Sheffield Archives - Page 2 of 10

Enforcement matters….Part II

22nd November 202216th November 2022 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice, Enforcement, Planning Enforcement, Planning Consultants, Planning Consultants Derby, Planning Consultants Sheffield

In the second and final part of Director and Chartered Town Planner Richard Pigott’s introduction to the enforcement of planning control, he looks at the question of expediency.

Where a ‘breach of planning control’ has been identified, local planning authorities (LPAs) have discretion to take enforcement action, when they regard it as expedient to do so having regard to the development plan and any other material considerations. Clear examples of where it would be expedient to take enforcement action include:

• Unneighbourly land use – a few ago I was asked to look at a case where a landowner was using some agricultural land for motor car racing. Permitted development rights allow this to take place for not more than 14 days in total in any calendar year. It was clear, however, that the use was much more regular than this and that, furthermore, associated engineering works had also taken place without the necessary planning permission. The use was adversely affecting neighbouring properties in terms of noise and smells and there were also concerns about highway safety. There was a clear public interest in the council taking enforcement action against the landowner.

• New house in the countryside – in the now infamous case, a landowner, without planning permission, erected a new house in the countryside which was concealed behind a giant tarpaulin, a stack of tyres and a pile of hay bales. After 4 years of living there he removed the covers, believing that the building was immune from enforcement action. However, the local Council served an Enforcement Notice requiring demolition of the house because he did not have permission for it. Mr Fidler attempted to rely on the standard planning rule which gives immunity from enforcement action if a building operation has been ‘substantially completed’ for more than four years prior to the issue of the Enforcement Notice. However, an appeal Inspector held that the building operations included the straw bales and therefore that the building operations were not ‘substantially completed’ until removal of the bales. The High Court agreed with the Inspector and the Enforcement Notice remained in place. Mr Fidler was forced to demolish the building.

Planning & Design Practice, Planning Enforcement, Enforcement, Planning Consultants Derby, Planning Consultants Sheffield — Image: Reigate and Banstead Council

However, where the balance of public interest lies will vary from case to case.. In deciding, in each case, what is the most appropriate way forward, local planning authorities should usually avoid taking formal enforcement action where:

there is a trivial or technical breach of control which causes no material harm or adverse impact on the amenity of the site or the surrounding area;
development is acceptable on its planning merits and formal enforcement action would solely be to regularise the development;
in their assessment, the local planning authority consider that an application is the appropriate way forward to regularise the situation, for example, where planning conditions may need to be imposed.

Where invited to do so, it is normally in the landowner’s interests to submit a retrospective planning application so that they can regularise the breach if, for example, they ever came to sell the property but it would not be in the public interest to spend officer time and public money pursuing the matter.

The above provides a broad overview of enforcement matters. Should you wish to discuss any of the issues raised further, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01332 347371 and we’ll be happy to advise.

Main Image: Reigate and Banstead Council

Nightlife – the changing night-time economy

22nd November 202216th November 2022 by Gary Stringer

As the nation moves away from retail high streets and old-school pubs and clubs, Graduate Planner Megan Askham looks at changing nature of the night-time economy, and the movement towards the modern regeneration of city centres with mixed-use developments taking hold, with a particular emphasis on Sheffield.

Since 2020, with the impact of a major pandemic, the closure of night-time venues and retail stores has been largely apparent in the UK. Around 30 pubs and restaurants close every day in the UK, meaning for every 3 venues closing only 1 opens its doors. Additionally, the boost in online shopping over the past two years has spurred the death of the High Street with minimal demand for shopping centres and streets within city centres.

Sheffield has shown significant losses of high street amenity and some of its major night-time spaces in recent years. The major retail sector in the city has been in slow decline since the opening of, the out-of-town shopping centre, Meadowhall, in 1990. However, since 2020 two major department stores in the centre of the retail district in the city have closed their doors, leaving two large, vacant buildings in the heart of the city. In addition to this, most retail stores have moved towards the Moor, through the regeneration scheme by Sheffield City Council and leading investors, leaving Fargate in decline. This has led to the supply of funding from three main sources: Future High Streets Fund; Get Britain Building Fund; and the Heart of the City, for the regeneration of the retail core into mixed-use developments. A mixed-use development combines three or more uses across various levels or within open space, they are flexible to adapt to changing needs and have excellent connections to infrastructure.

