How we've helped other clients

Conversion of a derelict barn into a residential dwelling

Mulvra Farm contains a number of very attractive stone barns, which were at the time of the application derelict and disused. Situ8 achieved planning permission for the conversion of the large barn to a permanent residential dwelling, and in the process realised the maximum value of the site for the client. Barn conversions are always interesting and exciting schemes to work on given the nature of the traditional and historic buildings being converted.

Replacement of temporary caravan with new dwelling

Riverside Farm is an interesting case, in so far as Situ8 achieved a substantial new two storey dwelling, in replacement of an existing caravan. A certificate of lawful development was originally granted for the retention of the caravan; Situ8 subsequently negotiated a large replacement dwelling on behalf of the client.

Change of use

Following the closure of the visitor attraction formally known as ‘Dobwalls Theme Park’, Situ8 achieved consent for a tourism and camping use on the site. The local planning authority, through this application, has permitted part of the site to be used for camping.

Residential development within an Open Area of Local Significance

Any planning application proposing a new residential development within a landscape designation such as an ‘Open Area of Local Significance’ (OALS designation) is tricky and demanding. This site was not an exception. The original scheme consisted of two large dwellings within a wooded area of Looe, the scheme was then reduced to a single medium sized dwelling, which received approval by the local planning authority. The proposed development is supported by substantial landscaping and significant new tree planting.

Replacement of a single dwelling with two new dwellings

Despite objections from Cornwall Council’s Highways Section, the proposal for demolition of the existing Cornish cottage and replacement with two dwellings received a positive approval from the local planning authority. Careful dialogue with the planning officer and the submission of further detailed information enabled the council to approve the application, much to the clients delight. The proposed development would have only been viable if the existing cottage was replaced by two dwellings given demolition costs. The development can now proceed.

Extension to a building on Green Belt land

This site had a long planning history involving two other national planning consultancies for a much needed extension to a veterinary clinic located within the Green Belt. It had been refused on a number of occasions and dismissed at appeal. A more recent refusal in May 2010 led to yet another rethink about the grounds cited for refusing the proposal. The planning officer believed that the very special circumstances had not been demonstrated and therefore he would not support the scheme.

Situ8 submitted an additional statement linking the proposed floor space to the legal and statutory requirements pertaining to such a business and then we ensured that the manager of the practice attended the parish council meeting. Following this, a member of the planning committee called the application into committee and a site visit was arranged for the members to view the current state of the clinic. The planning committee was a triumph: 7 councillors spoke in favour of the proposal and we won hands down, with the entire committee voting against the recommendation for refusal from the planning officer. We received an apology from one of the members that we had been put through too many unnecessary hoops and that a successful business in the Green Belt should be supported.

Download the Bromsgrove extension plans

Residential development of 16 open market and affordable homes

Situ8 achieved planning permission for the development of 16 houses/flats on land behind Polmear Parc in Par. The scheme offers 50% affordable and 50% open market homes, delivered on a cross subsidised basis.

Despite the objections of the Parish Council and local opposition, the planning committee saw sense and approved this proposal. Situ8 have worked for 2 years to bring the scheme forward with the project architects, Inhaus Designs, addressing all of the issues raised throughout the process. We had support from the Highways Department, South West Water, Environment Agency, Archaeology Unit and English Nature. Whilst we are thrilled that we had the support of the planning committee members, we are somewhat disappointed that we couldn't work successfully in partnership with Par and Tywardreath parish council to help provide much needed housing, as identified in a local housing needs survey.

See images of the scheme and read further information about the architect

Residential development of 32 open market and affordable homes

Situ8 secured planning approval for 32 houses and associated parking and access roads on land off Castle Hill in Lostwithiel. The scheme provides 16 affordable dwellings and 16 open market dwellings provided on the basis of cross subsidy.

Situ8 worked closely in partnership with Lostwithiel Town Council and identified over 50 local people who were eligible for these houses and put forward a viable housing scheme despite the on-site constraints in terms of challenging topography and a need to provide a new vehicular access, improved power provision and water connections. The planning application was approved at Committee following an objection from Highways that we had not provided a footpath into the town; Councillors debated this point for some time and concluded that local knowledge of the area should take precedent and that the proposed footpath onto Rosehill would not cause undue harm to the safety of pedestrians given the slow driving speeds along this stretch of road.

Download the Castle Hill site layout

View images of the scheme and read further information about the architect

Erection of a wind turbine

Situ8 were approached during November 2009 by Mr & Mrs Leggo of ‘Lanyon Farm’, who had an exciting new idea concerning the construction and installation of a wind turbine on their farm. Having made an initial site visit and discussed the proposal further with the clients, it became clear that the wind turbine would have significant benefits for their site in terms of generating enough energy to fully satisfy their private demand but also enough to be sold back to the national grid.

The next step involved pre-application discussions and providing Cornwall Council with adequate detailed information for a screening opinion to be issued in respect of whether an ‘Environmental Impact Assessment’ would be required with the formal planning application.

The wind turbine has since been constructed and installed. Please click on the link below to watch a short exciting video of the development:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qazCdYOeO5I

Replacement of an existing dwelling with a highly sustainable contemporary home

The project involved the replacement of an existing dwelling in an exposed, coastal location with a significantly larger dwelling of a modern contemporary design. Underpinning the design of the building was a commitment to integrating passive energy technologies and achieving extremely low carbon design. Through the process of formal application to the council, and by working closely with the parish council, Situ8 managed to secure a positive result for the client, ending in the issuing of a planning permission.

Removal of condition to allow unrestricted residential occupation

This site concerned the removal of a condition that restricted the occupation of the cottage to holiday accommodation only. The applicant had attempted to explore alternative uses, and had been unsuccessful in selling the cottage for some considerable time. We managed to gain permission for the change of use of the cottage to a permanent dwelling through the process of formal application to the council.

Change of use

The applicant for this site had been involved with a drawn out battle with the council for many years. The case involved the change of use of a barn from holiday accommodation to a permanent residential dwelling. The council refused the clients application prior to Situ8's involvement. We then submitted an appeal which was allowed. We also submitted a new planning application on behalf of the client which was also approved.

Erection of a dwelling

This site presented an exciting challenge, with a history of 2 refusals and a dismissed appeal located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We gained approval for a beautiful split level house of sustainable construction, despite local opposition from neighbours and the parish council. The clients are very pleased to have their dream home become a reality.

Replacement of a hotel building with 10 holiday cottages and an indoor swimming pool

This was the site of a run down former hotel, a static caravan, small outbuildings and the remnants of an outdoor swimming pool. We gained approval to replace the hotel with a terrace of traditional style cottages built to a high specification. We successfully managed to exceed the sum total of all footprints of the outbuildings and gain approval for an innovative, exciting curved terrace of apartments. The indoor swimming pool and ancillary buildings are beautiful and add to this successful holiday venture.

Replacement hotel

Situ8 helped the architect to overcome issues of principle, design, bulk and massing with an innovative design for a replacement hotel. The 26 room hotel is to be replaced with a 26 holiday apartment building and associated car park extension to the rear. The Town Council and Cornwall Council’s Design review panel supported the scheme after thorough pre-application negotiations and a well attended public consultation event.

Residential barn conversion

Following research into the various ways that this attractive vernacular barn could be given an alternate use, we concluded that a residential use would be the only economically viable option to ensure that the barn did not fall into disrepair. The LPA were supportive of the proposal provided that it was justified, and the Parish Council were pleased to see a practical alternate use being given to the building.