Case Study: Planning Success for Residential Park Home Development

The Elms Retirement Village | Torksey Lock

Securing Lawful Use &
Unlocking New Development Potential

Fytche-Taylor Planning were appointed to support the client with a strategically important project at their established residential park home site. What began as a modest instruction developed into a two-part planning success story - securing a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) for an existing but undocumented part of the park, followed by full planning permission to extend the residential area with new park homes, landscaping and improved resident facilities.

Together, these approvals provided long-term planning certainty, protected valued parts of the park, and unlocked additional land for high-quality residential development.

The Elms park home planning case study by specialist consultants

Establishing Lawful Use Through a Successful LDC Application

An established part of the park had unclear planning status due to historic documentation gaps, creating uncertainty for residents and limiting future development options.

We prepared a robust, evidence-led Lawful Development Certificate application that:

  • Demonstrated long-term continuous use

  • Provided clear mapping and historic records

  • Set out a clear planning argument confirming its role within the main site

The LDC was granted, formally recognising the land as part of the lawful residential park. This secured a valued area for residents and created a stronger foundation for future investment.


Planning Permission for New Park Homes & Site Enhancements

Following the LDC approval, we progressed a full planning application to develop additional park homes on unused land. The scheme turned an underutilised area into a high-quality residential extension supported by new landscaping and resident amenities.

Our work delivered:

  • New park home plots arranged in a landscape-led layout

  • Generous new planting and green space

  • An extended perimeter walk for improved accessibility

  • A natural extension of the residential area

  • A commercially beneficial development that supports long-term site growth

All planning and design work - from concept to approval - was completed by Fytche-Taylor Planning, ensuring a cohesive, policy-compliant and commercially focused outcome.

Expert park home planning and design work at The Elms
Fytche-Taylor Planning delivering park home planning solutions at The Elms
Planning support for The Elms residential park home development

Our Approach

Across both applications, we provided end-to-end consultancy support including:

  • Site analysis and feasibility

  • Design and masterplanning of the new residential plots

  • Preparation of all plans and supporting documents

  • Policy justification and evidence gathering

  • Dialogue with the planning authority

  • Submission, negotiation and approval management

This comprehensive approach ensured smooth progression through the planning system and delivered outcomes that aligned with both the client’s commercial objectives and residents’ long-term needs.

Professional planning consultancy services for The Elms park home site

Outcomes & Benefits for the Client

The combined approvals provided:

  • Legal certainty for land already in long-term use

  • Expanded residential capacity through new park home permissions

  • Enhanced resident facilities with new landscaping and a perimeter walk

  • Greater operational flexibility for future planning proposals

  • Increased commercial value through efficient use of developable land

  • A stronger platform for long-term park improvements


This case demonstrates how careful planning strategy, strong evidence and thoughtful design can unlock opportunity and create lasting value for residential park home operators.

“Specialist planning and site enhancement work for The Elms park home community

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Fytche-Taylor Planning are specialists in unlocking complex planning constraints and offer full-service support from feasibility to preparing planning applications.