Sustainable Development Archives - Planning Design Ltd

High score! Planning success for Microsoft Rare

29th November 202228th July 2021 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice Ltd have recently secured planning permission for 1250 m2 of new office space to house Microsoft Rare’s latest expansion at Manor Park, Twycross, the purpose-built headquarters and design studio for the software developer. The buildings are set within a parkland landscape complete with wooded areas and lakes. The buildings cannot be easily seen from public viewpoints and the site for the proposed building is well screened by existing buildings, woodland and wider landscaped parkland which is owned and managed by Rare Ltd. The company employs over 200 people at the site and plays an important role in the local economy.

For those who aren’t aware, Rare Limited is a British video game developer and a studio of Xbox Game Studios based in Twycross. Rare are known for their games spanning many generations and genres. Some of their most popular titles include GoldenEye 007, Sea of Thieves and Donkey Kong.

The building has been designed by London based Architects LOM Architecture and Design working as part of a collaborative team of consultants led by Seven Partnership involving RKD, RPS Group, Cundall, 3 Sphere, EPS and Atelier Ten and Planning & Design Practice Ltd as the Planning Consultant.

The new office building is set to be one of the country’s most sustainable buildings with careful consideration having gone into every element of the design from the carbon footprint of the materials used (including the distance travelled to import them to the site) through to the use of entirely renewable energy to power the building.

Each ‘Barn’ building on the site accommodates a game based on different platforms and are therefore kept entirely separate and insulated from one another to avoid cross over between games and ideas. The new barn will provide workspace for one or more game development teams on two floors.

The existing studios are all built to an identical series of details and differ only in length. The main building comprises a three-storey single pitched main element with a number of single storey flat roofed elements extruded from the main form.

The proposed building’s location was carefully considered to protect the function of the existing buildings and it was vital to the overall function of the site that the building remains physically and perceivably connected to the ‘main’ central building which provides much of the support facilities including the cafeteria and the reception and main entrance to the campus. This design proposal included the interconnection of these buildings via a covered link corridor. The location of the proposed building is inconspicuous within the surrounding landscape. The building will be screened by a section of dense trees that run along the western boundary of the site.

Internally, the building has been designed to meet the specific needs of Rare Ltd who wanted to create an exceptional internal environment for people to work in.

Inspired by the rural setting of Twycross and Leicestershire county’s industries of craft and engineering, the barn concept is carried on through to the interiors. Rare creates the kind of games that encourage players to have unique shared experiences, which demands a space where players create stories together. Creating a space that guests and fans will enjoy and provides a pleasant experience that truly includes everyone.

Inspired by the architecture and traditional design of barns, the interior combines new with old, through the use of raw materials, sleek black details and plenty of greenery. The three barns define how the interiors are zoned – four workspace neighbourhoods in the north and south barns and a central barn where everyone connects. A central “shed” housing the collaboration rooms sits at the heart of the barns and serves as a canvas for grounding Rare’s core culture and fun identity.

The building has accessible office space, meeting rooms, communal breakout areas, tea-point and relaxation zone and a WC provision of 6 WCs, including accessible.

The project should start on site over the next twelve months and we are excited to see the finished product of what will be an exemplary sustainable building, pushing the boundaries of sustainable design.

Future Homes Standard 2020

30th November 202216th September 2020 by Gary Stringer

Just over a year ago, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded that we need to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions globally by 2050. Although the IPCC didn’t focus on individual countries, the ‘impacts, vulnerability and adaptation’ report did identify three key risks from climate change for Europe:

The increased economic losses and more people affected by flooding in river basins and coasts, as urbanisation continues, sea levels rise and peak river flows increase;
Increased water restrictions. Significant reduction in water availability from river abstraction and from groundwater resources combined with increased water demand (e.g. for irrigation, energy and industry and domestic use);
Increased economic losses and people affected by extreme heat events: impacts on health and well-being, labour productivity, crop production and air quality.

