Architecture Archives - Page 8 of 9

Let’s talk about 3D printing and COVID 19

5th December 20228th April 2020 by Gary Stringer

Health care services are under pressure across the globe due to staff and medical equipment shortages. As a result of this, people have begun to find innovative ways, including 3D printing to overcome these difficulties.

Governments have organised their resources across many industries in order to support us. But there are also public initiatives breaking conventional barriers, sharing knowledge and resources, because where a more urgent approach is needed the machinery of government procurement can be all too slow. It has been really inspiring to read almost daily of how 3D printing has begun to show its potential and also how a myriad of universities, professionals, maker enthusiasts, engineers and designers from every field have been working proposing new ideas to provide PPE equipment, improving current designs in order to produce parts for ventilators on site and ad hoc, buying precious time.

The use of open sources technologies and social networks are the perfect way for people to find innovative solutions. Producing face masks and respirator valves, individuals and smaller companies are reacting quickly making small quantities while larger companies will be delivering orders by the thousand a few weeks from now.

For example at the hospital of Brescia, Italy, it was possible to make enough respirator parts to allow patients to breathe again thanks to the donation of a 3D printer by a local person. Of course, there have been issues about meeting medical grade adequacy or in relation to breaches of manufacturers’ patents. But due to the current scenario where hospitals are trying to cope with a state of continuous emergency and scarcity, every available option is no doubt welcome and 3D printing is there to help.

3D printing has been explored since the 80’s from the military to the public sector, and today, it is being used regularly to manufacture mechanical parts for the automotive industry, Formula 1, prosthetics, to name a few. A local example is Rolls-Royce, which recently unveiled the largest metal part made by 3D printing – a component for a Trent XWB-97 aircraft engine.

In construction innovation is key and already whole buildings have been completed across the world. In these past weeks, temporary quarantine rooms in China were made from concrete or other material aggregates, providing weather-proof space to host patients, health care staff or as storage for medical resources. A bright future is ahead of us all and who knows if the technology will not only help us to tackle some of the immediate hurdles ahead, but also issues like providing better housing or reducing environmental impact and climate change.

In the meantime following this European initiative and as a 3d printer aficionado, I’ll turn on my 3D printer at home and make as many PPE mask as possible for our local NHS staff.

Thanks for reading.

Fernando Collado Lopez, Architect, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

The Planning System and Covid 19

25th March 2020 by Gary Stringer

Writing for the Architects Journal, Tom de Castella has set out how the planning system is just one of many parts of life in the UK struggling to keep operating with the partial shutdown caused by the coronavirus.

A number of local authorities, including Carlisle City Council, have already cancelled their planning committees. Many say they are continuing as normal, but this will undoubtedly change as the government gets tougher on social distancing.

In Glasgow, council meetings have been suspended, with the chief executive and senior officers taking over the decision-making process. A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said its chief planning officer would assess time-critical decisions anticipated over the next three months. In Aberdeen, planning development committees are one of the few committees to continue working and its meetings will take place as scheduled. Likewise in Cardiff, the planning department is ‘continuing as normal’ although all services will be reviewed in the light of new government guidelines, according to a council spokesperson.

The Architects Journal sets out the mixed responses from many different planning authorities across the UK. I am writing this at a desk at home, with all the Planning and Design team working from home until the crisis is over.

We ourselves spoke to twenty LPA’s on the 23rd March. All were continuing to operate a planning service, albeit many planners were working from home and all planning committees were suspended. For most, urgent decisions will continue to be made, through delegation or though consideration by chief officers and members of planning committees remotely. For example, some forms of prior notification have fixed time limits which if breached lead to an automatic permission. These will be decided by planning officers. Decisions on key development sites will either be put on hold or decided by officers and committee members working remotely. This may call into question the validity of decisions made on controversial sites because the objectors or supporters of a site or development will not have their say, so councillors will not be able to consider all the views that might otherwise be expressed.

By the end of this week we should be in a better position to understand how the system will operate as the restrictions continue to apply. I will provide all our readers with an update on individual councils once they have an agreed protocol moving forward.

Jonathan Jenkin, Managing Director, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Planning Permission and Permitted Development Rights

6th March 2020 by Gary Stringer

We recently achieved planning permission for a client who had an enforcement issue regarding a garden building they had built. The building comprised of a workshop and a small living space with an en-suite and kitchenette, which was positioned on the western boundary with their neighbour. Normally a modestly sized garden building like this would fall under Permitted Development Rights, however what the client had overlooked was that the erection of such structures is only allowed under permitted Development Rights so long as any part of the building is not cited within 2 metres of the neighbouring properties curtilage.

