ARMSTRONG RIGG PLANNING
Site: Various sites within the estate
Client: Holkham Estates
Since our appointment in early 2022, ARP have worked closely alongside the estate managers to help deliver the estate’s ambition to be a force for good in helping local communities to thrive by providing employment and new homes. Holkham is a significant local employer and is keenly aware of the difficulty local people face in finding affordable accommodation in the area which is one of the most sought-after locations to live and visit in the country. The estate is investing in the creation of new homes and jobs to help support local communities and deliver an economic return.
ARP has helped Holkham to bring forward numerous successful projects in the relatively short time since we were appointed. These have all been planned in a manner that is sensitive and sympathetic to the characteristics of the North Norfolk National Landscape where the estate is located and designed to deliver net gains in biodiversity. Key projects have included:
Reviewing Holkham’s land and existing properties to advise on opportunities for changes of use and development, including the conversion of former agricultural buildings to residential use.
Securing planning permission for 12 high quality homes, including affordable housing, on open land within the built-up area at Creake Road, Burnham Market. The proposal is designed to meet local housing needs and the dwellings will be prevented from becoming second homes or holiday lets in accordance with the Burnham Market Neighbourhood Plan. The design would conserve and enhance the character of the area by reflecting local design and using high quality traditional materials. The proposal would deliver 34% biodiversity net gain through habitat creation on land owned by the estate in the local area.
Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plan promotion to secure emerging allocations for residential development on sustainably located sites adjoining Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk. Key to this success has been tailoring the housing offer to meet critical local needs for affordable and private rented housing, in addition to market housing. ARP has secured planning permission for 23 new homes on one of the emerging allocations at Ashburton Close and a second full planning application is pending consideration for 47 dwellings at Mill Road.
Securing planning for 4 shepherds huts to provide additional overnight accommodation at The Victoria Inn, Holkham. The Victoria is a Grade II listed hotel and restaurant located within the National Landscape in the heart of Holkham near the end of Lady Anne’s Drive which leads down to Holkham beach. Key to success with this application was a sensitive landscape design and demonstrating the importance of the additional accommodation to the hotel business.
Preparing a written representation appeal following the refusal of an application for a single dwelling within the built-up area of Burnham Thorpe. The Council had initial supported the application, but refused the application following comments from the Highways Authority that required a historic wall to be lowered in height to improve visibility at the access. Key to the case for the appeal is demonstrating the proposal, as a whole, would not harm the character and appearance of the conservation area.
