Our Work

Changing places.

We've helped independent businesses turn their ideas into reality, from hair salons and fitness studios to restaurants and care homes. Here are a few of our lovely clients.

Warm, contemporary tattoo studio interior

OFFICE TO TATTOO STUDIO (RETROSPECTIVE)

The ink wasn’t dry!

When a small tattoo studio found itself facing a planning enforcement investigation, its future was suddenly uncertain. The business had been operating from a former office for two years without planning permission.

We prepared a retrospective planning application, demonstrating that the studio’s modest scale, appointment-only operation and location within an established commercial area would not adversely affect neighbouring properties or highway safety.

The result? Planning permission granted! The council recognised the tattoo studio as a suitable addition to the local commercial area.

DWELLING TO HAIR STUDIO

Cutting it fine!

Turning part of the family home into a boutique hair studio seemed like a straightforward way to start a business. But because the proposed salon occupied a newly constructed extension, planning permission was required — and a neighbour raised objections.

We prepared a detailed Planning Statement demonstrating that the small, appointment-only salon could operate alongside the family home without causing unacceptable noise, parking problems or disturbance to neighbours.

The result? Planning permission granted! Despite the neighbour’s objections, the council approved the new home-based business.

Illustrative image of a former hotel building

ALTERNATIVE USES APPRAISAL FOR HOTEL

Room for improvement?

Could a hotel site be worth more if it were used for something completely different? The owners of an established hotel wanted to explore their options and understand the site’s wider development potential before committing to a particular scheme.

We undertook a detailed planning appraisal, investigating opportunities for hotel expansion, industrial redevelopment, warehousing, retail and leisure uses. Our assessment examined planning history, local policies, access, parking and other constraints.

The result? A clear picture of the site’s opportunities, identifying hotel expansion, industrial units and warehousing as the most promising options in planning terms.

INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL TO BOXING & COMMUNITY HUB

It’s a knockout!

A charity helping disadvantaged young people through boxing, education and mentoring needed an affordable new home. But its chosen premises were on a business park designated primarily for industrial and commercial uses.

We prepared a detailed Planning Statement demonstrating that the specialist facility was compatible with neighbouring businesses, while highlighting its employment opportunities, community benefits and positive impact on young people’s lives.

The result? Planning permission granted! The council recognised the facility’s contribution to training, education and employment opportunities in the local community.

Light-filled health and wellbeing studio

RETAIL TO HEALTH & WELLBEING STUDIO

A healthy change.

An independent health and wellbeing business wanted to transform part of an existing retail premises into a welcoming personal training and physiotherapy studio. With limited parking and residential neighbours nearby, demonstrating that the new use would be appropriate was essential.

We prepared a detailed Planning Statement highlighting the benefits of appointment-based sessions, reduced traffic demand and the opportunity to bring underused commercial space back into productive use.

The result? Planning permission granted! The council accepted that the studio could complement the local centre without harming neighbouring residents or highway safety.

DWELLING TO CHILDREN’S CARE HOME

A place to call home.

Creating a safe, supportive home for four young people with additional care needs should be a positive step. But the proposed property was within a Conservation Area, beside two listed historic structures, and the Town Council had raised concerns.

We prepared a comprehensive Planning Statement and Heritage Statement, demonstrating that the small-scale, fully supported residential use would meet an important local need without harming neighbouring properties or the historic environment.

The result? Planning permission granted! The council recognised the value of specialist accommodation and the suitability of the property for its proposed use.

Illustration of a Victorian building with a barber shop frontage

ART GALLERY TO FLEXIBLE MIXED USE

The art of flexibility.

An independent art gallery wanted greater freedom to host exhibitions, workshops and evening events. But restrictive opening hours, a complicated planning history and opposition from local residents and councillors made securing permission far from straightforward.

Working alongside another planning consultancy, we prepared a persuasive Planning Statement addressing concerns about parking, noise and neighbouring residents, while demonstrating the benefits of allowing local businesses to adapt and thrive.

The result? Planning permission granted! Despite considerable local opposition, the council approved a wider range of commercial uses and a trial period of extended opening hours.

Illustrative image of a historic high-street commercial building

POST OFFICE TO RESTAURANT & BAR

Signed, sealed, delivered.

A historic former Post Office had stood empty for over a year, with its unusual layout making it unsuitable for modern retail. The owners wanted to transform it into a restaurant and bar, but its listed status and town-centre location presented additional planning challenges.

Working alongside another planning consultancy, we prepared a detailed Planning and Heritage Statement demonstrating how the conversion could protect the building’s historic character while creating a vibrant new destination.

The result? Planning permission granted! A fresh opportunity for a much-loved historic building to become part of the town’s future.