Architects Sheffield Archives - Planning Design Ltd

Revisiting a redeveloped Lenton Gardens

22nd August 2023 by Gary Stringer

A visit to an award-winning housing development bought back memories of student life for our Part II Architectural Assistant Tina Humphreys. Here she looks at the redevelopment of the Lenton Gardens estate in Nottingham.

The housing scheme in Lenton Gardens by jtp Architects has won a variety of awards such as LABC East Midlands Building Excellence Awards 2016- 2017 for Best Social or Affordable New Housing Development and was also shortlisted on the RIBA East Midlands Awards 2018 Regional Awards.

Back in 2014 I was in my first year of university studying architecture and living in student accommodation in Lenton, which is a converted historical industrial building. Opposite the student halls was this bleak and rundown site which had 6 high-rise residential towers of brutalist-style architecture. Concrete prefab façade with small windows and a very monotonous style. There were green spaces surrounding the towers but nobody used it or in fact dared to walk through it!

In 2012 Nottingham City Homes and Nottingham City Council made the decision to replace the existing residential tower blocks with new accommodation of better quality and to create a better way of life. The brief was to bring back key movements through the site from north to south and east to west. In addition, the aim was to provide a mix of affordable family housing and as well as homes for the elderly, and to provide a sense of community with cafe’s and office spaces. To do this jtp Architects worked closely with the Lenton community by holding drop in sessions and workshops during the concept stage and reporting on the feedback they received about the layout and design of the new homes.

The final result is a good mix of flats, semi-detached houses, detached houses and bungalows, with soft landscaped green spaces in between. The architectural style uses traditional red and blue brick and white render with some traditional features from housing within Lenton area but in a modern way.

The scheme also incorporates sustainable features such as PV panels and meets, what was back then the Code for Sustainable Homes level 4.

Tina Humphreys, Part II Architectural Assistant, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Planning & Design Practice believe in good architecture, to improve our quality of life, create real value and to drive sustainable development, creating robust, resilient homes and buildings to face the challenges of climate change. For a no obligation consultation to discuss your project or property, please get in touch.

Senior Architect joins Planning & Design Practice

25th July 2023 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice are excited to announce further expansion of its architectural team with the addition of Senior Architect David Symons.

David is an RIBA Chartered Architect who studied architecture at the University of Nottingham, and with experience working in practice in both the UK and Canada.

Prior to Planning & Design David was Project Architect as part of a practice of 60 and responsible for constructions budgets upwards of £20M. David has experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and working with diverse clients including local authorities, property developers, and top-ranking higher education institutions on projects ranging from town centre regeneration utilising government future high street funding, commercial office fit outs and university projects throughout the West Midlands and Nationally.

David worked for a time in Vancouver, Canada for a large practice producing detailed designs and feasibility studies for large-scale mixed-use master plans, residential and office high-rises. He also has strong local knowledge having previously worked in the residential and domestic architecture sector in the East Midlands for 5 years, gaining an understanding of the physical and planning context of the area and developing a keen ability to translate a client’s design ambitions into reality.

On joining the practice, David Symons, Senior Architect at Planning & Design said:

“Having experience working on projects from the smallest to largest scale, it is great to be joining the Planning & Design team to assist with a strong existing portfolio of varied projects and during a period of growth in domestic enquiries and larger developer schemes. Having assisted with implementing transformative projects in other areas of the country, it is fantastic to be joining the team with such strong local connections during a time of great growth and change for Derby in particular.

I am excited to have the remit to apply creativity and innovation to all stages of the Planning and Design process with a team that are skilled and equipped to delivering fantastic projects.”

Michael Bamford, Director at Planning & Design said:

“We are excited to welcome David to the Architectural Team as Senior Architect. David is an enthusiastic Architect with a strong portfolio of large and small-scale projects that demonstrates his understanding and ability to work towards delivering the development that Clients want.

David’s early career working in Canada and the UK system has given him a broader understanding of the Architectural process and how this relates to securing planning permission and delivering projects as well as a good understanding of the complexities of designing within a historic environment, something which is vital in the work we do at Planning & Design.