Firstly, the Future High Streets Fund of £675 million has invested £15.8 million into Fargate and High Street with an aim to renew and reshape city centres in a way that drives growth, improves experience and ensures future sustainability. Within Sheffield, there is an aim of transforming the main streets into a sustainable, social hub with landscaping, green planting, seating areas and lighting with work beginning in early 2023. A major example of this is the Grey to Green scheme, designed with climate change, well-being and economic investment in mind, introducing pocket parks along Fargate. This is already in place along West Bar and Castlegate in the form of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). These are excellent examples of green infrastructure within the city due to the softening of grey streets and increase in urban biodiversity.

Events Central is a mixed-use development opening on Fargate in 2023 as part of the Future High Streets Fund. It is a five-storey community hub for entertainment, culture, art, performance, co-working and events with sustainability as a key component within the low-impact space. The licensed 200-capacity music venue in the basement is proposed to attract more than 110,000 visitors a year with major international events.

Secondly, the Heart of the City development within the city is a £470 million scheme funded by Sheffield City Council over 7 hectares of land in a phase by phase approach. Within Part II of the scheme, Block H2, Cambridge Scheme Collective, comprises a mixed-use heritage development consisting of a food hall, independent restaurants, a cookery school, a broadcasting studio and space for pop-up events. This block features some of the most interesting historic buildings within the scheme, using the façades to bring Sheffield’s heritage back to life through redevelopment.

Thirdly, Get Britain Building is a government grant secured through the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority which has invested £300,000 in the development of the recently opened Steel Yard on Fargate. This is a shipping container development which creates a more sustainable alternative to brick and cement due to the availability of steel, they are commonly used for mixed-use schemes and provide an alternative design to other city centre architecture. This consists of a 426sqm container hub with street food outlets, a bar, shops, a big screen for sports events and much-needed city centre public toilets with outdoor seating and green, living walls. These have only recently opened in October 2022, with hopes to be the location to watch England win the World Cup in December.

Finally, with the changing night-time economy, more fun businesses and local events have become more evident. These include independent businesses and events with monthly food and street markets throughout the city, such as Peddler Night Market and the Quayside Market. Also, temporary seasonal markets along Fargate help to bring life to the city centre at Christmas and throughout the year with Sheffield Food Festival and Continental Markets in various months. Additionally, the impact of “booze and ball games” has been evident nationally with fun bars popping up in major cities changing the dynamic of bars. In Sheffield, there has been the opening of Roxy Ballroom, Boom Bar and Lane 7 within the heart of the city providing fun activities to provide a variant to pubs and nightclubs.

The investments into the night-time economy in Sheffield from outside sources creates exciting potential to create a modern, vibrant city with conglomerations of mixed-use schemes providing variety for people visiting the city centre at night time. It will be intriguing to witness how further investments into mixed-use schemes can greatly enhance the remaining forgotten areas of Sheffield City Centre.

Megan Askham, Graduate Planner, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Main Image: Artist’s impression of the plans for Fargate shipping containers.

Urban design has a key role in tackling climate change, in making future places more robust to withstand the impact of climate change and adaptable as conditions change. We have a talented group of planners and urban designers who can work with you to create outward looking inclusive designs which will be supported by Local planning Authorities. For more information, and a no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please contact us on 01332 347371.

Barn conversion -Class Q explained

22nd November 20227th November 2022 by Gary Stringer

In the world of planning there are two ways to obtain permission to convert a barn to a house. One is through the submission of a full planning application to your Local Planning Authority. The second is through exercising permitted development rights which involves submitting a Prior Approval application to your Local Planning Authority. In both instances an application is required but they are assessed against different criteria depending upon which route you take. Chartered Town Planner, Michael Bamford guides you through both options.

Class Q – the permitted development right to covert your barn to a dwelling

The Permitted development rights (which is commonly referred to as Class Q) is the right to convert agricultural buildings into homes as a matter of principle has been with us since 2014.

Permitted development (PD) is the right of an owner to develop his or her land within limits prescribed by a piece of legislation known as a General Permitted Development Order. The point of the order was originally to allow minor developments to go ahead without having to go through the planning application process. For example, small extensions to houses and simple changes of use for example changing a pub to a restaurant or a bank to a shop.