The UK could also be impacted by global issues such as rising food prices. High levels of adaptation could significantly reduce but not remove these risks. In the UK, the built environment currently generates around 25% of domestic greenhouse gas emissions with the construction sector representing 40% of the UK’s total carbon footprint.

In light of this, the government has prepared the Future Homes Standard 2020 consultation. This is the first stage of a two-part consultation about proposed changes to building regulations. It also covers the wider impacts of Part L (Conservation of fuel and power) for new homes, including changes to Part F (Ventilation), its associated Approved Document guidance, air tightness and improving ‘as built’ performance of the constructed home. The introduction of an uplift to Part L standards in 2020 would not only improve the energy efficiency of new homes but would also mean that home builders, installers and supply chains will be working to higher specifications in readiness for the introduction for a further uplift in 2025 to meet the Future Homes Standard. These changes for example will affect heating systems, building fabric (walls 17% improved, roofs 15 %, floors 15% improved, windows 43% improved) etc. which will outperform perform those built under current building standards.

When considering electric heating and heat pumps vs gas boilers, looking to the future, the benefit of electric systems at reducing regulated emissions becomes ever more apparent. Using the projected carbon factor for electricity in 2050 provided by BEIS (Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy), the government heat pump strategy anticipates to demonstrate 96% fewer emissions than a gas boiler strategy, which it is anticipated would be banned in new homes from 2025 onwards.

The consultation recognises that installation of heat pumps in the UK is at a level much lower than that necessary to meet the ambition of the Future Homes Standard and there is a need to establish heat pumps as a mass market solution for low carbon heating. District energy networks are referenced as an important solution for higher density areas such as cities, demonstrating the ability to incorporate novel, low carbon solutions with limited impact on the consumer, as well as the ability to exploit renewable or waste sources of energy. Direct electric heating could also have a role to play in heating homes of the future where heat demand is particularly low, for instance where a home is built to very high fabric standards, such as passivhaus. Homes heated by direct electric will need to consider strategies to limit exposure to high electricity costs.
Other technologies, such as hydrogen, could have a potential role to play, but heat pumps, heat networks and, are anticipated to be the primary means of delivering low carbon heat in future.

To conclude, if the proposed changes mean delivering resilient developments, better performing buildings, reducing emissions and the dependence fossil fuels, we might be paving the road for a better future.

The only question perhaps is, if heating our homes with electricity, and let’s assume that this is clean green electricity, would only prove to be a good alternative to gas and fossil fuels, if it is also affordable.

Fernando Collado Lopez, Architect, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Building Regulations approval – Understanding the importance

16th March 202011th March 2020 by Gary Stringer

At Planning & Design Practice we identified that the most commonly asked question post planning approval is “I have Planning Permission, why do I need Building Regulations approval as well?”

Building Regulations were first introduced in 1848 under the Public Health Act, ensuring that damp conditions, fire risks, sanitary conditions, ventilation and light levels were kept to an appropriate standard. In 1936, new legislation was introduced. However, under this legislation each regional council were able to enforce their own standards. In 1952, a set of mandatory national measures was introduced. In this edition structural requirements and material performance was also considered. Following this, in 1961 a new set of Building Regulations for England and Wales was included in the Public Health Act; however, it wasn’t until February 1966 that these were implemented by law.

So why did Building Regulations get put into place? Quite simply, Building Regulations are implemented to ensure safety and well-being of people inside and around buildings. More recently, due to changes in climate, further regulations were put in place to improve energy efficiency, enhance the surrounding environment and promote sustainable design and construction. All Building Regulation matters are dealt with by a separate governing body post planning approval rather than the Planning Authority who will have initially granted the planning permission.

Drawings are developed further post planning approval to provide all the required drawings demonstrating that Building Regulation standards are achieved and that structural & building services are further refined allowing for any specialist subcontractors design to be carried out. Building Regulations cover every aspect of the construction, from foundations and floor build up, right up to the thermal efficiency of the insulation used in the roof so that it meets the required specifications. Once these principles are established construction details can then be developed further.

