Winners and Finalists - Royal Town Planning Institute

Transcription

Winners
and
F inalists
6 J u ly 2015 • l o n d o n
Foreword by nick raynsford
Head of the Judging Panel
the rtPi awards for Planning excellence is the major award ceremony recognising
Planners and their work and the announcement of award winners is always greatly
anticipated.
i was very pleased to be asked to Chair the independent judging panel this year.
our judges had a huge job on their hands, not only were the submissions each of
a very high quality, but there were also 50% more this year than ever before. the
high calibre of the submissions is reflected by the award Winners, all of which are
extremely impressive exemplars and a credit to the profession. all the award
winners demonstrate the incredibly positive role that planners play in facilitating
places that work - for communities, for our economy, for our heritage, for our
environment and for our future.
i would like to thank all of our judges who volunteered their time for this vital work.
Nick Raynsford
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
Janet askew
President, royal town Planning institute 2015
When i became the president of the rtPi, i said i was determined to ensure
that we build on the success of our centenary year and do more to prove the
value of planning to society. in this brochure you will discover some of the very
best examples of planning from across the uK and ireland, and the planners,
both individually and in teams, that have inspired us the most. through the rtPi
awards for Planning excellence, we can only recognise a tiny proportion of the
great work that is being done by the profession. i think it is our job as town
planners, whoever we work for, to be creative and to promote the tools of
planning to make better places. i became a planner because i believed that that
planning could improve the quality of life and give people a voice about how
they lived. our awards this year demonstrate that planners and planners are
making a very real difference in society.
Janet Askew
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
selection Process and Judging Criteria
nick raynsford led a total of 23 judges in this year’s selection process, who reviewed a large number of entries from across the uK and internationally.
all entries were sent to judging panels and evaluated against set criteria in each category using a scaled scoring system. the highest scoring entries were then shortlisted. the
judging panels discussed the shortlisted entries in detail before deciding on a final category winner.
each year the rtPi awards the silver Jubilee Cup to the category winner considered the most outstanding.
Judging criteria for:
Planning Consultancy of the Year, Small
Planning Consultancy of the Year and Local
Authority Planning Team of the Year
Projects
Young Planner of the Year
•
incorporation of sustainable development
•
•
Good practice: could the project be a model for
work elsewhere
the range, quality and variety of recent planning
experience
•
their enthusiasm and originality of approach
•
Community involvement
•
their personal and team working skills
•
Planning content and skills
•
•
equality and diversity
outcomes and local impact
their commitment to continuing professional
development and involvement with professional
institutes, networks, events, outreach work or
relevant voluntary activity
•
the extent to which they serve as a role model for
other young professionals
•
•
development and application of imaginative
approaches and techniques to achieve highquality planning solutions
Customer/client satisfaction in terms of service
provided
•
ability to manage multi-disciplinary projects
•
•
Commitment to participation in professional and
educational activities and the long term
development of the planning profession
Projects were also subject to a series of
category specific questions.
the shortlisted young Planners were interviewed by a
panel before deciding on young Planner of the year.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
selection Process and Judging Criteria
employer award for excellence:
the selection Process
three judges representing academia, practice and Hr were involved in this year’s selection process, which reviewed a large number of entries from rtPi learning Partners.
entries were evaluated against set criteria using a scaled scoring system. the highest scoring entries were then shortlisted. the judging panels discussed the shortlisted
entries in detail before deciding on a final category winner.
Employer Award for Excellence
•
the original aim of the learning and development initiative
•
How the initiative has added value for the individual employees, the organisation and the profession
•
equal access to the initiative
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
5
Contents
page 7
our Judges
page 7
sponsors and supporters
page 8
excellence in decision Making in Planning
page 11 excellence in Planning for Built Heritage
page 15 excellence in Planning for Community
and Well-being
page 18 excellence in Planning for the natural
environment
page 24 excellence in Planning to Create
economically successful Places
page 25 excellence in Planning to deliver Housing
page 29 excellence in Planning to deliver
infrastructure
page 32 excellence in Plan Making Practice
page 36 excellence in Planning and design for the
Public realm
page 39 employer award for excellence
page 42 local authority Planning team of the year
page 46 small Planning Consultancy of the year
page 49 Planning Consultancy of the year
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
page 52 young Planner of the year
page 55 overall Winner: silver Jubilee Cup
the Judges
Thank you to our judges:
Chair of the
Judging Panel:
Nick Raynsford
Judges:
Ben Bolgar
senior director, the Prince's
Foundation for Building Community
Sue Bridge
director, sue Bridge Consultancy
Professor Tony Crook CBE
emeritus Professor of town & regional
Planning, university of sheffield
Alastair Crowdy
national Head of Planning, Gl Hearn
Neeraj Dixit
director of the Planning team, CBre
Pauline Elliott
Head of regeneration and Planning,
Caerphilly County Borough Council
Sarah Elliott
director, aeCoM design Planning
+ economics
Joanne Farrar
associate director, atkins
thank you
James Fennell
Managing director, nathaniel lichfield
and Partners
Adrian Penfold
Head of Planning and Corporate
responsibility, British land
the rtPi would like to thank all our
kind sponsors and supporters:
Joanne Harding
Principal Planning Policy officer,
Halton Borough Council
Chris Potts
director of Planning, savills
Headline sponsor:
Clive Harridge
Head of amec Foster Wheeler’s
Planning and design Group
Gerry Hughes
senior director, Bilfinger GVa
Richard Laming
director of economic Planning, turley
Emma Langmaid
director, Prospero Planning
Jon Lovell
director of sustainability,
deloitte real estate
Andrea Minto
Hr Business Partner, Change &
transformation, Bt
Stewart Murray
assistant director of Planning,
Greater london authority
Robbie Owen
Partner and Head of infrastructure
Planning & Government affairs,
Pinsent Masons
Steve Quartermain CBE
Chief Planner, department for
Communities and local Government
Mark Southgate
director Major applications and
Plans, the Planning inspectorate
Graham Stallwood
Head of development Management
and Conservation, the royal Borough
of Kensington and Chelsea
Ian Tant
senior Partner, Barton Willmore
Angus Walker
Partner, BdB
Martin Willey
retired independent strategic
regeneration, Management and
Partnership advisor
Welcome drinks sponsor:
Celebration drinks sponsor:
Category sponsors:
Supporters:
Dr Roisin Willmott
director, rtPi Wales and northern
ireland
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
7
Winner: Green Park House Redevelopment, Bath
Submitted by: Bath & North East Somerset Council
Green Park House redevelopment
relates to the redevelopment of a
sensitive edge of centre site for a 461
bed student accommodation block
with associated café.
this case study demonstrates how
through careful project management
and a new approach to working, a
complex major application in a
sensitive location (within a World
Heritage site, Conservation area and
Flood Zone, in the setting of several
listed buildings) was delivered in less
than 13 weeks with a legal agreement
in place and all pre-commencement
conditions resolved.
this entry outlines the measures and
processes adopted by Bath & north
east somerset Council in determining
the planning application, the steps
taken to ensure the applicant received
the most constructive advice prior to
submission, the negotiations to
improve the submission and the
resolution under delegated powers
that allowed the developer to
commence on site within 10 days of
determination.
The Judges’ Comments
The judges considered this to be an
excellent example of the development
team approach and how it can work
successfully in a socially and
environmentally challenging and
sensitive area.
They were positively impressed by the
constructive use of the PPA and the
partnership approach which for
example enabled all precommencement issues to be resolved
during the substantive planning
process.
Key Participants
• Richard Stott, MrtPi
Principal Planning/enforcement officer,
Bath and north east somerset Council
• Elkie Lees, MriCs
senior land Manager, Berkeley Group
• Andrew Saunders-Davies, MriCs
Chairman, Berkeley Group
• Dave Taylor, riBa
senior architect, Berkeley Group
Despite the fast-track approach there
was effective community engagement
through the process.
