PIP versus PIP

What is PIP?

PIP versus PIP

It is already February 2026! Where did January go? Why does it feel like the Christmas holidays were years ago? Work and life can move at speed and WHC continue to get involved in new and exciting projects.

First PIP for WHC

WHC is thrilled to share that the Stage 1 PIP application we have given heritage support for has been granted consent. WHC collaborated with the developer and drafted the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) on their Stage 1 PIP application.

What is PIP?

‘Permission in Principle’ is a two-stage alternative application for a housing-led development. Whilst similar to an outline application, the Stage 1 PIP application is not conditional requiring the subsequent approval of one or more reserved matters in a further application. The Stage 1 application focuses on the land use, amount and location of the development. The Stage 2 application then focuses on the technical details.

Whilst an HIA is not necessarily a requirement in a Stage 1 application it was felt that consideration of the adjacent heritage assets was indeed part of the ‘in principle’ matters and should be included early on. Further work and support by WHC may be required in the Stage 2, technical details application.

The site

The proposal site is a large plot of land formerly associated with the adjacent grade II* listed church and its original rectory, listed grade II. There are several grade II listed buildings near the proposal site. In addition, there are several historic environment records (below ground archaeology sites) adjacent to the proposal site. It is not located within a conservation area. However, there are several trees within the site that are protected and the site is within the Greenbelt. As a result, the setting of the proposal site is quite heritage rich and understanding the significance and value of the plot of land was vital to inform the proposal.

Council response

The delegation report stated that the ‘development would not, in principle, be harmful to the significance of the listed buildings to the west and north-west of the site due to the separation distance and intervening woodland area. The proposal would preserve the setting and

significance of the nearby listed buildings, in accordance with paragraph 208 of the NPPF, section 66(1) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, and policy ENV2 of the Local Plan.’

Second PIP

Ironically our director Stacey Weiser, has been working on another PIP, but this one is personal.

PIP or Personal Independence Payment is a benefit that can help with extra living costs if you or someone in your family is disabled or has certain conditions. It is triggered at the age of 16 years old and follows on from DLA (Disability Living Allowance).

It is hoped that this PIP is as easy to get consent for as the planning PIP!!