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News
Appeal win allows expansion of family home
23 December 2011
2011 closes with more success as we have won an appeal for a rear extension at a house in Ashton upon Mersey Conservation Area in Sale, Cheshire.
The extension will provide extra living space for our client’s growing family and the Planning Inspector agreed with our view that the development will not harm the conservation area’s special character.
Brewing success: New tea room opens in Manchester
14 December 2011
After gaining planning permission for the scheme earlier this year, we are delighted that Leckenby’s – a licensed tea room and chocolate shop – has now opened at 47 King Street West in Manchester’s city centre.
The new Art Deco-influenced premises has transformed a long-term vacant unit as well as creating more than 30 new jobs.
Click here to find out more about our involvement.
Liverpool ‘braced’ for new dental surgery
13 December 2011
We have secured planning and listed building consent for the conversion of a listed Georgian townhouse in Edge Hill, Liverpool to a dental surgery.
The approved scheme will help to secure the building’s long-term future whilst also providing a much needed facility for local people.
Click here to find out more
Green Belt house permission extended for three more years
07 July 2011
Taking advantage of legislation changes which allow planning permissions that are nearing their expiration date to be ‘renewed’, we have successfully extended an approval for the erection of a replacement house in the Green Belt between Prestbury and Mottram St Andrew, Cheshire for a further three years.
If you have a planning permission which is due to expire shortly, we may be able to help so please get in touch to discuss your options.
Signage approved in historic Chichester, West Sussex
07 July 2011
After extensive negotiation with the local authority’s planning and conservation officers, we have secured advertisement consent for new shopfront signage in Chichester’s town centre conservation area on behalf of hearing aid specialists Amplifon.
The new wooden fascia sign with individually applied lettering will contribute to the historic character and visual amenity of the conservation area whilst also retaining Amplifon’s corporate identity.
Replacement mosque allowed in Preston conservation area
04 July 2011
The Planning Inspectorate has granted planning permission for a replacement mosque in Fulwood Conservation Area, Preston. Associate Director Sarah Smith provided conservation and heritage input in support of the proposed scheme at a two day hearing in May.
In reaching her decision, the Planning Inspector agreed with our view that the new mosque will replace a building of no particular merit with a high-quality and well-designed landmark which will make a positive contribution to the character and local distinctiveness of the historic environment.
Paul elected Chair of IHBC Committee
04 July 2011
The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) held its annual conference and AGM at Llandudno in June 2011. Director Paul Butler attended both and was also elected Chair of the Institute’s Membership and Ethics Committee. This election means that he becomes a Trustee of the Institute.
The IHBC acts as the principal body in the United Kingdom representing professionals and specialists involved in the conservation and preservation of the historic environment. Conservation is one of the practice's main activities and we have been members of HESPR – the Institute’s accredited register of conservation professionals – for some time.
‘I am pleased to help support the IHBC in this way’ said Paul 'The IHBC is not as large as the RTPI, but the historic environment will play an increasing role in planning in the future and I hope - alongside my specific tasks in relation to membership - to make sure this role is recognised and promoted effectively’.
James: Master of Regeneration
27 June 2011
Assistant Planner James Ashford has just graduated from Manchester University with an MA in Urban Regeneration and Development after successfully balancing student life with working at Paul Butler Associates.
James investigated the redevelopment potential of Greater Manchester’s vacant listed mills for his dissertation and is keen to continue working with historic buildings at the practice.
Congratulations James!
Garage conversion appeal success in Chorlton
22 June 2011
We have successfully appealed against the local planning authority’s decision to refuse planning permission for the conversion of a garage at a house in Chorlton, South Manchester to provide extra living space.
In allowing the appeal, the Planning Inspector agreed with our view that the loss of the garage would not result in an increase in on-street parking to the detriment of highway safety.
Follow us on Twitter
21 June 2011
We are now on Twitter! Follow us @PaulButlerAssoc
Care home appeal and costs success in Tintwistle
10 June 2011
We have successfully appealed and been awarded full costs against the refusal of planning permission for the change of use of a house in Tintwistle, Derbyshire to a 6-bed residential care home for young people (C3 to C2).
