News Archives - Page 19 of 45 - Planning Design Ltd

Powering up Royal Derby Hospital – Planning application for new substations

28th November 20227th December 2021 by Gary Stringer

On behalf of our client, Derby & Burton Hospitals University Foundations Trust, Planning & Design Practice Ltd have submitted a full planning application that seeks permission for the installation of two substations at the Royal Derby Hospital, Uttoxeter Road.

The substations will be located in separate locations across the Hospital site. One of which will be located to the rear of the main building in close proximity to the Children’s Hospital entrance and will be accommodated within a brick building. The proposal will be set into the existing embankment and will be accessed by steps on either side.

The other substation will be located in close proximity to the KTC unit and comprises of a small extension to an existing storage area. Both substations will have a footprint of 9.1 metres by 6.2 metres with two access doors on either side elevation.

The proposed development was considered to be acceptable within the hospital campus and will assist in facilitating the delivery of hospital facilities and services.

The design and appearance of the substations and their building was considered to be acceptable and is similar in design and appearance to other similar substations within the hospital grounds.

The proposal will not be visible within the public domain. The proposal is set away from the closest residential properties on Owlers Lane, Princes Drive and Balmoral Close along with Springfield.

The proposal will not have an impact on the servicing, car parking and manoeuvrability within the hospital site and there will be no interaction with the public highway

As such the proposal has been considered against Local Plan Policies, the National Planning Policy Framework where appropriate and all other material considerations. The hereby approved is considered to be acceptable in terms of design, external appearance, impact on residential amenity and movement within the hospital site.

Planning & Design Practice Ltd provide consultancy services to the public sector and are pleased to be working with the Derby & Burton Hospitals University Foundations Trust to deliver new buildings & facilities across Southern Derbyshire and East Staffordshire. We have recently successfully secured permission for a 3-storey ward extension across the front of Royal Derby Hospital, a new operating theatre and an extension to the staff car park. For more information, or to discuss how we can help you with a specific project, please get in touch on 01332 347371.

Plans for Elvaston Castle transformation to be submitted

20th June 20227th December 2021 by Gary Stringer

Planning applications for the first phase of the proposed £35 million restoration and transformation of Elvaston Castle Country Park are set to be submitted.

Final touches have been added to proposals to reverse decades of under investment and secure the future of the 321-acre Derbyshire estate, which includes the historic Grade II-listed gardens.

It follows a comprehensive public consultation exercise and many months of work by Derbyshire County Council and Elvaston Castle and Garden Trust, working with the National Trust.

Elvaston Castle, a gothic revival masterpiece lies at the heart of approximately 321 acres of open parkland, woodland and more formal historical gardens. Designed by James Wyatt in the early 1800s and based on the original house dating back to 1633, it was once the home of the Earls of Harrington. The Stanhope family and 11th earl finally left the estate in 1939 at the onset of the war. During the War, Elvaston housed a teacher training college and in 1964 the estate was put up for sale. It was purchased by Needlers (subsequently part of Tarmac Roadstone UK), a mineral extraction company, with the central core of the estate subsequently being sold to Derbyshire County Council and Derby Borough Council in 1969, saving it from being exploited as a series of gravel pits.

In 1970 the park was officially designated a country park and opened to the public.

The plans include a new café, regenerating the stables for retail, catering, exhibitions and office use, as well as new accommodation and workshops for site staff and volunteers.

Regeneration of the site, will ensure it will remain a free at the point of entry country park, and is expected to create more than 170 new jobs and increase the number of visitors from its current 240,000 a year once it is restored to its former glory.

The money for the project will come from a mix of public and private investment, including bids to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership and substantial investment from the county council itself.

Councillor Tony King, the county council’s cabinet member for clean growth and regeneration, said: “If our proposals get the go-ahead, it will signal the start of the first phase of our plans to secure the future of Elvaston Castle Country Park for generations to come by making it a sustainable visitor attraction.”

Planning & Design Practice Ltd are delighted to be working on the ambitious transformation project, having been appointed as Heritage Planning Consultants for the scheme earlier in the year.

Planning & Design Practice Ltd recognise the importance of the built heritage in our towns, villages and rural areas. We have worked on numerous schemes affecting Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and Derby City Centre, with clients including John Smedleys Ltd, Meadowview Homes, and Staton Young Group.

