Mark Jones Planning Consultancy
A friendly, customer focussed planning consultancy based in Saddleworth, Greater Manchester
About us
Mark Jones Planning Consultancy started in January 2012 as a small and friendly customer focussed planning consultancy that offers planning advice in an open, honest and transparent way.
Mark Jones is a Chartered Town Planner with over 30 years hands on planning experience in local government and in the private sector. He holds a BA Hons degree and Bachelor of Town Planning Degree and has been a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute since 1995. He also has a Diploma in Management Studies and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
Over the years the core values of the business haven't changed and it continues to offer a personal planning and consultancy service whether you are a business that wishes to expand or a homeowner who is having trouble obtaining planning permission - we are here to help you!
Our consultancy has a diverse client base ranging from medium sized businesses to individuals. Our aim to exceed the expectations of our customers and to offer a bespoke service by only offering a planning service that we know we can deliver.
Once you become a client we ensure that you are regularly updated either by a phone call, face to face meeting or through an email. One of our greatest strengths is to provide impartial advice and to explain the complexities of the planning system.
Many of our clients return and often become friends, which shows how happy they are with our service.
We also work alongside many architectural practices and technologists as well as tree consultants, noise consultants and surveying companies to provide a comprehensive service. We recommend the relevant professionals to ensure that our planning submission stand the best chance of success.
Our planning services include:
Mark Jones is a Chartered Town Planner with over 30 years hands on planning experience in local government and in the private sector. He holds a BA Hons degree and Bachelor of Town Planning Degree and has been a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute since 1995. He also has a Diploma in Management Studies and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
Over the years the core values of the business haven't changed and it continues to offer a personal planning and consultancy service whether you are a business that wishes to expand or a homeowner who is having trouble obtaining planning permission - we are here to help you!
Our consultancy has a diverse client base ranging from medium sized businesses to individuals. Our aim to exceed the expectations of our customers and to offer a bespoke service by only offering a planning service that we know we can deliver.
Once you become a client we ensure that you are regularly updated either by a phone call, face to face meeting or through an email. One of our greatest strengths is to provide impartial advice and to explain the complexities of the planning system.
Many of our clients return and often become friends, which shows how happy they are with our service.
We also work alongside many architectural practices and technologists as well as tree consultants, noise consultants and surveying companies to provide a comprehensive service. We recommend the relevant professionals to ensure that our planning submission stand the best chance of success.
Our planning services include:
- Planning applications and appeals
- Site appraisals and development opportunity assessments
- Planning enforcement issues - enforcement notices and threats of enforcement action
- Specialist advice with regards to:-
- Green Belt development
- Barn/agricultural building conversions
- Household extensions
- Hot food takeaways and restaurant uses
- Garden developments
- Housing schemes
- Commercial schemes
- Agricultural and residential permitted development applications
- Development Plan representation
- Design advice
Our PLANNING Services
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
The main part of our business is to act on behalf of applicants to secure planning permission for development proposals. We have over thirty years of planning experience, with 20 years of it working for Councils.
We understand the planning process and recent changes in National planning guidance in the form of the National Planning Policy Framework and National Planning Practice Guidance.
We can recommend Architects and Architectural Technicians to work with us to get a scheme ready for planning submission. By working together you get our expertise in understanding the complexities of the planning system as well as access to qualified designers. We can also bring in other experts, when necessary, to provide advice in respect of trees, ecological issues, land contamination, topographical surveys and flood risk.
PLANNING APPEALSReceiving a refusal of planning consent can be incredibly frustrating. In November 2017 we formed Planning Appeals North West as a sister business to our planning consultancy to meet the increased demand. Please have a look at our website for more information about the types of planning appeal that we get involved with and some of our success stories.
Planning appeals are not just about appealing against the refusal of planning permission, but about appealing against unreasonable planning conditions, enforcement notices and the failure of a planning authority to determine an application within the prescribed time period.
