gives welcome certainty for the foreseeable future. A consultation on a long term solution is promised ‘in the New Year’ but hasn’t materialised yet.
Speaking of PAC, a new consultation event was issued this week, on proposals to redevelop the Ty Nos Night Shelter site in Wrexham as new triage hub with 19 apartments for the homeless. Details of that here. Also acting on a proposal in Llandudno for a smaller 3 unit conversion scheme for homeless accommodation, where we hope to have convinced planners that lawful ‘fallback’ and social benefits of reuse of a tired guest house, outweigh perceived flood risks.
Just before I put this note together, the send button on submission of outline proposals for up to 140 dwellings on an allocated housing site in Flintshire was pressed. It’s great when any application goes in, even better when it’s one that involves huge team efforts across multiple disciplines. The PAC saw significant responses and objections in the community. The proposals are especially interesting as they seek a large proportion of EPC A performance affordable housing, which is technically challenging and market housing must be to larger than standard sizes. One to keep an eye on.
Speaking of Flintshire, attended its LDP pre examination hearing meeting mid-month and look forward to taking part in the first virtual LDP Examination in Wales (UK??) in the next couple of months. We already hear talk of delays to the examination but trust these won’t be too long. On the LDP front, Denbighshire dropped a note just before Christmas saying its replacement LDP is a little delayed, primarily due to COVID-19. Don’t expect any decisions on potential candidate sites for around 6 months.
It’s not been the busiest month for decisions. The receipt of the Planning Permission for 63 dwellings in Glasdir, Ruthin was very welcome. Its been some 18 months of challenging work, including a refused larger scheme (and withdrawn appeal). I gather work is already scheduled to start on delivery of that innovative housing project. And hot off the press, A log cabin holiday accommodation - instructed after refusal. Re-submission. Appeal avoided.
The practice has sent out 11 fee proposals with a strong book of work in the pipeline. We have more to issue this afternoon. February looks to be majoring on some listed building conversions,, tourism development and early phase housing advice.
it’s been a little while since I’ve volunteered within the RTPI. To close this month, it’s an honour to have been invited onto the steering group of the Institute’s Independent Consultants Network. I hope to bring a flavour of my experience and Welsh-nuance to the work if this increasingly important sector of the Institute membership.
Next months tease? NDF, SDP, PPW…. .
Till February. P