NEWS & INSIGHTS
As pioneers in the industry we are often in the news; here we list various things that may interest you – Industry Comments are topical items of relevance to many of our clients, In The News includes generic news releases that are similarly topical and interesting.
Be Inspired is our thinking intended to help thought leaders and those embarking on the rural development and diversification journey. Other news items include things that our clients and we are proud of and share them with you to help, interest and sometimes amuse.
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STAYING STRONG TOGETHER FOR A BRIGHTER RURAL FUTURE
Here is our recent message to the rural community via Country Life Magazine.
IN THE NEWS: THE COUNTRY TRUST LAUNCH ‘THANK YOU FARMERS’ CAMPAIGN
Our charity partner, the Country Trust are a small but dynamic, national education charity dedicated to bringing the working countryside to life for the children least able to access it in their everyday lives.
PLANNING NEWS: PARA 79 SUCCESS AT APPEAL FOR HOME IN COTSWOLDS AONB
We are delighted to have secured planning consent at appeal for a new country house in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
PLANNING COVID-19 UPDATE: ‘VIRTUAL’ PLANNING COMMITTEES COMING YOUR WAY VERY SOON
In my last communication on COVID-19 and its implications for Planning services (10-point action plan for National and Local Government), I referenced the emerging Coronavirus Bill. The Bill is now an Act and one of its outcomes is to empower the Secretary of State to make regulations to facilitate virtual committee meetings and council decision making.
RURAL SOLUTIONS CLIENT SERVICE NOTICE DUE TO COVID-19: UPDATE
Following the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and further to Government advice, we believe it’s critical to do our part to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Our priority at this time is to help safeguard the health and safety of our clients, contacts and team, whilst also ensuring that we can continue to provide you with the best possible service. Here, are some of the steps we are taking to protect everyone in this ever-evolving situation:
PLANNING NEWS: AN OPEN LETTER TO MINISTRY OF COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK
Rural Solutions proposes 10 point plan to Ministry of Communities and Local Government during COVID-19 outbreak offering guidance to improve services now and in the aftermath.
ECOLOGY UPDATE: DON’T MISS ECOLOGY SEASON
Given all that is going on currently, it is unsurprising that clients are concerned about their projects being adversely affected and unfortunately, one major delay that could occur, at the moment, if not addressed, relates to ecology surveys.
PLANNING NEWS: CONSENT ACHIEVED FOR THREE RESIDENTIAL DWELLINGS IN NIDDERDALE AONB VIA ‘PERMISSION IN PRINCIPLE’ PROCESS
Rural Solutions has secured planning consent for a small residential site in Nidderdale AONB.
The site is for the construction of three houses and is thought to be the first granted full consent by Harrogate Borough Council using the ‘permission in principle’ process, introduced by the Government for certain categories of development including small residential sites in 2018. The quicker process allows for land to be granted ‘permission in principle’ without going through the full planning application process, making it easier and a more attractive possibility to deliver small areas of land that can contribute to the housing land supply plan.
PLANNING INSIGHT: ONSHORE WIND BACK ON THE AGENDA?
Aside from COVID 19, climate change is a top priority in Government and in the hearts and souls of many of us. Undoubtedly, we all need to start reducing our emissions to preserve the planet for future generations.
PLANNING UPDATE: SUMMARY OF PLANNING POLICY CHANGES AND UPDATES DUE TO CORONAVIRUS
We are currently monitoring any changes to policy and Government guidance as a result of COVID-19, that may affect our clients and their rural businesses. Here, are some of the latest updates we are keen to advise you of.
A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST IN THE BURGEONING RURAL WELLNESS MARKET
A new health and wellness spa development in the Hampshire countryside is looking for an investor to realise its potential. Set in former dairy buildings on a 1500-acre farm in the affluent area surrounding Greywell, the proposed members’ club has full approval for a range of facilities including indoor and outdoor pools, fitness studios, vitality bar and co-working space. Surrounded by beautiful open countryside, close to a network of running and cycle paths and transport links, the site is well placed to capitalise on the growing demand for wellbeing tourism. The owners, Frank Butler Farms Ltd, are seeking investors or co-investors to build and run the facility.
