Latest Planning Decision

PCL Planning are pleased to have secured planning consent for DC(Hotels) for 3 padel court complex on a prominent redundant site within Bridgwater’s town centre. The site, a former outpatients building, has been redundant for a number of years and is adjacent to one of the main routes through the town on the A38 near the Mercure Hotel. It is also adjacent to the Conservation Area and in close proximity to the Grade II Listed former Bridgwater Hospital

Padel is recognised as being one of the fastest growing sports in the world and is known for both its health and fitness benefits but also has a significant entertainment focus through events etc. The scheme is the first in Bridgwater and includes 3 courts, a clubhouse, seating areas and lighting and will provide some much needed activity and visual interest to the site that is currently dominated by a car park and derelict buildings, as well as adding to Bridgwater’s leisure offer.

The scheme was supported by Bridgwater Town Council who saw the proposal as positive in respect of recreation and community wellbeing, as well as addressing long term anti social behaviour issues on the site. Our thanks to the case officer at Somerset Council who was great to deal with and helped to get the application over the line.

Latest Planning Decision

We are delighted to share that our clients, Vistry Group Cornwall South West and LiveWest, have secured Reserved Matters Approval for 245 homes in Wadebridge, an unusual site encompassing three parcels of land, straddling the A39 and two parishes.

As well as a mix of 1,2,3, and 4 bedroom homes including  affordable, and major highway infrastructure improvements, the scheme will also deliver

• 23,426 Sq.m of public open space
• 17,600 Sq.m of native woodland planting
• 3,290 Sq.m of wildlife ponds

As with all sites of this size, it faced opposition and challenges but was ultimately found to be an acceptable and efficient use of land close to this bustling market town and its thriving high street.

Image courtesy of Place By Design

1st Anniversary of new MD

It is now one year since Alex Graves took over the stewardship of PCL Planning.

We are pleased to report that PCL is in excellent shape. It has very much been business as usual, with the team securing many successes along the way. As is always the case in the world of planning, you cannot win them all, but we’ve won most and continue to confront challenges and problems with determination and innovation.

We welcome the opportunity of working with you in the future.

Pawsitive News: Planning Permission granted for a Dog Field

PCL Planning Ltd are happy to share that planning permission has been granted for the change of use of an agricultural field on the edge of Exeter, to a commercial dog walking field. Through the application, it was established that the proposal has an appropriate highway connection, has an acceptable relationship with neighbours and is appropriate in Exeter's landscape setting. 

This permission will allow our client’s dog walking business to continue to access a private facility within the city.  

Gulval, Penzance

We are delighted to see the progress made with the LiveWest scheme in Gulval, Penzance.

The site will deliver 79 affordable homes to families in local need, in response to the housing crisis in Cornwall.

Discussions started in 2016 and there were many challenges along the way, not least viability difficulties in delivering an affordable scheme whilst meeting wider policy requirements. PCL are pleased that the site is nearing occupation stage.

Latest Planning Decision

Very pleased to say that a client of ours has secured planning permission for a major energy sector project in Plymouth, which is the last of five projects that PCL Planning Ltd have been advising them on since 2022. Our client, OFGEM’s distribution network operator, undertook a strategic review and identified a range of projects to improve site safety and efficiency, and ultimately provide an economic and reliable electricity network for customers. This review culminated in five projects (two in Exeter, two in Plymouth, and one in Torbay).

Our role started with a series of initial planning appraisals of competing options and ultimately concluded with a suite of five planning permissions in place during 2025.

Tamar Valley Crematorium

PCL are pleased to have helped Tamar Valley Crematorium Ltd secure full planning permission for a small community sized crematorium to the north of Plymouth designed to serve the Tamar Valley. Sufficient need was proven and alleged ecology, tree, landscape, and highway issues were successfully overcome through the course of the application.

Construction is nearing completion, and the Crematorium will soon be operational.

Latest Planning Decision

Thrilled that clients of ours, Vistry Cornwall South West and Plymouth Community Homes Ltd, have secured planning permission for 125 affordable homes in the northern suburb of Plymouth known as Southway.

There have been aspirations to redevelop this former factory site for many years and numerous attempts have failed.

Part of the site is situated within the former Airport Public Safety Zone (PSZ) of Plymouth City Airport where development is restricted. The City Council's objective of safeguarding the former airport for future general aviation use needed careful navigation. As did the economic challenges of delivering 125 affordable homes in a viable manner whilst meeting the new challenges of Biodiversity Net Gain and Climate Change requirements that have arisen since this site was originally identified for development.

Overall, the proposal was found to be sustainable development, providing new affordable dwellings in an accessible location close to services and facilities, providing a good standard of accommodation whilst not prejudicing amenity.

PCL are pleased to have acted as agent in securing permission for these much needed affordable homes.

Image courtesy of DMA Architects

Latest Planning Decision

Planning and listed building consent has been secured at Dartmoor National Park's February planning committee for renovation and extension of Glebe House in Holne, Devon.

Glebe House is Grade II listed and birthplace of social reformer Charles Kingsley (author of The Water Babies). The thatched building had fallen into disrepair and without work, we would see the slow deterioration and loss of a historic asset.  It’s taken 14 months but great to see Dartmoor officers and Members appreciate the substantial efforts of our client in saving and taking the building forwards. 

Picture courtesy of Synergy Architectural Solutions