Now is the time to submit planning applications

Pleydell Smithyman are specialist Garden Centre Design and Business Consultants working across the UK and further afield, helping clients get the best from their businesses.

We offer strategic business and design-led solutions encompassing planning, business consultancy, architecture, interior design and project management.  We have all faced challenges in recent months, but here at Pleydell Smithyman we are up-beat and resolute in our thinking about the future.

Now is a great time to secure meaningful approvals

Now is a great time to secure meaningful approvals to enhance and strengthen your centre. From September the Use Class Order changed with the creation of a new use class- Class E. This amalgamates shops, cafes, restaurants, offices, light industrial and storage, into one use class and enables some businesses and property owners to switch use without the need for planning approval (on which advice is critical).

This is effectively a softening of policy and will allow a lot of businesses to change to meet market conditions and has potential advantages to garden centres.

Local Authorities are keen to be seen to be supporting the local economy

Secondly, despite political and economic pressures, local authority planning officers will still be working to their policies, however with Government and Local Authorities keen to be seen to be supporting the local economy, communities and jobs etc, it is important, that we promote the changing needs of the industry, reinforce our importance in the local economy, and get in front of the planning committees, where decisions are political and applications that support economic vitality, employment and strong community values will currently see a stronger chance of success.

We are delighted to be working on many diverse planning applications and Tingley for Tong Garden Centre and Sudbury for Perrywood Garden Centre are two outstanding major stand alone examples of what can be achieved.

Food for thought?

Food remains a high performing department. Whether creating a first time café or expanding to develop a bespoke Restaurant offer, Garden Centres are ahead of the field in being able to offer superb welcoming, intimate dining offering a quality food and service second to none. Our dedicated and talented team can help realise your ideas. Take a look at the new Mezzanine Restaurant at Tong GC.

Improving retail performance

We are uniquely placed to help Garden Centres maintain their position as the ‘go to’ retail experts offering superb settings, great breadth of stock, inspirational displays and providing a truly and experiential environment to customers, offering expert and friendly advice. With our expertise to guide and support you - A winning formula indeed!

We are always available to offer advice and support – please do get in touch: paul@pleydellsmithyman.co.uk or 01952 433211 or direct with Paul on 07976 734626.

P.S. We are celebrating 25 years working with our team, our clients and friends in Garden Centres. Do click on the link to see our short video to mark the occasion -https://www.youtube.com/embed/EhnWwO1ocjI