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Airspace Experience

Published: 20.09.21

With Part 20 of the permitted development order for upwards extensions being on the statute book for 12 months, we highlight some of our experience of delivering such airspace consents.

Alie Street

London Borough of Tower Hamlets

The extant permission for 3 flats did not financially stack, so we managed to secure permission for the creation of five flats. Key issues to overcome were a shortfall in private amenity space, mix of units with predominately smaller units and daylight impacts on the existing dwellings below. We negotiated with the council officers to secure the consent which has now been implemented in this central London location.

St Lukes

Tandridge District Council

This was a resubmission of a previously refused prior approval application for a single storey upwards extension. By making few minor alterations to the design we were able to successfully overcome the previous reasons for refusal relating to overlooking and a loss of privacy whilst ensuring that the number of units being proposed remained the same. Prior approval was granted under Part 20 Class A of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended).

Holly and Daisy House

London Borough of Redbridge

We were approached by our client following refusal of permission for additional storeys and a large rear extension to provide for a mixed use hotel and residential development.  We successfully appealed against the refusal highlighting the prominent corner location would suit a taller building whilst a lack of amenity space in this instance can be mitigated through larger units.  We also secured an award of costs for our client.

 

Alongside these examples we have also complied a guidance document on how the legislation operates and share some tips.  See our guide in our Insights Hub here.

Author:

Peter Higginbottom

Position: Managing Director


020 7993 4539

Email Peter

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Matthew Payne
24. September, 2026
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Penny and Peter assisted me over a period of 2 years in pursuing an eventually successful planning matter. Despite delays caused by the local authority, Penny and Peter continued to push and ensure that my matter was at the top of the agenda. I would highly recommend them to other people.
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Dereje Hailemariam
16. November, 2025
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Planning Insight made the impossible happen. I had a commercial-to-residential conversion refused twice by Doncaster Council. The second application was handled by a well-known, award-winning firm — but on the third attempt, they advised me to go for full planning permission, even though the scheme clearly qualified under Permitted Development. That’s when I left them and reached out to Planning Insight. Peter took a smarter, more proactive approach. He understood the policy, kept me updated, chased the council, and ultimately won the appeal under Permitted Development. If you want someone who knows planning inside out, listens, and delivers — Peter is the one to call.
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Lore DuT
20. October, 2025
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We are a small charity with limited resources but complicated challenges re planning. Planning Insight made the process so much easier and were quick and efficient in dealing with any issues. We hugely appreciate their help in getting the necessary approvals, and would not hesitate to recommend them.
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Luca Bertali E9
29. September, 2025
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Planning Insight have been exceptional in all matters with our successful change of use application. This was a tricky project and they dealt with each issue with patience and professionalism to get it over the line. Special Thanks to ALEX !! Amazing work.
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maya Joey
26. September, 2025
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I am very happy with their service . They are so professional and quick response for everything. It’s the best planning agency I had so far and I got my planning permission within 1 month. I am so pleased and highly recommended to everyone. Well done! Kind regards H Chen
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open Mike
11. June, 2025
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Alex was very helpful and successful overturned Camden council enforcement notice
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GIFTED STUDIO
13. May, 2025
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I had a difficult project that was refused by Harrow Council Planning Department. So I sought a good Planning Consultant for advice and to submit a Planning Appeal. After a high recommendation was given for Planning Insight- I worked directly with ‘Alex Richards’. From the outset, he had a ‘can-do attitude’ and that gave me further assurance that Planning Insight were the best fit for my client’s project. Alex and his team put the appeal together very quickly and supported it with a great statement of case. And the rest is history. We quickly won at appeal and my client was very happy. If you are an architect like me, I highly recommend working with Planning Insight for your projects. I have since gone on to work on another project with them (and will do so for other future projects). If you are a client (homeowner, developer etc) and need a great planning consultant- don’t hesitate to contact Planning Insight. Nichole
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Joshua Allen
10. February, 2025
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Planning Insight continue to impress with outstanding attention to detail, expert knowledge, and considered and thorough applications. They have helped secure positive planning outcomes that we simply wouldn't have achieved with other planners.
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Kellan Elkins
22. January, 2025
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I worked with Alex from Planning Insight on a tricky planning application. His advice was perfect and got a good result for me and my client
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Projects PRarchitecture
21. January, 2025
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We have had an excellent experience with Planning Insight. Billy Whitehead has been very attentive and professional, we have now worked on a number of projects together and look forward to continuing working with each other in the future.