Whichford Mill, Whichford

Change of Use - Agricultural Land to Leisure

Farm Diversification

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Use Class E

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Cotswolds

Whichford Mill is a Grade II listed building that is situated in the Cotswolds, next to the River Stour.
Operating as a wellness retreat, the owners required planning permission for a sauna (the wild sauna) and a compost toilet.

Our experience with heritage planning projects and farm diversification made Simple Planning Solutions the ideal planning partner to make the team’s vision of a wild sauna for their wellness retreat a reality.

The Planning Problem

The team behind the wild sauna needed specialist help because the site combined several planning challenges.

Whichford Mill is a Grade II listed building, so any new structure nearby comes under extra scrutiny. The local authority has a legal duty to make sure development doesn’t harm the setting of a listed building.

The sauna also sits on agricultural land, so the application had to justify a change of use to commercial leisure in a rural location. And with the River Stour close by, the council needed to be confident that flood risk had been properly addressed.

The Simple Solution

Our knowledge of the Cotswolds and our experience with Stratford-on-Avon District Council meant we could prepare an application that answered the council’s concerns from the outset.

A comprehensive flood risk assessment was a crucial part of the application’s success.

We prepared and submitted the application for a change of use of the land from agricultural to Class E (leisure), including the sauna and compost toilet, on the client’s behalf.

The Result

Planning permission was granted in under eight weeks, within the council’s statutory target. The retreat can now run its wild sauna with full planning consent, giving the owners the confidence to keep growing the business.

Trusted Reviews

Simple Planning Solutions Ltd

4.9

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C D

7 months ago

I’ve now used Michelle Hill at Simple Planning Solutions twice for planning applications, and both have been successful. The first was for a farm project with Nuneaton and Bedworth Council, and the second was a retrospective planning application with Coventry City Council. In both cases Michelle handled everything professionally from start to finish and made the whole planning process much easier to navigate. Planning applications can be complicated, but Michelle explained each stage clearly, helped prepare the necessary documents, and ensured everything was submitted correctly. Her knowledge of the planning system and local councils really showed, and it made a big difference to the outcome. Both applications were granted, which speaks for itself. I’d highly recommend Michelle and Simple Planning Solutions to anyone needing help with a planning application. We’ll definitely be using her again for another project next year. Thanks again Michelle.

Harry

8 months ago

I’ve worked with Michelle at Simple Planning Solutions on various applications over a number of years, and I honestly can’t recommend her highly enough. She is always extremely knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely helpful throughout the entire process. Every application she’s been involved with for me has been successful — a 100% success rate — which really speaks to her expertise and attention to detail. Michelle makes what can be a complicated process feel straightforward and stress-free. I’ll definitely be using her again for any future work and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to others.

Richard H.

8 months ago

I worked with Michelle on a planning application that became far more complex and drawn-out than it should have been, involving multiple council queries, consultees, extensions of time and changing requirements. Throughout the process, Michelle was consistently clear, responsive and practical. She understood the planning issues properly, dealt with the council directly, and kept the application moving when it could easily have stalled or failed due to delays elsewhere. Importantly, she didn’t over-promise or sugar-coat things — she explained what mattered, what didn’t, and how best to get the application over the line. In a process where others were slow or unresponsive, Michelle was reliable and professional throughout. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone needing experienced, level-headed planning advice.

Rich R.

11 months ago

Understood the brief quickly and produced a balanced and exhaustive report that ultimately helped us secure planning in a conservation area. Was also excellent with advice during and after the process. Quick and easy to reach when needed, fully transparent with fees. Very much recommended, I would definitely use again.

Safwaan J.

11 months ago

Can't thank Michelle enough, we needed help with an appeal as our planning application was refused. Thanks to Michelle our appeal was successful. The stress prior to the appeal was intense and having the support from someone with a high level of knowledge took a huge weight off our chest. Michelle's communication and attention to our case was great. Overall, highly recommend Simply Planning Solutions to anyone and we will definitely use again if needed!

Sue L.

1 year ago

Michelle was so knowledgeable and very helpful. Thank you so very much. Hopefully I will need to instruct Michelle in the future and would highly recommend her to anyone.

Gurjit S.

1 year ago

What a great find! We were looking for someone to help us with a retrospective planning permission application. Searching the Internet, we came across Michelle from Simple Planning Solutions Ltd. The website was impressive, already with lots of information. Easy decision to make to contact Michelle. She was fantastic, full of knowledge and experience. Answered all our questions with fast accurate responses! Great attention to detail too. Most definitely highly recommended for sure. Thankyou again Michelle 😀

Llewellyn H.

1 year ago

Michelle is down to earth and easy to work with. Great advice and always happy to help. Best outcome I could have asked for on my project - I can't thank Michelle enough!