Permission granted for new tourist accommodation in saddleworth
Working alongside PLanz Architecture a new holiday chalet has been granted planning permission in the Uppermill Conservation Area and Green Belt, on the site of a former timber stable. With views across the Huddersfield Canal and up to Pots and Pans this high-end holiday lodge will be ideal for couples and young families to enjoy the delights of Saddleworth as a tourist destination for short breaks especially during key festivals such as the Whit Friday Band Contest, the Rushcart Festival and Yanks weekend.
The holiday lodge will have a double bedroom with kitchen/diner and bathroom. It will be a modular building that is built off-site. It will be clad in cedar with its rear wall being clad in natural stone. A sedum roof is also proposed. There will be a retractable awning on the deck and fire pit.
Holiday Cottage Approve at Former Stables in Grasscroft
Working with Studio OL3 permission has been granted to convert a stable in the Green Belt into a two bedroom holiday cottage with outside hot tub with amazing views across the Saddleworth Valley.
The Council Planning Officers fully supported the need for additional tourist facilities in Saddleworth and granted consent for the lodge and cottage. Both schemes still needed to comply with strict park and access requirements as well as ensuring a satisfactory amenity is provided for existing and future residents.
Permission Granted for three houses on former cattery site
We are so pleased to have obtained outline planning permission for three detached houses within Chadderton Fold.
The site is located within the Green Belt where development is tightly controlled. The Council's Planning and Highway Officer's both agreed that access to the site was safe and would result in much needed housing within the Borough.
The height of the dwellings is restricted to single storey, but each property has a large garden and most of the important tree belt has been retained.
The site is located within the Green Belt where development is tightly controlled. The Council's Planning and Highway Officer's both agreed that access to the site was safe and would result in much needed housing within the Borough.
The height of the dwellings is restricted to single storey, but each property has a large garden and most of the important tree belt has been retained.
PLANNING PERMISISON GRANTED FOR INFILL HOUSE IN CONSERVATION AREA
Detailed planning permission has been obtained for an infill house within the Stone Breaks Conservation Area.
Constructed in natural stone with a slate roof the house will preserve and enhance the character and setting of the Conservation Area.
Working positively with the Planning Officers ensured that a design was secured that was appropriate to the area as well as achieving adequate privacy and amenity standards.
The scheme includes integrated bird and bat boxes and enhancements to the ecology of the area through tree and hedgerow planting.
Constructed in natural stone with a slate roof the house will preserve and enhance the character and setting of the Conservation Area.
Working positively with the Planning Officers ensured that a design was secured that was appropriate to the area as well as achieving adequate privacy and amenity standards.
The scheme includes integrated bird and bat boxes and enhancements to the ecology of the area through tree and hedgerow planting.
Residential redevelopment of former builder's yard
Permission has been successfully granted for the conversion of a historic workshop into a pair of houses and the redevelopment of the remaining site to accommodate two detached bungalows with access improvements.
Working with Aspin & Co, Chartered Surveyors we were able to demonstrate that there was no commercial viability with retaining the commercial use and full support was given by Tameside Planners and Committee Members.
A courtyard design was chosen to reflect the historic arrangement of buildings.
The proposal will provide a small, sustainable housing scheme that will provide a range of house types to create mixed and balanced communities.
Working with Aspin & Co, Chartered Surveyors we were able to demonstrate that there was no commercial viability with retaining the commercial use and full support was given by Tameside Planners and Committee Members.
A courtyard design was chosen to reflect the historic arrangement of buildings.
The proposal will provide a small, sustainable housing scheme that will provide a range of house types to create mixed and balanced communities.
Planning permission granted for heritage centre
It will be a fantastic new lease of life for this building that hasn't been in use for over 20 years. It will provide a new home for the Society and enable Saddleworth's rich history to be archived for future generations to enjoy. It has been our pleasure in working with the Society and Oldham Council in supporting this proposal.