In order to deal with the enforcement case that had been raised by the neighbour, we prepared and submitted a planning statement. Our argument highlighted the fact that whilst the development sits in close proximity to the adjacent curtilage boundary, by virtue of the buildings layout, height and scale any impact of the building on the amenity of the neighbours was acceptable.

Permitted Development Rights give homeowners a lot of flexibility to alter, enlarge and improve their properties and the land that falls within their curtilage, but it is always worth getting a professional opinion to ensure your development meets all the criteria. Whilst we were able to achieve permission in this instance, it is worth noting that ultimately a Planning Authority have got the power to enforce against any development that contravenes the criteria of Permitted Development, which could ultimately mean demolition!

With offices in Derby and Sheffield we have extensive knowledge about the policies and procedures of individual councils and the approach taken by planning officers and Councillors. Our aim is always to achieve permissions that meets the client brief with a permission that will deliver development.

At the start of any case we will provide an honest assessment of the likelihood of getting planning permission and we will only pursue applications where there is a reasonable chance of success either through the council or via an appeal.

For more information on Permitted Development Rights, securing planning permission or to discuss a specific project please contact us.

The Importance of Good Architecture

18th March 20204th March 2020 by Gary Stringer

What is a home in the UK? It is a place that give shelter, it is warm and dry in winter and cool in summer. It is a refuge, a place to return to, and a place where we can feel safe. It is also a place where we can feel happy, a place we can be proud of and a place that reflects our values and says something about who we are. It is also a place that functions well. It must have the capacity to accommodate our family, friends, we must be able to cook, eat meals, clean ourselves, and increasingly a place we can communicate from. The area around the home must be pleasant, where we have neighbours and where we have easy access to facilities and amenities.

Many of the houses and flats built today barely function. The homes are bland, they are often smaller than we would want; the attention to detail is poor, outside space is limited. The outside environment is often dominated by the car; limiting social intervention with our neighbours and limiting the opportunities for children to play outside.

Good architecture can really improve our quality of life. It starts with a site and a location and the wishes and requirements of the client. This does not just mean the bespoke house for the individual client but it can be the community land trust, the house builder, the local authority or the housing association.

Good architecture can create real value. A well designed home in a well-designed neighbourhood can make us feel good about our lives, it can affirm that we are providing for those who depend on us and it can make us happy. Good design makes the best use of space. It makes the most of natural light, it links the inside environment with the outside. It functions; not just for the young and the able bodied but for everyone. It accommodates the needs of the young and the elderly with the challenges of climate change. Good architecture must also use resources prudently to minimize CO2 emissions but create a robust home that is resilient and increasingly a home that generate its own power.

In our ever increasing digital age, good architecture also means strong appeal on Instagram and other social media platforms, with striking and unique images generating debate and acting as a showcase for new work and new practitioners. With an estimated one billion people using Instagram every month, content is king and architecture is accessible to the general public as never before, creating trends and influencing how we perceive and experience our built environment.

At Planning & Design we really believe in good architecture. Our team comprises of RIBA Chartered Architects and Architectural Assistants who have a wealth of experience working with homeowners, developers and the public sector. These skilled professionals have vision but also the practical experience to deliver buildings.

We believe that good design is a crucial part of the planning process. Getting the design of a project right is critical to gaining a successful planning consent and avoiding unnecessary delay and costs. We can help you to establish your brief and work through your design ideas, whilst bringing solutions to make your building a successful place to live or work in.

For more information, or to discuss a specific project please get in touch.

Jonathan Jenkin, Managing Director, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Construction of a New Country House

13th January 2020 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design are delighted to receive planning permission for the construction of a new country house, out-buildings and the conversion of two stone barns to form two dwellings.

The proposals were developed for the client by Matthew Montague Architects and we worked with the client to deliver the planning permission as Agents and planning consultants.

In design terms the new house will reflect the building traditions of the area and in its location it is an appropriate design for the existing parkland setting.