In reaching his decisions, the Planning Inspector’s agreed with our view that the proposed use would not result in an increase in vehicular or pedestrian movements. Click here to find out more.
Archaeological works help to discharge condition
03 June 2011
The practice’s archaeology team have just completed a series of archaeological investigation works at a site in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
These works were carried out in order to discharge an archaeological condition attached to a planning approval for a new office development. Click here to find out more.
Paul Gains New IHBC Role
06 April 2011
Director Paul Butler has been appointed to the Membership and Ethics Committee of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC).
Paul, whose primary role in this post will be as an assessor for applicants who wish to become full members of the IHBC, said ‘I was for some years on the executive committee of the IHBC in the North West; and am now pleased to take on this wider national role.
The IHBC is the home of the conservation professional, and at a time when so much is changing in the planning and heritage world, the IHBC is becoming an increasingly powerful voice nationally for a considered view on conservation and heritage matters.
In this new role I hope both to encourage new members to join the Institute, whilst at the same time maintain the very high standards that are required of members’.
Paul Butler Associates are accredited members of the IHBC via HESPR, the Institute’s Historic Environment Providers Recognition service, and are one of only 20 or so such practices across the UK.
Appeal Success in Hale Conservation Area
01 April 2011
We have successfully appealed against the local planning authority’s decision to refuse planning permission for the extension of a modernist house in South Hale Conservation Area, Hale, Cheshire.
In allowing the appeal, the Planning Inspector agreed with our view that the design and materials of the extension will not harm the conservation area’s special character or appearance.
Success for Practice’s Travel Plan Team
28 March 2011
The practice’s specialist Travel Plan Team has prepared a travel plan for a hospital scheme near Chesterfield on behalf of Turning Point, the UK's leading health and social care organisation.
The travel plan sets out a coordinated package of measures to encourage staff, visitors and residents to travel and from the hospital scheme using healthy and sustainable travel modes and has been approved by Derbyshire County Council’s Sustainable Travel Team.
We will now work with Turning Point to review the travel plan annually and ensure that it achieves its targets.
If, like Turning Point, you need specialist travel plan support, please get in touch!
IHBC focus on Spotland
23 March 2010
Page 11 of the latest edition of the IHBC North West Branch Newsletter includes a feature on Spotland New Mill, the historic mill site in Rochdale which we gained outline planning and conservation area consent for in December 2010.
The eagle-eyed amongst you may even spot Paul lurking elsewhere within the newsletter’s pages!
Levenshulme takeaway approved
17 March 2011
The practice has gained planning approval for the change of use of a sandwich shop/café in Levenshulme to a hot food takeaway.
Despite being recommended for refusal, Manchester City Council’s Planning and Highways Committee agreed with our view that the use will not have a detrimental impact on the amenity of neighbouring residents in terms of noise, fumes or vapours, parking or traffic generation.
Extra care consent in rural Cheshire
17 February 2011
We have secured planning approval for a 13-unit extra care assisted living scheme at the edge of the rural village of Sandiway, near Northwich, Cheshire.
The scheme, which was approved by Cheshire West and Chester Council this morning, will be built in the grounds of Sandiway Lodge, a 36-bed nursing and residential care home set in open countryside.
Each extra care unit will be self-contained, but residents will share access to communal areas and be assisted by a team of specialist staff who will provide 24-hour nursing and residential care.
Click here for more information.
The Localism Bill: an irreverent commentary (Pt 5)
07 February 2011
Paul looks at chapters 5, 6 and 7 in his fifth and final Localism Bill commentary. Click here for details.
Whitehaven: in focus
27 January 2011
The latest edition of A, the RIBA North West’s magazine, includes a detailed look at the historic Cumbrian town of Whitehaven.
Written by Stephen Hodder of hodder + partners, the article considers the town’s historical evolution and unique architectural character and is deeply rooted in the conservation area character appraisal that we prepared for the town on behalf of Copeland Borough Council.
Contact the RIBA for a complimentary copy of A!
Our services
20 January 2011
As a practice we undertake planning, development and heritage work throughout the UK and provide advice on all aspects of the planning system.
Click here to find out more about the services we offer and please get in touch if you would like to find out more.