David will be an integral part of the growth of our Architectural team over the next twelve months and we look forward to his role in supporting the team in achieving projects we can be proud of.“

Our approachable and experienced team comprises architects, architectural assistants, designers and technicians. Our architects have true international expertise having worked on large scale projects in Russia, Germany, Spain, Canada and the United States as well as across the UK. We offer a comprehensive design service through all the RIBA work stages from concept through to completion.

Celebrating Agricultural Shows

19th July 202318th July 2023 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice have exhibited at regional agricultural shows many times, and they are always a well-attended and successful event in our marketing calendar, where we are able to reach a wide variety of the local population. But as we sign on to them every year we have never stopped to think about the origins of these shows until now, so we have asked our heritage consultant Ruth Gray to look into the history of these wonderful events.

County agricultural shows are an annual fixture all over the country and also across the world. The shows make for a great family day out where you can view the best of the local grown produce, see livestock, farm machinery, listen to music, view local crafts, and generally spend a lovely day out in the countryside. Prizes are given out for best in show and there is immense pride in all the displays.

The earliest agricultural show was held just over 250 years ago, by the Salford Agricultural Society in Lancashire, England, in 1768.

The shows were a regional space for farmers to compare the products of their hard work and to share knowledge. They also performed an important social function, being a place for the different classes to mix, where labourers could socially meet the landowners and educated specialists and share their hands-on knowledge of farm work.

In the 1760s the majority of the population still lived in rural areas but slowly the industrial revolution meant there was a higher number living in towns and cities and people were becoming increasingly unacquainted with agriculture. In 1839 well known members of the farming community got together in Oxford and organised the first English national show. The following year the group were granted a charter, forming the Royal Agricultural Society of England, which allowed those from urban and non-farming backgrounds to experience agriculture.

By the mid twentieth century festivals of rural life had become a mainstay of both the agricultural and, indeed, the national calendar.

The shows became not only just an agricultural show, but an important event in the provision of civic and cultural experiences offered by a host town. The shows are an increasingly important way of displaying what a local town is capable of both agriculturally, technically and as well as its community strength.

Today these shows are as popular as ever, recently the Guardian² reported that June 2023 ‘Royal Highland Show broke its record when 217,000 came to the three-day event to witness, among other activities, the world sheep-shearing championship and chainsaw carving demonstrations. ‘They went on to report that; ‘The Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations estimates that about 7 million Britons – roughly 10% of the population – visit agricultural shows every year.’

Planning & Design Practice believe that these agricultural shows are an important events, providing networking and marketing opportunities that allow us to display our services and rural planning expertise to potential customers in a fun and engaging way. We’ll next be exhibiting at the Ashbourne Show, taking place on Saturday 19th August at the Polo Ground, Osmaston, and then at the 150th Penistone Agricultural Show on Saturday 9th September at the Penistone Showground in South Yorkshire. Come along to see us, we’ll be happy to meet you and answer any planning or architectural questions you might have. See you there!

We have vast experience of working on projects for homeowners, landowners and farmers in rural areas including rural housing development, barn conversions, Class Q planning applications, equestrian development and farm diversification schemes. If you have any questions about a rural planning project please do not hesitate to get in touch for a no obligation consultation to discuss further, 01332 347371 or email enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Further Reading:

1: Putting on a show: the Royal Agricultural Society of England and the Victorian town, c.1840–1876 by Louise Miskell.

2: Agricultural Shows boom across the UK.

3: Agricultural Shows in the Picture.

Saddle up for equestrian success

5th June 202317th May 2023 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice is pleased to announce that planning permission has been secured for use of an existing stable block and equestrian facilities as a livery yard for up to 5 horses in addition to the existing private use of the facilities.

The application site currently comprises equestrian land with a stable block, canter track, menage and associated lighting for private use. These facilities were completed in 2022 to provide horse riding and livery facilities for the applicants and their family. However, the applicants have had many requests from close-by horse owners for use of their livery and equestrian facilities. Therefore, the approved permission will make more efficient use of the site, which is currently underutilised as the residents are often competing away in the evenings and on weekends.

