Wells Almshouses welcomes HRH the Duke of Gloucester

Residents, staff and trustees were delighted to welcome His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester to the Bubwith site, its almshouses and chapel on 16 October 2023.

“It is such a great honour to welcome our Royal Vice Patron to one of our most valuable historic member charities. The Duke seemed genuinely impressed by the wonderful architecture that is the hallmark of the almshouse movement. Almshouses like the City of Wells Charity carry centuries of living heritage and the story of hundreds of lives having been enhanced through this close community.”

Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association

During his visit, His Royal Highness engaged with residents, staff, and trustees, and was given a guided tour of the medieval buildings, gardens, chapel and Guildroom by Chair of Trustees Stewart Cursley and resident trustee James Fane-Gladwin.

The Duke was particularly interested in the Bubwith chapel which was built in the 15th Century and is currently subject to an exciting project to restore it into a new community space in Wells, supported by National Lottery players.

Resident Mo Joyce welcomed  him into her flat, where he enjoyed the view overlooking the walled garden. The visit culminated in a gathering in the Guildroom, where His Royal Highness joined residents for a piece of cake and some enjoyable conversation.

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“It was an honour to meet His Royal Highness who was particularly interested in the chapel and its plans for the future, and we thank him for his kind visit.  I would also like to thank the staff and trustee members who organised the visit and the residents who attended on the day.”

Chair of Trustees Stewart Cursley

Many of The Duke’s Patronages are related to architecture and conservation, both areas in which The Duke remains deeply interested. He was elected a corporate member of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1972 and he is President of the Scottish Society of the Architect-Artists. His fellowships include those of the Institution of Structural Engineers and the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland.

His Royal Highness is a supporter of several architectural preservation societies, including the Kensington Society and the Victorian Society, as well as the International Council on Monuments and Sites, UK National Committee.

His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester, is the Royal Vice Patron for The Almshouse Association, a membership charity that supports a network of over 1600 independent almshouse charities throughout the United Kingdom. Almshouse Association members manage more than 30,000 almshouses, providing vital housing solutions for approximately 36,000 individuals in need, contributing significantly to local community housing.

posted 19 October 2023

HRH Duke of Gloucester joins Courtauld Homes of Rest centenary celebrations


On Tuesday 3 October, His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester, Vice Royal Patron of The Almshouse Association, joined the trustees, founder’s family and residents at Courtauld Homes of Rest almshouses to join in their centenary celebrations

There was a buzz of excitement as guests gathered in the marquee to await His Royal Highness’s arrival. Plans had been underway for many months with trustees and residents busy making sure their almshouses and the site were in tip-top condition to receive their Royal visitor.

Upon arrival, His Royal Highness was presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, Jennifer Tolhurst to Adrian Corder-Birch, a Deputy Lieutenant and Clerk to the Trustees, who then introduced The Duke to the Mayor of Halstead, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Courtauld Homes of Rest, Anthony Shelton and Nick Phillips, the Chief Executive of The Almshouse Association.

“It was a great honour to meet His Royal Highness and to introduce the Mayor, our trustees and members of the Courtauld family to him.  As I accompanied The Duke around our almshouses, he asked questions about the history, architecture, and gardens in which he was clearly very impressed.  He was particularly interested in our residents and spoke to all of them.”

Adrian-Corder Birch, Deputy Lieutenant and Clerk to the Trustees

Many of the Duke’s Patronages are linked to architecture and conservation, areas the Duke holds great interested in so the Reading Room at Courtauld Homes of Rest were a much appreciated part of his visit. He quickly spotted the pictures and architect’s plan which adorned the walls along with the history of the Courtauld family.

Mr. and Mrs. Fenner were honoured to have the unique privilege of meeting His Royal Highness in their almshouse. They enjoyed a delightful conversation with The Duke, commenting that his visit will be a cherished memory that they will hold dear for years to come.

“My wife Sandra and I were pleased to welcome The Duke into our home, where we have lived for five happy years.  The Duke was interested in the internal layout and learning about our occupations prior to retirement.”

Mr Fenner, resident

After afternoon tea with the trustees, residents and other guests, George Courtauld, Vice Chairman of the Trustees thanked The Duke for his visit.  The Duke gave a warm and informed speech about the almshouse model and its value to the community which delighted all who attended. He then cut the splendid centenary cake made by Jennifer Smith and unveiled two blue plaques to commemorate distinguished members of the Courtauld family and a third plaque recording his visit. 