In the interest of simplifying the planning system and boosting the supply of houses, the government extended PD rights to include the right to change agricultural buildings to homes. Originally proposed as a temporary measure, this has since been made permanent.

To use these rights an application has to be made to the Local Planning authority to confirm that the development proposed fits within the limits set out in the General Permitted Development Order. This requires an application, a set of drawings and either a supporting letter or report.

Converting an enclosed modern shed in the middle of the countryside to up to 5 dwellings generally does not accord with Local Plan policies and as such is met with opposition by many councils. As such, in most cases an application is carefully scrutinised to make sure it fits the criteria.

Since the permitted development right was introduced, there have been several notable appeal decisions which have altered and clarified how Class Q applications should be dealt with by an Authority. The two key one’s address ‘what amounts to conversion’ and ‘establishing a fallback position’.

The question of whether a development is conversion or not was considered at length. The high court judge held that there is a conceptual difference between a “rebuild” and a “conversion” and that the concept of “conversion” introduces a discrete threshold. His reasons include the fact that the concept of conversion is found in the overarching provisions of Class Q. In this case the judge considered it inappropriate to look to the dictionary when seeking to define the distinction as the permitted development rights were drafted for a professional audience and the distinction should be understood in a planning context.

The result of the appeal is a test of whether or not the building operations amount to conversion or ‘fresh build’. Unfortunately, this is considered on a case-by-case basis and there is no set rule on how to define ‘fresh build’. Whilst this has introduced an additional consideration for many authorities (who weren’t previously giving the question too much attention) it does in some ways clear up where the line is.

The other notable appeal decision has underlined the ability of Class Q to represent a ‘fallback position’. This simply means that where a site can be developed through the exercise of Class Q permitted development rights then the planning authority must take this into consideration when dealing with an application for full planning permission. Whilst this seems logical it has not always been the case and in reality, means that applicants are no longer entirely bound by the stringent rules that surround Class Q development (such as works that extend the external envelope not being permitted).

If a Class Q prior notification application is approved the applicant has three years to complete the conversion. With a planning permission the applicant has 3 years in which to start the conversion and once started can take as long as it takes to complete it. A full planning application would assist overcoming this strict and very tight build schedule.

Converting your barn through a Full Planning Application

The other option is to submit a full planning application. When your building is located within a Conservations Areas, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or National Park Class Q cannot be used, as it is not allowed in these locations.

The majority of Local Planning Authorities have polices in place which support the conversion of former agricultural buildings to houses but are generally caveated to only allow traditional buildings such as stone or brick as they are considered to have a valued architectural style and be worthy of protection within the landscape.

Many of these buildings have the potential to provide habitat for protected species such as bats and as such, it is advisable to seek the advice of an ecology consultant early in the design process and certainly before applying for planning permission. There is a limited time of year where surveys can be carried out for bats (May – September) and as such in the worst case scenario you can be left waiting over 6 months before you can get a survey.

These types of building can provide stunning homes and in many instances, people want to work with the existing character and simply provide some glazing (usually in the former barn door area) and a few new windows. Other than that, the style of the building remains largely intact. This is something that many local plan policies are supportive of, and it is best to bear this in mind when considering the design. It is possible to extend an existing, traditional barn but this can be difficult and, in my opinion, the best place to start is with the existing building and work with the spaces that this allows for rather than attempting to remould your barn into a different layout.

In both cases (Full planning and Class Q) the structure of the building is key. If the building is largely derelict then you will have a very difficult time in obtaining any kind of consent to convert it into a home.

Barn Conversion have been with us for many years and have gained in popularity since the 1990’s. There are now many examples of these unique, homes up and down the country. Each with its own character. Working with either a ‘modern’ or traditional barn can both yield spectacular results when approached in the right way. The key is to work with the building and its context to produce something that is unique to that particular site.

We have vast experience of working on barn conversions both via full planning and/or prior approval (Class Q) application routes. For a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01332 347371.

Michael Bamford, BA (Hons) MPlan MRTPI, Director – Chartered Town Planner, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Enforcement matters….

22nd November 202227th October 2022 by Gary Stringer

Discharge of Planning Conditions HIgh Peak

The enforcement of planning control is often shrouded in mystery. Here, in the first of 2 parts, our Director Richard Pigott, sets out some of the key components of the system and passes on the benefits of his experience in the public and private sectors.