Infill house granted adjoining conservation area in glossop
Working with Studio OL3 detailed planning permission close to Glossop Town Centre and adjoining St James Conservation Area.
Working proactively with the Council Planners, Conservation Officer, Highway Engineer and Arboricultural Officer a scheme has been designed that the Planner has assessed to be of 'high quality' and preserves the setting of the adjacent conservation area.
Measures to improve biodiversity within the site have been achieved including integrated bird and bat boxes, native hedgerow planting and trees.
Working proactively with the Council Planners, Conservation Officer, Highway Engineer and Arboricultural Officer a scheme has been designed that the Planner has assessed to be of 'high quality' and preserves the setting of the adjacent conservation area.
Measures to improve biodiversity within the site have been achieved including integrated bird and bat boxes, native hedgerow planting and trees.
Prior Approval Consents - Part Q conversion agricultural building to dwellinghouses
To meet the provisions of Class Q, strict criteria must be satisfied including the agricultural buildings having been used for the purposes of agriculture on the 20 March 2013, or last used for agriculture before that date if unused on 20 March 2013. Class Q development does not apply for buildings built after March 2013.
Part Q a. and b. of the Act allows for the following:
- Creation of up to 3 larger dwellings (up to 465 sq m); up to 5 smaller dwellings (up to 100 sq metres each) or a combination of larger and smaller dwellings of which the number of larger dwellings cannot exceed three and the total number of dwellings cannot exceed five on each established agricultural unit by conversion of existing buildings;
- The development must not result in the external dimensions extending beyond the external dimensions of the existing building at any given point;
- The installation or replacement of windows, doors, roofs, exterior walls, water, drainage, electricity, gas and other services to the extent reasonably necessary for the building to function as a dwelling;
- Partial demolition to the extent reasonably necessary to carry out the building operations above.
- The curtilage of the dwellings should not be any larger than the land area occupied by the agricultural building.
Infill house granted close to protected trees
Working alongside Studio OL3 Architects we have secure planning permission for a modern infill house within the side garden of a property in Saddleworth. The house is to be built in natural stone with a slate roof to fit in with the Saddleworth vernacular was fully supported by the Planners.
The site is located close to trees covered by a group Tree Preservation Order and by working with out Arborists at Urban Green we modified the scheme to include a cellular confinement system for part of the driveway and permission to carry out works to the protected trees that overhang the application site.
The Planners considered it to be acceptable in land use terms and would not have a harmful effect on residential amenity or the character of the street scene.
The site is located close to trees covered by a group Tree Preservation Order and by working with out Arborists at Urban Green we modified the scheme to include a cellular confinement system for part of the driveway and permission to carry out works to the protected trees that overhang the application site.
The Planners considered it to be acceptable in land use terms and would not have a harmful effect on residential amenity or the character of the street scene.
Approval granted for business centre in Royton
The scheme includes a block of five units, each measuring 2,000 sq ft and will be available for a mixture of B1 - Business, B2 - General Industrial or B8 - Storage or Distribution Use. The units can be combined as one or more larger unit, depending on the nature of the business.
The units will be marketed through Breakey & Nuttall http://www.breakeynuttall.co.uk/
Three detached houses, The Heath, Glossop
The site contains a beautiful TPO oak tree. Working with Council Officers and our own Arboricultural Consultants the design was modified to secure the retention of the protected tree, whilst at the same time deliver sustainable development.
During early 2020, permission was granted for minor amendments to the approved scheme. Positively working together with the case officer resulted in no pre-development conditions being necessary as all information was provided with the application.
Contact
- 4 Sykes Close, Greenfield, United Kingdom
- 07979864472 - Mark Jones
- mjonesplanning@gmail.com
- Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
F.A.Q
What service can I expect to get?
We are Chartered Town Planners and follow the Royal Town Planning Institute Code of Professional Conduct.
We act with competence, honesty and integrity and provide you with independent planning advice.