George Courtauld then presented The Duke with a book about the history of the Homes of Rest and other almshouses, written by Adrian Corder-Birch, especially for the centenary. 

Nick Phillips, CEO, The Almshouse Association commented, “It was a great privilege and honour to receive our Royal Vice Patron, HRH The Duke of Gloucester, at one of our member almshouse charities. The Duke spoke knowledgably and enthusiastically about the almshouse movement and his visit and interest really gave a terrific boost the charity trustees and residents. It was a lovely day that all will remember warmly.“

“The Courtauld Homes of Rest has been a member of The Almshouse Association for several decades and to receive a visit from its Royal Vice Patron in recognition of our centenary was a great privilege.”                                   

Chairman, Mr Tony Shelton
HRH visit makes the front page of the Halstead Gazette

posted 12 October 2023                                                    

Southwark’s Appleby Blue Almshouses

A newly developed social housing project which reimagines the almshouse concept for modern, inner-city living

as published by Housing LIN – Appleby Blue – Inspirational Achievements – Resources – Housing LIN

United St. Saviour’s Charity has worked to support the people and communities of Southwark for almost 500 years. Uniting the people and charitable organisations in the borough, it tackles social need through a unique grant making programme and helps to build strong, supportive and well-served communities through its sheltered housing for older people across its three almshouses, St Saviour’s Court, Hopton’s Gardens and its newest development, Appleby Blue.

The development was completed in May 2023, and provides 57 homes for a total of 63 residents aged 65 or over in Southwark.

Designed by Stirling Prize-winning architects, Witherford Watson Mann, the building provides a blueprint for future adult social housing projects for older persons.

The recent Almshouse Longevity Study found that living in an almshouse can boost a resident’s lifespan by as much as two and a half years. Appleby Blue represents a progressive evolution of this typology – it flips the conventional model of the almshouse as a retreat from society, built in the outer environs as an inward-looking development, firmly on its head. Located in the heart of Bermondsey with a bus stop right outside and the hustle and bustle of inner-city living, Appleby Blue enables its residents to remain active members of a thriving, intergenerational and diverse London community.

Appleby Blue is named after one of United Saint Saviours Charity’s original benefactors, Dorothy Appleby. ‘Blue’ refers to the central marketplace of Bermondsey, rooting the development in its locale and noting the charity’s ties to the area going back more than five-hundred years.

Features

The building is designed to connect residents through its porous nature and welcoming floorplan, cultivating a strong sense of community and reducing loneliness.

Photo Credits: Philip Vile

The 2-5 storey design enables a cascading level of interaction between the surrounding community and the almshouse residents. A luscious roof terrace includes raised beds for growing herbs and vegetables. The detail of the project is impressive, with raised beds created with residents in mind, to enable recreational gardening activities despite varying mobility levels.

The main communal space, the Garden Room, opens on to a planted garden court with a raised water feature running throughout, designed by Grant Associates. It forms the traditional almshouse courtyard style centre of the building, offering a space for residents and visitors to socialise or relax in peace and quiet. The acoustics of the space coupled with the sound of the water feature creates a relaxing, sanctuary-like space for residents and visitors, whilst remaining just a few feet away from the local transport links that keep them connected to the city.

Community

The resident support model for the almshouse is integral to the physical environment and place. The team works closely with the Appleby Blue Centre Manager to create a holistic support plan which encompasses repairs and maintenance, benefits guidance and health and wellbeing. Appleby Blue also offers residents a library area, hobby room and skills room, where events from crochet lessons to digital skills sessions will be hosted for both residents as well as the wider community. The intergenerational use of the building aims to break down the barriers between young and old.

The Appleby Blue community kitchen sits at the heart of the building, as a kitchen should, with United St Saviour’s Charity running culinary-based community projects with local organisations to foster intergenerational connectivity in Southwark and provide important upskilling opportunities for young people in the borough.

Photo Credits: Philip Vile

United St Saviour’s is working alongside research partners at Bournemouth University to explore how multigenerational socially inclusive activities can be co-created with older people around food growing, cooking and meal sharing to improve their health, wellbeing and social connectedness.

