LAISTER PLANNING
Our Projects
LAISTER PLANNING
A Proven Track Record of Planning Success
From rural land transformations to large-scale commercial schemes, our projects reflect the depth of our experience and the strength of our strategic approach. We’ve helped unlock planning permission for developments across tourism, residential, commercial, and agricultural sectors — often in sensitive or complex locations. Explore a selection of our recent work to see how we turn planning challenges into real-world outcomes.
EAST DEVON
Crealy Theme Park
We were pleased to secure planning consent in February 2022 for various children’s rides and attractions, and extension to buildings.
This will provide an exciting new IP-branded theme park within the main adventure/theme park at Crealy. We argued that the application site had limited landscape value itself, and the rides would be seen in the context of other nearby rides, attractions and buildings.
Moreover, any environmental harm caused would be minimal, and would be outweighed by the economic and tourism benefits; it would enable Crealy to adapt and cater for its business needs and to continue to offer a high-quality visitor experience, as supported through economic objectives contained in the National Planning Policy Framework.
We also obtained planning permission for a caravan site, to provide short-stay workers’ accommodation associated with the operation of the main theme park and adjoining holiday caravan park.
CHELTENHAM
Regency Court Park
Laister Planning successfully obtained planning permission on appeal in February 2023 to replace a touring caravan site in Cheltenham with residential park homes. Laister had previously secured a lawful development certificate confirming the touring caravans could be occupied on a permanent residential basis.
This case is significant because the site is located in the Green Belt. Laister argued that the development would not be ‘inappropriate’ in the Green Belt, so it was not necessary to demonstrate that ‘very special circumstances’ exist. The appeal Inspector agreed with Laister, stating that, if anything, there would be an improvement to openness when compared to how the site can currently be used, especially given the new central area of green space.
TESTIMONIAL
“Laister Planning were instrumental in securing our planning permission on a complex rural site. Their strategic insight, attention to detail, and calm navigation of the process gave us complete confidence from day one. We wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again.”
— James Whitmore, Development Director
YORK
Piglets Adventure Farm
In February 2023, Laister Planning secured a lawful development certificate from City of York Council confirming the lawful use of the entire Piglets site as a ‘farm adventure park’. This high profile visitor attraction opened in July 2011 and comprises hands-on animal fun, indoor and outdoor adventure play and seasonal events. The extensive 32-acre site is situated in a rural location within the Green Belt.
Laister Planning worked in close collaboration with the client, and presented extensive evidence on the development and use of the site over the 12 years since opening. According to the certificate issued, the evidence supporting the application was “precise, sufficient and unambiguous” to prove that the land had been used for such purposes for at least 10 years.
OXFORDSHIRE
Millets Farm Centre
Laister were appointed by Millets Farm Centre Ltd to assist them in taking forward proposals for a farming-themed outdoor family adventure golf course with associated facilities, outdoor seating area and landscaping.
Working with specialist adventure golf course designers and a team of ecologists we put together a detailed planning application for a change of use of land with associated operational development. Our comprehensive planning statement argued that the proposals would not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts, conversely providing significant environmental benefits through enhanced opportunities for biodiversity being created through a robust landscaping scheme, while also providing significant social and economic benefits through the provision of sustainable tourism opportunities including outdoor recreational facilities, promoting a healthy lifestyle and learning opportunities for the younger generation, and attracting visitors to the area.
Particular attention to detail and ability to properly scrutinise both national and local planning policy enabled us to demonstrate that the scheme represented a sustainable form of development aligning with the relevant policy context. The level of detail provided with the application allowed for a successful conclusion with the granting of planning permission without any onerous or pre-commencement conditions being attached to the permission. The resulting development will assist in sustaining the long-term vitality and viability of this successful and established business going forward.