The scheme is located in rural Derbyshire and will see the remodelling of an existing farmstead with the replacement of the existing farmhouse with the new country house. A number of dilapidated buildings in the farmstead will be removed with the remaining stone barns retained and converted in to separate accommodation. The property is to be built in stone supported by a steel frame. The country house accommodation will be set over three floors with the ground floor and front terrace accessed via steps from the front access and parking area. For the family parking will be in the basement with a separate entrance for the owners and their family.

Getting approval for such a large house was a challenge and there were extensive negotiations with the Local Planning Authority. It took nearly 2 years.

This is the first substantial new country house to be built in this area for a very long time. It will exemplify the best traditions of rural county house design with a further planning application for a new lake and alterations to the access expected to be submitted later in the year.

Not the end of the line for historic station

3rd December 20192nd December 2019 by Gary Stringer

The historic Wingfield Station, recognised as one of Derbyshire’s top ten most important ‘at risk’ buildings – has been rescued thanks to the collaborative work of Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT), Amber Valley Borough Council (AVBC) and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Built in 1840, the Grade II* listed Wingfield Station and Parcel Shed closed in 1967. It is one of the earliest stations built in England – possibly the world. It is also the last surviving example of railway architect, Francis Thompson’s best work on the North Midland Railway.

Francis Thompson was commissioned by Robert Stephenson – son of George Stephenson – to design 24 stations along the Derby to Leeds section of the North Midland Line. Wingfield Station is the only one to survive. As well as being famous for his railway work, Francis Thompson designed houses, commercial buildings, and many publicly acclaimed buildings. One of the most representative of his surviving work is the Midland (now Hallmark) Hotel, Derby.

In 2012, the Victorian Society described the station as a “maimed beauty deserving better” and one of the ten most important buildings at risk in the country.

AVBC compulsorily purchased the building after more than 30 years of concern over the deteriorating condition of the Station, which is in urgent need of repair and conservation.

The council will hand over ownership of the buildings to DHBT on Tuesday 10 December 10th, in order for the Trust to begin essential works to preserve it for future commercial and community use.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded DHBT development funding of £137,000 to start the project and an application for a further grant to complete the work is planned.

During the restoration of the nationally significant buildings, DHBT is planning to offer a host of activities including “Living History” events detailing the story of the station and the North Midland Railway line as well as open days for the public and local community to gain first-hand experience of the project. In addition the Trust will offer bursary placements for young people’s training in traditional skills.

The Trust will also be recruiting volunteers to help with the project as well as collecting memories and experiences of those who used to work, or had families who worked, at the station or on the local railway.

Commenting on the project Peter Milner FRICS, DHBT Trustee Lead said: “We’re very grateful to the work done by Amber Valley Borough Council and for the National Heritage Lottery Fund support. We intend to give the building a new lease of life as well as offering many opportunities for the community and students to get involved. It’s great to know that we are a step closer to taking the building off the Heritage at Risk Register and ensure its survival for years to come.”

Derek Latham, Chair of DHBT said: “Wingfield Station is just one of many heritage buildings at risk in Derbyshire that we want to see saved and restored for the benefit of our communities in perpetuity. We hope the rescue of Wingfield Station will encourage more action to be taken to secure the future of others on the list.”

Other funders who have made this project possible include The Pilgrim Trust and The Architectural Heritage Fund.

“Wingfield Station is said to be the oldest surviving rural railway station in the world, so it’s great to hear that the Trust will not only be restoring the building, but also opening up that heritage to the local community” said Jon Millhouse, Director at Planning & Design Practice Ltd.

Jon is both a Chartered Town Planner and a member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.

Planning & Design 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 the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Director Jon Millhouse specialises in heritage planning and design team leader Lindsay Cruddas is a registered Specialist Conservation Architect.

To discuss a specific project or for general heritage enquiries, please get in touch.

Backing Becketwell

16th May 202230th October 2019 by Gary Stringer

At Planning & Design we are pleased to see our peers amongst the business community, together with stakeholders such as Marketing Derby, providing their support to the redevelopment plans for the Becketwell area, a site which has been crying out for revitalisation for a long time, having been earmarked for development in the Local Plan since 2006.

This recently submitted planning application for a £200m mixed use development covering the former Debenhams store, Pennine Hotel, NCP Car Park and Laurie House at Becketwell is the culmination of many years of hard work and the council should be congratulated for its work in acquiring over 200,000 square feet of land in various different ownerships to make this whole project possible.

Phase one of the ambitious regeneration scheme comprises plans for 342 Build to Rent apartments and a new public square on the site of the current United Reform Church, bringing new professionals and footfall to the city centre.