It is first worth clarifying that the carrying out of ‘development’ (i.e. building works, material changes of use or engineering operations) without the benefit of planning permission is not, initially at least, ‘illegal’ but is better described as ‘unauthorised’. ‘Breaches of planning control’ are normally anonymously flagged by the general public to the local planning authority (LPA). In other words, the system is reactive – rarely do LPA’s proactively monitor compliance with planning consents. I say rarely because there was some proactive monitoring of planning permissions at Macclesfield Borough Council (later to become part of Cheshire East Council) where I started my planning career but this ceased a long time ago and I am not aware of any authorities which do it now due to budgetary constraints.

Once a ‘breach of planning control’ has been identified the local planning authority (LPA) will often invite a landowner to submit a planning application to ‘regularise the breach’ – in other words to retrospectively obtain planning permission for development. In these circumstances, the LPA must assess the application in the same way as if it were a proposed development and not let the fact that it is a retrospective application affect the outcome either way. In my experience, whilst officers are usually adept at making this assessment, councillors sometimes find it harder to put this to the backs of their minds and the phrase “we don’t like retrospective applications” is often heard in council chambers.

If the application is approved, that is generally the end of the matter, with consent issued subject to any relevant conditions minus, of course, the usual 3 year commencement time frame. If the application is refused, however, the landowner then has the option to appeal the decision or rectify the breach of planning control (i.e. to correct the unauthorised works or cease the unauthorised use). If neither of the above happens, the LPA must decide whether it is ‘expedient’ to take enforcement action. The question of expediency, and the options that are open to both the LPA and the landowner moving forward, will be discussed in next month’s follow up article.

We are always willing to provide help and advice, and are able to provide an initial consultation without charge. For more information on our services and our team, please contact us on 01332 347371 or email enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

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Planning & Design welcome new additions

22nd November 202227th October 2022 by Gary Stringer

Changes are afoot at Planning & Design Practice Ltd as we welcome new additions to our team and bid a fond farewell to a founding member. Our team comprises RTPI Chartered town planners, RIBA Chartered Architects, and architectural assistants, plus heritage specialists who together offer a comprehensive range of services, specialising in Town Planning, Architecture, Heritage, and Urban Design.

Continuing a tradition of encouraging and supporting emerging talent, we are pleased to announce the addition to the team of three Graduate Planners – Shaun Hyde, Emily Anderson and Megan Askham, plus a Junior Architectural Technician, Scott Williams to our Architectural team.

Shaun, an avid football fan and originally from The Wirral, studied the 4-year MPlan Course at the University of Sheffield. In the summer before his final year, he undertook a two-week placement with us, during which he was offered a part time position at PDP’s Sheffield office. Now working full time after graduating, Shaun’s next career goal is to gain his RTPI accreditation.

Emily graduated from her Master’s in Urban & Regional Planning at the University of Sheffield in September 2022. Prior to this, she worked part-time for the company alongside her studies. Joining us as a full time Graduate Planner, she is looking forward to expanding on her planning knowledge in the company and has a particular interest in the relationship between Planning and Health and is a keen advocate for community engagement.

Megan initially joined PDP in July 2022 in a part-time capacity, before becoming a full-time member of the team in September 2022. She is a Graduate of the University of Liverpool, obtaining a Geography BA in 2021 and the University of Sheffield having studied Urban and Regional Planning MSc in 2022.

Currently studying in his third year of Architectural Technology and Practice (BSc) at the University of Derby, Scott joined the Planning & Design Practice team in August 2022. He joined us as he works towards his goal of becoming an architect or architectural technologist.

Finally, Jonathan Jenkin, our former Managing Director will be leaving the Practice at the end of the year. Having formed the company in 2002, he has been working for the company in a part time consultancy role for the last 15 months, which has proved to be a good transition period for the company. It has allowed the transfer of skills and experience and Jonathan has been able to work with long term clients to see projects through to completion.

Jonathan and his Civil partner Phil will be moving back to West Cornwall, early next year. Jonathan was a council planning officer there in the 1980s, and that is where they met. They have many friends and family in West Cornwall, and it has been a long-term ambition for them both to move back. Jonathan said:

‘I am really pleased at the way Jon Millhouse, Richard Pigott, Michael Bamford, and Lindsay Cruddas are taking the company forward. The transition has been smooth and it is good to be able to leave the company with the business doing well and I wish everyone continuing success’.

