BLS have successfully obtained planning permission for the retention of two existing holiday chalets to be used as dwellings and erection of six dwellings, two of which would be affordable self-build, on a site at Riverside, Hellandbridge, Bodmin.  The proposed involved a complex planning issue where planning permission had previously been granted for eight holiday chalets with a holiday occupancy planning condition.  The planning permission had been partially implemented with the completion of two of the holiday chalets and commencement of the remaining six holiday chalets.  Due to market failure in the holiday property market and the impact of VAT and funding/lending criteria the developer was not able to complete the development without seeking the removal of the holiday occupancy condition.

BLS has provided extensive town planning advice on this matter and undertook the preparation and submission of the planning application and the Financial Viability Assessment. In light of the planning consent that has been previously granted has resulted in the removal of the holiday occupancy condition in exchange for the granting of six of the chalets as open market dwellings, while the other two chalets will be offered to Cornwall Council as affordable self-build dwellings. In the event Cornwall Council does not take up the affordable self-build dwellings the Section 106 agreement provides for an off-site financial contribution to affordable housing resulting in the situation where all eight chalets will be open market dwellings.