Blog Archive
The NPPF – August 2026
The New NPPF: What the August 2026 Rewrite Means for You On 17 August 2026, the Government published a new version of the National Planning

The “Exception” to the Rule: How to Unlock Development Value on the Edge of the Village
A Strategic Guide to Rural Exception Sites for Landowners and Developers If you own a paddock, a field, or a scrap of land on the

The Expert Witness: Why ‘Tenacity’ Beats ‘Volume’ in a Planning Appeal
A Guide to Expert Planning Evidence from a Former Council Chief A Planning Inquiry is a unique form of legal theatre. The stage is set,

Architects: Stop Letting Planners Dilute Your Design
A Strategic Guide to Getting Bold Designs Approved from a Former Head of Planning It’s a scene I’ve witnessed hundreds of times. You’re in the

Making Your Voice Heard: Professional Representation at Planning Committee
For many planning applications, the final decision rests with the local authority’s planning committee. This is a meeting of elected councillors who will consider the

The True Value of SME Housebuilders
Recently, a comment circulated suggesting that the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) builders to the UK’s housing supply is little more than a “rounding error.” This sentiment, while perhaps statistically understandable at a glance, is dangerously shortsighted.

Navigating the Planning Frontier: Why You Need a Sheriff, Not a Cowboy
Navigating the Planning Frontier: Why You Need a Sheriff, Not a Cowboy So, you’re ready to build. You have the vision, the ambition, and a

The Collaborative Edge: Overcoming Planning Hurdles in South Norfolk
At Silverback Planning Solutions Ltd, we believe true success in complex planning isn’t just about individual expertise; it’s about intelligent collaboration. We recently put

Some you win, some you lose
It’s tough when a planning appeal doesn’t go your way, especially for reasons completely out of your control. We recently received the decision on a

What on earth does this mean? A glossary
For years I’ve been complaining that planners rely on complex terms to bamboozle the public into thinking planning is complicated. Now let’s be clear, planning
Permitted Development and Planning Permission – the difference …
Navigating the world of property development can feel like a complex maze. Understanding the rules and regulations is crucial whether you’re a homeowner dreaming of

A man in a pub told me …
How often do we sit in a pub (or other public place of your choosing) and hear a self-proclaimed expert tell a friend he can