Further Planning Permission Secured

Further planning permission was granted to extend and convert Colemans offices to 12 flats. Previously in November 2015 Colemans had secured planning permission to develop the property with 11 flats but Mike Stone, Head of Colemans’ Commercial Property and Town and Country Planning Department felt there was still further potential for the building. Working closely with local Architects and Town and Country Planners, Mike was able to put together a persuasive case for the addition of a luxury Penthouse instead of the previously approved curved roof.

The application was challenging because there had already been objections from local residents in Spur House concerning the height of the previous consented scheme. Mike felt it is important to therefore to anticipate objections and have a design which addressed likely causes for concern. With this in mind the application contained a recessed penthouse walls, glazed balconies, a flat roof and a totally contemporary look.

Anticipating objections and difficulties, the application was carefully prepared with a detailed Access and Design Statement incorporating 3D drawings (view here) to show reduced impact on Spur House and the streets and generally to give the building a modern and contemporary feel, fitting for this prestigious location.

Following the planning process carefully was an important consideration for Mike because the Planning Officers were minded to refuse planning permission under delegated powers. Acting swiftly, Mike was able to persuade a local Councillor to have the application “called in” by the Planning Panel and determined by the Planning Members rather than the Officers. A further detailed submission was made to the Planning Panel prior to the Planning Meeting and a presentation was made by Colemans’ Architect at the Planning Panel to emphasise the careful design work that had gone into producing a scheme with less impact on Spur House and an improved design.

Ultimately, the Planning Panel resolved by a majority to 4-3 to grant permission, which was a victory for both the Town’s housing development shortfall but also for good design and vision.

Following the Planning’s decision Mike said,

“…….The proper presentation of planning application with considerable attention to detail is vital to securing the right result. However, whilst much of this work can be achieved prior to the submission of the planning application following its progress and responding rapidly to circumstances is essential. In this case ensuring the application was “called in” for consideration by the Planning Panel and lobbying them with additional information which had not been presented to them by the Planning Officers was absolutely key to securing the right result in this case…..”

For those wondering what is next for Colemans, Mike is able to reveal that we will be looking to move to new purpose built offices in the near future which will facilitate our expansion and development as well as enabling us to make better use of new technology.   We shall of course be staying in Maidenhead and looking forward to helping the Town achieve its potential under the Programme for the Regeneration of Maidenhead (PROM).

If you need advice on the legal aspects of Town and Country Planning, Planning Strategy or even the machinations of local government procedures contact Mike Stone at michael.stone@colemans.huntersserver.co.uk or by telephone on 01628 631051.