Residential Development in the Countryside

Based at the firms Worcester office Anthony Mayell commented “I am convinced that realistic pricing is the key to successful sales.  We are working up planning proposals on a number of other local sites, and I am only disappointed that we have nothing immediately available to satisfy the needs of the unsuccessful bidders."

The firm predicts a continuing shortage of sites as the planning process becomes ever more complex and time consuming.  With the proposed introduction of new Planning Policy Statements, which the Government “spins” as a means of supporting local communities, Fisher German sees their impact in terms of cost and time delay.

Flood risk assessments are regularly required by the Environment Agency. Designs increasingly must encompass low cost and affordable housing within a viable scheme, and on brownfield sites contamination issues invariably have to be addressed.

Creative design is also a critical element in many rural conversion schemes.  This approach certainly reflects the more positive planning response from local authorities to residential conversions, and the new Planning Statements may also loosen policy for isolated dwellings possibly to include equestrian and other businesses.”