Richard Pigott, who has been with the company since 2011 and a Director since 2015, said ‘we will all miss Jonathan’s bubbly character and enthusiasm for all things planning and architecture, but at the same time, this is a move he has been looking to make for a while and we wish him all the best down in Cornwall. Since we took over the company in the summer of 2021 it has continued to evolve and modernise and we are undertaking some very interesting work in both planning and architecture. We now have contracts with Microsoft, NHS Health Trusts and Clowes Developments, to name a few, as well as many local and regional companies and landowners and the future looks bright.’

Planning & Design Practice Ltd is a team of town planning consultants, architects and heritage specialists. Based in Derbyshire, we are perfectly located to work nationally for our clients. We offer a comprehensive range of services, specialising in Town Planning, Architecture, Heritage and Urban Design. For more information on our team and our services, please contact us on 01332 347371 or email enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Planning Permission in Conservation Areas

19th July 202317th August 2022 by Gary Stringer

Learn more about the restrictions and opportunities around planning permission in conservation areas with Planning & Design Practice.

Thinking of buying or altering a home in a conservation area? This can be a tricky process, so it’s best to consider any alterations you might want to make before proceeding – this helps to avoid costly clashes with the Local Planning Authority.

Keep in mind that such alterations have to be for the collective good of the area rather than solely to suit your own preferences. But what are conservation areas? What are the restrictions that you need to be aware of? We set out some of the key facts below:

What is a Conservation Area?

Generally speaking, a conservation area is a valued place, significant to the local area. They are found in most local authorities, but you might not necessarily assume that a building or area is protected. First introduced in 1967 under the Civic Amenities Act, there are now around 10,000 conservation areas in England, including:

Historic centres
Country house estates
Green areas
Wildlife areas
Industrial areas
Transport environments
Modern housing estates

How Are Conservation Areas Designated?

The designation of conservation areas is usually organised by the Local Planning Authority (LPA). The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport can also designate anywhere in England where an area is of more than local interest. In London, Historic England can also designate an area.

Before an area is designated, the LPA carries out an appraisal. This may include a photographic survey of all buildings and key features of the area. After designation, an ongoing management plan is drawn up to review the conservation area and ensure its preservation. The plan also ensures the enhancement of the area as part of its duties under the 1990 Listed Buildings and Conservation Act.

Planning Permission in Conservation Areas – Opportunities and Restrictions

Restrictions

It is worth noting, the property rights of owners of buildings located in a conservation area are restricted. All properties within a conservation area are required to have this recorded as a local land charge.

Residents and businesses in a conservation area need to know they may need permission from the Council before making alterations to items such as windows, doors or adding extensions. Conservation area designation also affects work on or the removal of trees – this must be assessed for its contribution to the area’s character.

Owners should also be aware that it is a criminal offence to demolish a building in a conservation area without planning permission. Additionally, they should be aware that the Council can issue Article 4 directions to an area that allows the Council to remove permitted development rights in order to ensure that particular features of an area or property are protected and not lost.

Opportunities

These restrictions also pose great opportunities for owners and the local area. For example, research carried out by English Heritage found that ‘designation status brought with it certain standing that helped to maintain and even improve property values and, where new developments are taking place within a conservation area, planning officers have greater powers to guide the development paying much more attention to design. This rarely happens outside of conservation areas due to lack of staff.’

An example of this was seen during a recent Planning & Design Practice visit to The Park Estate in Nottingham. This is an area that almost lost its distinct character because of mid-twentieth-century infill developments in between the historic original houses. The designation as a conservation area has subsequently preserved and enhanced the area with all new developments now being of a high standard.

Additionally, the Heritage At Risk Register identifies and lists conservation areas that are deteriorating, or are in very bad or poor condition as “at risk”. These areas are typically not expected to change significantly in the next three years. Historic England works with such areas to improve buildings and the general environment to help the area thrive. A great example of this was the city of Derby in 2009.

In 2009, Derby was designated “at risk” and added to English Heritage’s At Risk Register due to having the highest shop vacancy rate in the UK. Derby has sixteen conservation areas and is a city full of historic interest and architectural merit. However, it topped a national table of struggling towns and cities, with nearly a quarter of its shops lying empty, and many in disrepair.