The residential development will comprise of two buildings, the tallest of which will extend up to 19 storeys in height. This building will contain 246 apartments above a ground floor café and restaurant that overlooks the new square. The smaller building will house 96 apartments with a convenience store at ground floor fronting Victoria Street.

The outline planning application is supported by a request to include a range of other complementary uses of the site, including up to 25,000m2 of new grade A offices, innovation centre and leisure to complement the apartments and a planned multi-storey car park, with a smaller courtyard public square called Summerhill Yard that reflects that part of the site’s historic street name.

“The problems of the high street are well documented and Derby will only thrive as a city if more people can be attracted to live and work in the city centre. The Plans for the redevelopment of the Becketwell area of the city centre will allow well designed modern buildings to sit alongside some of our fine old buildings, champion good architecture and will help Derby compete with other cities, both within the UK and around the world,” said Richard Pigott, Director of Planning & Design.

“It is also worth recognising the benefits that the development will bring to the wider area. Surrounding historic streets like Victoria Street and Macklin Street, which have fine old buildings in need of investment, will also benefit. I would encourage anyone with an interest in the scheme to view the application documents on the council’s website and register your views.” The planning application reference number is 19/01245/OUT and a decision is due by 21st November 2019.

The scheme includes £8.1 million in Local Growth Fund investment from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership and received 89% support in a recent public consultation, demonstrating the public’s appetite to transform this derelict area which has stood as a symbol of neglect for decades.

Planning & Design have worked on numerous commercial projects which have involved changing the existing use of buildings located within the city centre. The long-term vitality of town centres is an important planning concern and diversifying the uses of retail and leisure units can make significant contributions to the street scene and the local economy. For more information or to discuss your development proposals please get in touch.

Apprentice Opportunity – Join our Architectural Design team

28th October 2019 by Gary Stringer

We are looking for an apprentice to join our Architectural Design team. Our team consists of Architects, Part 2 Architectural Assistants and an Architectural Technician

This is a junior role within the team and training will be given on AutoCAD, REVIT and Photoshop. The applicant should have a strong interest in building and building design and be seeking a career in Architecture or Architectural Technology. Applicants should be computer literate and some knowledge of Adobe suite would be an advantage.

Your workload will be varied and to begin with the job holder will be doing many different tasks including:

Preparing simple plans and drawings
Manipulating images using Photoshop and downloading images
Submitting fee quotes (prepared by others) to the client
Filing & printing of plans
Working on social media – company Twitter/Facebook and monthly newsletter
Taking incoming calls
Chasing council officials, such as planning officers
Admin tasks
Any other appropriate work requested by colleagues and company directors.

We support continuing professional development and there is opportunity to attend CPDs regularly. We encourage further learning, therefore the right candidate could be supported to go on to university and return to the company during holidays or work part time.

Working at our practice could see you become an Architect, an Architectural Technologist, a Town Planner or lead you in to other Construction related job roles.

We would encourage applicants to undertake an apprenticeship course, however we will consider applicants who wish to go straight into work prior to starting a university degree.

If you are selected for an interview, we would like you to bring a portfolio to show your interest in the profession or GCSE/A-level Art, Design or Technology coursework.

For more information on the practice please get in touch by phone or email.

To be considered for interview please provide a cover letter, CV and examples of your work to: enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk. If called for an interview you will be required to bring a portfolio

We look forward to hearing from you.

Heritage Open Days Celebrate 25th Anniversary

12th September 2019 by Gary Stringer

Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture, bringing together over 2,000 organisations, 5,000 events and 40,000 volunteers. Every year in September, places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history. It’s a great chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all free, including a number of sites that usually charge an admission.

Heritage Open Days 2019 will be from 13-22 September.

Established in 1994, Heritage Open Days is England’s contribution to the European Heritage Days and celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, having grown into the country’s largest heritage festival.

In fact with over 5,700 events, 2019 is officially the biggest year yet, with over 3 million visitors expected to take part across the 10 days of the festival. To celebrate the festival’s 25th anniversary, 25 new places are opening their doors, from country houses, museum archives and gardens, to theatres, wildlife reserves, distilleries and even a solar farm.

Heritage Open Days is coordinated and promoted nationally by the National Trust with support from the People’s Postcode Lottery, and is run locally by a large range of organisations (including civic societies, heritage organisations, and local councils, community champions and thousands of enthusiastic volunteers).