The outcome has been the
commencement of development and
delivery of a high quality project in a
remarkably short time scale. It is an
example of the development
management process.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
8
Finalists:
Hillington Park Simplified Planning Zone,
Glasgow
Submitted by: Terence O’Rourke Limited
Northern Line Extension to Battersea
Power Station, London
Submitted by: Transport for London (TfL)
Hillington Park is an established business and industrial
location on the western edge of Glasgow. to attract
investment and support existing businesses at the park,
two local authorities have worked in collaboration the
majority landowner and its consultant team to put
together a streamlined planning framework, removing the
need for planning consent for appropriate minor and
major developments.
Thames Tideway Tunnel a – engagement,
London
Submitted by: Thames Tideway Tunnel Ltd
this wastewater storage and transfer tunnel,
approximately 25km long, will run from west to
east london at a depth of 35m to 65m. it will broadly
follow the path of the river thames. it will take approximately
seven years to construct and require a total of 24
construction sites across 14 local planning authorities.
With the london underground northern line extension
given permission, the Vauxhall nine elms Battersea
opportunity area is set to flourish, with the extension
to Battersea enabling the creation of up to 25,000 new
jobs and 16,000 new homes. Work has now
commenced on site and the £1bn extension will be in
passenger service by 2020. between key stakeholders
and local communities.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
9
Finalists:
Thames Tideway Tunnel b (s.131/s.132 Certificates) London
this wastewater storage and transfer tunnel,
approximately 25km long, will run from west to east
london at a depth of 35m to 65m. it will broadly follow
the path of the river thames. it will take approximately
seven years to construct and require a total of 24
construction sites across 14 local planning authorities.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
10
excellence in Planning for Built Heritage
Winner: Delivering the vision for Dudley Town Centre
Submitted by: Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
over the past decade, the dudley
Metropolitan Council has been
delivering an imaginative strategy of
stimulating development through
effective use of built heritage. through
a coordinated set of strategic
interventions set out in the adopted
dudley town Centre area
development Framework (2005), the
town Centre’s physical and
environmental quality has started to
demonstrably improve and is
delivering clear economic and social
benefits for the community.
the Core strategy (2011)
re-designated dudley centre from
strategic to district centre, with a
primary role based on heritage &
tourism.
to deliver this vision, the Council has
developed a development
programme which delivers sensitive
interventions not radical change;
creating economically sustainable
communities, creating safe and
attractive environments, improving
access to training and jobs to
address the below regional average
GdP per head, access to quality
housing, and repair and restoration of
the historic fabric of the town through
a £65m package of public sector
spend within a £200m pipeline of
development within a mile of the
Centre based on heritage led
regeneration.
Key Participants from Dudley
Metropolitan Borough Council:
Judges’ comments:
• Bill Kirk
Chief executive, new Heritage
regeneration ltd
The judges were impressed by a
genuinely plan-led submission which
has delivered a range of positive
outcomes against considerable odds
in the economic background.
The scheme uses heritage as the
central tenet of town centre
regeneration with impressive energy
and commitment to ensure the plan is
implemented, including through
attracting a range of funding.
The project is planning and heritage
led but there is clear participation and
involvement across a range of
disciplines.
• Helen Martin
Head of Planning
• Phil Coyne
Chief officer, Planning and regeneration
• Rupert Dugdale
Head of economic development
• Annette Roberts
Planning Policy Manager
• Jayne Pilkington
senior Conservation officer
• Emma Pardoe
dudley townscape Heritage Project Manager
• Chris Green
design and development Manager
• Liz Dickinson
landscape Practice Manager
• Mark Clarke, development Manage new
Heritage regeneration ltd
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
11
Commended: Baylis Old School
Submitted by: Henley Homes plc
the quality of planning advice received
from consultants (alongside the planning
knowledge and experience within
Henley Homes itself) has enabled the
creation of a superb residential scheme,
in effect a new urban quarter for the
london Borough of lambeth. the
design takes the best of the school’s
layout and key features in order to create
unique and desirable new homes.
Judges’ comments:
The submission shows a successful
approach to a challenging re-use of a
heritage asset to provide both new
market and affordable housing and a
community facility with good
sustainability credentials.
The result is a high quality re-use with
a mixed-tenure community within an
existing community, which was
involved from an early stage. The
project shows what can be achieved
on challenges sites of this nature with
a positive heritage-led approach.
Key Participants
• Phil Kapur
associate land director, Henley Homes
• Paul Fender
associate, Conran & Partners
• Shakil Ahmed arB riBa
Projects architect, reis Construct ltd
• Mark Pender diptP MrtPi
director of Planning, PPM Planning
• Kevin Murphy B.arch MuBC riBa iH
Principal, KM Heritage
• Douglas Black
urban design & Conservation officer,
london Borough of lambeth
• Simon Hickman
inspector of Historic Buildings & areas,
english Heritage
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
12
Finalists:
Grey Friars, Colchester
Submitted by: Lawson Planning Partnership Ltd
New Museums Site, Cambridge
Submitted by: LDA Design and Cambridge
University Estate Management
Plas Penyddeuglawdd,
37-39 Pendyffryn Road, Rhyl, Wales
Submitted by: Denbighshire County Council
the new Museums site is located within the city’s
Conservation area and contains and adjoins many listed
Buildings. the aim of the masterplan was to facilitate the
creation of a high quality environment and legible spatial
plan that would accommodate the different uses and
occupiers of the site.
this development is of two Grade ii listed buildings
located in a suburban residential street but an eyesore
for many years. Both buildings were listed in a poor
condition, with no. 37 in a partially derelict state. the
scheme started in 2014 and the buildings have been
conserved, and enhanced. rather than being an eyesore
they are outstanding vernacular buildings in rhyl
providing well designed and beautiful housing for
genuine local need.
Grey Friars, a Grade ii* listed building, lies on the edge of
Colchester town Centre within a conservation and
regeneration area. the building along with adjacent
Grade ii listed buildings were acquired for a high quality
boutique hotel development. this submission sets out
how positive planning initiatives can help deliver
sustainable development in the historic environment in an
inclusive way.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
13
Finalists:
The Breaker’s Yard National Trust
Sutton House, London
Submitted by: The National Trust for
Places of Historic Interest and Natural Beauty
(National Trust)
sutton House is a flagship community involvement
property within the national trust’s portfolio. the
regeneration of an outdoor space, next to the historic
property, was acquired to both protect the house and to
radically develop Hackney’s community involvement. the
completed scheme represents a recent interpretation of
history but one with references to earlier periods.
Watford Conservation Areas Management
Plan, Hertfordshire
Submitted by: Watford Borough Council
the Watford Conservation areas Management was
adopted following the completion of the final
conservation area character appraisal. it was decided to
produce one management plan document for all the
conservation areas in Watford. this includes a wide
range of content relating to the features within the
conservation areas that need protecting or enhancing
and a series of projects have been delivered.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
14
excellence in Planning for Community and Well-being
Winner: Ysgol Craig y Deryn / Craig y Deryn Primary School
Submitted by: Snowdonia National Park Authority
ysgol Craig y deryn is a response to
challenging rural issues that are
pressurising the long-term
sustainability of communities within
the snowdonia national Park and
other sparsely populated areas in
Wales. the Gwynedd Council 21st
Century schools Modernisation is an
initiative to embed a learning
infrastructure for future generations
that will equip children and the wider
population with equal access to
resources for optimising potential and
improving opportunities.
the new area primary school is
designed to accommodate 110 pupils
with 10 pre-school places, on a site
to the west of llanegryn village. it
replaces four existing school buildings
within the communities of
abergynolwyn, Bryncrug, llanegryn
and llwyngwril, each located within,
or on the edge of snowdonia national
Park and a dramatic landscape
backdrop of hills, mountains and the
iconic ‘Birds rock’ (Craig y deryn)
from which the school takes its name.
diverse planning and design issues
have been positively embraced to
deliver an integrated low impact, large
scale, sustainable development in a
rural setting of national significance. it
has sought to reinforce a ‘sense of
place’ by safeguarding the
heritage/use of the Welsh language,
while retaining the local
distinctiveness of the setting and the
special qualities of the national Park.
