Blog

MAP Consultancy instructed on a 17 hectare mixed-use scheme in Norwich

MAP Consultancy was instructed to undertake retail planning services on a major mixed-use redevelopment scheme in Norwich on a 17-hectare well-known site. The project includes approximately 12,000 sqm (or 133,000 sqft) of retail and leisure floorspace.

Householder appeal allowed

The Planning Inspectorate allowed an appeal against Cardif Council's decision to refuse planning applicaiton for a second storey side extension.

NPPF 4 published with implications to Town Centres

Significant day for planners in England - NPPF 4 is now published! Having skimmed through it, the main changes seem to focus on design but also appear to prepare the ground for new PD rights (possibly Class MA). Interestingly, paragraph 79/80 does not require an innovative design anymore, while separately, increased weight is given in general to outstanding design.

MAPlanning became a chartered consultancy

We are proud to announce that Mark Alexander has been elected as a Chartered Town Planner by the Royal Town and Planning Institute which means that MAPlanning is now a chartered consultancy bound by the RTPI Code of Conduct.

Article 4 directions against the aims of the NPPF

Norwich joins a number of other Councils which are proposing Article 4 directions to remove permitted development rights set out by Class MA of the GPDO. Norwich City Council states that the Article 4 directions 'would apply to the majority of the city centre'. This is in stark contrast to the aims of paragraph 53 of NPPF (2021), which clearly expects that 'in all cases, [Article 4 directions should] be based on robust evidence, and apply to the smallest geographical area possible'.

Planning Services


Planning Appeals

The applicant always has a right to appeal following the receipt of a refusal. An appeal is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate who then appoints an Inspector to hear the appeal and issues a decision following a robust and objective assessment of the appeal case.

MAPlanning can prepare, submit and manage an appeal on your behalf using many years of experience and a history of a high rate of success.

Planning Advice

Our town planning due diligence services include productive verbal and written advice based on the analysis, national and local planning provisions and if required stakeholder engagement with relevant assessment authorities. Based on the type of the project we also collaborate with third party specialised consultants.

Retail & Main Town Centre Use Services

The sequential test guides proposals for main town centre uses towards town centre locations first, then, if no town centre locations are available, to edge of centre locations, and, if neither town centre locations nor edge of centre locations are available, to out of centre locations (with preference for accessible sites which are well connected to the town centre).