We understand that the proposed use of the equestrian facilities would not be essential to the rural economy, but it would be otherwise appropriate in the countryside given that the keeping of horses is an appropriate rural pursuit. In line with local plan policy SP8, the development provides facilities for the use of the general public or local community close to an existing settlement and creates a new business appropriate to the countryside.

There will be no adverse impacts on highways safety, flood risk, heritage assets or the amenities of surrounding occupiers and no other significant planning issues have been raised by the proposal.

Despite what is often thought about the limitations of rural planning policy, there are many routes homeowners, landowners and farmers in rural areas can take in order to secure new development. We have vast experience of working on rural projects including equestrian development, barn conversions and tourist accommodation.

If you are looking to secure planning permission for a property or business please call us on 01332 347371 . We provide an initial no obligation consultation and can help you make the right decision.

Megan Askham, Planner – Planning & Design Practice Ltd.

Eurovision – 12 points to Liverpool!

17th May 202316th May 2023 by Gary Stringer

With Liverpool hosting Europe’s biggest party, Shaun Hyde, part of our Planning team looks at how the Eurovision song contest has shone the spotlight on the city’s iconic architecture.

All eyes were on Liverpool last weekend as it welcomed the Eurovision Song Contest to the banks of the River Mersey on behalf of Ukraine. The Contest saw a week-long series of celebrations throughout the city. Liverpool embraced the opportunity to host for Ukraine, with the city not letting you forget who this celebration was for. Iconic city landmarks including the Liver Building, the Museum of Liverpool and the Radio City tower were illuminated with the blue and yellow of Ukraine’s flag throughout the festival. The M&S Bank Arena hosted the live shows during the course of the week, but plenty of activities had spilled out across the city. Having Liverpool host Eurovision seems fitting when you consider how intertwined its musical heritage is with the city’s sense of place.
Across the city centre, 12 large Soloveiko Songbirds made up an educational trail around the city. Each songbird had unique plumage and was accompanied by audio soundscapes to represent the different regions of Ukraine. The mundane hustle and bustle of city centre life was injected with vibrantly coloured street scenes, complimented by the outfits that have become synonymous with Eurovision fans. Every pub, bar, restaurant and shop was decorated with bunting and Ukrainian flags. This vibrancy was underpinned by a feeling of pride, excitement and celebration. The sense of festivity and enthusiasm culminated along the iconic waterfront.

Pier Head hosted the Eurovision Village, a fan-orientated area complete with a large stage, that saw both Ukrainian and British acts perform during the course of the week. The Village acted as the focal point for all things Eurovision; the main hub for fans wanting to soak up the celebratory atmosphere. The village included a ‘Discover Ukraine’ area, which provided the opportunity to embrace aspects of Ukrainian life, including traditional food and an insight into Ukrainian music culture.

Transforming Pier Head into this hub of activity highlights how public spaces can be multifunctional depending on the circumstances. Pier Head is already a successful public realm that provides both a legible path along Liverpool’s iconic waterfront and a node where people want to stay and appreciate the architecture and scenery. An inviting public realm is the first step in attracting and retaining visitors, which subsequently has a knock on effect on the city economically, with visitors spending money in local shops and attractions. Having the waterfront as the backdrop for the fan village, placed one of Liverpool’s most recognisable pieces of architecture at the forefront of the Contest’s coverage.

Heading along the waterfront from the Eurovision Village, visitors could appreciate the Museum of Liverpool’s musical piano key steps. This interactive experience proved to be popular with families with young children, a nice touch to ensure people of all ages could appreciate the activities.

The Albert Dock, which itself is a prime example of how urban regeneration can breathe new life into a dilapidated area, was a hive of activity. The numerous bars and restaurants that line the dock were all busy with visitors, plenty of whom were sporting different flags and face paints supporting their respective nations. The shape of the dock means that people can appreciate different sight lines of the waterfront and the rest of the city, compared to the linear nature of following the promenade along the river. Similar to Pier Head, the atmosphere here was one of unity and togetherness, personifying the motto for this years Contest “United by Music”.