For more information on this project or for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project or property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01332 347371 to find out how we can help.

New talent, new expertise, New Year

28th November 20226th December 2021 by Gary Stringer

As we look ahead to the new year and the new opportunities it will bring, Planning & Design Practice Ltd is expanding and excited to announce new additions to the team, with new recruits joining our planning, architectural and heritage teams.

Joining our approachable and experienced team of RIBA Chartered Architects and architectural assistants is Project Architect Manik Karunaratne. An Architects Registration Board (ARB) UK registered architect, Manik qualified in 2018 at the University of Nottingham, following an architectural journey comprised of several universities, having studied at the University of Derby, Nottingham Trent University and De Montfort University.

Having worked on commercial architecture practices previously, Manik has experience on office buildings, high rise apartments buildings, housing developments and barn conversions. Currently he is working on a variety of vernacular and domestic projects liaising closely with clients and further developing his knowledge in heritage and conservation.

Andrew Stock joins us as a Principal Planner, having spent over 7 years in local government. Andrew previously worked in development control as a Planning Officer at Herefordshire Council and, since 2016, as a Senior Planning Officer at Derbyshire Dales District Council.

During his time in local government Andrew gained a wealth of knowledge on a wide range of planning applications including residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural developments of various scales. Andrew will utilise his wealth of experience and local knowledge to assist the company in the preparation, submission and management of all types of planning applications going forward.

Having recently completed a Master’s degree in Public History and Heritage at the University of Derby, Ruth Gray joins our Heritage team as Heritage Assistant. Ruth will assist an IHBC (Institute of Historic Building Conservation) planner and a Specialist Conservation Architect, carrying out research and helping to prepare heritage assessments, listed building applications and planning applications in conservation areas, and within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site, where we have worked on a number of successful projects. Prior to joining Planning & Design, Ruth was a heritage assistant at a charity in Nottingham supporting sector entrants to find their first role in museums and cultural institutions.

Continuing a tradition of encouraging and supporting emerging talent, we are also pleased to announce the addition to the team of: Joshua Bunce and Matthew Kempster as Junior Architectural Technicians; and Katy Francis, Emily Anderson, Caitlin Holton and Shaun Hyde as Graduate Planners.

Richard Pigott, Director said “We are excited to be growing the team again following the restructuring earlier in the year and the appointment of the new management team. This is in response to continuing demand for our services and demonstrates our confidence in the future in both our Derby and Sheffield offices, reflecting the positive economic outlook in these two great cities.”

Since being founded in 2002 Planning & Design Practice Ltd has earnt an excellent reputation for winning approvals and for creating attractive and viable proposals. The company has generated over £200m of uplift in land values for clients through its consents and proposals. The architectural side of the business boasts true international expertise having worked on large scale projects in Russia, Germany, Spain and the United States as well as across the UK. The company is able to design award winning proposals for a wide range of clients across the country.

The company’s heritage team can advise on listed buildings and developments in sensitive locations whilst maintaining a strong planning consultancy team. In 2019 our heritage work was recognised and awarded the Highly Commended Certificate for Excellence in Planning for Heritage & Culture at the recent RTPI East Midlands Awards for Planning Excellence 2019. The Highly Commended Certificate was for our work on the redevelopment of the ‘East Site’ at John Smedley Mills, Lea Bridge.

Two Years of success in the Steel City

28th November 202217th November 2021 by Gary Stringer

Michael Bamford, Director at Planning & Design Practice Ltd reflects on two years of success in the Steel City as we celebrate the second anniversary of our Sheffield office.

Planning & Design Practice Ltd opened the doors of its new Sheffield office in September 2020. Two years on and a lot has changed. Clearly the Pandemic has been a significant part of everyone’s life over the past 2 years and continues to be. Like many businesses we were nervous of how things would unfold economically and the impact Covid would have on the construction industry. This nervousness was not misplaced but so far, the impact hasn’t manifested the way many of us expected it too.

