Town Planning & Urban Design Ltd.

Facing non-renewal of their lease, in premises just a short distance away from the application site (since demolished), the client - goPhysio (www.gophysiotherapy.co.uk) - sought my help to secure planning permission for mixed use as a private physiotherapy clinic and shop selling products related to the rehabilitation of patients.

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Notwithstanding the mixed use not being a pure Class A1 use and a percentage of such non A1 usage already exceeding the prescribed Policy level, I was able to argue –

• The obvious merits of the use taking pressure off the NHS and already operating successfully in the area;

• The premises having been empty for 3 years and making no contribution to the vitality and viability of this local shopping centre;

• The fact that the local plan was very out of date, given the National Planning Policy Framework to first and foremost promote economic growth; and,

• Emphasising the retail element of the mixed use, with retained shop display windows.

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These arguments were accepted by the council and planning permission was granted by Eastleigh Borough Council under reference F/15/76768.

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Fresh instructions were then taken from the client to seek a further permission to extend the property at the rear above the existing rear, ground floor projection.  This was to provide a Pilates studio space for sessional treatment classes and additional supporting administrative accommodation in the roof-space.  Malcolm Stevens of Metroscape was quickly brought on board to prepare supporting plans.

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Although initially a flat had been proposed in the roof-space, to be made more commodious by a large side rear dormer, those elements were subsequently removed from the proposals to secure officer support to application reference F/15/77662, following concerns about overall levels of car parking to support the enlarged premises and overlooking a neighbouring dwelling.

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The client has subsequently moved in and is now successfully trading from the enlarged new premises.

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Testimonial from client:

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“I would have no hesitation in recommending Steve from Achieve. He was methodical, focused and calm, making the whole planning process easier. His level of knowledge and understanding enabled us to achieve the best possible outcome from our planning application. Kind Regards, Fiona (www.gophysiotherapy.co.uk)”