The benefits of hosting large scale events such as Eurovision, in such a successful manner, cannot be understated. It allows a city to cement their identity and culture to a far-reaching audience, which can potentially be used to rebrand itself. For Liverpool, it was an opportunity to put on a great show on behalf of Ukraine, successfully embracing both Ukrainian culture and the vibrancy that is typical of Eurovision. Future Eurovision host cities will look to Liverpool as the benchmark. As a city with so much musical heritage, Liverpool relished the opportunity to host Europe’s biggest party.

Shaun Hyde, Planner, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

United by Music – Liverpool hosts the 2023 Eurovision song contest.

In good health thanks to planning success

19th April 2023 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice have secured planning permission, alongside Urban Design & Consult, to refurbish and extend a health centre and former pharmacy building to provide additional consultation rooms and office space. The additional space will create office space, an additional consultation room as well as a small kitchen. The site lies in a residential area of Stockport surrounded by homes in need of additional infrastructure and services.

The rationale for the development was driven by a desire to merge the existing health centre with a nearby practice, meaning additional administration and consultation space will be required to accommodate the additional staff and patients. The previous pharmacy tenants vacated the premises due to an end in tenancy agreements, leaving space for the expansion of the health centre. The proposal complies with policies CS-5 and AS-2 of the Core Strategy as the extension and refurbishment will adequately provide for the needs of the borough’s population.

As stated within the officer’s report, the development will follow the criteria from the quality places policies of the Core Strategy. Policy SIE-1 requires that all development is designed and landscaped to the highest contemporary standard, with specific account of the use of materials, safety and security of users, and provision, maintenance and enhancement of access, privacy and amenity. There will be a minimal impact on neighbouring amenities from a visual perspective as no new windows will be implemented and the building will not increase in height, meaning there will be no impact from an overlooking or overbearing perspective.

We are excited to see work progress on site to enhance the health centre and provide additional appointments for the residents of the nearby area.

Planning & Design Practice have a wealth of experience in designing and securing planning permission for commercial projects, for clients across the country.

We have the required skills to design both small and large scale schemes in-house and tailor the design to the client’s unique specifications.

We can support your development aspirations through the various stages of the planning process, including (but not limited to): feasibility studies, site promotion through the local plan, pre-applications, outline & full planning applications and appeals. 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. Contact us on 01332 347371 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your project or property.

Megan Askham, Planner – Planning & Design Practice Ltd.

Third time’s a charm – PDP secure garage success

17th May 202319th April 2023 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice have secured partially retrospective planning permission for the erection of a detached garage at the site with an existing host dwelling house, a residential annex and various outbuildings in the Derbyshire Dales District.

Work had previously commenced on the site due to an honest error by the applicant who believed the development fell within the limitations of Class E, Part 1, of Schedule 2 of the General Permitted Development Order (2015). However, as a small part of the garage is situated on land forward of the principal elevation of the original house, planning permission was required.

The garage will measure approximately 15m long x 12.1m wide x 4m high which has been reduced substantially in size since the previous two refused applications of the significant overall scale. The height of the building has been reduced from 5.7m and 5m in previous applications to 4m, reducing the impact on neighbouring occupants and the impact on the character and appearance of the site and its wider setting. The garage will be set in from the boundary and will have no overshadowing or overbearing concerns.

The garage will be solely used for private and domestic purposes and will not be used for any business, commercial or third party uses. The officer reiterates this point stating that the garage should not be used other than for purposes incidental to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse.

The previously refused applications were submitted by the applicant themselves, without consulting a planning professional. These were refused in 2019 and 2020 prior to contacting Planning & Design Practice for assistance with the application. After submitting an application with Planning & Design Practice, there was a quick turnaround, with permission being granted prior to the original decision date. We are excited to see work progress on site to enhance the client’s site.