After the initial shock at the start of the first lock down the number of enquiries and planning applications has increased. For many of us, the Pandemic has meant we have been busier not quieter, and Sheffield is by no means an exception to this, the property market has been impressively strong throughout the pandemic and investments into the city have continued despite the uncertainty. The loss of some significant retailers is yet to be felt but the city is growing, and confidence is high, growth which is reassuringly above the average for the rest of the country. The £0.9m grant for improvements to Fargate will only help to drive this.

The recent award to Sheffield, which saw the Steel City named the most sustainable city in the UK by researchers from the University of Southampton, (and as reported by the Independent Newspaper) is testament to how Sheffield is doing things differently. The focus on renewable energy production across the city and the prospective introduction of the clean air zone are all moving Sheffield in the right direction, and it is good to see this recognized. Investment into safe cycle ways across the whole of the city is still lagging behind and anecdotally, the take up of public transport post pandemic remain much lower, whilst private car use appears to be on the increase. I hope the award becomes a catalyst for further change and investment into sustainable measures across the city.

It has been a particularly interesting 2 years for us. We have had a number of significant new Clients come on board with us. Not least Microsoft for whom we have been advising on two major applications for new offices and new laboratories. The new offices, when built will be one of the most sustainable buildings in the country and will serve to push the boundaries of rural office accommodation. As Planners and Architects, sustainability is at the core of what we do, and it is always exciting when the theory is put into practice and realised. We are optimistic that Sheffield will see significant growth over the next 3-5 years, and it is our hope that we can grow with it.

With an office at the Workstation, a member of Sheffield Chamber, and with numerous clients and projects in the area we are proud to have a close connection with Sheffield. Please get in touch for advice on local planning & development.

Michael Bamford, Director – Chartered Town Planner, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Planning success for new yoga studio

28th November 202217th November 2021 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice are pleased to announce that permission has been granted for a new yoga studio in Derby city centre, converting a classic terraced house from a small family home into its new business use. The first floor has been opened up to create the yoga studio itself and the stairway and entrance hall have been reconfigured to create a more welcoming and comfortable environment.

Special attention has been paid to preserving the heritage of the street scene when choosing a new fire escape window with an in-keeping sash window being installed to serve the first-floor studio.

The property is close to the city centre and whilst predominantly residential the street itself contains a number of other small businesses. Our client is a well-respected and experienced certified Iyengar yoga teacher with an established client base, many of whom live in this part of the city. The building has been in the family for some time and the purpose of the application was to create a small centre for the teaching and practice of yoga and the delivery of complementary therapies. Whilst this was an application for small business use, as part of the application, the applicant would also like to be able to revert the building back to being a dwellinghouse at some point in the future without having to re-apply for planning permission.

As yoga is considered both a health and a leisure use, it now forms part of Class E of the amended Use Classes Order. Many people use yoga for their physical and mental health, mindfulness and wellbeing, but there is also a recreational element to yoga, it is an opportunity to meet and to undertake a shared exercise experience. Class E also includes former B1 uses which can take place within a residential area.

The proposed development represents an exciting and sustainable re-use for this building. The site benefits from being a sustainable location with a range of transport options available to clients. The parking restrictions on the streets surrounding the site will prevent the development from having a negative impact on the highways. The quiet nature of the studio and the proposed hours of opening will protect the amenity of neighbours. With no exterior alterations to the building being proposed its contribution to the Strutts Park Conservation area, and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Buffer Zone will be unaffected.

Planning & Design Practice have a wealth of experience in designing and securing planning permission for commercial projects. We have the required skills to design both small- and large-scale schemes in-house and tailor the design to our client’s unique specifications. If you are unsure of your site’s potential, we are also able to provide our professional opinion on the planning potential of your property at the outset. For a no obligation consultation to discuss your project or property please get in touch on 01332 347371 or at enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Main Image: Photo by Elina Fairytale from Pexels

Beautiful stone barn to become family home

28th November 202216th November 2021 by Gary Stringer

Set on the outskirts of Hollington, Staffordshire, Planning & Design Practice Ltd are thrilled that this beautiful stone barn has received planning consent to be turned into a home for the farmers who have lived and worked on this farm for decades. The barn enjoys stunning views across the valley towards Denstone College and Croxden Abbey.

Traditional Stone barns are a feature of the local countryside however at a typical 6m deep they are now not often practical with the invention of modern farming methods and larger herds. The farmers will downsize into the barn allowing the next generation to utilise the Farmhouse. This is a great way to stay on the farm and utilise a beautiful piece of local vernacular.