The Localism Bill: an irreverent commentary (Pt 4)
13 January 2011
Paul looks at Chapter 4: Consultation in his latest Localism Bill commentary. Click here for details.
The Localism Bill: an irreverent commentary (Pt 3)
06 January 2011
In the third of his new Localism Bill series, Paul looks at Chapter 3: Neighbourhood Planning. Click here for details.
Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year
22 December 2010
Merry Christmas to all our clients and colleagues and best wishes for a happy, successful and prosperous New Year!
The Localism Bill: an irreverent commentary (Pt 2)
22 December 2010
In the second part of his new Localism Bill series, Paul looks at Chapter 2: The Community Infrastructure. Click here for details.
The Localism Bill: an irreverent commentary (Pt 1)
16 December 2010
In the first part of a new series, Paul takes an irreverent look at the newly published Localism Bill. Click here for details.
96 new homes approved in historic Rochdale
03 December 2010
We have gained outline planning and conservation area consent for 96 new homes at the vacant Spotland New Mill site in Spotland Bridge Conservation Area, Rochdale.
The scheme, which was approved by Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council’s planning committee last night [02 December 2010], includes the conversion of the site’s historic mill building and gate house into 15 apartments and the building of 81 two, three and four-bed houses. Click here for more information.
Paul PG Cert Arch Hist
18 November 2010
Paul has now completed a year’s part-time course at Oxford University in Architectural History – some 40+ years after having read the same subject (as part of a History degree) at the same University. So he can add ‘PG Cert Arch Hist’ after his name if he so wishes. But the more important point is that the course reinforces what he and the practice have been doing for many years: assessing historic buildings and their significance, and working out how they can, with some flexibility and imagination, play a full part in the economic life of their towns without compromising their essential character.
The country’s present straitened circumstances will mean that there will be many cases where listed – and other significant – buildings will be at risk. Saving them calls for sensitivity on both sides of the development equation: the potential developers, and the planners charged with dealing with them. There may well need to be compromises on both sides, but the reward – a long and sustainable future for the building – is worth the struggle.
Wearing it pink
29 October 2010
Paul Butler Associates are wearing it pink today to raise cash for the Breast Cancer Campaign’s Wear It Pink Day.
Our donations will help to fund innovative, world-class research throughout the UK and Ireland to understand how breast cancer develops, leading to improved diagnosis, treatment, prevention and cure.
Café bar consent achieved
28 October 2010
Paul Butler Associates have secured planning permission for the change of use of the ground floor of a nineteenth century building on High Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter from retail (Use Class A1) to a café bar with an outdoor seating area (Use Class A3/A4 Sui Generis).
In determining the application, Manchester City Council’s Planning and Highways Committee agreed that the use will have a positive impact on the character and vibrancy of this part of the city centre in addition to ensuring the viable reuse of a prominent historic building.
Congratulations Jessica!
19 October 2010
We are delighted to announce that Jessica Naven has been promoted to Senior Planner in recognition of her contribution to the practice.
Congratulations Jessica and many thanks for all your hard work!
Takeaway granted approval
04 October 2010
Paul Butler Associates have gained planning permission for a hot food takeaway (Use Class A5) on John Dalton Street in Manchester’s city centre.
In approving the application, Manchester City Council agreed that the use will not cause any unacceptable harm to the amenity of this part of the city.
Old Trafford offices approved
17 September 2010
Paul Butler Associates have secured planning permission for the continued use of a series of temporary ticketing and membership offices at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium following the variation of a condition attached to a previous planning approval.
In determining the application, Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council agreed with our view that there is an urgent need for these offices.
Refurbishment of historic pub secured
03 September 2010
Paul Butler Associates have gained Listed Building Consent (LBC) for the sympathetic refurbishment of the grade II listed Cock O’Budwoth public house in Great Budworth, Cheshire on behalf of Manchester-based brewer Joseph Holt Ltd.
In determining the application, Cheshire West and Chester Council agreed with our view that the internal and external refurbishment works will not harm the building’s historic significance.
PPS5: New government guidance on heritage
29 March 2010
Amidst the welter of new policy and advice documents which flow almost daily from central government, occasionally there comes something of real importance: the new PPS5 ‘Planning and the Historic Environment’ is that.