Funding

Appleby Blue occupies a site previously occupied by a care home, which had fallen into disrepair and was no longer fit for purpose. It is the off-site social housing provision funded by a private residential development ‘Triptych’, developed by JTRE in neighbouring Bankside. The development has been made possible through a partnership between the freeholders London Borough of Southwark, and UStSC, who lease it and will manage it in perpetuity.

Martyn Craddock, CEO of United St. Saviours Charity said:

“Appleby Blue Almshouse reimagines the historic model of a retreat from society, in favour of direct contact with urban life. The beautiful design of the building coupled with our charity’s support services, aims to change the perception of sheltered social housing, and influence future developments for the better. By providing a high quality and well-designed home, older people should be more ready to move from their often unsuitable or under-occupied housing, yet remain in the community where they have lived for many years. The building is designed with social interaction as a core principle and we intended to use this wonderful building to its full potential to continue to transform lives and meet the needs of our older residents.”

Alison Benzimra, Head of Research and Influence said:

“United St Saviour’s Charity will be incorporating all our learnings into our practices. We are journeying with our residents to determine what aspects of the building’s physical design, community activities and resident support model impact health and wellbeing in later life. Through collaborations with our trusted research partners, such as Bournemouth University, we aim to share our findings widely so we can positively influence policy and practice both locally and nationally as our ageing population continues to increase. Appleby Blue is a place where people can relax, meet others, and participate in a range of activities that enable both residents and people from the local community to keep fit, healthy and active – a place where residents are firmly at the centre of life around them.”

For more information, please visit www.ustsc.org.uk

See also:

posted 10 October 2023

Photo Credits: Philip Vile

P&G update: 27.09.23

Charity Commission Quiz; Cost of living payment; Net zero; Powers of attorney; Defibrillator funding

Latest Policy and Governance legislation that could impact and/or may require action from our member charities, with links to further information where applicable:

Charity Commission updates

  • Charity Commission launches new quiz for trustees to test their knowledge – The Charity Commission’s next phase of its Trustee Campaign gets underway.  Support for Charity Trustees, including 5-minute guides on issues like safeguarding, managing finances and conflicts of interest, together with a Trustee Quiz: 

Second 2023 to 2024 Cost of Living Payment dates announced

Millions of households across the UK will receive £300 directly from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) between 31 October and 19 November.

  • This is the second of 3 payments totalling up to £900 supporting eligible people on means-tested benefits with the cost of living
  • Payments make up part of the Government’s record financial support for the most vulnerable worth an average of £3,300 per household
  • Tax credits-only customers who do not qualify for a payment from DWP will receive £300 from HMRC between 10 and 19 November 2023

Click here for link to full details

Net Zero by 2050

PM recommits UK to Net Zero by 2050 and pledges a “fairer” path to achieving target to ease the financial burden on British families

UK’s over-delivery on reducing emissions provides space to take a more pragmatic, proportionate, and realistic approach to reaching net zero. The changes are as follows:

  • Delay the ban on installing oil and LPG boilers, and new coal heating, for off-gas-grid homes to 2035, instead of phasing them out from 2026. Many of these homes are not suitable for heat pumps, so this ensures homeowners are not having to spend around £10-15,000 on upgrading their homes in just three years’ time.
  • Set an exemption to the phase out of fossil fuel boilers, including gas, in 2035, so that households who will most struggle to make the switch to heat pumps or other low-carbon alternatives won’t have to do so. This is expected to cover about a fifth of homes, including off-gas-grid homes – those that will need expensive retrofitting or a very large electricity connection.
  • Scrap policies to force landlords to upgrade the energy efficiency of their properties, but instead continue to encourage households to do so where they can.
  • Raise the Boiler Upgrade Grant by 50% to £7,500 to help households who want to replace their gas boilers with a low-carbon alternative like a heat pump.

Click here for full details

Step forward to online Lasting Power of Attorney

The most vulnerable in society will be better protected as reforms to simplify and streamline lasting powers of attorney are given Royal Assent.

  • Power of Attorney Act receives Royal Assent
  • creates new safeguards to protect against fraud and abuse
  • digitalisation to improve processing time and reduce human error

These legal agreements enable a person to grant decision making powers about their care, treatment or financial affairs to another person if they lose mental capacity.

