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A Faster, More Efficient Planning Appeals Process: What the New Changes Mean
The UK government has announced a major shift in the planning appeals process that aims to deliver faster decisions and reduce red tape....

Bluestone Planning
17 minutes ago3 min read


Self-Build Success: Budgeting, Timelines & Building Smart
Welcome back to Part 2 of our self-build guide. If you have not already, check out Part 1 - Starting Your Self-Build Journey – From...

Bluestone Planning
7 days ago4 min read


Starting Your Self-Build Journey – From Research to Plot Purchase
The UK is seeing a steady rise in people embracing the self-build route to create their dream homes. The process is exciting, but also...

Bluestone Planning
Jul 34 min read


Promotion Alert: Alyssa Birum Named Senior Planner at Bluestone Planning
We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the Bluestone Planning team - Alyssa Birum has been promoted to Senior Planner! Since...

Bluestone Planning
Jul 11 min read


End of Locality Grant Funding for Neighbourhood Planning – What Next for Local Communities?
On 12th June 2025, Locality confirmed via their website that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), formerly...

Bluestone Planning
Jun 303 min read


AI Revolution in Planning: PM Unveils “Extract” to Transform the UK’s Planning System
In a landmark move to overhaul England’s outdated planning system, on 9th June, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the launch of...

Bluestone Planning
Jun 233 min read


Church Buildings and the Ecclesiastical Exemption in England
England is home to thousands of churches, scattered all across the country. These buildings represent more than just a religious purpose,...

Alyssa Birum
Jun 163 min read


Reforming Planning Committees: What the Government's Latest Consultation Means for Planning Practice
The government has taken a further step in its ongoing drive to modernise and streamline the planning system in England. Following the...

Bluestone Planning
Jun 103 min read


Government Unveils Bold New Backing for SME Builders to Get Britain Building
In a decisive move to accelerate house building, the government has announced a comprehensive package of reforms and financial support...

Bluestone Planning
Jun 23 min read


Biodiversity Net Gain: Consultation Open for NSIPs and Minor, Medium and Brownfield Development
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs have just opened two separate consultations - Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for...

Charlotte Cox
May 283 min read


Do You Need Planning Permission? A Guide to Permitted Development Rights
Making changes to your property can be an exciting prospect - but it is not always clear whether planning permission is needed. In some...

Aldrian de Lima
May 125 min read


Exploring Regenerative Farming with FarmED
At Bluestone Planning, we are committed to understanding the evolving needs of our clients. Last week, our team visited FarmED , the...

Bluestone Planning
May 72 min read


West Berkshire Local Plan Review Given the Green Light
West Berkshire’s journey to shape its future through the Local Plan Review (2022 - 2039) has reached a major milestone. After years of...

Bluestone Planning
May 11 min read


The Planning Application Puzzle: Which Piece Fits Your Project?
As a planning consultant at Bluestone Planning, I have guided countless clients through the complex world of planning applications. One...
Elaine Kimber
Apr 223 min read


From Preparation to Validation: Top Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting a Planning Application
When you have a project in mind that requires planning permission, few things are more frustrating than unexpected costs and time delays....

Charlotte Cox
Apr 164 min read


Ridgeway Council Proposal: Three Councils Combined
Three councils - West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse - have come together with a proposal to create a single...

Bluestone Planning
Apr 102 min read


No5 Barristers Chambers Annual Planning Seminar 2025: Recap
On 24th March, I had the pleasure of attending the Annual Planning Seminar in Birmingham, alongside two colleagues. The event, hosted by...

Alyssa Birum
Apr 73 min read


Bluestone Planning Achieves Re-certification for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001
Bluestone Planning is proud to announce that we have recently been re-certified for ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001! What Do These...

Bluestone Planning
Mar 111 min read


Can You Build in Your Garden? A Guide to Article 4 Directions
We are often approached by individuals asking us whether they could erect or demolish a building or a structure in their garden by...

Bluestone Planning
Feb 193 min read


Appointing the Right Consultants: The Secret to Winning Planning Applications
We've all heard the saying: behind every successful project stands a dream team. While this narrative resonates across industries, it's...
Elaine Kimber
Feb 123 min read
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