INDUSTRY COMMENT: A RURAL VIEW OF ROBERT JENRICK’S ‘PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE’ REPORT
In this month’s budget the Chancellor indicated that Robert Jenrick, Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government would be announcing ‘major reforms to simplify the planning system’. Some measures have been announced in the ‘Planning For the Future’ Paper that are predominantly ‘urban centric’ but recent changes that are of interest to our rural clients are listed below.
COVID-19: A VIEW FROM THE COUNTRY by WILLY BROWNE-SWINBURNE
Our Associate Director and the principal of the Capheaton Estate in Northumberland, Willy Browne-Swinburne, offers some positive reflections at this extraordinary time.
INDUSTRY COMMENT: BUDGET PERSPECTIVE 2020
A budget understandably dominated by Coronavirus showed the ’One Nation’ ethos of the Johnson regime. Huge commitment to the NHS, support of small business, pension protection and sick pay meant that much of the rumoured changes to the rural economy (IHT reform, Diesel etc.) did not come to light.
PLANNING NEWS: IT’S TIME TO THINK DIFFERENTLY ABOUT RURAL HOUSING
Contrary to what is often thought about the limitations of rural planning policy, Rural Solutions offers an alternative perspective. Our planners suggest that there are several ongoing changes to the way the planning system deals with rural housing issues, which affords rural estates a great opportunity in contributing to solving the housing crisis affecting many areas of the countryside.
DESERVED PROMOTIONS FOR PLANNING TEAM MEMBERS
Members of our planning team have been rewarded with well deserved promotions this month. Michael Gordon to Senior Planner, Fiona Tiplady and Lisa Allison to Associate Directors.
INDUSTRY COMMENT: THOUGHTS ON THE BUILDING BETTER, BUILDING BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION by MALCOLM BIRKS
Commissioning clients, Architects, Landscape Architects and Planners should focus on the beauty and aesthetics of development whilst still delivering facility.
INDUSTRY COMMENT: BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN – RURAL LANDOWNERS IN A STRONG POSITION
Mandating a Biodiversity Net Gain in all development is not only a positive environmental initiative, it should mean that landowners are well placed to enjoy financial rewards as well
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE NEWS: GET TO KNOW NEW RECRUIT, CHLOE TEMPLE
We are excited to announce the latest appointment to our growing Landscape Architecture team, Chloe Temple. Chloe is a relatively recent graduate who’s first experience of the working world has been at AECOM. Chloe has a specific interest in rural
INDUSTRY COMMENT: LEARNINGS FROM THE RECENT TALK FROM DIETER HELM AT THE CLA LONDON BRANCH EVENT
Professor Dieter Helm – Oxford professor, chair of the Natural Capital Committee and one of the most influential voices in the debate on agriculture’s post-Brexit future – presented at the CLA London branch event earlier this month.
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RURAL SOLUTIONS ARE HIRING: BUSINESS CONSULTANT – RURAL DEVELOPMENT & ENTERPRISE
Rural Solutions are seeking experienced business and development consultants to... -
INDUSTRY COMMENT: JOANNE HALTON, HEAD OF PLANNING, SUMMARISES OUR CONSULTATION RESPONSE TO THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE WHITE PAPER
Following dialogue with interested clients from a variety of rural... -
PLANNING NEWS: MINISTRY OF HOUSING, COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (MHCLG) ANNOUNCE A REVIEW OF THE RULES AROUND SELF-BUILD
We are pleased to hear news that the Government plan... -
RURAL SOLUTIONS SERVICE LEVEL UPDATE FOR NOVEMBER
Following the recent announcement that England will be under a... -
DESIGN NEWS: CONSTRUCTION COMMENCES AT PARA 79 SITE IN NIDDERDALE
We are delighted to be able to follow the construction... -
RURAL HOUSING – ALL CHANGE
Housing is always a hot topic - and never more... -
PROTECTION AND PROGRESS: STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE by SALLY ORMISTON
On Monday, the Prime Minster joined 65 world leaders at... -
GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES NEW CLASS E USE FOR COMMERCIAL BUSINESS AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENT
The 1st September 2020 saw the introduction of new planning... -
THE AUTARKIC HOUSE AWARDED A HIGH COMMENDATION AT 2020 PLANNING AWARDS
We are very excited to share the news of being... -
INDUSTRY COMMENT: NEW PLANNING OPPORTUNITIES
The national and planning press has been awash with articles...
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