prismplanning

Prism Planning secures successful appeal for new livestock building at Pilmore Farm

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 09:16:43 GMT

Prism Planning has secured planning permission on appeal for a new livestock building at Pilmore Farm, Old Cassop, Durham, following the refusal of the original application by Durham County Council.

The appeal was handled by Steve Barker, Consultant at Prism Planning, on behalf of B & S M Rutherford.

The proposed development comprises a new livestock building at the working farm. The original application was refused primarily because of concerns over its effect on the character and appearance of the surrounding landscape, with the site lying within an Area of Higher Landscape Value.

Following a site visit, the Planning Inspector concluded that while the development would introduce a new building into the countryside, its impact would be limited by its close relationship with the farm's existing agricultural buildings.

The Inspector noted that agricultural buildings are an expected feature of rural landscapes and concluded that the resulting harm to the character, beauty and tranquillity of the countryside would not be unacceptable.

The importance of supporting a working farm

A key part of the appeal centred on the operational needs of the agricultural business.

Pilmore Farm is understood to be the last operational farm remaining in Old Cassop , and the Inspector gave significant weight to the benefits associated with supporting the business.

These included the economic contribution of the farm, improvements to animal welfare through the provision of sheltered and dry accommodation, and better management of manure and surface water.

The scheme will also deliver 31.69% Biodiversity Net Gain , using land close to the appeal site and within the applicant's ownership.

Balancing landscape impact with the benefits of development

The Inspector acknowledged that the development would have some impact on the Area of Higher Landscape Value, but concluded that the benefits of the proposal clearly outweighed that harm.

As a result, the appeal was allowed and planning permission granted, subject to conditions.

Steve Barker said:

“This was a good example of why it is important to look at a planning proposal in the round rather than considering one issue in isolation. There was an acknowledged landscape impact, but there were also clear operational, economic, animal welfare and biodiversity benefits associated with allowing a working agricultural business to develop.

“We’re delighted that the Inspector recognised that balance and that our client can now move forward with the project.”

The success also has an added connection within the wider P&K Group, with the client also working with S&A Fabrications .

For Prism, the appeal demonstrates the importance of clear planning arguments and a strong understanding of how different considerations should be balanced when an application has initially been refused.

If you have had a planning application refused, or need advice on whether an appeal is the right next step, talk to the Prism Planning team.

Prism Planning Welcomes Sophie Gooch as New Director

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 09:08:52 GMT

We’re delighted to welcome Sophie Gooch as the new Director of Prism Planning , bringing 19 years of planning and environmental experience to the business.

Sophie joins Prism from Pegasus Group, where she was an Associate, and has spent much of her career working as a planning consultant. Her experience also includes time within Local Authority and a role as Planning Officer at the Environment Agency.

She has worked with both public and private sector clients across a wide range of projects, with particular experience in infrastructure, ports and marinas, marine licensing, mixed-use development and Environmental Impact Assessment. More recently, this has also included EIA work within the agricultural sector.

Sophie is a Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI), a full member of the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (MISEP) and a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv).

A natural fit for Prism

For Sophie, the opportunity to lead an agile and adaptable planning consultancy was one of the main attractions of the role.

“Prism has the ability to be flexible and responsive to what clients actually need,” she said. “There is a real opportunity to develop the consultancy across a range of sectors while retaining the straightforward, practical approach it is already known for.”

That practical, problem-solving approach is something Sophie is particularly keen to build on.

“I enjoy a challenge. A lot of planning work is about understanding what the real barriers are and then finding a sensible route through them. That problem-solving approach fits very naturally with Prism.”

Building on Prism’s established reputation

Sophie will lead Prism’s specialist team, overseeing planning applications, appeals and enforcement matters while also providing strategic advice on more complex development projects.

She will continue to work directly with clients, planning authorities and other stakeholders, helping to develop clear and practical strategies to move projects forward.

Her immediate priority is continuity, building on the strong foundations already established by Prism and maintaining the responsive, personal service clients have come to expect.

“The first priority is to make sure that transition is seamless for clients,” said Sophie. “Prism already has an excellent reputation and strong relationships, and I want to build on that rather than change things for the sake of it.”

Looking ahead, Sophie plans to broaden Prism’s expertise and continue developing the consultancy around the changing needs of its clients.

“There are some really good opportunities to bring together Prism’s existing workload, my own experience and the wider expertise around us,” she said. “I’m looking forward to getting stuck into new projects and developing the business from there.”

Planning made personal

While Prism continues to grow, our approach remains straightforward: understand the project, identify the challenges and provide clear, practical planning advice that helps clients move forward.

If you have a project you’d like to discuss with Sophie and the team, get in touch with Prism Planning .

A New Chapter for Prism Planning

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:53:08 GMT

Prism Planning has entered an exciting new chapter following its acquisition by the P&K Construction Holdings Group.

Established in 2008, Prism has built a strong reputation for providing clear, practical planning advice to clients across the North East, Yorkshire and further afield. Our experience spans a wide range of sectors, including residential, commercial, agricultural, renewable energy and more complex projects involving Environmental Impact Assessment.

Becoming part of the wider P&K Group provides Prism with additional strength and support while allowing us to continue doing what we do best — providing independent, specialist planning advice tailored to each client and project.

Continuing as an independent planning consultancy

Importantly, Prism continues to operate as an independent planning consultancy.

We work with developers, landowners, businesses, architects, construction companies and other professional teams across a wide range of projects, and that independence remains central to the way we work.

Where appropriate, being part of the wider Group also gives our clients access to additional expertise across design, fabrication and construction, helping to create a joined-up approach where a project would benefit from it.

Building on strong foundations

Over nearly two decades, Prism has developed extensive experience in navigating the planning system, resolving complex planning issues and helping clients move projects forward.

Our work includes planning applications and appeals, enforcement matters, lawful development, planning objections, renewable energy, Environmental Impact Assessment and specialist environmental planning matters.

The change in ownership provides a strong platform from which to continue developing the business, broaden the services we offer and support both existing and new clients.

While Prism is entering a new phase, the principle behind the business remains unchanged: providing straightforward, commercially aware planning advice and helping clients find the right way forward.

Talk to us about your project

Whether you are considering a development, facing a planning challenge or simply want to understand what may be possible with a site, our team would be happy to have an initial conversation.

Every successful project starts with the right advice.