Historic England started working with Derby City Council and the private sector to refurbish properties and restore the city’s local historic character. Having designated status has meant that partners were able to work together in the scheme to make a difference to the city as a whole. Derby has since created a vibrant and pleasant place for work, shopping, leisure and living, with numerous schemes planned to continue this work into 2024 and beyond.

Key Takeaways

Heritage planning can be a long and complex process, but the key is to work with the Local Planning Authority and seek expert advice. We always recommend taking a heritage-first approach to planning any changes to a property or area of land within a conservation area. It’s also important to remember that enhancing a small part of it is not only great for yourself, but also for the whole community.

At Planning & Design Practice, we recognise the importance of the built heritage in our towns, villages and rural areas. Our Heritage team includes Director Jon Millhouse, who is a Full Member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, Architectural team leader Lindsay Cruddas and Heritage Consultant Ruth Gray who recently completed a Master’s in Public History and Heritage at the University of Derby.

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

How Can We Help?

FAQs about Planning Permission in Conservation Areas

What Do I Need Permission for in a Conservation Area?

In conservation areas, home or building improvements can be somewhat more difficult than in non-protected areas. Some of the things you’d need to apply for planning permission for include:

Extensions
Cladding
Painting the facade or changing the colour of window and door frames
The construction of any outbuildings, sheds or swimming pools
Installation of chimneys, flues or vents at the front of the house, or on any sides that face the road
Installation of satellite dishes or antennae that face the road
Fitting solar panels
Replacing original features like windows and doors
Altering the guttering or pipes
Felling trees and shrubs

Is it Good to Buy a Property in a Conservation Area?

Buying a property in a conservation area comes with pros and cons. You should be aware that it would likely be more expensive to have work done to a property in these areas as works often have to match original features. In some cases, original methods must also be used.

However, being situated in a conservation area usually boosts the value of your home as it is often deemed a desirable area.

Have a question? Give us a call on 01332 347371 or get in touch at enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk and our team will be happy to help.

Football – A home for the beautiful game

28th November 202219th July 2022 by Gary Stringer

Shaun Hyde, Planner at Planning & Design Practice, and life-long football fanatic, takes a look at the special relationship that exists between a football club, its home ground and its loyal supporters.

The great Bill Shankly once said;

“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I don’t like that attitude. I can assure them it is much more serious than that.”

This idea resonates with many football fans around the world, and the football stadium is the epicentre of this ideology.

Football stadia right across the country are steeped in history, with each one possessing their own set of fans, their own culture and most importantly, their own stories. During the Victorian era, football was a sport for the working classes and the location of many stadiums reflected this, being located amongst red brick terraced housing and at the heart of local communities. Over the years, these communities grow and expand, as do the stadiums, and these communities form part of this bigger picture, a culture that is deeply engrained throughout the nation and is now the most popular sport in the world. And it started in Sheffield.

In the present day, stadiums are steeped in so much history and character that they posses a special place amongst towns and cities. They contribute to a city’s individual character, become a landmark and tourist attraction and act as a pilgrimage destination for many committed and devoted fans. As a staunch Liverpool fan, I grew up where everyone would pick a side, Red or Blue. A question that the majority of Merseyside recognises and relates to, which speaks volumes as to how engrained football culture can be amongst communities. The location of football stadiums drives this connection and loyalty.

Young fans growing up in close proximity to these iconic structures will admire in awe and their commitment will be set for life. The stadium is a hive for intense emotional activity and this brings with it it’s own sense of place. It’s a space for people to express legitimate emotion surrounded by people who all share those same experiences and beliefs. It’s a cauldron for community connectivity and collectiveness.

It’s a sight that will only become less common in the future. As the modern game adapts to larger capacity crowds and the pressures of growing inner-city life, many football clubs are relocating out of the built up residential areas of the city. In recent years Manchester City, West Ham United and of course Derby County have all relocated to less densely populated areas of their respective cities.

There are benefits that come with relocating. There’s the opportunity to start fresh and create a design from the ground up, which can include incorporating sustainable design practices to tackle the modern climate emergency that we find ourselves in today. Forest Green Rovers are currently in the process of developing their proposed new stadium, which is being described as “the world’s greenest stadium.” Highlights of it’s design include being made almost entirely out of wood, having plenty of electric car charging ports and around 500 trees and 1.8km of hedgerows will be planted. Their old stadium will be replaced by a low carbon housing development being erected on the site.

