👉Welcome to this week`s Project Post, the latest in our series that demonstrate how our Planning team successfully unlock the potential of land and property for our clients. 👈
🏗️ Resi Minor “The Iron Bungalow” Netherne-on-the-Hill, Surrey
Our team was instructed by our client who wanted to unlock the potential of their site with the demolition of a bungalow and retention of a flint clad outbuilding to make way for two well-appointed detached properties.
The bungalow was not on the Statutory or Local List of Historic buildings. However, the flint outbuilding wasn’t on the Local List of Historic Buildings and was proposed to be retained. Our Architectural team proposed a high-quality design incorporating a palette of materials that respected the character of the area.
Acting as a one stop shop, our team of expert Planners, Architects and Heritage Consultants were able to help our client reach their objectives without the distraction of having to research and source consultants independently.
👏Planning was successfully granted. The project has since been built out and ready for occupation since August 2026.🙌
If you have a project that you would like to discuss, contact us for a no obligation consultation:
This morning our team met our Preferred Partner, Chloe from Yellow Bolts - who popped into the office armed with lots of goodies - to tell us about the importance of getting the right insurance cover during renovation work. Some good takeaways like, with Renovation Insurance did you know that you can cancel your existing home insurance so that you don`t pay twice during the work? Most homeowners aren`t aware that their existing policy becomes invalid the moment work begins. Contact Chloe & her team to find out more about how they can protect you during work: 📞020 3927 4080 ✉️hello@yellowbolts.com 💻www.yellowbolts.com #PreferredPartner #RenovationInsurance #UnlockingPotential #SurreyArchitects #PlanningandDesign
👉Welcome to this week`s Project Post, the latest in our series that demonstrate how our Planning team successfully unlock the potential of land and property for our clients. 👈
🏗️ Place of Worship Development in Kingswood, Surrey
Clifton Hill Gospel Hall Trust instructed us to support a detailed planning application for the change of use of an existing detached dwelling to a Place of Worship, together with a modest corner infill extension.
The site represents a sustainable location and is considered appropriate for accommodating the congregation, with a proposed capacity of 50 people meeting twice weekly.
The proposals were carefully developed to respond to the character and appearance of the surrounding area while mitigating potential impacts on the Metropolitan Green Belt. The scheme included alterations to the entrance and window openings, with the principal front entrance removed and a new side entrance introduced, alongside the removal of existing chimneys to meet the Trust’s functional and design requirements. Internally, the dwelling was reconfigured to provide a larger meeting space, while the driveway was rationalised to incorporate additional parking and dedicated cycle provision. Together, the interventions sought to deliver a modest adaptation of the existing property with minimal impact on its surroundings.
👏Conditional approval was granted at local level.🙌
Our Preferred Partners offer their specialist advice required through the Planning & Design process and ensure that our projects get the best possible chance of success. Our Preferred Partner on this project:
🤝Motion for Highways
If you have a project that you would like to discuss, contact us for a no obligation consultation: 📧 enquiries@wspa.co.uk 📞 01737 225711 💻 www.wspa.co.uk #UnlockingPotential #30yearsofUnlockingPotential #SouthEast #ResidentialDesign #Placemaking #BespokeDesign #SurreyArchitects #GreenBelt #GoodDesign #ConsiderateArchitecture #PlanningAndDesign #PlanningApproval #DevelopmentApproval #ArchitecturalInnovation #WSProfessionalism #WSCommunity #CreativeDesign #Inspiration #WeAreWSPA
👉Welcome to this week`s Project Post, the latest in our series that demonstrate how our Planning team successfully unlock the potential of land and property for our clients. 👈
🏗️ 5 storey building comprising 33 self-contained apartments in South Croydon
Our Planning Team provided advice for two pre-application submissions and application processes on behalf of our client, @quantumhomes The project comprised the demolition of existing buildings and erection of a 4 or 5 storey building with 5 one bed, 15 two-bed and 13 three-bed self-contained apartments. Planning included vehicular access, parking for 26 cars, cycle & bin storage, landscaping, boundary treatment and communal space. A viability assessment was required to ensure 15% affordable dwellings on site.
We submitted and monitored the submission & application. We also supported it with a Planning Statement and advice on Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and spoke at the Planning Committee.
