As planning, design and business consultants, throughout ‘Glee’ Pleydell Smithyman are going to be highlighting some key opportunities for the garden centre Industry.

Today we are looking at PLANNING. Now is a great time to secure meaningful approvals to enhance and strengthen your centre.

Firstly, from this September the Use Class Order is changing with the creation of a new use class- Class E. This effectively amalgamates shops, cafes, restaurants, offices, light industrial and storage, into one use class and enables some businesses and property owners to switch use without the need for planning approval (on which advice is critical). This is effectively a softening of policy and will allow a lot of businesses to change to meet market conditions and whilst it is primarily aimed at making the high street a more flexible and therefore vibrant place, it certainly has advantages to garden centres too.

The second point is that despite political and economic pressures, local authority planning officers will still be working to their policies and have no reason to deviate from these, however with Government and Local Authorities keen to be seen to be supporting the local economy, communities and jobs etc, it is important, if we are to lever change in the current climate, that we promote the changing needs of the industry, reinforce our importance in the local economy, and get in front of the planning committees, where decisions are political and applications that support economic vitality, employment and strong community values will currently see a stronger chance of success.

We are at hand to discuss any requirements you may have or just to chat through your ideas.

Do please contact us psl@pleydellsmithyman.co.uk www.pleydellsmithyman.co.uk 01952 433211 or call Paul Pleydell directly on 07976 734626 or paul@pleydellsmithyman.co.uk

Pictured: Top, the recently built Rosebank; above, a superb extension progressing well at Tong Garden Centre.

Paul Pleydell and his team are marking 25 years working in partnership with Garden Centres. For more about this special anniversary watch the video by clicking here