So as we welcome the Women’s European Championships to Sheffield, it’s important to appreciate the community roots that the game possesses and how the stadiums that have been woven into the fabric of many urban areas across the country can symbolise this spirit. The sense of place that football grounds radiate is one that even non-football fans can appreciate and admire.

Shaun Hyde, Planner, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

What hotter summers mean for our homes

28th November 202219th July 2022 by Gary Stringer

With the extreme UK weather dominating the headlines, temperatures expected to reach a record 41C today and hotter summers predicted to become more frequent, experts continue to ask questions about the long-term effects of climate change on our infrastructure and lifestyles. In an article for The Guardian, experts put forward the case for making the UK’s housing stock resilient to rising heat levels, including the retrofitting of older properties. Jonathan Jenkin, Consultant at Planning & Design Practice looks at some of the options for keeping our homes cool as temperatures rise.

Climate change requires us to adapt and to make our infrastructure, our environment and our homes more robust. In the UK climate change will not only lead to an increase in summertime temperatures, and both drought and flooding but it could also lead to far colder winter events caused by the collapse of the Atlantic conveyor which brings warm water and a milder climate to the UK.

For housing this means higher levels of insulation and better ventilation. With higher insulation our homes will be warmer in the winter and cooler in summer. If heat does come in in summer, better ventilation with passive chimneys taking heat out of the building and pulling in colder air from the ground through a building will help. We will need to consider external blinds which are very popular in northern and southern Europe. We also may need to consider solar power to drive air source heat pumps to keep us cool in summer and warm in winter. With the cost of energy rising, we need to use far less, or generate our own. Solar provides electricity without carbon (other than in its production) and with wider temperature fluctuations we must avoid an increase in carbon-based energy use.

We need to learn from those who live in hot countries, build our bedrooms into the ground where the temperature is constant as they do in places like Sardinia. We need to be able to move water from one part of the country to another so that water can be taken to where it is needed. Northumbria water being used in London and the south-east. Moving water around will help the environment and will support biodiversity reducing local pressure for ground water extraction in the south-east which has blighted the chalk streams and led to subsidence around London. The major oil and gas companies should become energy companies that build solar, wind and nuclear. They can afford to and it’s in their long-term interests to do so.

There will be no large-scale BP or Shell in 2050.There are so many opportunities to make the UK more robust in the face of climate change and meet our carbon reduction targets and biodiversity goals. It can be a win-win situation, but it needs concerted action by government and by us all and not the current foot dragging half-hearted approach we have today.

Jonathan Jenkin, BA (Hons) BTP MRTPI, Consultant, Planning & Design Practice

Planning Partners to the Public Sector

19th June 202322nd June 2022 by Gary Stringer

Over the last 20 years, Planning & Design Practice have worked with and for a wide range of public sector and not-for-profit bodies including Government Agencies, District and Unitary Local Authorities, County Councils and Town/Parish Councils. A number of our senior team have extensive experience of working in the public sector and this undoubtedly helps us to understand the requirements of public bodies. Below we provide a number of case studies to illustrate the breadth of our experience.

NHS – In recent years we have provided planning consultancy services for our client the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust for a number of NHS projects at hospitals in Derby, Burton-on-Trent and Telford. At Royal Derby, for example, we have been involved with the creation of a 3 storey ward extension, a new operating theatre, a new day patient ward, and a temporary ward to help address winter pressures. We are also currently working to deliver a new medical centre; further ward extensions and a multi-storey car park.

Local Planning Authorities – We have managed the appeals process for numerous local planning authorities, particularly where a planning committee has refused a planning application against officer recommendation. This includes expert witness services at public inquiries and appeal hearings. We have also provided expertise in Local Plan preparation and the formulation of other planning policy documents.

Other local authorities – We are currently working for Derbyshire County Council to help coordinate a planning application for a multi-million pound scheme to regenerate Elvaston Castle’s historic grounds and make it self-sustaining site for future generations. Working alongside a host of third-party consultants, our role has been to provide planning consultancy services and strategic direction for the project. We were also commissioned to prepare an Environmental Statement as the proposal meets the thresholds for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Parish and Town Councils – We have used our planning expertise to advise Parish Councils and Neighbourhood Plan Groups on the production of neighbourhood plans. This work has included: helping to unlock funding streams for the production of neighbourhood plans; organising and managing public consultation events; providing advice on the structure and layout of plans and the precise wording of policies; and testing draft plans for soundness before they are sent for examination.

