Maria Ferguson Planning

02/06/2026

It was really fabulous to finally obtain planning permission for the variation of conditions that were limiting this business’s growth. The original planning application was extremely contentious and in order to be able to run weddings at the venue, the lovely family who run this business alongside their farm accepted extremely restrictive limitations. Those are now all gone, with some sensible safeguards for local residents, and the business is now able to diversify from solely weddings to all sorts of lovely celebrations throughout the year ❤️❤️❤️

The Tweddles said:

“After nearly a year of wranglings Maria was a constant support throughout this process….which finally paid off with a positive result in our favour!! Maria did an excellent job & we would highly recommend….”

Love is in the air 👏🏻

FAQ: "Is Sedgewell Barn really a blank canvas?"

YES! We give you the flexibility to create a wedding that is 100% you. From classic elegance to festival chic, our barns are ready for your wildest vision.

Which theme would you choose?

17/05/2026

Is your planning application appeal-ready?

Many appeals relating to applications submitted after 1st April will be subject to a new streamlined process, limiting the amount of information that can be submitted to support them.

It is therefore crucial that planning applications are appeal-ready, and where there is doubt about their chance of success, they are supported by a good planning statement, and all of the correct supporting technical information.

If you'd like someone to review your application and/or provide a supporting planning statement to accompany your submission, please get in touch

From 1 April most planning applications made to local planning authorities will follow a new route if they are appealed and decided via written representations 

16/05/2026

Wakefield Council aren’t monkeying around 🙈 he obviously extends beyond the primary elevation, so he must go….

Adele Teale is told the 4ft gorilla statue on her house in Wakefield must come down.

14/05/2026

A note on the use of AI in planning!

Someone used it this week to object to one of my planning applications. How did I know, you might ask….

There is no doubt the technology will revolutionise planning, but it’s very clear (and the same applies to court hearings and legal processes) that the while AI helps us work smarter, faster, and more efficiently, human oversight is still absolutely essential. Artificial intelligence provides the data and streamlines the process, but human experts use this to add full value and importantly fact check!!

I learned today that the mistakes AI makes are called ‘hallucinations’. An endearing term for the cock-ups that illustrate the fact that we can’t yet fully depend on its accuracy.

The objection to my application was hallucinating 🤣

Fascinating and exciting times for us all 🙌🏻

12/05/2026

Planning policy update … North Yorkshire County Council has extended the time period for its ‘call for sites’ for a further 6 weeks to 22nd June for their consideration as part of the future Local Plan 👍

01/05/2026

Permission in principle granted yesterday for 5 houses at this lovely site in Harmby, near Leyburn. Look at that view 😍 clients are delighted

30/04/2026

New fishing lake coming soon. I love an interesting, quirky project. Loads of things to grapple with on this one, not least a Roman road through the centre of the proposed lake! And who knew flood risk would be a thing? Anyway, watch this space (from the A66) 🙌🏻 because planning permission was granted this month !

17/04/2026

Good news incoming (I think).

The Government has timetabled the introduction of measures to streamline statutory biodiversity net gain (BNG). This includes a new exemption for small sites up to 0.2ha, as well as exemptions for temporary development up to 5 years. Changes anticipated to come into force 31st July 2026

That said, don’t expect developments to be exempt entirely, because councils may still use the metric as a tool to meet policy requirements for BNG, even if they’re exempt from statutory requirements

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01/04/2026

Finally this five-house scheme crossed the line today 🙌🏻 edge of settlement site in Staindrop. Beautiful, bespoke houses to be built by local developers Bell Blue.

https://www.bellblue.co.uk

30/03/2026

It’s been an extremely busy time while I’ve been giving planning evidence on behalf of Durham County Council in relation to the proposed Burnhope solar farm. Many people recognise the benefits of solar and renewables more generally, but I think they’ll always be contentious on a local level because they often conflict with people’s perception and enjoyment of the countryside. This case especially, because the community already tolerated decades of open cast coal mining to meet the country’s energy needs. What do you think ?