http://morrisarchitecturaldesign.co.uk/

Morris Architectural Design Ltd, UE115, Upper East Quadrangle, Seale Hayne, Newton Abbot (2026)

13/08/2026

PLANNING PERMISSION RECEIVED 🏡✨

We’re delighted to share that planning permission has been granted for this exciting bungalow renovation and extension project in Nottingham!

The proposal will completely transform the existing property, creating a contemporary, spacious family home while respecting the character of the surrounding homes.

🔨 The approved scheme includes:
• A full renovation and modernisation of the existing bungalow
• A substantial rear extension to create a bright, open-plan living space
• New front and rear dormers, unlocking valuable first-floor accommodation
• A redesigned frontage with a fresh, contemporary appearance
• Improved natural light, connectivity and functionality throughout

From the existing bungalow to the proposed transformation, this project demonstrates how thoughtful design can unlock the potential of an existing home.

Planning permission received — now onto the exciting next stage! 🚧✨

12/08/2026

BIODIVERSITY GAIN PLAN AND HABITAT MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN (HMMP) CONDITIONS SUCCESSFULLY DISCHARGED 🌱✅

Another positive result for our clients in Somerset, following the planning permission we previously secured for a new agricultural access track.

The field already benefits from an existing access gate and agricultural barn, but access across the field is currently over grass, leaving it prone to rutting during wetter periods. The approved hardcore track will provide reliable year-round access to the barn while being laid level with the surrounding field and allowed to vegetate over to soften its appearance.

New and improved agricultural access can often be undertaken through permitted development rights. In this instance, however, the location of the proposed track in close proximity to the public highway meant that full planning permission was required.

Securing planning permission was only part of the journey. The approval included detailed biodiversity requirements, including the provision of Biodiversity Net Gain calculations and assessment.

As part of the planning approval there were a number of conditions which needed discharging prior to commencement of works. These included submission and approval of a Biodiversity Gain Plan and a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) setting out how the new habitat will be managed and monitored for 30 years. The Biodiversity Gain Plan also needed to demonstrate how the statutory objective of at least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain would be achieved.

We’re therefore delighted to have now successfully discharged these requirements, allowing our clients to move another step closer to implementing the permission.

It has been a long road, but importantly, we’ve been able to hold our clients’ hands throughout the entire process and deal with all aspects of the project in-house, taking care of the increasingly complex planning and biodiversity requirements so that they haven’t had to worry about navigating them themselves.

For this project, our in-house work has included:

Planning drawings

Planning Statement

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessment & Metric

Biodiversity Gain Plan

Habitat Management & Monitoring Plan (HMMP)

Discharge of Conditions application

And a special mention has to go to my invaluable father, whose knowledge and assistance with our biodiversity work means we are increasingly able to deal with these requirements in-house rather than passing clients between multiple different consultants.

Another successful result and another project ready to move forward! 🌿🚜

11/08/2026

CLASS Q PRIOR APPROVAL SUCCESS 🏡

We’re delighted to have secured Class Q Prior Approval for the conversion of this agricultural building near Newton Abbot into four new homes.

This one certainly wasn’t straightforward. Our initial application was refused by Teignbridge District Council, with concerns raised regarding vehicle parking, highway access and visibility splays, together with insufficient supporting evidence to demonstrate that the existing structure was capable of supporting the works required for conversion.

Rather than giving up following the refusal, we worked through each of the issues raised, redesigned and strengthened the submission, and brought in the specialist expertise needed to address the Council’s concerns.

That perseverance has paid off, and we’re really pleased to have now got this one over the line, unlocking the potential of an existing redundant agricultural building and allowing it to be given a completely new lease of life.

A huge thank you to James Hunter at Helix Transport Consultants for his assistance with the highways and access matters, and Lee Ryall at RYALL Structural Engineers for providing the structural expertise needed to support the revised proposals. A real team effort and a fantastic result for our client.

Sometimes a refusal isn’t the end of a project – it simply means finding the right solution.

Another successful Class Q conversion secured!