The Powers of Attorney Act fires the starting gun on bringing the existing paper-based process online for the first time. The changes, when introduced, will make the system quicker, easier to access and more secure for the thousands of people who make and rely on a lasting power of attorney every year.

The legislation, which was introduced by Stephen Metcalfe MP and supported by the government, will also strengthen existing fraud protection by allowing checks on the identity of those applying for a lasting power of attorney.

The new online system and the additional safeguards are now being developed by the Office of the Public Guardian. 

Click here for full details

Defibrillator funding for community spaces across England

The Department of Health and Social Care is inviting interested organisations to register expressions of interest for its £1 million Community Automated External Defibrillators Fund, aimed at increasing the number of AEDs in public places where they are most needed and to help save lives.  

The Defibrillators will be provided in an external lockable cabinet and confirmation of match funding (c.£750) will be required. 100 defibrillators will be selected to be fully funded, selected from the applications in areas that most need a defibrillator.

Charities can apply, eligibility conditions include the defibrillator cabinet must be located outside in an area that is accessible to members of the public 24 hours a day, provide match funding (c.£750), be able to provide an external power source to ensure the defibrillator cabinet light and heater operate to keep the device at the right temperature.

Click here for full details

posted 25 September 2023, updated 27 September 2023

New Information Hub for housing professionals

The Housing Information Hub will support homebuilding, placemaking and regeneration by providing the sector with a new, national index of professional housing resources.

Press Release: 20 Sept 23: Homes England has announced a new national index of professional housing resources, The Housing Information Hub, now available on GOV.UK, will support the sector by providing direct access to over 300 sources of guidance, information and tools relating to homebuilding, placemaking and regeneration.

Developed by Homes England’s Local Government Capacity Centre, the Housing Information Hub is one of a series of new initiatives designed in collaboration with local authorities and other partners to respond the needs, and asks, of the sector.  With the aim to cover the full housing and delivery journey, resources are split into five key areas – financing, leading, building, using land and planning.

  • Financing homebuilding and regeneration – information on economic appraisals, financial viability, cost estimation, funding, delivery mechanisms, the Delivery Partner Dynamic Purchasing System and procurement
  • Leading homebuilding and regeneration – information on community engagement, governance, programme and project management, and resources and risk management
  • Building healthy places – information on design, infrastructure, construction management, Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and self and custom-build
  • Using land for homebuilding and regeneration – information on identifying land, land acquisition, brownfield land, land disposal, due diligence, feasibility and partnership working
  • Planning for homebuilding and regeneration – information on masterplanning, local planning, planning conditions, environment and sustainability, garden towns and villages, estate regeneration and housing tenures

posted 25 September 2023

Social Media Use

Charity Commission Press Release: Regulator publishes new guidance on charities’ social media use.

From: The Charity Commission Published 18 September 2023

The Charity Commission has issued new guidance on charities’ use of social media. Published 18th September 2023, the guidance makes clear that social media can be a highly effective way for a charity to engage its audiences and communicate about its work but that there are risks involved, which trustees should plan for.

The new guidance is clear that charities using social media should have a social media policy in place and should ensure the policy is followed. This is standard practice in many charities and across other sectors and industries, and can help an organisation avoid problems and address issues swiftly if they occur.

The regulator says its casework has revealed a knowledge gap. Trustees are not always aware of the risks that may arise from using social media, meaning that some do not have sufficient oversight of their charity’s activity, leaving them and their charity vulnerable. The guidance aims to help trustees understand these risks, how their legal duties apply, and what to consider if issues arise.

The guidance:

  • makes clear that the regulator does not expect that every charity will involve trustees in the day-to-day running of the charity’s social media but that trustees must understand their legal responsibilities even if delegating tasks
  • sets out the expectation that charities using social media should have a policy in place to explain how using social media will help deliver the charity’s purpose and should include the charity’s own guidelines, such as those on the conduct of trustees, employees and volunteers using social media on the charity’s behalf
  • contains an easy-to-use checklist to help trustees and senior employees have informed conversations on what the right policy for them looks like
  • says charities should have guidelines to manage the risk that content posted by individuals connected to the charity in their personal capacity, particularly those who are high profile like CEOs, may negatively impact the charity by association. It also makes clear that trustees, employees and others have the right to exercise their freedom of expression within the law
  • signposts organisations and resources that can help trustees if they want to improve their social media skills.

