Retrospective Change of Use of Redundant Agricultural Buildings to Class B2/B8 Commercial Use
Retrospective Planning permission from Colchester City Council for the change of use of redundant agricultural buildings in Copford, Colchester to Class B2/B8 commercial use, overcoming flood risk and ecology constraints.
PLANNING APPROVALSCOLCHESTERESSEX
Andrew Ransome
7/22/20262 min read
In 2024, Colchester City Council approved retrospective planning permission for the change of use of a former agricultural buildings at Turkey Cock Lane, Colchester to flexible Class B2/B8 commercial units.
The site was located in an area of flood risk, requiring a comprehensive flood risk assessment, and ecology surveys were also needed. I demonstrated that the development posed no significant ecological risk and that flood mitigation measures were adequate and appropriate.
Retrospective Planning Permission for a Class B2/B8 Use in Colchester
I secured retrospective planning permission from Colchester City Council for the change of use of existing redundant agricultural buildings to Class B2/B8 commercial use in Copford, Colchester.
The scheme regularised a cluster of former agricultural buildings on the edge of Colchester into commercial use.
The principal planning constraint was flood risk. The site was located in an area requiring a formal flood risk assessment before planning permission could be granted for a change of use.
A comprehensive assessment was commissioned. The assessment demonstrated that the commercial use could be safely accommodated on the site without increasing flood risk to adjacent land or property.
Ecology was the second technical matter taht was addressed through ecology surveys.
Colchester City Council agreed the retrospective change of use was acceptable, and planning permission was granted.
Planning Application Advice
If you own redundant agricultural buildings and want to explore their commercial development potential, I can advise on the feasibility and manage the technical evidence gathering. Contact me to discuss.
Andrew Ransome MRTPI - Email: andrew@andrewransome.co.uk
About me
Andrew Ransome is a Planning Director and a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), with more than two decades of experience in town planning.
He specialises in delivering strategic planning solutions for complex developments across both rural and urban environments, helping clients navigate planning challenges and unlock development opportunities. Connect with Andrew on Linkedin.
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Get in touch for planning advice: Email: andrew@andrewransome.co.uk
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