Judges’ comments:
Key Participants
The judges were most impressed by
not only how the site for this school,
to replace 4 existing schools in 4
different communities, was selected
bit also how the scheme was then
developed on the chosen site, the
very sensitive environment of
Snowdonia national park. The
planners were clearly at the centre of
delivering a successful outcome in
extremely challenging circumstances.
Snowdonia National Park Authority:
This involved robust site selection
based on sound planning criteria then
preparing a development brief which
had to be consistent with the
statutory purpose of the national park
and compatible with a wide range of
specific local and national policies.
The process followed and skills
deployed by the planners involved
have directly contributed to the quality
of the scheme delivered.
Despite all the negativity surrounding
the school closure programme the
outcome has been a positive and
sustained one for the well-being of 4
communities.
• Aled Sturkey
director of Planning & Cultural Heritage
(retired)
• Huw Roberts
Principal Planning officer
• Aled Lloyd
Head of development Management and
Compliance
• Jane Jones
Principal Planning officer (Compliance)
Gwynedd Council:
• Richard Farmer
Project Manager
• Derec Parry Williams
Client liaison Manager
B3Architects:
• Geraint Roberts
associate director and Project architect
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
15
Finalists:
Connswater Community Greenway
Phase 1, Belfast
Submitted by: AECOM
GlenabbeySkeoge Residential
Development, Northern Ireland
Submitted by: Fold Housing Association
Junction 3, Bristol
Submitted by: gcp Chartered Architects
Fold Housing associations Glenabbey/skeoge
development is an exemplar new build social housing
scheme consisting of 280 new homes (208 houses
and 72 apartments), a play park and lookout park, to
the northwest of derry~londonderry’s city centre.
the £30million Connswater Community Greenway has
been conceived to reconnect communities in east
Belfast. the scheme will create a 9km long linear park
through east Belfast along the Connswater, Knock and
loop rivers. the park will link existing parkland and
open space with adjacent sections of inner city
streetscape which, by the creation of a green corridor,
will benefit both people and wildlife.
Junction 3 comprises 54 homes including flats and
houses available as rental and shared ownership, a
learning centre / library, community meeting rooms,
crèche and 7 commercial workspace units. 7 years in the
planning, the scheme develops a site blighted for over
35 years following the construction of the M32.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
16
Finalists:
Oldfield Primary School, Maidenhead &
Windsor
Submitted by: Scott Brownrigg Planning
the project created a state-of-the-art primary school
with two forms of entry and provides sufficient
capacity to double the current intake for oldfield
Primary school. the new development will enable the
school to relocate from its current restricted site, with
a facility which will provide outstanding quality of
education for years to come
Shree Swaminarayan Mandir,
Kingsbury, London
Submitted by: Tibbalds Planning and
Urban Design
the shree swaminaryan Mandir represents the
realisation of a north london Hindu community’s long
held vision to create a focus for worship,
contemplation, celebration, sport, work and relaxation.
the complex, which is located on a former industrial
site comprises a new temple, multi-functional hall, low
cost workspaces and a public courtyard.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
17
excellence in Planning for the natural environment
Winner: Hanham Hall, South Gloucestershire
Submitted by: HTA Design LLP
designed by Hta for house builder
Barratt, Hanham Hall is one of a
number of flagship Carbon Challenge
schemes promoted by the HCa. due
for completion in 2015, Hanham Hall
will be england’s first large-scale
housing scheme to achieve the 2016
zero-carbon standard. the development will create 187 new homes,
ranging from one-bedroom starter
flats to five-bedroom family houses.
Providing a transition between the
residential suburbs of Bristol and the
south Gloucestershire countryside,
the site comprises a number of
different character areas that reflect
its history as a family home.
despite complex Planning challenges;
adapting a historic Grade ii* listed
building for new uses and creating a
pioneering and relatively high-density
housing development on a landlocked
site, in a fringe green-belt suburban
setting; Hta’s team of designers and
planning specialists gained planning
consent at the first attempt. this
success can be attributed not only to
the vision and quality of the
development but also to a continuous
process of dialogue with the many
stakeholders involved in the project.
Judges’ comments:
The judges were impressed by the
number of ground breaking elements
of this scheme, not least this being
England’s first large-scale housing
scheme, delivering 187 new homes,
to achieve the 2016 zero-carbon
standard in this fringe green belt
suburban setting.
Key Participants
The green areas representing the 1/3
of the site that could not be built on
have been turned into an array of
shared amenity spaces including a
new park, communal greenhouses,
allotments, a village green and pond
with extensive areas of ecologically rich
meadows, grass and hedges beyond.
• Colin Molton - executive director
The striking additional element that
the judges noted as really contributing
to the project’s sustainable place
making was that Hanham Hall will be
run by its residents through a
community interest company, which
will maintain the buildings and
grounds. This will promote a number
of community initiatives including carsharing clubs, gardening groups and
walking school bus projects which by
empowering residents will help to
ensure the sustainable future of the
community through shared and
collective behaviour. In turn this will
make an important contribution to
conserving the natural environment in
this semi urban area, as well as the
high sustainable design of the
buildings themselves.
• Lucy Smith - Partner,
Communication design
HCA
HTA Design Team
• Riette Oosthuizen - Partner, Planning
• Simon Owen - associate, Planning
• Simon Bayliss - Partner, architecture
• Rory Bergin - Partner, sustainable Futures
• James Lord - Partner, landscape design
Barratt Homes
• Dan Bridgett - Head of external affairs,
Barratt Group
Sovereign Housing
• Gareth Thomas
new neighbourhoods officer
South Gloucestershire Council
• Mike Luton - Principal Planning officer
• Robert Nicholson
senior Planning officer (Major sites)
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
18
Commended: Connswater Community Greenway Phase 1, Belfast
Submitted by: AECOM
the Connswater Community
Greenway will create a 9km long
green corridor through east Belfast
along the Connswater, Knock and
loop rivers. it will regenerate the
streetscape and remediate the river
environment, provide flood protection
for surrounding properties. it will
benefit people and wildlife.
Judges’ comments:
The judges were impressed with this
transformational project. The 9km
long linear park/green corridor has
delivered environmental
enhancements, improved access and
provided other multi-functional
benefits such as flood protection. The
project demonstrates excellent
engagement with a variety of local
stakeholders and users resulting in
tangible changes to the original plan,
including 24 hour use. The project
has been steered and delivered by a
strong and effective inter-disciplinary
partnership. It is clearly a very popular
and well used local facility that will
continue to deliver a range of public
benefits for years to come.