The new guidance was subject to a formal consultation, which ran from January to March 2023. The Commission received 396 responses. Many welcomed the guidance, but some felt it could be clearer to explain what is and is not expected of trustees. The regulator has made a number of changes to clarify the Commission’s regulatory expectations in light of the feedback. The final guidance also further emphasises the benefits of using social media, so that charities can have confidence in their ability to make use of them.

Paul Latham, Director of Communications and Policy at the Charity Commission, said:

“There are many benefits to using social media, which can be an effective tool for campaigning, communicating with the public and reaching new and existing supporters. However, trustees need to be alive to the risks it can generate, including to a charity’s reputation. We have published this guidance because we want trustees to think carefully about what they want to achieve when using social media and then apply our guidance to help ensure their charity is protected.

We know trustees are busy and don’t expect them to be social media experts. Our guidance is also clear that their oversight need only be proportionate. However, it is the duty of trustees to act responsibly, in their charity’s best interests, and in line with the law. This includes when posting online. Our guidance will help charities to navigate their use of social media with greater confidence and will support the Commission to regulate this high profile and fast paced area in a fair and balanced way.“

More useful links:

posted 21 September 23

Consumer Standards Consultation: Association draft response

The Almshouse Association has put together a response to the Government’s consumer standards consultation on which we would welcome members’ feedback.

The Government has been seeking views on four consumer standards that set out the specific expectations and outcomes registered providers will be expected to achieve from April 2024, replacing the existing consumer standards that are currently in place.

The standards they are proposing are:

  • The Safety and Quality Standard
  • The Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard
  • The Neighbourhood and Community Standard
  • The Tenancy Standard

These standards have been designed to reflect the Government’s revised statutory objectives as set out in the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008, as amended by the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 (2023 Act), meet expectations set out in the Social Housing White Paper (the White Paper) in respect of a revised consumer regulation role for the regulator and, strengthened to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

The 2023 Act amends the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 to give the regulator the power to issue a Code of Practice in relation to its consumer standards. As part of this consultation, the government is seeking views on a draft Code of Practice to amplify the proposed standards and assist registered providers in understanding how they might achieve compliance.

Following this consultation, the Government will consider the responses received and then set out their decision on the final form of the consumer standards and Code of Practice. They expect to replace the existing consumer standards with the final revised standards from April 2024.

Full details can be found on the Gov.uk website here .

posted 18 September 2023

MPs show their support for almshouses

The Almshouse Association continues to apply pressure to government with regards to protecting almshouse charities from becoming unintended casualties of new legislation and we are pleased to have the support of a growing number of MPs.

This week, CEO Nick Phillips met with Ben Everitt MP at Westminster to seek his support for the amendment to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) affordable housing definition to ensure almshouses are recognised. A significant lead on the Levelling Up Housing and Communities Committee, Ben was very encouraging and a champion of affordable housing. His support is invaluable and we thank him for his time and interest in the almshouse movement.  

Also this week in House of Commons Written Answers:

HoC Written Answer: Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities: Almshouses: Planning  

Siobhain McDonagh (Lab) (Mitcham and Morden): (195628) To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what guidance his Department issues to local planning authorities on support for almshouses that are not Regulated Social Landlords under the terms of section 106 affordable housing.

Rachel Maclean (Con) (Redditch): The department does not issue guidance to local planning authorities specifically on this matter. It is up to local planning authorities to determine what contributions should be sought through Section 106 agreements, in line with statutory tests on their use set out in regulation 122 of the Community Infrastructure Regulations 2010. The department has published guidance on planning obligations to support local authorities with their use. As part of the National Planning Policy Framework consultation between 22 December 2022 and 2 March 2023, we sought views on how we can help bring forward more community-led housing, including almshouses. We expect to publish a response to the consultation this Autumn.

Our thanks to Siobhain McDonagh MP for her persistence and determination to ensure almshouses remain on the housing agenda. We look forward to reading the response to the NPPF consultation this autumn.

See also:

posted 13 September 2023

Letter from the Secretary of State to social landlords on damp and mould guidance

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities issued a letter on 11 September 2023 to social housing providers informing them that the government has published guidance on the health impacts of damp and mould in the home.