This is not to be confused with PPG5 (on Simplified Planning Zones – perhaps the biggest waste of time of any planning initiative, but still extant); nor with the Environment Agency’s PPG5 on Planning Pollution Guidance (classic government double speak – what they means is planning to prevent pollution); nor with Northern Ireland’s PPS5 on retailing.
It might have made more sense for it to be called PPS15, thus linking it with the old PPG15, which it replaces, alongside the old archaeological PPG16. But there we are: a new set of acronyms and numbers to deal with.
So, to the meat of the matter: the new PPS, at 18 pages, is much shorter than the combined PPG15/16 but as is the way these days, it is accompanied by an essential Planning Guidance note, which is 55 pages. The new PPS is much better than the one which was nearly foisted on to the industry last autumn; but there will be areas of uncertainty until case law throws some light on some of the less clear issues. The heritage lobby fears that there could still be a watering down of the protection for listed buildings; the development lobby thinks it might be easier to get sympathetic changes through the system, and they are probably right: there is an increased emphasis on the significance of the heritage asset, and whether change harms this significantly or not.
As ‘The Doctor’ in Private Eye might say: in case of doubt, consult a specialist in heritage matters. As such, we would be pleased to diagnose and suggest a prognosis!
Advantage taken of reduced planning fees
08 March 2010
Paul Butler Associates have taken advantage of new planning legislation and saved a client over £20,000.
Introduced at the end of February, this new legislation aims to ease the financial burden on developers and has significantly reduced the planning fees for extending existing planning permissions and for making non-material amendments.
Making use of this legislation, we submitted an application to extend an existing planning permission for a major residential development in Salford and our client was delighted that the associated planning fee was only £500.
The Government’s Planning Minister John Healey has said ‘at a time when funding for new developments is difficult, I have changed the planning rules to give developers longer to build new projects that will help drive economic recovery.
‘Now I am able to cut and cap the fee for extending existing planning permissions. As we work to secure a strong economic recovery, we need to do what we can to keep plans for new development on the table.
‘The planning system has to adapt to current economic circumstances to help homeowners, industry and developers, and we have done just that.’
If you have an existing planning permission which is about to elapse or would like to make a non-material amendment and would like to discuss your next steps, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
New use found for real tennis court
14 January 2010
An interesting client, albeit in a voluntary capacity, is the Tennis and Rackets Association (T & RA) – the governing body for the games of real tennis (the original Henry VIII variety) and rackets, the forerunner of squash. There was a boom in building such courts in the nineteenth century, often attached to grand houses. Most have fallen into disuse but some still survive – at Hatfield in Hertfordshire and Petworth in West Sussex, for example. Others have become warehouses or offices; but still have the potential to be reused. One such is at Easton Neston, a remarkable grade I Wren/Hawksmoor house near Towcester in Northamptonshire.
Paul, who is a keen real tennis player, advised the T & RA on the issues which might affect the ‘change of use’ of the building from a (disused) tennis court to an office building for the new owner. The hope, in the real tennis community, is that the new use will maintain the fabric of the old court; and that perhaps at some time in the future, this wonderful house will once again have its own real tennis court.
Arrangements for handling heritage applications change
01 December 2009
New planning legislation aimed at reforming how heritage applications are handled in England comes into effect today.
The new legislation means that the Secretary of State will only need to be notified of applications affecting historic buildings where the local planning authority is minded to grant consent and has received written objections from English Heritage or from one of six named National Amenity Societies.
Previously, the Secretary of State was notified of all applications where the local planning authority was minded to approve proposals affecting grade l and grade II* listed buildings and for the demolition of grade II listed buildings. Click here for more information.
Application to safeguard historic mill submitted
20 November 2009
Paul Butler Associates have just completed a heritage statement, a planning statement and a design and access statement to support and justify a planning application to High Peak Borough Council to convert a designated employment site in New Mills to residential use.
The application site includes Salem Mill, one of the earliest cotton mills in New Mills, which dates from 1798. Although the building has been heavily modified over the years to accommodate new employment uses, the four storey mill remains an important reminder of the early phase of the industrial revolution when water powered mills were developed in the gorges of the fast flowing Goyt and Sett rivers.