Key Participants
• Wendy Langham - CCG Programme
Manager, east Belfast Partnership
• Sean Brannigan - CCG Community
engagement officer,
east Belfast Partnership
• Adrian Grimshaw - Project Manager,
Belfast City Council
• Grainne McMullan - Planner,
Farningham McCreadie Partnership
• Niall Mullan - Contractor,
BsG Civil engineering
• Peter Papafio - Project Manager,
Mcadam design
• Ian Corbett - lighting
• Andy Patterson - Project Manager,
aeCoM
• Richard Martin - lead landscape
architect, aeCoM
• Paula Gillan - landscape architect,
aeCoM
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
19
Finalists:
Delivering the ecological recovery of
Loch Leven through the planning system,
Loch Leven, Scotland
Submitted by: Perth and Kinross Council
Lincolnshire Lakes Planning Applications
Submitted by: Lucent with Biodiversity by
Design, Peter Brett Associates, The
Landscape Partnership and WSP.
the lincolnshire lakes Planning applications (4
applications) provide a masterplan for the delivery of
3,000 homes in two new villages with a commercial park,
a major package of green infrastructure, water
management works and highway works. the plan will
create substantial lakes and wetland areas to provide
ecological, recreation and water management functions.
this project highlights the legal complexities associated
with protecting loch leven, the drive and collaboration
between public sector bodies to improve the water
quality of the loch through the planning system as well
as continued enthusiasm to review and streamline the
development management process to ensure
procedures are fit for purpose.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
20
excellence in Planning to Create economically successful Places
Winner: Thames Tideway Tunnel
Submitted by: Thames Tideway Tunnel Ltd.
Key Participants
• Phil Stride - Head of thames tideway
tunnels, thames Water utilities ltd
• Steve Thompson - Construction /
logistics lead, thames tideway tunnel
• Michael Parsons - Planning development
Manager, CH2M Hill
• Scott Young - education officer,
thames tideway tunnel
• Paul Iliffe - Planning Manager (east), Capita
• Chris Stratford - Planning Manager
(West), Highbury Planning Consultants ltd
the thames tideway tunnel (ttt) is
a major new infrastructure scheme
which will tackle the issue of london’s
Victorian sewer system discharging
combined sewage and rainwater into
tidal river thames. Bazalgette’s
original sewage system discharged
overflow from sewers to the river
thames to prevent flooding.
overflows now occur more than 50
times per year resulting in
unacceptable levels of pollution.
the tunnel will be approximately
25km long, and will follow the path of
the thames at a depth of 35m – 65m.
it will take seven years to construct
with 24 construction sites across
14 local planning authorities. From
the first round of consultations in
2010 through an iterative process
the final 24 sites were subject to
formal pre application consent and
formed the basis for development
consent in 2013.
Judges’ comments:
The Thames Tideway tunnel is a
unique scheme which provides an
exemplar of how to manage a
complex infrastructure project with
very extensive public consultation and
involving 900 community groups. This
approach could be mirrored by
smaller initiatives.
• Tim Snell - Planning Manager (Central)
(from March 2014), Adams Hendry
The scheme demonstrates
commitment to delivering economic
benefits throughout via growing local
skills and supporting local
contractors. There is an emphasis on
basic and advanced skills to ensure
that opportunities can be spread as
widely as possible.
• James Good - Partner,
Berwin leighton Paisner llP
The submission also clearly exhibits
holistic planning by illustrating the
environmental social and economic
benefits in an integrated way.
• James Trimmer - director of Planning and
environment, Port of london authority
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
21
Commended: Whiteley Town Centre
Submitted by: Terence O’Rourke Ltd
the Whitely town Centre development
site sits at the heart of the settlement
of Whiteley. the initially permitted
centre was delivered as a factory
outlet centre. as such it did not cater
for the needs of residents or local
employees, the centre did not have a
clear value or identity for local
residents, whilst given the location,
retail line up and competition it was
not a success. the purchase of the
asset by a partnership made up of
British land and uss (the Whiteley
Co- ownership) provided the clear
thinking required to deliver meaningful
change. Following dialogue with local
technical stakeholders, potential
operators, politicians and residents,
work progressed on finding a scheme
to provide Whiteley residents with the
town centre they had always been
promised. in May 2013 the new
Whiteley town Centre was opened,
comprising retail, professional
services, leisure facilities, landscaping,
public squares, highways, cycle and
footpaths and a town Council office.
Phase 2 is also advanced to provide a
9 screen cinema with supporting
ground floor uses.
Key Participants
Judges’ comments:
• Tim Rose- director, Macgregor smith
The judges were impressed with the
submission and felt that it deserved to
be commended, particularly in
context of the economic climate when
the project started. They were struck
by the collaboration across all
stakeholders which delivered a
positive town centre redevelopment.
The involvement of professional
planners was clear in the submission
and proved its worth with genuine
consultation and collaboration
meaning few objections, officer
recommendation for approval and
unanimous approval by committee.
• James Jenkison - senior Planner,
formerly of Winchester City Council
• Adrian Barker - Planning technical
director, terence o’rourke
• Alex Chapman - Planner,
formerly of terence o’rourke
• David Pollock - director, British land
• Paul Hughes - director retail
development, Corstorphine and Wright
• Alan Swan - director,
Peter Brett associates
• Simon Finch - Head of development
Control, Winchester City Council
• Mike Evans - Chair,
Whiteley town Council
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
Photo: British Land
2015
22
Finalists:
Camley Street Incubator and Gateway
Sites Regeneration, London
Submitted by: Shaw Corporation Limited
Belfast City Centre Regeneration Strategy
and Investment Plan, Belfast
Submitted by: Deloitte Real Estate, Urban
Strategies Inc., Arup
Dun Laoghaire Harbour Masterplan,
Laoghaire, Republic of Ireland
Submitted by: Metropolitan Workshop LLP
the Belfast City Centre regeneration strategy and
investment Plan sets the agenda for Belfast City Council
as it prepares to become the planning authority for
Belfast in 2015. it addresses all aspects of city centre
regeneration including economic development, public
realm, transport and inclusive community building.
regeneration of three separate but interlinked sites at
101, 102 and 103 Camley street adjacent to the
regents Canal in the london Borough of Camden,
which act as a strategic ‘gateway’ link between Kings
Cross and Camden town. the project demonstrates a
collaborative approach to planning between three
separate ownerships in consultation with the london
Borough of Camden, Greater london authority and
other local stakeholders to deliver significant sustainable
economic and community benefits.
dún laoghaire Harbour is a 200-year old heritage site
12 Km south of dublin City Centre. economic activity
diminished as passenger ferry operations reduced. the
Masterplan proposes major new land uses including new
residential and leisure facilities, improved public realm
and provision for cruise liner facilities.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
23
Finalists:
Old Market, Hereford
Submitted by: Savills
Park Royal Atlas, London
Submitted by: Greater London Authority
Thames Tideway Tunnel, London
Park royal hosts 2,000 active workplaces. it will be
widely transformed when an Hs2 and Crossrail
station is built by 2026. the Park royal atlas is a
detailed employment study engaging with all the
businesses operating in the area, providing the
foundation of an emerging policy and trust between
business and local government.
the old Market shopping Centre opened in May 2014
and delivers an identified need for retail and leisure
development. it supports 1,100 new jobs and is a
catalyst for further investment. Hereford is now one of
the uK’s top 100 retail cities.
the thames tideway tunnel is a major new infrastructure
scheme which will tackle the issue of london’s Victorian
sewer system discharging combined sewage and
rainwater into tidal river thames. the tunnel will be
approximately 25km long, and will follow the path of the
thames at a depth of 35m – 65m. it will take seven years
to construct with 24 construction sites across 14 local
planning authorities.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
24
Sponsored by
excellence in Planning to deliver Housing
Winner: The Rise, Scotswood, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Submitted by: New Tyne West Development Company
outline planning permission was
achieved in 2007 (reference
2007/1300/01/out) the site was
identified as a key site in the Benwell
scotswood area action Plan (Policy
Ks1). Ground works, funded by the
Homes and Communities agency,
started in 2010. KPMG ranked this
the seventh largest uK land
remediation in 2012.
