Ashfield Planning Consultants

Ashfield, situated in Nottinghamshire, includes towns such as Sutton-in-Ashfield, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, and Hucknall. The district has a strong industrial legacy, particularly in coal mining and textiles. Notable sites include the Grade II* listed Sutton-in-Ashfield Town Hall. Recent regeneration projects, like the £65 million North Kirkby Gateway development, aim to revitalise town centres. Approximately 41.3% of Ashfield is within the Green Belt, impacting planning policies.

In the last year Ashfield decided 414 applications which is well below the national average of 988. The approval rate was 86% (roughly equal to the national average of 88%) and 64% of applications were decided on time, (slightly above the national average of 59%). Stats updated March 2026 from gov. sources. See how Ashfield performs relative to other LPAs in our LPA hub.

"We love helping clients win Planning Permission in Ashfield"

Green Belt Approvals in Ashfield

The Green Belt is a policy protecting land around many English towns and cities, where development is tightly controlled to safeguard the open countryside.

41.3% of Ashfield is within the Green Belt and proposals in these areas can be subject to high levels of scrutiny.

The Green Belt surrounding Sutton-in-Ashfield and Kirkby-in-Ashfield restricts expansion to preserve rural landscapes and prevent coalescence.

In our experience, one of the top reasons poorly conceived Green Belt proposals are refused is causing 'harm to openness'. We can lower the risk of refusal with site-specific guidance. Contact us here.

You can also check whether your land is within the Green Belt using our interactive Green Belt map.

Development in the Open Countryside

The Open Countryside is generally defined as land outside settlement and Green Belt boundaries, often comprising agricultural or natural land. Development, particularly standard residential development, is usually restricted in Open Countryside.

The rural fringes of Ashfield, particularly around Sutton-in-Ashfield and Kirkby-in-Ashfield, are sensitive to development to preserve historic field patterns and wooded landscapes.

One of the top reasons poorly prepared proposals in the Open Countryside are refused is that they fail to demonstrate a policy-supported need. To minimise that risk with bespoke advice contact us here.

Planning Applications in Ashfield

Alongside acting as Planning Consultants we are ARB registered architects with 25+ years of experience. We use the following proven work stages to guide clients in Ashfield through the planning process in order to maximise the potential of their development :

1. Stage 1: Site Appraisals & Planning Strategy Advice
2. Stage 2: Feasibility Studies & Concept Designs
3. Stage 3: Planning Application Packages
   • Architectural Drawing Packages
   • Planning Statements & Design and Access Statements
   • Coordination of Consultant Reports
   • Direct Liaison with Planning Officers
4. Stage 4: Technical Design
   • Discharge of Planning Conditions
   • Building Regulations and Construction Packages

Planning Services We Offer in Ashfield

• Full Planning Applications: Commercial, new buildings, changes of use.
• Householder Planning Applications: Domestic extensions / garden structures.
• Listed Building Consent: Alterations / repairs to listed buildings.
• Conservation Area Consent: Developments within Conservation Areas.
• Lawful Development Certificates: Confirming existing / completed works are lawful.
• Validation Requirements: Gathering documentation to ensure applications are validated by Ashfield LPA.

Design-Led Planning Advice in Ashfield

We can review your site in Ashfield and offer informed guidance on how proposals can be developed in order to maximise your chances of securing Planning Permission.