Kate Bellwood Associates

13/10/2021

Hi everyone. It's been pointed out to me I've not updated in a while! I am still working and back carrying out site visits again. But it's been a really busy 18 months and looks to be continuing that way for the next few months (for which I am very grateful 🙏), and for this reason I am unable to take on objections to current planning applications at this time. Take care all. Kate

17/04/2020

Hi everyone, just to say I am still working at the moment, although not able to do site visits until things change, so if you do need any help or advice, do drop me a message or an email. Stay safe everyone! Kate

25/02/2020

05/11/2019

I am pleased to have assisted Prospus with the Heritage Support on this project, providing the Statement of Significance which provided the background history of the site and some interesting carvings on the quarry wall! I cannot wait to see this unique site be developed.

'Grand Designs' for Appleby
Two “Grand Designs” style houses have gained planning permission in Appleby-in-Westmorland. Set in the tranquil surroundings of local woodland, the homes have been designed to be energy efficient

Click the link for the full story: https://www.cumbriacrack.com/2019/11/05/grand-designs-for-appleby/

22/03/2018

Today I made a difference, today I changed two lives getting them permission for a new home that will allow them to see out their remaining days together in a house suited to their needs. Today, for the first time ever, I cried in public when the planning committee voted to approve the application. It was a huge team effort and I need to thank the Council for a fair debate on the matter and taking a chance. Today is a good day. 🍾🍾😊🏠

19/10/2017

It's a lovely feeling to help people and to see their joy when it goes their way. Today I represented objectors to a planning application at The planning committee. The application was recommended for approval but with hard work, determination and a little drama we got it refused. Their home is safe. Whilst I know it means somebody is disappointed, I know the decision to refuse was the right one. Today is a good day.

15/09/2017

Its always nice on a Friday afternoon to open an email from the Planning Inspectorate and see you have won another appeal! great news for the client who gets to convert his modern agricultural building to three houses. Happy Friday everyone!

15/12/2016

As I look to tie up all the loose ends before i close the office for the holidays tomorrow, i find myself reflecting on what a great year it has been. I have had a 65% increase in enquiries and bizarrely a 65% increase in commissioned work. This is just fantastic and I can't believe it! Its been busy, and there have been highs and lows, but I am so very grateful to everyone for support, recommendations and help. There really is nothing else i would rather do. I love my job. So as I finish the year on a high,I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for 2017.

10/11/2016

Technically this is called facadism, keeping the outside but a new interior/rear. In heritage terms you have up what is more important - the facade and what that represents, or the integrity and authenticity of the interior. This isn't an old building, compared to many in the UK, but its still an icon and they did well to keep the outside up!

In 1949, the aging White House was on the verge of collapse.

03/11/2016

I was at a barn doing a Building Record last week for a planning condition on historic buildings when i encountered these in the lower stable..i didn't stay long! It was like something from Alien..urgh. It turns out they belong, i think, to the Cave Spider, a relatively harmless but large spider, and each sac contains approx 200-300 babies and there were ALOT of these...i am glad the survey is all done and before they hatched. I am not a spider person and it is definitely a downside of pocking around in old buildings. but i have learnt something new and isn't that what its all about!

06/10/2016

Committee done. Two approvals. Happy client, and a tired planning consultant. But a good outcome, worth the travel.

06/10/2016

Interesting debates so far...reinforcing the inherent conflict in conservation, new vs old, replicate or contrast.

05/09/2016

Interesting Planning Fact: Between 1912 and 1948 Town Planning was an Olympic event, and in 1932 we took a gold medal! The Olympics at that time included an arts competition, of which Town Planning was just one subject, and was meant to hark back to the ethos of the original Olympics.

12/08/2016

I know it's my job, but it is still a wonderful feeling to secure planning permission for a client. Each and every one is important as it represents a home or livelihood. Today's win was for a long standing client whose site has not been without its traumas, but this application has gone exactly to plan! A great Friday.

03/08/2016

*BREAKING NEWS* (sort of), I have finally received the official confirmation from the Government that any Planning Permissions granted under Permitted Development and Prior Approval Process (including barn conversions) prior to sites moving into the LDNPA or YDNPA jurisdiction are secure. There was a risk that as the same rights do not exist in National Parks, that the permissions would be invalid. the Government has legally confirmed that they will uphold all existing permissions. This is great news for those in the transition zone. Just don't let them expire!!

30/06/2016

Its official! I have been awarded my Postgraduate Diploma in Building Conservation, with Distinction! It has been a hard two years, balancing a new business and a family with university, but its been worth it. This means I am now a qualified Heritage Professional able to produce proper reports and stand in court as a professional witness. And hopefully it means more heritage work, which i just love doing!

08/06/2016

Looks like i am going back to University again next year...I have been asked to be a specialist guest lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, teaching Planning to a wide range of students over a number of courses. Rather exciting really. Roll on next term!