JMI Planning managed to overcome hurdles associated with the redevelopment of the site which contained dilapidated industrial units and a three storey Victorian property.

The site had previously been used for light industrial and commercial purposes however the units were no longer suitable. The developers had recently acquired the site and were eager to deliver modern, purpose built light industrial and commercial units suitable for a variety of businesses. The project would deliver significant economic and environmental benefits in the way of job generation, attracting businesses to the area and improving the appearance of the immediate area and contributing towards the wider regeneration efforts.

The application was met with challenges as the Victorian building on the site was locally listed and the Council’s Conservation Officer requested that the building be retained. Working alongside AJ Associates, who produced the drawings and a robust structural survey, we managed to persuade the Council that whilst the Victorian building was one of the few Victorian buildings left in the area and was therefore of merit the economic and environmental benefits of the redevelopment of the site would outweight the heritage impacts.

The Council agreed that the proposal would bring forward significant benefits and would contribute towards the vitality of the core employment area and the proposal was granted approval.