As part of the government’s response to the Coroner’s report into the tragic and avoidable death of Awaab Ishak, the government committed to publishing consolidated guidance on the health outcomes of damp and mould in the home.

This guidance has now been published – please click here to access

It has been written in response to the Coroner’s report and recommendation that evidence on the risks of damp and mould should be made accessible to the housing sector. This new guidance clearly sets out the legal responsibilities of social and private sector landlords to their tenants and the serious health risks that damp and mould pose.

The government is clear that damp and mould should not be dismissed as a ‘lifestyle choice’ and that action to remove pervasive damp and mould must be taken by landlords. The guidance makes clear that it is the responsibility of landlords to identify the underlying causes of damp and mould – such as structural issues or inadequate ventilation – and to find long term solutions.

The guidance also sets out how living in a home with damp and mould can significantly affect the physical and mental health of tenants and outlines how people with certain health conditions, children and older adults are at greater risk of more severe health impacts.

See also:
– Damp and Mould Guidance | (almshouses.org)
– Almshouse Gazette (almshouses.org)

posted 13 September 2023

Planning Update from Panel Consultants Robinson & Hall

Panel Consultants Robinson and Hall have sent the Association important information regarding the Government consultation on proposed changes of use for selected categories of development, including changes to residential from agricultural buildings and buildings within the commercial, business and service use classes. Consultation closes 25 September 2023.

Changes ahead in the world of planning

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is running a consultation until 25th September 2023 on a proposal to further relax Permitted Development Rights for selected categories of development.

The Government is looking to ensure that the planning system is efficient, effective, responsive and delivers beautiful and well-designed development. This consultation requests views on proposals designed to promote the delivery of well-designed development and support housing delivery, the agricultural sector and economic growth.

Abel Bunu, Principal Planner at Robinson & Hall lists some of the main highlights in the consultation paper:

Change of use of buildings within the commercial, business and service use class to residential use (MA)

  • Either double the current permitted floor space of 1,500 sq m to 3,000 sq m or remove the limit all together.
  • Proposal to remove the requirement for the property to be empty for three months before application.
  • Widen the scope for commercial conversions to include the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and National Parks.

Agricultural buildings to houses (Class Q)

  • Double the maximum number of dwellings from five to ten.
  • Increase the maximum floor space from 865 sq m to 1,000 sq m. 
  • Allow for single storey rear extensions to be created.
  • Allow work to take place in conservation areas, AONB and National Parks.
  • To be extended to former agricultural buildings that are no longer on an established agricultural unit or to buildings that are not used solely for agricultural purposes.

Agricultural buildings to a flexible commercial use (Class R)

  • Extend these rights to include outdoor sports, recreation and fitness, e.g. paintballing but not motor sports.
  • The rights might extend to all B2 (general industrial uses) to only allow processing of raw goods produced on the site and to be sold on the site, excluding livestock.
  • Proposal to double the maximum floorspace from 500 sq m to 1,000 sq m and allow for multiple uses at the same time.
  • Possible extension of rights to equestrian or forestry buildings.

Agricultural development on land over 5 hectares (Part 6, Class A)

  • Extended barns could increase in size from 1,000 sq m to 1,500 sq m.
  • New buildings would still be limited to 1,000 sq m. 

Agricultural development on land below 5 hectares (Part 6, Class B)

  • Existing barns to be extended by 25% with an overall limit of 1,250 sq m.
  • Extensions to the cubic content of the original barn to increase by 25%.

Please note that the above list is not exhaustive.

Abel comments “As usual, we expect that if the proposed changes succeed, they will come with a raft of qualifying criteria to be satisfied before enjoying the Permitted Development Rights. Nevertheless, the additional flexibility offered would increase the opportunities for development of agricultural.”

Responses to this consultation can be sent via the online link (https://consult.levellingup.gov.uk/planning-development-management/permitted-development-rights-consultation) or via email to PDRconsultationsummer2023@levellingup.gov.uk

Please note that local planning authorities have the right to withdraw Permitted Development Rights and so it is important to act quickly before this happens.

If you would like more information on the above or would like to find out how Robinson & Hall’s Planning & Development team can help you take advantage of the changes being introduced to the planning system, please contact Abel on 01234 362891 or email ab@robinsonandhall.co.uk

posted 13 September 2023