Photo: The Rise-credit Persuasion
Public Relations
the rise will be integrated into the
existing community through the
enhancement of existing public
spaces, the creation of new ones, an
improved road network and the
development of new retail and
community facilities.
Judges’ comments:
the rise at scotswood, in
newcastle’s west end, is the product
of a public/private joint venture – the
new tyne West development
Company – comprising newcastle
City Council and developers Barratt
Homes and Keepmoat.
the aim is to reverse the fortunes of
an area decimated by the decline of
heavy industry and create a diverse,
sustainable community of around
6,000 people living in approximately
1,800 well designed, modern, energy
efficient homes – supplied by a district
heating centre.
around 1,200 terraced homes were
cleared from the sloping, uneven 60
hectare site, which overlooks the
river tyne. the city secured private
sector partners to share the risk of a
£265 million investment, designed to
address the growing housing need.
Excellent response to a very difficult
site with a long regeneration history.
We especially liked the community
engagement response which has
elicited strong local support. The
design solution responds very well to
the challenging topographic and
market circumstances. Totally
transformational.
Key Participants
Newcastle City Council:
• Jon Rippon - team Manager/
development Manager
• Lisa Clark - Planning officer
• Mick Murphy - director of Communities
New Tyne West Development Company:
• Claire Scott - Communities and
Marketing Manager
IDPartnership-northern:
• Keith Dillon - Partner
• Therese Choat - associate Planner
Keepmoat Homes Ltd:
• Ian Prescott - land & Partnerships director
• Richard Bass - regional Managing director
Barratt David Wilson – North East:
• Neil Milburn - development director of
Barratt david Wilson Homes
• Mike Roberts - Managing director
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
25
Sponsored by
Commended: Hanham Hall
Submitted by: HTA Design LLP
designed by Hta for housebuilder
Barratt, Hanham Hall is one of a
number of flagship Carbon
Challenge schemes promoted by
the HCa. due for completion in
2015, Hanham Hall will be england’s
first large-scale housing scheme to
achieve the 2016 zero-carbon
standard. the development will
create 187 new homes, ranging
from one-bedroom starter flats to
five-bedroom family houses. two
thirds of the units will be sold
privately, while the rest will be
offered for affordable rent. there is
no visible distinction between the
private and rented housing.
located 7km from the centre of
Bristol, the nine-hectare site is
bordered by suburban housing to
the north, south and west. to the
east, it adjoins the green belt,
enjoying open views of rolling
countryside.
the Hall itself is a Grade ii* listed
building dating from the mid-17th
century. originally a farm and
substantial family home surrounded
by extensive gardens and open
Key Participants
Photo: HTA Design LLP
Newcastle City Council:
• Colin Molton - executive director
HTA Design Team:
• Riette Oosthuizen - Partner, Planning
• Simon Owen - associate, Planning
• Simon Bayliss - Partner, architecture
• Rory Bergin - Partner, sustainable Futures
• Lucy Smith - Partner,
Communication design
• James Lord - Partner, landscape design
Barratt Homes:
• Dan Bridgett - Head of external affairs,
Barratt Group
Sovereign Housing:
land, it became a psychiatric
hospital in around 1900. since the
hospital closed in 2000, the Hall had
been unoccupied and had fallen into
disrepair – to the regret of local
people.
Judges’ comments:
Very strong response to the planning
challenges associated with this cite,
including the relationship to the listed
building. Excels at sustainability and
energy efficiency. Creates an enviable,
high quality environment for residents
and visitors.
• Gareth Thomas new neighbourhoods officer
South Gloucestershire Council:
• Robert Nicholson - senior Planning
officer (Major sites)
• Mike Luton - Principal Planning officer
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
26
Sponsored by
Finalists:
Chelmsford City Park West
(Phases 1 & 2), Essex
Submitted by: Bidwells LLP
Glasgow Commonwealth Games The Athlete Village, Lanarkshire, Scotland
Submitted by: Glasgow City Council
Comprising a mixed-use redevelopment of the former
anglia ruskin university Central Campus with the
restoration of a Grade ii listed building and other
historical buildings for 219 dwellings, 4,500 square
metres of commercial floorspace and a 4,021 square
metres food store. the previously derelict site is
centrally located adjacent Chelmsford's rail and
bus stations.
the project has involved the regeneration and
development of a large area of 32.5 hectares of
brownfield site in dalmarnock. in the short term, the
Village has provided accommodation and facilities for
over 6500 athletes and officials. at completion of the
Games, it has transformed into a fully integrated
residential community which will continue to expand
serving as catalyst for further regeneration.
Hillington Square, King’s Lynn, Norfolk
Submitted by: Mæ Architects
the £30m refurbishment of Hillington square is the
biggest regeneration project currently taking place
in King’s lynn. the project includes refurbishment
of 320 properties, remodelling of the estate layout
and public realm improvements.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
27
Sponsored by
Finalists:
One Woolwich, Greenwich, London
Submitted by: Pollard Thomas Edwards
Trumpington Meadows, Cambridge
Submitted by: Barratt Developments plc
one Woolwich, part of the london Borough of
Greenwich’s estate regeneration programme, as an
original solution that regenerates three declining estates,
reconnecting them to their immediate neighbourhoods.
the tagline ‘one vision, supporting one community,
delivering one Woolwich’ captures the ethos of creating
an integrated, mixed and balanced community. the
schemes deliver 1,500 new homes.
trumpington Meadows, Cambridge is the transformation
of the brownfield former Monsanto Plant Breeding
institute into a new community of contemporary homes,
set in 48 acres of a waterside country park in
Cambridge. 60% of the homes are for private sale with
40% being affordable. over 270 homes were occupied
during the latter part of 2014.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
28
excellence in Planning to deliver infrastructure
Winner: National Planning Framework 3 & the Scottish Planning Policy
Submitted by: The Scottish
scotland’s national Planning
Framework is a long term strategic
land use plan for scotland – the
spatial expression of the scottish
Government’s economic strategy.
the scottish Government undertook
an integrated review of the national
Planning Framework 3 (nPF3) and the
scottish Planning Policy (sPP) over a
two year period. their inclusive
approach to engagement allowed
them to build a national policy
framework which clearly focussed on
outcomes and demonstrated the
value and importance of strategic
planning. the result is a clear, robust
national planning policy framework
and an inspirational spatial plan for
scotland.
Judges’ comments:
Map:
© Reproduced
by permission of
Ordnance Survey
on behalf of
HMSO
©Crown
copyright and
database right
(2014)
All rights
reserved
Ordnance Survey
Licence Number
100024655
© O Street Ltd.
A very strong and well-presented
submission that by its nature is
ambitious in its scale and content.
This submission shows the
importance of policy and plans in the
delivery of infrastructure. This
submission addressed all the criteria,
was inventive and strong in all areas.
Key Participants
• John McNairney - Chief Planner,
the scottish Government
• Fiona Simpson - assistant Chief Planner,
• Simon Bonsall - senior Planner,
• David Liddell - reporter, directorate for
Planning and environmental appeals,
• Helen Wood - Principal Planner,
• Carrie Thomson - Principal Planner,
• Ian Mitchell - Policy Manager,
• Graham Robinson - Policy Manager,
• Anne Grove - senior Planner,
• Alma Jones - Gis specialist,
• Fiona Stirling - scottish natural Heritage
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
29
Finalists:
Bridlington Revised Bathing Waters
Directive (rBWD) Scheme,
Bridlington, Yorkshire
Submitted by: Yorkshire Water
The Cranbrook Way, Devon
Submitted by: East Devon District Council
The Exe Estuary Trail: A case study
in promoting walking and cycling within
a sensitive environment, Devon
Submitted by: Devon County Council
the exe estuary trail is a cycle and walking route
connecting exeter City Centre with exmouth and
dawlish, linking with railway stations, ferries, walkways
and cycle routes. Constructed in a sensitive area of
natural beauty it provides opportunities for leisure and
commuter journeys.
