Ben Wharfe’s Post

Do you want to bring the countryside to life? If you want to work with purpose and share our vision, get in touch with me or any member of the team.

Big Class Q, Class R, and Part 6 updates

Unicorns do exist! A commercial site in the countryside in Cheshire East that has come to the market, been purchased and not redeveloped for housing! We are delighted to act on behalf of the new owner and secure the redevelopment of this long standing commercial yard at Arclid for continued commercial use. The site had previously been granted permission to construct 15 dwelling houses, but the new owner recognised the dire shortage of commercial space in rural Cheshire and, therefore, the greater long-term value of retaining the site for employment use. Congratulations to Justin Stevenson MRICS FAAV who in his second month at Wharfe Rural Planning secured the Certificate of Lawfulness for the commercial use of the site and the grant of permission for the demolition of the existing building and construction of a new, larger building. Kudos to Sam King for developing the design for the redevelopment and thank you to John Hyatt at Butcher and Barlow for assistance with the legals. The lack of commercial space in rural Cheshire continues to affect many of our clients, please contact us if you have or know of a site or buildings that could be converted for business use. #ruraldevelopment #ruralplanning #planning

If you are considering office renovations, don’t forget nature. What is biophilia? Where architecture and nature unite to enhance well-being and productivity, by seamlessly integrating nature into built spaces for a purpose beyond aesthetics. Nature-Inspired Spaces: Elevate indoor environments with plants and sustainable materials for a serene atmosphere, promoting well-being and productivity. Optimal Light and Views: Prioritise natural light to enhance visual comfort, supporting circadian rhythms, and a boost cognitive performance. Stress Reduction and Well-being: Reducing stress helping to create a workspace that supports overall well-being and productivity. Restorative Environments: Introducing design elements connecting occupants to nature, fostering mental rejuvenation and increased focus. Biophilic Spatial Planning: Designing layouts that balances open and secluded spaces, catering to diverse work preferences for a sense of security and exploration. Sensory Engagement: By using natural fragrances, calming sounds, and tactile furnishings, this engages the senses & helps promote a mindful and focused state of mind. More than aesthetics, it's an investment that holistically benefits individuals. We found this online article which is an interesting read: https://lnkd.in/dj_889si #BiophilicDesign #WellBeing #ProductivityBoost

We collaborated with the council to secure planning approval for the restoration and extension of this captivating farmhouse. Over several months, we engaged with numerous council officers, striving for the most sustainable design. We are delighted to share that our client is thrilled with the outcome. Our approach involved a nuanced and meticulous consideration of the property's historical importance and heritage value, emphasising a commitment to preserving its unique character. We worked together with specialist heritage consultants to ensure that traditional construction methods would be implemented in addition to retaining as much of the original fabric as possible. We also worked with ecologists to safeguard protected species. We delved into the technical intricacies of sustainable design and our team navigated through complex parameters, to achieve the optimal blend of conservation and innovation. Following this approval, we have also had the conditions discharged so the applicant can crack on with this project. Planning conditions are often applied to the grant of planning permission. These limit and control the way in which the planning permission must be implemented. Aiming to improve the quality of planning applications through the mitigation of any adverse effects. In this case, we were required to provide further information such as detailed drawings and manufacturer specifications for the windows, doors, rainwater goods, facing and roofing materials. Wharfe Rural Planning are strong proponents of allowing historical features to contribute positively to the character of an area and value greatly the material fabric of such buildings and believe that they should be safeguarded and enhanced. Once lost, the historic environment cannot be replaced to its original status or form, and it is considered that the removal of the farmhouse from the site would be a detrimental loss to Cheshire’s agricultural context.

What a great start to 2024 A unanimous decision at last night's Newcastle Under Lyme planning committee to approve the retrospective permission for the Stoke On Trent depot for Stobarts. A big thank you to officer’s at Newcastle Under Lyme Council for working proactively with us to bring the application to the planning committee with no objections and a recommendation of approval. Stobarts had to find a new home in the North Staffordshire Region at short notice and with space to continue expansion. Wharfe Rural Planning advised from the acquisition of the site to completion and the grant of permission. The time frames involved meant that a retrospective decision was unavoidable, but the confidence in our team, our process and our ability to coordinate proactively with the council enabled the site to be operational on time. The approval safeguards the 150 existing jobs and provides the space to create a further 75 jobs, together worth £10’s of millions to the local economy every year. The approval is a huge credit to Liza Woodray, who managed the application on behalf of Wharfe. Also a big thank you to Tom Bentley at Eddisons for his advice and support on highways, Melody Horan at Miller Goodall for managing Air Quality assessments, Gritstone Ecology. In the same press release Councillor Simon Tagg voiced his support for the scheme, stating that “Choosing to locate to the Borough shows the confidence that companies have in the Council to support business and help grow the local economy … it is fantastic news that Stobart have been able to find their ideal new depot in Newcastle, helping secure jobs in the current challenging economic climate”. Stobart Managing Director Neil Rowbotham highlighted the benefits of the site in a press release at the end of September, “North Staffordshire is a great place to do business … the site in Newcastle is perfectly located. We hope by securing successful planning permission, we will also be securing and creating many jobs for years to come”. And Local Member of Parliament Aaron Bell, also welcomed the move. He said “It is great to see a national brand like Stobart wanting to stay in North Staffordshire and find a new depot in Newcastle Under Lyme. Securing the business and jobs is a testament to our plan to grow the economy, support residents and local businesses”.

Swallows and Amazons 📖 Wharfe Rural Planning have secured permitted development rights at this lovely Freehold site, which has just over 3.5 acres of extensive surrounding gardens and paddock, stretching over both sides of the Peover Eye. Success in gaining permitted development to extend upwards, to the side and the rear, provides 10,000 sqft of living space. This allows the potential for a replacement dwelling of similar size. Having recently gone on to the market this is a truly exciting opportunity for someone to create and design the house of their dreams. Situated on a fantastic plot which is in walking distance on a lovely cobbled road, to Lower Peover School, St Oswald’s Church and the renowned pub and eatery, The Bells Of Peover. Everything in life covered in one location! It has a been a delight to work with Stuart Rushton of Stuart Rushton & Co Estate agents again, who are marketing the site. We also show our appreciation to working with the very talented Myles Dobell Professional Tree Care, who made way manicuring the woodland and extensive gardens to open up the view, helping visualise what can be achieved with this extensive and exciting plot. Check out the details below. https://lnkd.in/dSUnkSwx