The barn will have two first floor bedrooms; one with a roll-tub bath in front of the window to enjoy those stunning views. It is the intention of the owners to retain the agricultural feel of the barn and expose the stone where possible. We are really looking forward to seeing this barn transformed into their new home!

Obtaining planning permission can provide you with that dream home in the countryside or maybe the way of life you have always dreamt of.

It can also bring about significant gains and help to maximise the value of your rural property. However, development in the countryside is subject to strict planning controls which can make obtaining planning permission very difficult.

We have vast experience of working on rural projects for homeowners, landowners and farmers in rural areas including rural housing development, barn conversions (both via a planning application and Class Q), farm diversification schemes and tourist accommodation. We can provide you with expert advice on issues to be taken into account prior to submission of your application through to receiving the decision. For a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Heritage project update – November 2021

28th November 202216th November 2021 by Gary Stringer

Jon Millhouse, both a Chartered Town Planner and a Full Member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, with a specialist interest in Historic Building Conservation gives a further Heritage Project update on a number of interesting heritage and conservation projects that Planning & Design Practice Ltd are currently engaged with.

It has been a busy few months for the heritage team at Planning & Design Practice. We have welcomed Ruth Gray to the team as a Heritage Assistant. Ruth has a Master’s degree in Public History and has enhanced our capacity to prepare heritage reports and appraisals. Her research skills and knowledge of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site have already proved to be a great asset.

The Elvaston castle master plan proposals are progressing extremely well. We are employed by Derbyshire County Council to provide strategic planning advice and compile the forthcoming planning and listed building applications. Our work includes preparing a supporting planning statement and environmental impact assessment which are nearing completion. Exciting proposals for the reuse and restoration of listed buildings at the estate have been drawn up by architects Simpson and Brown, promising a much enhanced visitor experience. A public exhibition was held onsite at the Castle on Friday 12 November as well as being available online as a virtual exhibition for the week of November 8. The applications are due to be submitted by the end of the year.

We were pleased to see two of our earlier schemes received recognition in the form of awards recently. Chase Farm, Ambergate, a small housing scheme in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site designed by our architects and developed by Chevin Homes, was recognised at the East Midlands Business Link “Brick Awards 2021”. In addition Callow Hall Ashbourne, where we provided planning support and help to secure consent for an extension and new accommodation in the grounds, was given the honour of best hotel of the year by the Sunday Times newspaper.

Other smaller but no less interesting schemes we have worked on recently include designing and obtaining consent for a small extension to an original Arkwright cottage in Cromford in the heart of the World Heritage site, listed building consent for the restoration of a 18th century gardeners bothy in the grounds of the former Glapwell Hall, and designing and obtaining planning consent for the conversion of a delightful old stone field barn to a new home at Hollington Staffordshire.

For more information on all things planning and architecture related, plus national news, projects we have worked on as well as expert advice and opinion, sign up to receive our free Monthly Newsletter.

Jon Millhouse, Director, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

In good health with new GP Surgeries

28th November 202216th November 2021 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice Ltd have secured Certificates of Lawfulness of Proposed Use or Development (“CLOPUD”), for two vacant retail units located in Wigan town centre, that will see them converted into GP surgeries.

The first site is located at 13-15 Fleet Street, around 3.5km to the west of the town centre. This site was previously in use as a retail unit (a convenience shop and Post Office) for many years until 2018. The second site, at 66 Standish Gate, is part of a row of commercial properties on the northwest side of Standishgate in the heart of in Wigan town centre.

Until recently, shops fell within Use Class A1. However, from 1st September 2020 A1 shops are included within the new broad Class E Commercial, Business and Service Use Class and in some cases, Class F2. As GP surgeries also now fall within Class E it was considered that the change of use did not require planning permission and a Certificate of Lawfulness of Proposed Use or Development was instead sought.

CLOPUD applications for both sites were submitted early September and by the end of October we were pleased to have received approval from Wigan Council for their conversion to GP surgeries.

The Wigan Local Plan that was adopted in 2013 identifies health inequality and deprivation as a major issue facing Wigan Borough and improving health and life expectancy as a key strategic objective. Access to quality health care is a key component of this and the provision of these two new GPs surgeries in the town centre, is an important contribution towards ensuring the health care needs of Wigan’s community are met.

