Plainview Planning have once more been successful in obtaining planning permission for a change of use application, this time in the Borough of Worthing.
We were approached by a health professional who wished to set up a Complementary Therapy centre and needed our assistance.
This particular application was interesting as the original use of the building had been a dental surgery. By the definition of the services offered at the Complementary Therapy centre, the proposed and previous uses fell within the same use class – D1.
Ordinarily, a change of use within an identified use class does not require planning consent, but on this occasion a condition was attached to the property which restricted the use to that of only a dental surgery. This could have been dealt with via a variation of a condition, but due to some required extensions we decided to apply for full planning permission.
We were able to successfully argue that the proposal reinforced an existing business location, provided further employment opportunities, and sought to try and rebalance some health service provision in the borough.
Worthing Borough Council’s policy team initially objected due to the loss of the flat above the existing dental practice. We pointed them towards a host of material considerations including the planning history of the property, and their own Space Standards SPD. Planning permission was granted without onerous conditions.
As is clear from this particular case, each site and case is unique and needs a considered response to ensure that every application is presented correctly.
We work on behalf of our clients to provide bespoke, knowledgeable, clear advice to achieve the most relevant solution for your enquiry in the most cost effective way. If you have a change of use query then please don’t hesitate to make contact with a member of our expert planning team.