Cranbrook is a new community being developed to
potentially create over 7,500 new homes in the next
20 years. the programme includes new transport
infrastructure and new community facilities such as
shops, health centres, schools and community centres.
Bridlington revised Bathing Waters directive scheme
involved improvements to storm and waste water
treatment infrastructure, the largest diameter long sea
outfall in the uK, a tunnel beneath the town and
improvements to pumping stations and the promenade.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
30
Finalists:
Thames Tideway Tunnel, London
the thames tideway tunnel is a major new
infrastructure scheme to tackle sewage and rainwater
discharge into the river thames. the tunnel will be
25km long and will include 24 construction sites
across 14 local planning authorities.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
31
excellence in Plan Making Practice
Winner: The Plymouth Plan, Devon
Submitted by: Plymouth City Council
the Plymouth Plan represents a new
and radical approach to local
Planning. People are at the heart of
the plan, following over two years of
incredibly innovative engagement
work that has captured the
imagination of local people and
organisations. it now has
unprecedented buy-in and
commitment that has broken down
the barriers between departments,
organisations and
sectors. Planners
have been the driving
force to the creative
approach to
developing the plan,
using traditional plan making skills
and then drawing in skills from across
the Council and the city. this has
created a plan with a strong
philosophy at its heart, clear agendas
for the next twenty years, and
engagement, communication and
branding that is attracting a whole
new audience to understand the
importance of long term planning.
this has resulted in full support in the
concept of the Plymouth Plan which
pushes the role a local Plan can play
further than any other local Plan
being prepared in england today.
Judges’ comments:
Key Participants
The Judges were very impressed by
the innovative approach adopted to
the plan preparation and content.
• Jonathan Bell
Head of development Planning,
Plymouth City Council
The Plymouth Plan is a single
strategic plan for the city
encompassing the Council’s
approach to health, culture, transport,
the economy and children / young
people. In bringing together these
inter-related strands the Plymouth
Plan will replace over 100 existing
documents. To achieve the successful
integration of these different areas has
required the “planning team” to be
recognised as a key focal point for
other departments to work with –
which increases the political and
corporate support for plan making.
• Richard Grant
local Planning Manager,
• Hannah Sloggett
neighbourhood Planning Manager,
• Caroline Marr
Policy and Performance officer,
The plan making process included
extensive dialogue with stakeholders,
and the “planning plus” content led to
significant public interest –
encompassing strategic and site
specific issues in a 2 part process.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
32
Commended: National Planning Framework 3 & the Scottish Planning Policy
Submitted by: The Scottish Government
scottish Government’s
scotland’s national
Planning Framework is a
national policy
framework clearly
focussed on outcomes
and an inspirational
spatial expression of the
scottish Government’s
economic strategy.
Judges’ comments:
Producing a true national
plan is a critical part of
spatial planning and the
Judges were very
impressed with the
National Planning
Framework and the
Scottish Planning Policy.
This provides clear joined
up strategies for
connections,
infrastructure, natural
resources and housing
against a backdrop of
Map:
© Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO
©Crown copyright and database right (2014)
All rights reserved
Ordnance Survey Licence Number 100024655
© O Street Ltd.
sustainable development objectives
with a long-term perspective.
Major investment requires certainty
and the Framework provides a
platform for the decision making to
ensure future needs are properly
located.
Key Participants
• John McNairney - Chief Planner,
• Fiona Simpson - assistant Chief Planner,
• Simon Bonsall - senior Planner,
The Framework demonstrates how a
“planning document” can be the
vehicle for delivering a broad range of
Government policy
• David Liddell - reporter, directorate for
Planning and environmental appeals,
National issues can often generate
much less interest in plan making but
the use of social media and regular
updates made sure the profile and
momentum was maintained.
• Carrie Thomson - Principal Planner,
Producing a national plan on limited
resources within 2 year period is very
impressive, especially having to
navigate Parliamentary committees.
• Helen Wood - Principal Planner,
• Ian Mitchell - Policy Manager,
• Graham Robinson - Policy Manager,
• Anne Grove - senior Planner,
• Alma Jones - Gis specialist,
• Fiona Stirling - scottish natural Heritage
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
33
Finalists:
Army Basing Programme - Salisbury Plain
Masterplan, Wiltshire
Submitted by: WYG Group Ltd
Birmingham Curzon HS2 Masterplan for growth, Birmingham
Submitted by: Birmingham City Council
Euston Area Plan, London
Submitted by: London Borough of Camden
and Greater London Authority
Birmingham City Council delivered an ambitious
Masterplan to showcase the City’s vision and
regeneration aims for the arrival of High speed 2 (Hs2)
within the city centre.
the salisbury Plain Masterplan outlines proposals which
seek accommodation for over 4,300 army personnel,
their families and all supporting infrastructure. the
Masterplan includes proposals for expansion of current
army bases, additional training facilities and new housing
for service families.
Photo: Euston Area Plan Team
Covering 140ha the Masterplan envisages the delivery of:
• 14,000 (net) jobs.
• 600,000sq.m employment space.
• 2,000 new homes.
• £1.3bn economic uplift.
the Masterplan highlights the importance of creating a
world-class railway station, in terms of design and
integration and establishes the following principles to
ensure the highest environmental and physical quality.
the euston area Plan provides a long term planning
framework to guide change and regeneration in the
euston area, focused around the redevelopment of euston
station. the Plan was prepared to guide development up
until 2031. it was adopted in January 2015, as an area
action Plan by Camden Council, and as supplementary
planning guidance to the london Plan by the Gla.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
34
Finalists:
Supporting Communities in
Neighbourhood Planning, Across England
Submitted by: AECOM
urs (now part of aeCoM) has been involved in
neighbourhood Planning since the 2011 localism act.
two years ago they joined the locality and
rtPi/Planning aid england consortium providing
technical advice to communities preparing
neighbourhood Plans. their approach has been to work
alongside and empower communities encouraging them
to do as much as they are able.
Whitechapel Vision Masterplan
Supplementary Planning Document,
London
Submitted by: BDP
Winsford Neighbourhood Plan,
Winsford, Cheshire
Submitted by: Tibbalds Planning and
Urban Design
in February 2013 BdP was appointed by london
Borough of tower Hamlets, to create regeneration vision
to stimulate economic investment and physical growth in
Whitechapel.
the Winsford neighbourhood Plan is the most ambitious
Plan in england: it unlocks regeneration opportunities by
allocating land for around 3,300 new homes and
35 hectares of new employment land.
the Whitechapel Vision Masterplan was adopted as a
supplementary Planning document in december 2013
and sets a spatial planning framework to manage
regeneration of Whitechapel over the next 15 years.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
35
excellence in Planning and design for the Public realm
Winner: River Taff Central Link and Penderyn Square, Wales
Submitted by: Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
Photo: Merthyr Tydfil Council
investment & business confidence and
retain spending within the Merthyr
tydfil town centre. the project
involved an extensive programme of
environmental enhancement, public
realm improvements and restoration
that reinforced Merthyr tydfil as a
principal settlement in the Heads of
the Valley region.
