Planning Success for a New Dwelling in Stow-On-The-Wold Town Centre

Location: Stow-On-The-Wold

Sector: Residential Development

Overview

We are delighted to confirm that McLoughlin Planning was instrumental in obtaining planning permission for the change of use of a Bed & Breakfast (Use Class C1) into a new dwelling (Use Class C3).

Securing a residential use in a town centre location

The proposed change of use raised a number of key planning considerations which had to be carefully navigated, as the 18th century property is situated in a Conservation Area and within the Cotswold National Landscape.

But the main planning issue was related to the Principle of Development, given the property’s location in Stow’s defined town centre. This area is zoned for commercial uses, meaning new residential development is not usually supported. Despite this constraint, McLoughlin Planning was able to persuade Cotswold District Council that in this case, a residential use in the town centre was appropriate.

Our pragmatic approach, nuanced analysis of policy and site context, and the presentation of a strong fall-back position secured the planning approval for this change of use and the further evolution of this historic building, which will now become a family home.

Moving towards a mixed-use High Street?

Councils tend to have policies prohibiting new dwellings in town centre locations, mainly to ensure the ‘vitality and viability’ of the High Street is maintained. However, applications like this demonstrate it is possible to obtain permission for a dwelling in commercial centres. As our High Streets evolve, there is increasing recognition that the introduction of modest amounts of residential uses within town centres can contribute to, rather than diminish, the activity in town centres.

Joe Seymour – Associate Director

E: joe.seymour@mplanning.co.uk

T: 01242895008