Planning & Design have a wealth of experience in designing and securing planning permission for commercial projects. For expert advice and a no obligation consultation to discuss your business, please get in touch.

Main Image: Urban design & consult

New extension for converted agricultural building

28th November 202225th October 2021 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice Ltd are delighted that planning permission has been granted for a new extension that will provide a family home in Derbyshire with a porch/utility room.

The site comprises an agricultural building which has recently been converted to a house.

The dwelling is set to the northwest end of a field, accessed via a gate to the south which is accessed off Alders Lane in Tansley, a small village east of Matlock. The building is set close to the junction of Alders Lane and Thatchers Lane. There are residential properties to the north and west off Thatchers Lane, and hedge/trees align the boundary to the west of the site.

Full planning permission is sought to extend the dwellinghouse to provide a porch/utility room on its rear elevation.

The extension is proposed to measure 9m wide and 2.5m deep. It was proposed to have a dual pitched roof to a height of 2.9m; this has been amended to a lean to roof to avoid the ‘valley’ at the suggestion of officers and the overall height is roughly the height of a proposed boundary fence but takes the mass slightly further away from the boundary. The elevations and roof were originally proposed to be constructed with dark grey metal cladding, to align with the metal cladding on the dwellinghouse, except for the south elevation which was proposed to match the render of the dwelling. This has also been amended in order that the extension has all elevations in metal cladding.

It was considered that the extension will appear as a modest, latter addition, in simple materials, that a farmer may add to an agricultural building to expand its capacity. It is certainly subservient to the main building and in such a location as to not compromise the main elevations of the building. It is also largely screened by an established hedge/trees and fence along the western boundary and is set on a lower level. In this regard, the extension is considered acceptable in its scale, design and materials.

In the last 18 months many of us have sought to adapt and improve our homes in response to changing work and living habits. For a free, no obligation consultation and expert advice on how to adapt and improve your home, please contact us.

Planning Design gains planning permission for 7 apartments in Darley Abbey

28th November 202220th October 2021 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice Ltd is delighted to have gained planning permission for 7 apartments in Darley Abbey, Derby. The site lies at the junction of Church Lane and North Avenue in Darley Abbey, a small historical village situated on the outskirts of the city centre. The proposed three storey development is a further development of a scheme for six apartments that were approved in 2019. The development has been designed by Derbyshire based Matthew Montague Architects.

The applicants came to us to act as Agents. The purpose was to gain planning permission for a revised scheme for the site while also addressing the outstanding planning conditions from the 2019 permission. The aim was to allow development to start as soon as the permission had been agreed.

There were extensive discussions between ourselves, the applicant, and the Council. The revised scheme and the increase in the number of units did not draw any objection from neighbours. With an extant consent in place there was support locally for the development to start. The revised scheme sought to improve the relationship with immediate neighbours and provides a more sympathetic design in keeping with the appearance and character of the area.

The application received delegated approval and was signed off by the Head of Planning and Derby City council.

Development is expected to commence within 12 months. There is an acute demand for apartments to downsize in this local area and sales are expected to be strong. The council does have a 5-year housing land supply but the government has increased the housing target for the city by 35%. New housing in Derby will generally be supported within the build framework of the city if general matters of impact on neighbours, loss of employment space, flooding and flood risk, remediation of contaminated land and heritage are addressed.

Gaining planning permission is a key step in almost any development. Planning & Design Practice Ltd is a multi-disciplinary team of Town Planners, Architects, Architectural Assistants and Design Professionals. We can take a project through from inception to completion but we also offer the flexibility to engage a client’s own architects and provide a planning service, whilst our design team can also work with clients who have engaged other town planning professionals. For a no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Powering up Royal Derby Hospital – Planning application for new substations

Plans for Elvaston Castle transformation to be submitted

New talent, new expertise, New Year

Two Years of success in the Steel City

Planning success for new yoga studio

Beautiful stone barn to become family home

Heritage project update – November 2021

In good health with new GP Surgeries

New extension for converted agricultural building

Planning Design gains planning permission for 7 apartments in Darley Abbey

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