Our team of experienced professionals work with home owners on a daily basis to provide the technical knowledge, design ideals and relevant expertise to help guide you through what can be a daunting process.

Whether you need help from a planning expert to decide what you might be able to achieve, or help designing your dream home, here at Planning & Design we will listen to your aspirations and help you to understand what can be achieved. Our team can be there for you every step of the way, from the conception of an idea to the production of design proposals and the achievement of planning permission. Contact us on 01332 347371 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your project.

Andrew Stock, Associate Director (Chartered Town Planner) – Planning & Design Practice Ltd.

Artificial lawns

19th April 2023 by Gary Stringer

With the rise of artificial lawns on residential developments, our Architectural Technologist Joseph Cattmull looks at the debate between their perceived benefits versus environmental concerns.

Artificial lawns are becoming an increasingly popular option for new residential developments in the UK, but the debate surrounding their use is still ongoing. While there are some undeniable benefits to using synthetic turf, such as low maintenance requirements, uniform appearance, and durability, there are also plenty of concerns over their environmental impact and sustainability.

One of the main advantages of artificial lawns is of course their low maintenance requirements, which to some homeowners will make them appeal over a lawned garden. They are also highly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic and harsh weather conditions, whilst being relatively quick and easy to lay.

However, the use of artificial lawns in new residential developments has raised concerns about their environmental impact. Synthetic turf is made from non-biodegradable materials, which can take hundreds of years to decompose. Further to this, they do not provide the environmental benefits of natural grass, such as air purification and soil stabilization. Artificial lawns also absorb and retain more heat than natural grass, contributing to the urban heat island effect. The urban heat island effect is where urban areas experience higher temperatures compared to their surrounding rural areas due to the absorption and retention of heat by buildings, roads, and other infrastructure. This additional retained heat is then re-radiated on top of the heat generated by human activities causing a localized increase in temperature.

In my opinion the use of artificial lawns further lowers the standard of residential development within the UK, where the standard of construction and design has decreased it would only be natural that this has begun to filter down to the gardens and landscaping designs. Aesthetic reasons alone should be enough to not use artificial lawns however the environmental impacts show that in using them we are completely contradicting the government and construction industry push for more sustainable development

The Moneyfields Mew in Portsmouth is a large-scale residential development that incorporates artificial lawns in its design. The synthetic turfs were chosen for their low maintenance requirements and uniform appearance, but their use has raised concerns among some residents about the environmental impact of the lawns and the lack of natural green spaces in the development. The lack of natural greenery in the development has also raised concerns about its impact on biodiversity and wildlife.

In conclusion, while artificial lawns may have some minor benefits, such as low maintenance requirements, their negative impact on the environment cannot be ignored and as an industry we have to strive for better.

Joseph Cattmull, Architectural Technologist, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Storage success boosts business

18th April 2023 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice are pleased to announce that planning permission has been secured for the erection of a storage building in Hinckley and Bosworth, Leicestershire. The building will provide additional storage facilities that will help to compliment the existing rural business.

In line with our clients brief the Architectural Team, in collaboration with the Planning Team, prepared a scheme that would sit comfortably within the industrial aesthetic of the storage area whilst also considering the rural surroundings of the site. The scheme took into consideration the potential impact on the character of the area and the dense forestry to the north. These considerations informed the final scheme.

The proposed building contained a vehicle storage area, a roller shutter door acting as the main entrance and a mezzanine, that sought to utilise part of the tall ceiling heights that the unit offered. The building will be steel framed, with a sheet metal roof.

The storage unit will be used to store electrical equipment that is associated with the business. The electronic equipment needs to be stored in a dry, insulated building with the ability to control the moisture content. The existing building on site will continue to provide secure storage for the site, the proposed building will be specifically for technical equipment.

Planning & Design Practice Ltd is a multi-disciplinary team of Charactered Town Planners, Architects, Architectural Assistants and Heritage Specialists. Gaining planning permission is a key step in almost any development. 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.