Kieran B.

1 year ago

Brilliant service and went above and beyond, would definitely recommend!

Skoot I.

1 year ago

I had a fantastic experience with Simple Planning Solutions Ltd. in securing planning permission for a single-storey rear extension—something that had previously been rejected. Their expertise made all the difference. A special thank you to Michelle for her professionalism, clear communication, and pleasant conduct throughout the entire process. Her support and guidance truly made it a smooth and successful journey.

Chris D.

1 year ago

It was a pleasure dealing with Michelle and she is extremely willing to help and assist in any way she can. Very knowledgeable and resourceful in her line of work, she is able to efficiently and effectively direct you in any matters regarding planning etc.. Capable of guiding you through the process from start to finish throughout your project or endeavours, answering any queries and providing assistance in resolving any issues you may come across along the way, she is sure to make your planning application experience a stress free and straightforward process. Would recommend and will be using again in future.

Victoria S.

2 years ago

Thank you for the excellent service, support and guidance that Michelle - Simply planning solutions - provided to us. We received the fantastic news of being successful in our appeal and being granted our LDC. We would not hesitate on recommending your services. Thank you again Mark and Vicki

Naomi T.

2 years ago

I honestly cannot praise Michelle enough. I have a listed building and was at my wits end trying to work out exactly what my local council required of me. In desperation I found Michelle on a Google search and she was absolutely marvellous. She took over everything, dealt with the replacement window company, the architect and the council and magically I had listed building consent within a very short space of time. I was told up front what the cost would be and there were no hidden extras. I will definitely be using Simple Planning Solutions again as I have more work which requires consent. Thank you Michelle you lifted a huge weight from my shoulders!

Caroline S.

2 years ago

Very professional, informative, explained everything in a clear and understandable manner. Was timely and honest. Would definitely recommend. Great value for money x

Gershon S.

2 years ago

Michelle offered me a good service. She will update you of the process Anytime you call she will fine time for you. Good customer service.

John N.

2 years ago

A HUGE thank you to Michelle for pointing me in the right direction with the very difficult job of ‘planning permission’ for replacing my out dated Septic Tank. Not only was it six star advice, it was all done within 24 hours. THANK YOU again, regards, John.

Dean C

2 years ago

Michelle is very helpful and responsive. I contacted her for some initial advice on a project and the advice was excellent. Thank you!

Dee

2 years ago

I had the pleasure of working with Michelle, who demonstrated exceptional expertise in her role. She proactively took the initiative and was instrumental in helping me secure planning permission. Great work—thank you, Michelle!

Charles B.

2 years ago

Michelle is excellent and I can't recommend Simple Planning Solution Ltd enough. Our application had a complex history and we were not expecting a positive result, however Michelle managed to achieve a quick, efficient and very positive outcome. Thanks so much. Happy to give a more detailed reference if needed

Chaz D.

2 years ago

We were recommended Simple Planning Solutions by a friend, and choosing Michelle was the best decision we made. She handled our farm's change of use planning for dog kennels and dog fields on green belt land with such expertise. Michelle was fantastic—extremely knowledgeable and helpful throughout the entire planning process. From site visits to quick responses, she was always there for us, even replying to the council on our behalf while on holiday! Her dedication and professionalism were truly impressive. Top-notch service, highly recommended! We will definitely be using Michelle for all our future planning applications on other projects. And the best part? Planning granted! 😁🙌

GOLDY S.

2 years ago

Michelle Hill made the entire process entirely seamless with exceptional customer service and friendly yet professional advice. Simple Planning Solutions gets a big 10 out of 10 for value for money and customer service. Michelle made me feel at ease throughout. Highly recommend.

James C.

2 years ago

Michelle Hill achieved the planning permission that was needed for Stables, was an absolute pleasure to work with and made the process straight forward

*David B.

2 years ago

Michelle promptly visited us, was very knowledgeable and very thoroughly guided us. This was followed up with a suprisingly comprehensive report. Without hesitation reccomended.

Sam G.

2 years ago

The level of service provided by Michelle was exceptional, she went above and beyond every single day to ensure my application for change of usage was a success. The complications implemented by the council caused alot of stress for me but Michelle overcame every obstacle. Highly recommended and will always use in the future, thank you again!

David S.

2 years ago

Simple Planning..Simply Stunning!! Excellent Service!! Michelle has been amazing. She is an experienced planning officer who is able to provide a wealth of knowledge and information. Thanks to her advice and her application support document, we have recently had our application approved which we are over the moon about. Michelle has helped at every stage and has worked with the surveyors, architect and most recently negotiated with the planning officer during the application to ensure approval. Her fees are very reasonable and she is so easy to talk to and deal with. Very few of us who are not in the industry have the knowledge to support these complex applications to give them the best chance of success and I think this possibly the best money I have ever spent for her help with this project. I can't recommend Simply Planning enough. Well deserved 5 stars!!