👏Outcome: Conditional approval at Local Level subject to Legal Agreement🙌
We regularly speak at planning committees on behalf of applicants, particularly where proposals face local opposition. This is recommended to highlight key benefits and address new points raised, although speaking rules vary by authority.
Our Preferred Partners offer their specialist advice required through the Planning & Design process and ensure that our projects get the best possible chance of success. Our Preferred Partner on this project:
🤝Base Energy (Daylight & Sunlight)
If you have a project that you would like to discuss, contact us for a no obligation consultation:
👉Welcome to this week`s Project Post, the latest in our series that demonstrate how our Planning team successfully unlock the potential of land and property for our clients. 👈
🏗️ Two dwellings in Finchley Road, London Borough of Camden NW3
The proposal comprised the demolition of garage blocks to erect a two-storey building with a basement to provide two 3-bedroom dwellings. The project also included the re-provision of 5 x garages to the rear of the site. The project followed extensive discussions with the Council at the pre-application stage, through which several provisions had been made.
Acting as the Planning Agents for this project, we liaised with the applicant and their external advisors to pull together the submission as well as producing a planning statement for the application. Due to several site constraints, including parking and the amenity of neighbouring residents, the proposal was heard at Committee after which it was granted approval with conditions.
Each Local Authority has a different set of criteria for speaking at Planning Committee. Acting as a Planning Agent it is important to register to speak at Committee if a third party speaks against the proposal, speaking in favour of the proposal will provide the best chance of a positive outcome.
Plans and drawings courtesy of @Granit Architecture & Interiors
👏Outcome: Conditional approval at Local Level🙌
If you have a project that you would like to discuss, contact us for a no obligation consultation:
👉Welcome to this week`s Project Post, the latest in our series that demonstrate how our Planning team successfully unlock the potential of land and property for our clients. 👈
🏗️ New agricultural machinery storage in Horley, Surrey
Our teams advised and supported the applicants through the planning process.
The proposal sought the erection of a machinery shed for their farm. Despite objections from the local Parish Council the application was supported by the Council and their own Rural Planning Contractor who was consulted as part of the planning process.
Buildings for agriculture and forestry are considered appropriate development in the Green Belt. That said, Councils will still need to consider the character of the area and neighbour amenity as part of their planning assessment and will expect the proposed use to be necessary and connected with the agricultural use of the land. In this case the Borough Council’s Rural Planning Contractor assessed the size of the land holding and advised the Council that the building was necessary for the continued farming and maintenance of the relevant land concerned.
👏 Conditional Approval at local level 🙌
If you have a project that you would like to discuss, contact us for a no obligation consultation:
👉Welcome to this week`s Project Post, the latest in our series that demonstrate how our Planning team successfully unlock the potential of land and property for our clients. 👈
🏗️ St Thomas Orthodox Church in Acton, London W3
The Syrian Orthodox Church instructed us to submit a full planning application for the demolition of an existing vacant office building and the erection of a Syrian Orthodox Church in Acton, London W3.
The application included the change of use of the land to class Dl (places of worship) with a residential unit (C3) at second floor level.
The proposed building would be of a similar scale to the residential scheme and doctors’ surgery permitted on the site and comparable with a two-storey dwelling in height. The submission followed the withdrawal of the previous application after which pre-application discussions with the case officer and the urban designer at Ealing Council took place.
The objectives outlined in the Design Statement included the particular care and attention given to the character of the surrounding area and how the proposed use would benefit the area by providing a community facility attracting people which would in turn increase the viability of the local shopping frontages along The Vale.
👏Outcome: the church was built out. Prince Charles attended the historic consecration in 2016 as Britain’s first Syriac Orthodox Cathedral, attended by 600 congregants🙌
If you have a project that you would like to discuss, contact us for a no obligation consultation:
👉Welcome to this week`s Project Post, the latest in our series that demonstrate how our Planning team successfully unlock the potential of land and property for our clients.👈
🏗️One Off House: Owlshurst in Kingswood, Surrey
Our team teams worked collaboratively on this project that concerned the demolition of an existing dwelling to make way for a much improved, luxury, bespoke family home.