Here at Planning & Design, we know how important Building Regulations are in the lead to a great performing extension or home. That’s why we take satisfaction in taking a project through all stages, from concept to completion.

In a nutshell, an informed design will lead to saving time and money.

Daryl Sanders, Architectural Assistant, Planning & Design Practice

Housing Developments – Still Dominated by the Car?

7th February 20205th February 2020 by Gary Stringer

Yes they are; a report issued last week by University College London says that too many highway engineers are supporting road designs that do not fully take into account pedestrians and cyclists. In addition the location of some new housing, their lack of character, poor access to high quality green space and availability of access to public transport means that not all new housing developments could be considered to represent sustainable development.

The report comes at a time when 76% of people polled by the Government think that for the sake of the environment that everyone should reduce the amount they drive. This is up from 63% only 2 years ago. There is a growing awareness not only about climate change but also air pollution and the importance of clean air to health. A number of schools are banning parents from parking outside the school gates on grounds of air quality and safety.

The dominance of the car in housing layouts is a difficult issue. For many home buyers, space to park a car is an important consideration. While many people are trying to use their cars less, a car next to the home that they can use whenever they want provides a powerful sense of security.

Off road parking is not essential and there are many examples where residents in older often affluent areas are limited to on street parking only. In town centre locations, and those sites with good access to public transport and local amenities lower parking standards can be and should be introduced.

On sites that are primarily accessed by car one approach would be to reduce levels of car parking by giving each property a dedicated parking space close to the home. This would provide the security many want. Second cars and visitor parking would be accommodated in communal parking areas located close to residents. On street parking unless within dedicated on-street parking spaces should be removed through good estate design. This in itself will make access for pedestrians and cyclists easier, particularly for children by preventing cars from being parked on pavements. Layouts should give priority for walking and cycling with easy access for pedestrians and cyclists to the wider area particularly in providing access to schools shops and community facilities. In areas of growth, this network of footpaths and cycle paths could be used as the main means to connect to District centres providing residents with better alternatives than using the car.

Maximum parking standards should be re-introduced and a council should not be able to refuse planning permission on the grounds of a lack of parking. Less parking means more space for other purposes and with an investment in public transport, and support for people to walk and cycle; the health of the general population will improve and the costs to society will decrease.

Jonathan Jenkin, Managing Director, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

(Image: Google Maps)

Brexit is now ‘Done’ – The Outlook for Development in a Post Brexit Britain

29th January 2020 by Gary Stringer

By Saturday morning, February 1st the UK will have left the European Union. With more than 3 years of uncertainty behind us, I am looking forward to a post Brexit future.

The turmoil over Brexit put a break on the development industry. Business slowed, the number of planning applications submitted in 2019 was 5% lower than in 2018 and the number of new homes being built also dropped.

As long as the economy of the UK can adjust and with good trade deals with the EU and the rest of the world the key drivers for the development industry and its capacity to deliver development have not changed.

The country needs new infrastructure. It needs better public transport, it needs new building for business and it needs many new homes. We must meet the basic needs for work and a secure home with the provision of educational and health facilities and somewhere to shop and we need to accommodate a growing population. With climate change we will need to de-carbonise and the challenge will be to bring development forward while also reducing the country’s carbon emissions.

The development industry will have to adopt new building techniques, planning will be increasingly important and will need to co-ordinate development with the provision of services to reduce the reliance on the private car. The development industry will have to take account of the cost of releasing carbon while also expanding its capacity to build, and increasing training.

Creating sustainable development will become increasingly difficult if we do not increase the environmental capacity of the earth. Development will need to be coupled with human interventions and changes in lifestyles. This will mean planting trees, taking carbon out of the atmosphere, creating more space for wildlife, enhancing biodiversity and reducing meat consumption, creating less waste and using locally sourced foods.It will also include constructing zero carbon buildings and locking carbon into buildings.

