1 Redevelopment of boatyard: Chichester Harbour: planning application resubmitted August 2009:

The site has 2000 sq m (22,000 sq ft) of industrial buildings and offices which date from the 1930's and 1940's. Though boat building no longer takes place, much business is generated in the repair, maintenance and osmosis treatment of pleasure craft. The aim is to redevelop the buildings over a two year period, and add 40 pontoons, phased to allow the business to continue during demolition and rebuild. The site is in a sensitive harbour side location, (AONB) and John Groom and consultants have provided sixteen technical reports.

It has taken well over a year of negotiation with Havant Borough Council, the Chichester Harbour Conservancy, Natural England the Environment Agency and others. A planning application has been submitted and it is anticipated that Planning Permission will be granted in the next two weeks.               Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge The first operation will be the installation of the 40 new pontoons, followed by the construction of phase one which should commence in the spring of 2010.

2 Conversion of Listed Building to seven apartments: Farnham Surrey.

A scheme has been designed to convert an office building of 340m2 (3600 sq ft) close to the centre of Farnham, into seven one and two bedroom apartments. A planning application was submitted but had to be withdrawn in January 2009 due to an unexpected planning policy problem caused by the Local Planning Authority. The issue was programmed to be solved by the middle of December 2009, but now it may not be, until 31 July 2010. A complaint was made to the Local Government Ombudsman but this was rejected (expected by worth a try) mid January 2010: at present investigations are continuing to see what other actions are possible to speed up the process.

3  Demolition of coach house and erection of garage block with studio above

In the grounds of a classic Victorian (1870) rectory that was converted into four apartments in the 1960's, stands the original coach house which has fallen into disrepair. The client wishes to demolish the building and erect a new one with three garages below and a studio above. As a result of a previous planning appeal decision a sunlight expert has been employed and calculations made. A planning application has been submitted.

4  Work to 'Spice Village' Indian restaurant in central Emsworth

A planning application by John Groom was approved for a previous owner,  to convert the first floor into six ensuite letting bedrooms. The current owner decided to use the rooms for staff accommodation and they had to be upgraded as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). Negotiations were held with the local authority and fire officer. Drawings were produced and the work carried out. Planning permission was obtained for an external staircase to allow the removal of an internal staircase so that the kitchen could be enlarged. Other works are ongoing.

5  Detached chalet bungalow for a self build client: Horndean

The site is very steeply sloping, and was the side garden of a detached house in an already built up area. A structural engineer was employed to dig trial holes and a detailed land survey produced. After a long lead in design time to comply with the clients requirements, a planning application was submitted in January 2009 for a purpose designed three bedroomed dwelling. Planning permission was obtained at the end of March 2009.

Click image to enlarge

6  Proposed chalet bungalow: Park Crescent, South Emsworth

Much work was carried out to obtain planning permission for a chalet bungalow in a secluded and verdant location in the garden of a house built in the 1960's. Detailed plans were prepared and lengthy negotiations were held with the LPA and the application was withdrawn due to some design concerns. Most problems were overcome, and a new proposal about vehicular access made. Unfortunately a tree preservation order was made at a very late stage which precluded the development taking place. Although the first alternative was still possible, the clients are now deciding how to proceed.