Before being commissioned to undertake the work we will meet with you to discuss the following:-
• scope of the advice which the client really needs.
.
• the client’s objectives in commissioning the work.
• timetable to which the client wants you to work.
• professional resources that you will need to put into the work.
• outputs and deliverables required by the client.
• background information and technical data that are available from the client.
• financial or budgetary constraints on the extent of the work.
• any specific requirements the client may have about the way the work is to be managed.
A short letter is always provided explaining what is included within the commission, when and how the work will be performed, and what the estimated costs are likely to be.
We act with competence, honesty and integrity and provide you with independent planning advice.
Before being commissioned to undertake the work we will meet with you to discuss the following:-
• scope of the advice which the client really needs.
.
• the client’s objectives in commissioning the work.
• timetable to which the client wants you to work.
• professional resources that you will need to put into the work.
• outputs and deliverables required by the client.
• background information and technical data that are available from the client.
• financial or budgetary constraints on the extent of the work.
• any specific requirements the client may have about the way the work is to be managed.
A short letter is always provided explaining what is included within the commission, when and how the work will be performed, and what the estimated costs are likely to be.
How much does it cost?
Each commission is different depending on its complexity and the amount of time taken.
We provide a fee range that the commission will usually fall within and if it starts to exceed this limit then we talk it through with you and agree additional fees beforehand. This is usually because of additional work, attendance at Planning Committee, additional meetings outside the initial scope of works or a planning appeal.
Fees are paid at the start of the commission, with a final fee once a decision is made.
Please get in touch and we will give you a general idea of our fees.
We provide a fee range that the commission will usually fall within and if it starts to exceed this limit then we talk it through with you and agree additional fees beforehand. This is usually because of additional work, attendance at Planning Committee, additional meetings outside the initial scope of works or a planning appeal.
Fees are paid at the start of the commission, with a final fee once a decision is made.
Please get in touch and we will give you a general idea of our fees.
Case Studies
The use of permitted development allows the conversion of offices into residential devlopment
Read More
Consent granted to convert existing gym into a mixed use development in close proximity to Grade II Listed Building
Read More
Demolition of existing house and redevelopment of house and garden plot
Read More
Large extension to industrial premises in close proximity to river and houses
Read More
Support granted for solar panels in National Park
Read MoreListed Building Consent granted for canopy and internal remodelling of Caffè Grande Abaco, Uppermill
Over the last few years we have worked with Caffè Grande Abaco to secure Listed Building Consents and planning permissions for the external canopy and extensive remodelling and conversion of the first and second floor offices into the extended coffee shop and wine bar.
The conversion is of high quality and retains many of the original features.
Working positively with Council Planning Officers and Conservation Officers resulted in a positive outcome that brings life back into the premises.
The conversion is of high quality and retains many of the original features.
Working positively with Council Planning Officers and Conservation Officers resulted in a positive outcome that brings life back into the premises.
Green Belt planning approvals
Stone stables in the Green Belt
Read More
Outline planning consent granted in former quarry in Green Belt
Read More
Multi-functional hall in Green Belt
Read More
Formation of a car park and disabled access ramp in the Green Belt to support a local ice cream business
Read More
Testimonials
"After obtaining refusals of planning for our extension we appointed Mark Jones of Planning Appeals North West to lodge an appeal. Using his knowledge and expertise we won our appeal and it is in the process of being built. We cannot thank Mark and his team enough."
Mr Taylor, Greenfield
RECOMMENDED ARCHITECTS/Technologists
Studio OL3 - Daniel Markwart, Unit 23, Broadway Business Park, Broadgate, Oldham, OL9 9XA
Tel. 07817 515813
PLanz - Keith Myhill 39 Market Street, Broadbottom, Hyde, Cheshire SK14 6AX
Tel: 07712 409024
Creative Architecture - Adam Hegab
Tel 07788200255
www.creativearchitectureltd.co.uk