10/08/2026

RETROSPECTIVE PLANNING PERMISSION RECEIVED!!!

We’re delighted to have secured retrospective planning permission for a replacement split-level deck at a property in Kingswear, with spectacular views out over the river Dart.

This project came to us in slightly more challenging circumstances than most.

The homeowner had originally been incorrectly advised that the replacement decking would fall under permitted development rights. Unfortunately, once the works had been completed, the Local Planning Authority took enforcement action, leaving the homeowner with two options: regularise the development by obtaining the necessary planning permission or face the considerable cost of removing the deck.

That’s when our client approached us for help.

We prepared and submitted a retrospective planning application seeking to retain the replacement decking. Unfortunately, the first application was refused in November 2025, principally because of concerns surrounding the impact of the deck on the privacy and amenity of neighbouring properties.

But a refusal doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the road.

We worked carefully through the concerns raised by the Council and developed a revised solution which retained the usability of the deck while improving privacy for neighbouring residents. The revised design included reducing the width and overall area of the decking, introducing new evergreen screening planting, providing additional climbing plants and altering the boundary screening through carefully designed trellising.

Following further consultation and a positive pre-application response from the Local Planning Authority, the amended retrospective application was submitted — and we’re very pleased to say that planning permission has now been granted. 🎉

The result means our client can retain and enjoy their fantastic outdoor space and those incredible views across the River Dart, while avoiding the significant cost and disruption that would have resulted from removing or demolishing the completed structure.

It’s also a good reminder that retrospective planning and enforcement cases aren’t necessarily a lost cause. Sometimes relatively modest but carefully considered design changes can make the difference between an unacceptable proposal and one which successfully addresses the Council’s concerns.

And although this may be a relatively small-scale householder project, we give these applications exactly the same level of care and determination as we do our larger bespoke self-build homes, barn conversions and more complex developments.

A fantastic result for our client and everyone involved. 👏

06/08/2026

🏆 FINALISTS – 2026 NEWTON ABBOT BUSINESS & COMMUNITY AWARDS 🏆

We are incredibly proud to announce that we have been selected as Finalists in the Property Sector Award at the 2026 Newton Abbot Business & Community Awards

To be recognised alongside so many outstanding local businesses is a real honour and is a reflection of the dedication, creativity and hard work that goes into every project we undertake.

Since the practice was established, we have been passionate about raising the standard of design across our local area. We firmly believe that great architecture should not be reserved for landmark developments or large budgets. Every project—whether it's a house extension, a contemporary new home, a change of use or a larger residential scheme—deserves thoughtful, well-considered design that enhances both the lives of our clients and the places in which we live.

Over the past year, we have had the privilege of securing planning permissions and delivering creative design solutions on a diverse range of projects across Devon and beyond. Our focus has always been on combining high-quality architecture with practical planning expertise to help our clients achieve the very best outcomes.

We would like to thank all of our wonderful clients for placing their trust in us, as well as our consultants, contractors and everyone who has supported our journey. This recognition would not have been possible without you.

Congratulations to all of this year's finalists—we look forward to celebrating with you at the awards ceremony and wish everyone the very best of luck!

04/08/2026

PLANNING PERMISSION RECEIVED

We're delighted to announce that planning permission has been granted by South Oxfordshire District Council for this striking contemporary studio annex in Moulsford, Oxfordshire.

Set within the grounds of a beautiful Oxfordshire home with breathtaking views across the River Thames, the proposal - which replaces an existing garage and coal store - has been carefully designed to provide a flexible space for work, creativity and relaxation, while responding sensitively to its stunning riverside setting.

Drawing inspiration from traditional agricultural buildings, the design adopts a simple barn-inspired form, complemented by high-quality contemporary detailing. Dark vertical cladding, expansive gable glazing and carefully considered proportions create a modern yet timeless building that sits comfortably within the landscape while framing spectacular views and flooding the interior with natural light.

Inside, the studio has been designed to feel bright, calm and connected to the surrounding countryside, creating a tranquil retreat that can easily adapt to the changing needs of the homeowners for many years to come.