Laura K.

2 years ago

Michelle responded quickly to mine and my husband’s initial inquiry and offered a free high level assessment of the proposal. She came back the next day and we really appreciated her view and honesty over the unlikelihood of achieving what we wanted. She was clear and explained her thoughts. She could have dragged out the process or said she needed to perform a costly assessment but she didn’t. We hugely valued this. Would definitely recommend.

Mike P.

2 years ago

Excellent service and a fantastic result! Michelle made the whole process easy and stress free, she provided expert advice and managed the application process on our behalf. If you’re struggling with planning, you should give Simple Planning Solutions a call.

Hema

2 years ago

We appointed Michelle to act on our behalf to appeal against an enforcement notice served upon us. Michelle was prompt to deal with this, preparing the appeal statement within a week ready for submission. We have recently had the Appeal Decision in our favour. Result! Thanks again.

Roy H.

2 years ago

Michelle at Simple Planning Solutions is my go to for heritage related advice including the supply of heritage impact assessments and post permission building recording. Excellent service!

Adam F.

3 years ago

I was totally lost and confused as to how to move forward with my planning application, a friend recommended Michelle and I’m so glad they did, she made me understand the process and made it really easy to move forward, I’m delighted with the service, price, and result I got! Highly recommend

Kevin G.

3 years ago

Michelle helped with my planning application extremely professional throughout having completed the process and getting the application passed, very happy with the service form start to finish and would highly recommend Michelle

Jodie M.

3 years ago

Thank you Michelle, for your patience perseverance and determination! We got the result in the end and all thanks to you! Great knowledge, understanding and advice! Can’t recommend Michelle enough for anyone looking for planning help! X

Anne K.

3 years ago

The information that was given to us by Michelle was professionally and clearly explained to us as to why we wouldn’t be successful in our planning application at this stage. Michelle dealt with our query in a prompt and friendly manner.

Andrew C.

3 years ago

Michelle was more than helpful navigating with planning even assisting me after we had the planning refused and we manged to secure the planning helping keeping my business of years going in these hard times I would recommend Michelle to anyone needing planning. She also helped me secure my builders for the job

Grant W.

3 years ago

Outstanding service from start to finish, highly recommended!!

Martin D.

3 years ago

Great service, held our hand all the way through our planning application and kept us updated throughout - resulting in an approval from a notoriously difficult local council!

Gus M.

3 years ago

We had a unusual change of use planning application. Michelle immediately understood what was needed to manage our planning application. Knowledgeable, professional and easy to work with.

Katie P.

3 years ago

Fantastic service from Michelle; her knowledge and experience really helped me to get the result I needed. Prompt replies to questions and work carried out were also part of the excellent service received.

Mandeep S.

4 years ago

Michelle played a key part in helping us process are application with Coventry city council. we where working against the clock to obtain a Lawful Development certificate allowing us to be able to complete the sale of are home. she was very quick and professorial in her response to are inquiry and after tell her the situation we were in, she was able to come to are home to take pitchers and get the application in to the council very promptly. which we would not have been able to do without her support. if i needed to ask her any question or was unsure of anything I was able to contact her and get a prompt response. Thank you for the great service as you have played a significant role in us being able to exchange on are family home.

Andrew

4 years ago

We came into contact with Michelle of Simple Planning Solutions as a result of a case involving a difficult neighbour and an incompetent local authority. At all times Michelle has got to the heart of the matter very quickly, never seeking to over-complicate anything or 'blind us with science.' Throughout she has been clear, helpful and pleasant. Her written skills are also first-class. The matter we are dealing with is going to Appeal and we had no hesitation in engaging Simple Planning Solutions. I cannot regard her work more highly or recommend her too highly.

Lee B.

4 years ago

Simple Planning Solutions have saved the day. After many planning issues and attempts to sort them ourselves we called upon Michelle, who has really gone above and beyond to get the job done. Very professional and gets results. In hindsight we should have used her from the very start.

Graham W.

4 years ago

Simple Planning Solutions do anything/everything to make planning permission as simple as possible. Michelle was always willing to answer all my questions and helped make the whole process as easy as possible. Her knowledge, skills and contacts made the whole process straightforward and efficient. Whatever project you are considering, I would strongly suggest having a conversation with Simple Planning Solutions and using them to make your life easier.

Aeolus Air Quality C.

5 years ago

Aeolus Air Quality Consulting worked with Simple Planning Solutions in March 2022, helping their client retrospectively discharge planning conditions. Michelle was honest, responsive and ensured we were paid by their client on time. We would recommend Simple Planning Solutions and look forward to working with Michelle in the future.

Richard H.

5 years ago