Planning & Design Practice Ltd are well versed in researching and understanding local Council’s policies to ensure the best possible case if put forward for our clients.

For a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01332 347371 or enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Shaun Hyde, Planner, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Positive ownership makes for post industrial opportunities – Salt Mill leads by example

22nd March 202322nd March 2023 by Gary Stringer

What to do with a massive mill complex left over from the Industrial Revolution? Our Heritage Consultant Ruth Gray looks at how careful ownership can be the key to a building’s successful re-purposing and create a 21st century asset, capitalising on the new industries of leisure and tourism.

The North and East Mill set on Derbyshire’s Derwent River on the edge of town was Belper’s beating heart since the 18th century until finally the last workers left as the textile industry and the building itself could finally no longer feasibly function.

All over the country and indeed world there are huge complex buildings that were built for specific industries that lie empty awaiting an alternative use. But finding that use is a long and drawn-out process, and we all know of sites that become derelict eyesores while we wait for the various stakeholders to come together to find a solution. Meanwhile the general public look on in bewilderment as a building literally crumbles before their eyes and in the case of the East Mill in Belper Peregrines make a home, vegetation takes hold causing the bricks to tumble and the doors to seize up from the damp. It’s a sad sight for the towns people.

The added complication is that the North and East Mill in Belper lie within the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and the North Mill is Grade I listed, and the East Mill is Grade II listed it is a highly significant site. Finding the optimal viable use for such buildings is crucial in order to retain them for future generations as well as to continue to tell the story of the place that helped develop the international cotton industry with unique methods and inventions.

Salts Mill – an example of what to do

Positive ownership is the key to saving these buildings it is crucial and the only way to make the difference. Often a project is so complex it takes an alternative route to kick start the process. As a case study Salts Mill in Saltaire is a comparable example of a large mill complex in a WHS that has kickstarted the rejuvenation of Saltaire bringing prosperity via culture. Jonathan Silver was an entrepreneur from Bradford he bought Salts Mill in 1987. The mill was in a dilapidated state, but Silver could see the building’s potential, and transformed it.

But he didn’t do it all at once he did not have a blueprint. He did the following:

The only masterplan he ever had (a shopping mall plus marina) was quickly dropped.
Architect Rod Hackney advised him not to be in a hurry to let space at Salts, but to wait for quality clients. Silver heeded this advice.
He accepted a suggestion to start off by putting on theatrical events by the IOU company and Opera North. He believed regeneration can start from any point, no matter how small. It does not have to be large-scale.
Wherever possible he avoided committees, red tape, bureaucracy, which he said impede decisive decision-making.
He went for quality, didn’t cut corners and wasn’t afraid of allowing someone to make a profit from his enterprise.

Saltaire, Bradford, West Yorkshire. October, 2013, View of Salts Mill, a UNESCO world heritage site and gallery and diner

Cromford Mill further up the valley are in the process of achieving a similar outcome to Salts Mill the Arkwright Society has taken the long road working step by step to save the important buildings and build sustainability through a mix of events and business tenants.

For the Belper Mills there are two live planning applications, AVA-2018-0818 and AVA-2018-0819. 0818 is the main application and covers works proposed to the East Mill, North Mill, Workshops, Strutt House and the Archway Bridge/Gangway over the road. Five years since they were first submitted its still ongoing. Privately owned and mired in bureaucracy there is not a lot that the general public can do but wait. Although buildings such as these do not have time to wait, they are like critically ill patients that need immediate attention and careful custodianship.

Further Reading:

1: Legacy showed the way ahead for regeneration

2: New drive to save historic Belper Mills after years of problems

Main Image: Ruth Gray Images

Revisiting a redeveloped Lenton Gardens

Senior Architect joins Planning & Design Practice

Celebrating Agricultural Shows

Saddle up for equestrian success

Eurovision – 12 points to Liverpool!

In good health thanks to planning success

Third time’s a charm – PDP secure garage success

Artificial lawns

Storage success boosts business

Positive ownership makes for post industrial opportunities – Salt Mill leads by example

Salts Mill – an example of what to do

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