This project demonstrates how contemporary architecture can complement its rural surroundings through thoughtful design, high-quality materials and a sensitive approach to scale and context.

We're excited to see this beautiful project move forward and look forward to seeing it brought to life.

30/07/2026

Fantastic work as ever by RC-Builders 👏

30/07/2026

Prior Approval Success in Torquay

We're delighted to have successfully secured Prior Approval for the change of use of a vacant ground floor commercial premises in Torquay to a self-contained ground floor residential flat under Class MA Permitted Development Rights.

Although the property is located within the Torquay Conservation Area, we were able to demonstrate that the proposal satisfied all of the relevant Prior Approval considerations, allowing the development to proceed without the need for a full planning application.

Why Prior Approval?

For suitable commercial-to-residential conversions, Class MA Permitted Development Rights can provide significant advantages over the traditional planning route:

✔ Quicker decisions – Prior Approval applications are typically determined within 56 days, enabling projects to progress far more quickly than a full planning application.
✔ Reduced planning risk – The Local Planning Authority can only assess the specific matters set out within the legislation, rather than the full range of planning policies that would apply to a traditional planning application.
✔ No Section 106 obligations – In most cases, Class MA developments are not subject to Section 106 planning obligations, reducing both costs and delays while improving project viability.
✔ Bringing vacant buildings back into use – Repurposing underused commercial premises creates sustainable new homes within established town centres, making efficient use of existing buildings and infrastructure.

This project will provide a new ground floor social housing flat for the local council, helping to address the significant demand for affordable homes across Torbay. With the need for social housing continuing to far outstrip available supply, bringing vacant commercial buildings back into residential use is an effective way of delivering high-quality accommodation for local people while supporting the regeneration of our town centres.

With Prior Approval now secured, the project moves on to the preparation of Building Regulations drawings, ensuring the conversion complies with the latest standards for structure, fire safety, thermal performance, ventilation and accessibility before construction begins.

If you're considering converting a commercial property into residential accommodation, we'd be happy to advise whether your project could benefit from Permitted Development Rights and guide you through every stage of the process, from feasibility and Prior Approval through to Building Regulations and construction.

29/07/2026

Another happy client and another successful planning outcome in Newton Abbot.

Not every planning success is about securing permission for a new development. Sometimes it's about finding a practical solution that saves a client thousands of pounds.

Our client had previously obtained retrospective planning permission for a new driveway, retaining walls and access steps. As part of the approval, the Local Planning Authority imposed a condition requiring all retaining walls to be finished in split-faced local natural stone.

Whilst visually attractive, the cost of sourcing and constructing the walls in this material was proving disproportionate for what was a relatively modest domestic development.

After reviewing the surrounding area, we identified numerous examples of similar retaining walls and landscaping schemes finished in render rather than natural stone. We were confident there was a strong planning case to be made.

We therefore submitted a Section 73 Variation of Conditions application, seeking to vary the approved plans so that the retaining walls could instead be finished in a high-quality render.

The result? Success.

The condition was varied, the amended drawings approved, and our client can now complete the development with rendered walls, delivering a substantial saving in construction costs whilst still achieving an attractive design that sits comfortably within the local streetscene.

This project is a good reminder that planning conditions are not always set in stone. Where circumstances justify it, a well-prepared variation of conditions application can provide a practical, cost-effective solution.

Need advice on varying a planning condition or making amendments to an existing planning permission? We'd be happy to help.

28/07/2026

Early start this morning with a visit to Bni Locomotive Chapter at the Grand Hotel in Torquay… (the first time I’ve been there since our wedding 15 years ago!) thanks to Chris at Azro - Cinema & Smart Home for the invite!

What a great bunch of local businesses supporting each other across Torbay and South Devon.

Life can be very lonely as a sole practitioner, so it’s great to get out to events and groups like this and speak with other business owners who are in similar situations.

Thanks for all being so welcoming - It makes stepping out of my comfort zone at meetings like this so much easier!

Looking forward to getting more involved with BNI developing more connections with likeminded business owners both locally and further afield!

Morris Architectural Design Ltd

13/08/2026

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