Other not-for-profit organisations – We are currently working for Forestry England, an executive agency, sponsored by the Forestry Commission, which looks after the nation’s forests. Current proposals involve the creation of a new visitor centre at one of the forests overseen by FE to improve the customer experience and broaden the appeal of the site further.

We have also worked with a number of housing associations including Nottingham Community Housing Association and Platform Housing Group on the detailed design phases of proposals for new affordable housing sites.

Comprising RTPI Chartered town planners, RIBA Chartered Architects and architectural assistants, plus heritage specialists, our staff bring a wealth of experience from a range of backgrounds and from across the UK and Europe. For a no obligation consultation to discuss how we can help you achieve success with your project please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01332 347371.

Reflections on 20 years of Planning & Design

13th December 202230th May 2022 by Gary Stringer

As Planning & Design Practice celebrate 20 years of success, founder Jonathan Jenkin looks back and offers his reflections on our 20th anniversary of providing town planning services, architectural expertise and specialised heritage advice.

The Beginning

In 1999 I was working for the Environment Agency as their Regional Planning Manager, and I did not enjoy it. The Environment Agency only comments on flood risk, the protection of their ‘main rivers and the protection of groundwater. I was managing the four teams in the Midlands Region, but I did not get to deal with the applications. I had to commute to Solihull from Ashbourne, and I was beginning to dread going to work on a Monday morning.

So, with the support of my civil partner Phil, I quit. I’d worked as a Principal Planning Officer for two councils and was a chartered town planner. So, I started a consultancy, initially working out of a small office of my partner’s art gallery and café in Ashbourne. I enjoy planning and architecture and although I had never run my own business, there seemed nothing to lose.

I quickly received work locally, rural work, in the Derbyshire Dales. I formed a good working relationship with Nick Hansen from Bagshaws and we started getting planning permission for his clients and evaluating the potential of farms and farmsteads.

I undertook an evening CAD course at University of Derby, and I started preparing drawings as well as the planning applications and statements to support the applications. In those pre-digital days it was four paper copies of all documents and I because a regular at dropping off envelopes at Matlock, Ripley, Bakewell, and Derby.

These early successes prompted a move to premises in Derby, and in 2002 Planning & Design Practice was created as a stand-alone company.

Today

Twenty years later the company has become a major player in development. We have 17 staff, two principal offices, one in Derby and one in Sheffield and we are both a chartered planning practice and an accredited RIBA practice. We have achieved successful development on several thousand sites, we have won several significant planning appeals and generated many millions of pounds of development value across the Midlands, in the Southeast and in South Yorkshire.

In 2021 I stepped back from the leadership of the company and sold the business through an MBO. I now work part time as a consultant planner with time to pursue new interests and opportunities. The new shareholders are Richard Pigott, Jon Millhouse, and Michael Bamford.

I was pleased to welcome Jon Millhouse to the company back in 2005. He is now a company Director, part owner of the company and runs our heritage team. He is an acknowledged expert on listed buildings, conservation areas and the World Heritage site. Lindsay Cruddas our lead architect and company Director, is also an accredited conservation architect and together they provide sensitive development solutions in constrained locations.

Richard Pigott is a chartered town planner and joined the company in 2011. He specialises in appeals and major applications. Michael Bamford is also a chartered town planner and runs our Sheffield Office and is the third shareholder and a Director.

We are a team of committed professionals. The new management team has brought a new energy to the business and is exploring new opportunities. They are building on the company’s past achievements, its reputation, and its legacy. Their aim is to build further on the company’s reputation in rural development, heritage, and architecture with more large-scale high-profile projects and in extending the reach in which the company operates.

As we celebrate this 20th Anniversary, I am proud of what we have achieved, the clients we have helped and the problems we have solved and continue to solve. In the end the work is about problem solving, understanding our client’s needs, and providing a bridge between the client and the Local Planning Authority.

Jonathan Jenkin, Consultant, Planning & Design Practice Ltd