Judges’ comments:
Post World War 1 Merthyr tydfil went
into economic decline as heavy industry
moved to the coast. By the beginning
of the 21st Century the Merthyr tydfil
town centre faced a number of
challenges which included a large
number of vacant retail properties, a
preponderance of outlets specialising in
discounted goods and public buildings
in a general state of poor repair and
dilapidation. extensive consultation
took place with the local community
including disability groups and bodies
including Welsh Government. this
culminated in the town Centre strategic
review (2009) which identified the need
to build strongly on the riverside
setting of Merthyr tydfil, ensuring that
the town’s identity is re-established,
that it is well connected (particularly
to its riverfront area) and that it is an
attractive destination. this project will
focus on providing the necessary
infrastructure and environment to act
as a catalyst for further development
in the town centre. the project aimed
to diversify the economic base,
increase visitor numbers, boost
A compelling submission which
demonstrates the valued use of public
realm as pump-prime investment to
facilitate wider regeneration. Impressive
result of 12 years continued and resilient
focus by Merthyr Tydfil CBC and other
partners to create the conditions for
economic resurgence. It demonstrates
the economic importance of placemaking and asset management as
part of regeneration outcomes. As well
as showing clear follow-on benefits of
future redevelopment.
A really interesting approach to
community engagement which focused
on different audiences and the spaces
they were concerned with. This
encourages custodianship of spaces
and increased use of spaces and routes.
Key Participants
• Gavin Lewis
Physical regeneration Manager, MtCBC
• Darren Wright
design engineer, Capita symonds
• Daniel Francis
Project Manager, Mott Mcdonald
• Rhian Prosser
town Centre Manager
• Helen Kell
town Centre Projects officer
• Alyn Owen
Head of economic development
• Judith Jones
Head of Planning, MtCBC
• Kevin Davies
engineering and traffic Group leader,
MtCBC
• Karen Courts
Chief executive Merthyr tydfil
Housing association
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
36
Commended: Clapham Old Town, London
Submitted by: London Borough of Lambeth
the road to pavement ratio from
65%: 35% to 35%; 65%; effectively
returning the space to pedestrians
and cyclists and enabling the
creation of a new town square.
narrowed carriageways have been
replaced with wider pavements and
soft landscaping. the new square is
a popular place for people to meet,
sit, play or simply pass through. on
summer evenings the space comes
alive as people visit old town’s pubs
and restaurants. new seating is
used by all ages, including many
older people, who use the new
space to read or watch the world go
by. arts events have been held and
a market is planned for 2015.
Key Participants
• Construction design: FM Conway
• Concept design: Urban Movement,
Marks Barfield, Project Centre
• Planting design: Armstrong Bell
• lighting design: Project Centre
• Graphic design: Atelier Works
• Project Management: Lambeth Council
• Main Contractor: FM Conway
• lighting Contractor: Bouygues
• Planting Contractor: City Suburban
Judges’ comments:
in June 2014 a large crowd
celebrated the launch of the £2.3
million Clapham old town project
(Cot). old town is the historic
centre of Clapham framed by
Georgian and Victorian buildings
and has evolved in an ad-hoc way.
since the 1920’s a bus stand has
dominated its centre and a 1960’s
one-way system further increased
the dominance of traffic. Cot has
removed the gyratory and reversed
Refreshingly simple and direct
submission. Excellent, intensive
and impactful community
involvement, and reception once
completed. A clever design solution
for a difficult area.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
37
Finalists:
Connecting Leicester Old Town Regeneration, Leicester
Submitted by: Leicester City Council
Eastern Promenade Regeneration
Barry Island, Wales
Submitted by: Vale of Glamorgan Council
Oxford Brookes University Masterplan,
Oxford
Submitted by: West Waddy ADP (WWADP)
leicester City Council has led on the delivery of a
programme of investment in new civic spaces and
street scape improvements resulting in regeneration
and transformational change to the City’s old town
area. a carpark has been replaced with a new public
square, a garden area and the creation of the
richard iii Visitor Centre.
the eastern Promenade of Barry island is at the
centre of significant regeneration of Barry island. the
works include; re-use of the edwardian shelter and
1930s changing facilities, interactive public art, new
beach huts and a new network of linkages to change
the way people experience the eastern Promenade.
the oxford Brooks university masterplan was a once
in a lifetime opportunity to regenerate an extremely
poor campus environment, providing all the common
student facilities in one place as well as a new public
space which has become the heart of the campus
with shops, cafes and a medical suite.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
38
employer award for excellence
Winner: Bilfinger GVA – RTPI Graduate Training Scheme
Photo: Merthyr Tydfil Council
greater clarity on how to achieve
Chartered Membership of the rtPi
and are more comprehensively and
consistently supported. it has
raised the profile of rtPi within
Bilfinger GVa.
Judges’ comments:
This was shortlisted because of the
way Bilfinger GVA significantly
addressed the learning needs of its
graduate intake and supported them
through the Institute’s APC.
a review of Bilfinger GVa’s graduate
training concluded it needed to
improve to support planning
graduates through the aPC. a
working group was established to
develop a new scheme for
graduates joining the firm in
september 2014. in consultation
with the rtPi membership team,
graduates, mentors and an aPC
assessor a new programme was
developed. the new Graduate
training Programme has a 2 year
structured programme specific to
GVas planning graduates, a new
mentoring policy, regular review
meetings, specific aPC training and
a ‘Graduate Champion’ for planning
at director level to oversee the
programme and ensure continuous
improvement. all graduate planners,
mentors and line managers have
What really impressed the judges was
the holistic approach to developing
the ‘professional’ planner. The
reference to the RTPI team and APC
approach also gave valuable
feedback to the Institute on how to
improve communications and quality
of service.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
39
Commended: Hunter Page Planning – Planning Matters Forums
Hunter Page Planning organise and
chair Planning Matters Forums to
bring together local planning agents,
planning officers, developers, lawyers
and politicians to discuss planning
matters. each forum has a panel of
selected speakers which the 200
people attending can quiz leading to
lively and informative debate. they
meet the dual aims of meeting the
training and development needs of
employees whilst also assisting others
with a connection to the Planning
profession. taking part in the forums
gives employees a chance to learn
about practical issues and policy
changes as well as developing their
organisational, networking and public
speaking skills.
Judges’ comments:
those they seek to serve. This
improved communications on both
sides as well as acting as a business
development tool.
This was seen as a good example of
the way a practice kept all its planning
staff systematically in touch with the
needs of its clients and with the way
policy and practice was evolving and
impacting on clients’ needs.
The judges felt that the scheme
provided an open and transparent
mechanism to enhance
understanding between planners and
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
40
Finalists:
Bidwells – Developing Our
Future Programme
Bidwells developing our Future Programme is an integral
part of the Bidwells Vision and strategy to increase
leadership and management capability and performance.
the programme aims to educate, encourage, enable and
empower individuals to enhance and build people
management and leadership capability and is focussed
on the needs of Grade 3 to 6 middle manager
employees. it combines a range of delivery methods
including face-to-face modules to develop core people
management and leadership skills, online MBti profiling
and self assessment, experiential learning and e-learning
topics. this blend of delivery methods enables
engagement with all learning styles. Feedback from
participants is that it has improved confidence and given
them appropriate management and leadership skills.
retention has improved by 5% and 73% of participants
have been promoted.
Judges’ comments:
This was shortlisted because of the convincing evidence
of the way Bidwells strongly enhanced the leadership
capability of its staff and of the way this fitted very well
with the practice’s overall business strategy.
Savills – Post Qualified Programme
savills Post Qualified Programme was developed in
response to a strategic business need to retain newly
qualified staff. research showed employees needed
greater support during the transition from graduate to
professional. the programme consists of a one day
workshop bringing newly qualified professionals to come
together to reflect on their experience and to consider
their aspirations and future challenges. the workshop
helps participants to develop skills in self awareness, self
motivation, business development, communication and
reflection. the day also includes an informal discussion
with a savills board member. the workshop was piloted
in 2014 and is now mandatory training for all newly
qualified staff. Feedback from participants shows they
value the priority that the business puts on their
development and they feel better equipped to progress
their career.
