Plans for a new multi-million pound retail, residential or hotel complex that will boost the regeneration of Bishop Auckland in County Durham have been approved. The green light has been given to allow the conversion of the ground and upper floors of the Grade II listed former Beales department store on Newgate Street, which [...]

Director Joe Ridgeon says farmers and landowners must urgently consider their future if they are to secure their children’s and grandchildren’s inheritance. So, what can be done to improve the future prospects for current and future generations in an agriculture sector at a crossroads? The key for landowners is thinking longer term. Those who [...]

The regeneration of a County Durham town has received a boost after submission of plans to develop a new multi-million pound retail, residential or hotel complex. The move sees planning applications to convert the ground and upper floors of the Grade II listed former Beales department store on Newgate Street in Bishop Auckland, which [...]

Engaging the local community is the key to success for those planning wind farm diversification projects, says director Joe Ridgeon. The use of wind-generated power is nothing new. For hundreds of years, farmers have harnessed the power of the wind to help them run their businesses, and there can be little doubt that renewable [...]

The regeneration of a site overlooking the River Tyne in Ouseburn has moved a step closer following submission of plans for a new £7.5m apartment complex. If it gets the green light, the move could see the creation of a multi-storey residential scheme on derelict land off St Lawrence Road close to the confluence [...]

Welcome to Alex Franklin, who has joined as a planner at Hedley Planning Services' Hexham office. The move will see him helping the senior team in preparing planning applications and supporting planning statements for residential and commercial clients across the region. A student member of the RTPI studying for a Masters in Urban Planning [...]

The Government must act quickly and stop changing the planning system, says Hedley Planning Services' director Joe Ridgeon. Speaking in the light of a new report, he says stability is ‘desperately’ needed to prevent more delay and uncertainty in the local planning process, and also wants to see more fully resourced local authority planning departments, [...]

Hannah Chapman will now be working alongside director Stephen Litherland on growing the new Yorkshire and Teesside operation at Wynyard, helping with new business development and providing strategic planning support for residential and commercial clients across the region. She will also continue to support Hedley Planning Services’ Hexham-based clients, Hannah has been involved in planning [...]

Director Stephen Litherland (right) considers strategic land promotion for housing development - and what farmers can do about it. If you’re a farmer, the opportunity to develop your land can be a glittering - and lucrative - lure, providing long-term financial security. However, engaging with the planning system can be a potential minefield. So, what can be done [...]

Hedley Planning Services will be providing specialist services across the region and into Yorkshire after opening new offices at the Evolution in Wynyard Park. Led by Hartlepool planning and development expert Stephen Litherland, the move will see the new operation target planning decision-makers across the North of England with strategic land promotion and consultancy [...]

In a challenging rural economic climate, farmers are increasingly looking at boosting income through diversifying their business activities. But what’s involved, and where can farmers get help and advice on their options? We offer some guidance. Rural diversification can come in many forms. Some farmers may want to explore alternative agricultural activities such as [...]

Plans for a new state-of-the-art fire station and training facility have been given the green light on land to the west of Ponteland High School, on the B6323 Callerton Lane. Unanimously approved by the Strategic Planning Committee last night, the move will see the progression of development for the new Fire Station and the [...]

Joe Ridgeon has been promoted to director. The move will see him working alongside managing director Sean Hedley on the growth of the Hexham-based firm, new business development and strategic planning matters for residential and commercial clients across Northumberland and County Durham. He will also be involved in overseeing expansion into new regions, notably [...]