At Planning & Design Practice we are developing zero carbon homes. A sustainably sourced timber building locks up carbon, creating space to plant new trees. Using air source and ground source heat pumps powered by electricity from non- fossil fuel sources (including PV and battery storage) a new home can be reliably heated without the need to burn fossil fuels. We are also looking at retrofitting, re-using old buildings for new purposes and exploring circular cities, with the re-use of all building materials.

Climate change will foster changes in lifestyles, and can foster healthy cities and towns. Reductions in air pollution from lower car use, greater use of public transport, cycling and walking will make people fitter, reducing pressure on the health service. It will also foster greater social inclusion as people have to live more communal lives leading to less social isolation.

Jonathan Jenkin, Managing Director, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Back to the future? Rethinking terraced housing

4th February 202011th December 2019 by Gary Stringer

Political parties of all stripes are vowing to ‘tackle the housing crisis’ and make Britain carbon neutral in the coming decades. This could radically change how we build and live in our homes in the future. Or perhaps not. Jon Millhouse, Director at Planning & Design Practice Ltd, believes that terraced housing could be the key to meeting this challenge.

Good ideas have a habit of coming back around. At the turn of the twentieth century, the most popular form of house building was terraced housing. As a concept, it was simple, yet effective. It didn’t require much land take, yet each household was usually allocated a decent amount of internal accommodation, and a garden. There was typically a shop on the corner of every street, or a pub; schools and places of work usually within walking distance. People travelled further afield by bicycle or tram.

Later in the twentieth century, as cars became the dominant mode of transport and the aspiration for most families, our built environment changed too. Rows of terraced houses were swept away to accommodate new roads. Those terraced streets which did survive became car-dominated. Those who could afford to often moved in the suburbs, or better still, the countryside, relying on the private motor car to serve their needs. The type of housing we began to build, and continue to build to this day, is designed around the car; low density detached housing with driveways and garages.

As we face up to the challenges of tackling climate change, and building enough houses to accommodate our population without having to pave over our treasured countryside, reverting to terraced housing once again, but in a manner fit for the twenty first century, could be a big part of the solution. Many aspects of that original urban form suit our needs today. Having only two (narrow) walls exposed to the outside world rather than four, significantly reduces heat loss. The higher densities enabled mean we can create walkable and cyclable neighbourhoods, reducing our reliance on the car. Small convenience food stores, micropubs and trams are all coming back into fashion. Fewer cars mean quieter streets, where children can play, and residents can interact, helping to address the increased problem of social isolation. It also means more exercise, which is good for our physical and mental health, particularly if supplemented with public open space in close proximity, offering opportunities for recreation, biodiversity and trees to help with carbon capture, urban cooling and flood resilience.

None of these ideas are new, none of this is rocket science. It is merely common sense. We shouldn’t assume that modern problems require a revolutionary, technological solution. Much can be learned from the past.

But neither should we assume that in re-adopting a house type of the past, we have to accept its historic limitations. Modern terraced housing can be better insulated, better lit and more spacious than its predecessors. We can generate heat and power through microgeneration, rather than coal. With such mod-cons, terraced houses can once again become the kind of property that developers want to build, and that people want to live in.

Jon is both a Chartered Town Planner and a Member of the Ins titute of Historic Building Conservation.

He can be contacted at jon.millhouse@planningdesign.co.uk or via telephone on 01332 347371.

Image: geograph-2703969-by-Dave-Bevis
Popular terraced housing at Chester Green, Derby. Fronting a quiet road reserved for cyclists and pedestrians, and a public green space.

Modern terraced housing at Oaklands, Duffield Road, Derby.
(Planning permission obtained by Planning & Design Practice Ltd on behalf of Meadowview Homes).

Examples of an urban form designed around the motor car became the norm in the later twentieth century.

(Images: Google Maps)

High score! Planning success for Microsoft Rare

Future Homes Standard 2020

Building Regulations approval – Understanding the importance

Housing Developments – Still Dominated by the Car?

Brexit is now ‘Done’ – The Outlook for Development in a Post Brexit Britain

Back to the future? Rethinking terraced housing

Offices

Services

Useful Links

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

GET IN TOUCH