Due to the ambition and scale of the project, the Planning Team took it to pre-application with Reigate and Banstead Council before submitting the planning application. The site is in The Warren and The Glade Residential Area of Special Character (RASC) which added to the difficulty of gaining permission, as houses in this area need to uphold the high standard of design quality and be in-keeping with the character of the area. Planning permission was granted and the old house demolished.
The pre-application process allows for the Council to pass comments about the principle of development and how proposals can be improved to increase the likelihood of granted permission, without receiving a planning refusal. In this case, the Council advised to scale down the size of the building as to respect the boundaries.
The character of The Warren and The Glade RASC is typified by large detached properties set on large plots, giving plenty of space between houses which creates a semi-rural feel on the outskirts of the centre of Kingswood Village.
👏Outcome: Conditional Approval at local level🙌
If you have a project that you would like to discuss, contact us for a no obligation consultation:
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council have published their latest Housing Delivery Monitor which demonstrates a 4.08 year housing land supply.
The Council have included the 20% buffer which became applicable on 1st July 2026 as the Council as the Core Strategy housing requirement of 480 dwellings per annum is less than 80% of the standard method figure of 1,281 dwellings per annum.
As such the presumption in favour of sustainable development set out in the NPPF is now triggered and it is time to look at potential development sites in the Green Belt and Countryside that previously would not have met the Council’s planning policy. Grey Belt sites can now come forward on the basis of the Council not being able to meet their housing needs, subject to meeting all other relevant Grey Belt criteria.
If you own land or have an option to buy land in Reigate & Banstead Borough and require advice on the best way to unlock it’s potential, please contact:
😀Emily Munro, Planning Director 📞01737 949875 📧emily.munro@wspa.co.uk 💻www.wspa.co.uk
Welcome to this week`s Project Post, the latest in our series that demonstrate how our Planning team successfully unlock the potential of land and property for our clients.
EDUCATION: Outdoor Classroom at Dovers Green School, Surrey
This project concerned the erection of a new outbuilding to provide a classroom for students to take part in outdoor activities. This would help the school improve their teaching facilities and outdoor curriculum.
Our team provided both the planning and architecture for this project for our client, @greensandmatrust
The outbuilding was designed as an octagon with a timber frame and wooden shingle roof.
We have worked with @greensandmatrust on several projects, and we were delighted to gain approval with conditions for this school, located locally to us in Reigate.
If you have a project that you would like to discuss, contact us for a no obligation consultation:
This morning, Jhonnatan, our Architectural Director attended an excellent breakfast networking event at the Cosy Club in Guildford’s historic Tunsgate Quarter. Organised by Surrey Constructing Excellence Club, the theme was “The Building Safety Act: From Regulation to Reality” with guest speakers Luke Gardner from Perega, Gwilym Evans, Stevens & Bolton and Rob Cullen, from Scott Brownrigg. A very informative and insightful session covering the structural engineers’ perspective on HRB challenges, legal agreements and decision making and the evolving landscape of residential delivery. #NetworkingEvent #Guildford #TunsgateQuarter #BuildingSafetyAct #ConstructingExcellence #StructuralEngineering #EngineeringInsights #WeAreWSPA
Welcome to this week`s Project Post, the latest in our series that demonstrate how our Planning team successfully unlock the potential of land and property for our clients.
Planning Application - Wray Common Road in Reigate, Surrey
The Planning Team assisted @charlesjholland Architects with a unique design solution following a complex planning history.
The design evolved as a companion piece to the original house and managed to enable the removal of several outbuildings and poorly connected single storey addition. The new extension follows the proportions and façade rhythms of the lodge so that the two work in harmony.
In addition to the bespoke design proposed additional evidence was required to justify the size and scale of the extension proposed given previous dismissals at appeal. While lengthy, the pre-application process was essential to ensure that full justification was made to address previous concerns raised by the Council and Planning Inspector. The Conservation Officer commented that the property was in keeping with the surrounding area, and whilst there were some unusual additions, such as triangular dormers, these did not detract from the original house. It was considered therefore that the building, as enlarged, would conform to the general character and appearance of the conservation area.
We are delighted that the application was approved at local level.