Highlights for 2019 include the Vajrapani Kadampa Buddhist Centre in Huddersfield where visitors have an opportunity to join a short meditation session with the resident teacher, the chance to take a tour of one of the few remaining Brutalist offices in Newcastle, Commercial Union House and a behind the scenes tour of the Sainsbury Centre at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, one of the filming locations for the Blockbuster ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ film.

Closer to home there is a chance to visit St Thomas Church in Pear Tree Derby. Designed by the London-based architect Joseph Peacock in the neo Norman style, and opened in 1881, there are stunning mosaics and a gallery of stained glass windows by different designers to be seen.

With its roots dating back to 1852, W. W. Winter’s photography studio is the oldest running photo studio business in the UK, and has been operating continuously on the same site at 45 Midland Road, Derby since 1867.

Last but by no means least there is a the chance to walk on the wrought iron Bennerley Viaduct some 60 feet above the Erewash Valley. As well as enjoying the magnificent views, there is the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of this “Iron Giant”.

To find out about more open days near you please visit: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/

At Planning & Design we recognise the importance of the built heritage in our towns, villages and rural areas.

We use our experience to provide the right level of detail to accompany applications for planning permission and listed building consent.

Open House London

3rd September 20192nd September 2019 by Gary Stringer

Founded in 1992 the Open House concept offers individuals outside of the profession the chance to better understand architecture. The idea is based on allowing people to experience buildings and places for themselves, with free to access for all, presenting an opportunity to learn, discuss and debate at the same time.

Every year in September over a quarter of a million people take part in the Open House weekend in London, making it the biggest architectural festival in the UK. Whether it is somebody opening the doors to their own home, a church, residential development or 10 Downing Street, Open House gives free access to London’s best buildings, places and neighbourhoods. Also on offer are guided walking and cycling tours of the city with talks and debates along the way.

Open House London will take place this year on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September 2019, giving free public access to over 800 buildings, walks, talks and tours over one weekend.

“Well-designed buildings and public spaces are vital in creating and sustaining a vibrant and equitable city and Open House enables the wider community to become more knowledgeable, engage in dialogue and make informed judgements about their future city’s environment” says Victoria Thornton OBE, HonFRIBA (Open House Founder).

The core of the concept is simple, but powerful, and can be best understood through the EDEA acronym:

Experience: Facilitating opportunities for a city’s inhabitants to experience architecture to demonstrate that well-designed cities can improve people’s lives. Offering the opportunity to experience high quality design across ages, styles, and typology, enables understanding of the value good design in its broadest sense. Initiating direct experience of the city, rather than mediated experience, is critical. Offering free entry to all events enables as wide an audience as possible to participate regardless of age, gender, socio-economic level, level of education, or architectural expertise.

Dialogue: These direct experiences generate potential for people to engage in dialogue about the value of architecture and share their knowledge. Creating an accessible and independent platform bridges the gap between experts and users. It gives permission for everyone (including government, private organisations, professional institutions, and the public) to exchange views, comment and engage in the discussion, a true dialogue.

Empowerment: Offering experiences and encouraging dialogue about architecture and urban design creates awareness that the public has a stake in the design, development and care of its city. The city is a ‘shared’ space that is co-created and the city’s inhabitants have the power to change the city development.

Advocacy: Fostering understanding about the value of a well-designed city and the role of its inhabitants in its creation encourages them to advocate for a well-designed built environment. This includes how architecture addresses environmental, social and economic sustainability, and how ‘people-centred’ design can optimise the health and wellbeing of building occupants.

Here are some of the highlights open for visits at this year’s event:

Lancaster House
Senate House
St Pauls Cathedral
BT Tower
United States Embassy
London Coliseum
St Bartholomew’s Hospital, Great Hall and Maggie’s Centre
Vex House
Alexandra and Ainsworth Estate
Abbey Mills Pumping Station
The Round House
BedZED
Buddhapadipa Temple
City Hall
Coal Drops Yard

More information on how you can get involved is available at https://openhouselondon.org.uk/

Let’s talk about 3D printing and COVID 19

The Planning System and Covid 19

Planning Permission and Permitted Development Rights

The Importance of Good Architecture

Construction of a New Country House

Not the end of the line for historic station

Backing Becketwell

Apprentice Opportunity – Join our Architectural Design team

Heritage Open Days Celebrate 25th Anniversary

Open House London

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