The proposal will safeguard the historic mill and create 17 new homes - including 6 apartments and 11 mews houses arranged to form a courtyard.
Hotel and casino application approved
19 November 2009
Paul Butler Associates are delighted to have secured planning permission for the change of use of a grade II listed mid-nineteenth century former commercial warehouse in Bloom Street in Manchester’s city centre into a hotel and casino.
PPS15 to be redrafted
16 November 2009
Paul Butler Associates welcomes Planning Minister John Healey’s promise to redraft Planning Policy Statement 15 ‘Planning for the Historic Environment’ (PPS15).
Since its publication in July we, like many heritage and planning professionals, have been concerned that the loose nature of the proposed legislation could seriously undermine the historic environment and could result in the loss of protection for conservation areas and historic buildings.
Speaking to The Sunday Telegraph yesterday, Healey explained that the redraft will ‘make clear that the protection of heritage buildings will not be reduced’. Click here to read the announcement in full.
Spies in our camp!
22 October 2009
The Homes and Communities Agency and English Heritage have recently published an introduction to historic characterisation for masterplanning entitled ‘Capitalising on the Inherited Landscape’ [PDF file size: 2.38mb]. This document follows so closely on what the practice does and what should be done that we have come to the conclusion that both organisations must have had spies in our office looking at our work!
Being a bit more serious, it is an excellent publication. As Baroness Andrews states in her introduction: 'The approach we promote in this introductory brochure is a relatively new one, that of historic characterisation, [not so new for us – we have carried out several], but what is most new about our proposal is the use of this method at the very earliest stages before even masterplanning starts, and as part of a spatial planning more than a conservation approach' . We couldn’t agree more. Understanding the past in order to create 'community heritage assets of the future' – Chairman of the Homes and Communities Agency Robert Napier’s words – are fundamental to good planning.
We hope local authorities will understand this message and think hard about getting this work done; so when an upturn in development does happen, it can build on a proper understanding of our historic environment. If you would like to discuss this further, please get in touch.
Chicago Plan centenary celebrated
21 October 2009
Inspired by a recent trip to Chicago, Paul has published an article to celebrate the centenary of the city's iconic plan. Click here for more details.
Permission to host concerts at Old Trafford secured
09 October 2009
Paul Butler Associates are delighted to have secured planning permission to enable reigning Premier League champions Manchester United to host concert events at their Old Trafford stadium on seven days per year. Click here for further information.
Appeal success for Paul Butler Associates
07 October 2009
Paul Butler Associates have won a planning appeal for the construction of a covered shelter in the beer garden of the Halfway House in Droylsden on behalf of Manchester-based brewer Joseph Holt Ltd.
The Planning Inspectorate agreed that the use of the shelter by the public house’s patrons would not have an unacceptable impact on the amenity of neighbouring residents.
New practice brochure launched!
06 October 2009
We are very pleased to announce the launch of our new practice brochure - click here to find out more!
New indoor leisure facility proposed for Reddish
05 October 2009
Paul Butler Associates have submitted a planning application for the conversion of a former warehouse in Reddish, Stockport into an indoor leisure facility.
The application was submitted on behalf of Reddish Leisure Community Interest Company and includes a football pitch, a tennis court, aerobic and fitness suites, a multi-sensory and soft equipment suite, a trampoline suite, as well as changing rooms and toilets. The scheme also includes new offices for Stockport Sports Trust.
Changes to the planning system come into effect
01 October 2009
New planning legislation aimed at breathing new life into the development, property and construction industry comes into effect today.
These changes are two fold and will allow the timescales for implementing planning permissions and listed building and conservation area consents permitted before 01 October 2009 to be extended and enable minor material and non-material amendments to be made to approved, yet unimplemented, schemes.
In both cases, an application (plus a small fee) will need to be submitted to the relevant local authority and this will be subject to a period of consultation in a manner similar to a standard application.
Paul Butler Associates are already involved in extending the timescales of a number of approved schemes and would be very happy to discuss your options if you have an unimplemented permission or consent – so please get in touch.