If you have a project that you would like to discuss, contact us for a no obligation consultation:
👉 Welcome to this week`s Project Post, the latest in our series that demonstrate how our WS Planning & Architecture team successfully unlock the potential of land and property for our clients.👈
🏗️Detached House - Belmont Road in Reigate, Surrey
Our client instructed the WS Planning and Architecture team to design a detached dwelling and obtain permission at local level.
In line with best practice, we sought pre-application advice as the site had a substantial planning history with outline permissions previously granted.
A variety of concepts were prepared for this site including an overtly modern interpretation of the traditional vernacular found within the road. Differing land levels also posed a challenge combined with a demanding brief to ensure a sufficient level of internal accommodation.
At pre-application it was stated that any proposed dwelling should have a traditional design like the neighbouring properties. Therefore, making it sympathetic to the character and grain of the area as well as the amenity of neighbouring occupiers.
🙌Outcome: we were delighted that conditional approval was obtained at local level.👏
If you have a project that you would like to discuss, contact us for a no obligation consultation:
👉 We were delighted to welcome our latest budding architect in our Reigate office at the end of May as part of our Work Experience Programme. 👈
At the beginning of the week, they are given a choice of three projects to work on; a network rail footbridge, a beach hut or a public park pavilion which they present at the end of the week with their design ideas, rational and research methodology.
Jhonnatan Jaramillo, Architectural Director, commented "our work experience placement programme is an excellent pathway for students to get real-time experience in a working environment. We were particularly impressed how this student took to the task and adapted to working in our office – something that can be quite intimidating for any new starter. We wish them the best of luck with their studies and hopefully see them again, on their path to becoming a qualified Architect.”👏🙌
We are delighted to welcome @YellowBolts Insurance Brokers who are joining our Preferred Partner initiative as a Silver Tier member.
We look forward to working with @Chloe Lorusso and her team.
“Yellow Bolts is a directly authorised UK insurance brokerage with a specialist focus on renovations insurance.
We provide tailored cover for homeowners and developers undertaking building projects, from small refurbishments to large-scale developments, ensuring the right protection is in place throughout every stage of a project.
Alongside our renovations expertise, we also cover a wide range of other insurance needs including commercial, business, motor, high-net-worth home and motor, travel, and health insurance.
Whatever the requirement, our approach is personal, our advice is clear, and our goal is to find cover that genuinely fits.”
Our Preferred Partners are a network of selected professionals who help our clients with advice and support through the planning & design process to provide them with the best chance of success. For more info visit www.wspa.co.uk/preferredpartners/
👉 Welcome to this week`s Project Post, the latest in our series that demonstrate how our WS Planning & Architecture team successfully unlock the potential of land and property for our clients. 👈
Single Storey Extension - Nursery Gardens in Lingfield, Surrey🏗️
The proposal was for a single-storey rear extension to enlarge the existing kitchen/dining area, incorporating a flat roof and roof terrace. The detached property forms part of a residential development on a private road at the edge of Lingfield within the Metropolitan Green Belt.
Following a pre-application enquiry, the Council confirmed that both the extension and terrace were acceptable in principle, subject to a reduction in the terrace size. During the application process, revisions were made, including reducing the terrace area and adding 1.8m-high obscured-glazed privacy screens to address overlooking concerns.
The application was later called to Planning Committee following a neighbour objection regarding privacy. It was considered over three committee meetings and a site visit across three months. At the final meeting, the committee approved the application subject to conditions, including the planting of evergreen and deciduous trees along the shared boundary to further protect privacy. The National Planning Policy Framework strongly advocates the need to consult early with the Council and local residents alike, something that we have been advocating for a long time and is an integral part of our Four Stage Planning & Design Process
👏 We are delighted that planning was successfully approved for our client🙌
If you have a project that you would like to discuss, contact us for a no obligation consultation:
A week on from the superb Gatwick Diamond Business Awards held at The Grand Brighton Hotel. Thank you to The Economic Prosperity Team at Reigate & Banstead Borough Council for the invite. It was great to catch up with the GDB community which keeps going from strength to strength. Congratulations to Sally, Mandi and the incredible team at GDB for a highly entertaining evening while celebrating the stand out businesses in the Gatwick Diamond. 💎