Judges’ comments:
WYG – Learning and
Development Strategy
in 2014 WyG put in place a learning and development
strategy to support a primary business aim to be an
employer of choice in the planning profession. this multipronged approach is supported by the WyG learning
academy which is accessible to all employees through
the WyG intranet. it is designed provide employees with
the tools and solutions to manage their own
development. this includes a number of e-learning
modules. there are 4 key components of the strategy –
annual appraisal process, graduate training programme,
leadership and management development programme
and performance management CPd sessions.
Judges’ comments:
This was shortlisted as a good example of an new young
practice using an IT platform to make a range of learning
tools available to all staff both efficiently and effectively.
This was shortlisted as a good example of a systematic
approach to retaining new staff and helping new graduates
adjust to professional life. The commitment of the whole
practice especially at board level was noted as a key factor
in its success.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
41
local authority Planning team of the year
Winner: Peterborough City Council
Judges’ comments:
The judges were impressed by a farsighted approach to the process of
change that local authorities have had
to embrace. Peterborough has
successfully delivered Local Plans,
neighbourhood planning support and
a range of capital projects in their own
and seven other local authority areas
over the last few years.
Photo: Peterborough City Council
over the last two years Peterborough
City Councils sustainable Growth
strategy service has delivered a
number of innovative and groundbreaking projects, producing solutions
to a range of issues. these
successes have been achieved
despite the financial challenges faced
by the Council and is resulting in an
increasing number of clients requiring
assistance from the team
these projects have not been limited
to the Peterborough City Council
area, but include work undertaken in
seven other local authority areas,
where they deliver local Plans,
neighbourhood planning support and
a range of other projects.
the Peterborough City Council team
is proactively tackling the challenges
facing planners in the public sector,
testing boundaries and striving for
excellence for the people of
Peterborough. But more than this,
they are delivering on a number of
fronts, helping other councils to fulfil
their roles to the benefit of
communities across an area that
spans over 1,500 square miles and a
population of nearly one million.
The team lead and work in a multidisciplinary environment across
geographical, professional and
organisational borders, and have
demonstrably helped other councils
and communities achieve their
objectives with planners in the lead.
Effective leadership, staff engagement
and development is central to the
initial and continued success of the
team, with the benefits of strong
leadership, a collegiate approach and
personal development evident in the
success, enjoyment and motivation of
the individual team members.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
42
Commended: Elmbridge Borough Council
they have been a government
frontrunner and the first local authority
in surrey to introduce the Community
infrastructure levy (Cil), also creating
local spending Boards whose aim is
to improve transparency when
recommending spending streams.
Judges’ comments:
Photo: Elmbridge Borough Council
elmbridge Borough Council is an
excellent performing authority that
sets high standards for the delivery of
its planning service. located in north
surrey, elmbridge has consistently
been voted one of the best places to
live in england and is an authority with
one of the highest levels of planning
applications outside london.
elmbridge Borough Council adopted
their Core strategy in 2011 and are
due to adopt the development
Management Plan in april 2015 that
will contain the day-to-day policies
against which planning applications
will be considered. Planning services
at elmbridge operates under the twotier local government system, with
surrey as their County Council.
in Planning services, they constantly
exceed the national development
management targets, and have
successfully consulted on a series of
key development plans.
The judges decided to award
Elmbridge a “highly commended”
because they have demonstrated
good practice in a diverse number of
areas. These include the delivery of a
large supermarket and listed school
scheme. In addition, they have
improved their business processes to
provide service excellence to their
customers. The judges were also
impressed by their engagement of the
traveller community enabling this
group to be included in planning
decisions - no mean feat. A sound
commitment to staff development
makes Elmbridge Borough Council’s
planning team highly commended.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
43
Finalists:
Cheshire West and Chester Council
Bath and North East Somerset Council
Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Planning policy
team are a small but high achieving team. the team have
been able to plan strategically for a diverse borough whilst
embracing localism, enabling communities to shape the
future of their area. it has successfully worked with local
communities to deliver ground‐breaking neighbourhood
Plans – produced in parallel with a strategic local Plan,
adopted on 29 January 2015. it has dealt successfully
with a legal challenge to a neighbourhood plan, paving the
way for these to come forward before local Plans and
proactively helped to deliver the country’s most ambitious
neighbourhood plan to date allocating in excess of 3300
news homes and employment land.
the development Management service at Bath and
north east somerset Council is dynamic, forward
looking, customer focussed, high performing and
innovative and an enabler of development. they were
recognised as one of the top 5 performing local
authorities through the annual Planning survey 2014.
the Council has produced a strategic policy framework
which will secure regeneration benefits and meet the
needs of its wider community whilst paving the way for
more communities to engage with the neighbourhood
planning process to meet identified community needs,
promoted and supported by dedicated officers within the
Policy team.
over the last two years Bath and north east somerset
Council have revolutionised the way in which they use
technology moving to an almost paper-less office and
consultation system. they have developed and championed
Member engagement from the outset of the planning
process and introduced an agent accreditation scheme
which has streamlined the registration process. they have
reduced wastage in the system and by contacting applicants
earlier on in the process and frontloading they have moved
away from the culture of withdrawals and resubmissions
towards positive place making from the outset.
Photo: Mark Reynolds and Richard Stott
Bath and north east somerset Council We are now using a
large number of PPas to offer be-spoke advice to demanding
timescales to facilitate major development proposals.
they deliver a number of multi-disciplinary projects in a
timely fashion as has been evidenced through the
example of Green Park House.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
44
Finalists:
Dudley Metropolitan Council
Rochford District Council
dudley Metropolitan council has 69 employees, 28 of
these are chartered town planners.
rochford district is home to significant constraints to
development, but at the same time significant demand
for additional development. the Council has met this
challenge head on through the plan-making process,
putting in place a suite of planning documents –
successfully taking four development Plan documents
through the examination process to adoption in the last
12 months; with a further two area action Plans at an
advanced stage in the process – to ensure
development needs are met sustainably.
dudley Metropolitan council looked at new ways to
ensure that they could deliver a better service in a more
effective and efficient way and they were an early adopter
of e-working and reached over 50% on line submissions
in 2009 and when the Council launched its “transforming
our Workplace” programme to make savings this
provided further impetus to improve with Planning
services leading the way across the council.
this led to incremental changes to process and procedure
that resulted in significant service savings and improved
customer communication and therefore satisfaction.
For the Council this transformation process has made
tangible savings totally £300,000 and freeing up 100
team hours per week and this continues to increase.
these plans follow on from the strategic approach put
in place through the Core strategy, which was adopted
in 2011, maximising the efficient use of brownfield
opportunities and town centre redevelopment through
the area action Plans; and making difficult decisions
for the long-term benefit of the district through the
allocation of greenfield sites when it became clear that
the amount of suitable brownfield land was insufficient
to meet need.
the local Planning authority have sought to take the
local community with them through this process,
explaining the reasons why additional development
was required and seeking to account for people’s
views on how, where and when development should
be implemented.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
45
small Planning Consultancy of the year
Winner: Place Studio
engage
design deliver
place
Place studio was established in 2010
and specialises in community
engagement and collaborative
approaches to planning, design and
development. By helping key
stakeholders work better together
from the outset, they help to create
places that are responsive to local
community needs and based on
sound design principles.
What makes Place studio different is
not so much what they do as how
they do it. the projects and initiatives
on which they work are interesting
and extremely varied, which has been
particularly true during 2014.
their overall aim is to undertake work
that advances practice in imaginative
ways on all aspects of shaping and
managing the environment. they do
so not simply by leading or doing but,
by transferring and raising skills and
building capacities amongst all
involved. Planning in its broadest
sense is the core of this but their aim
is to integrate this with all other
aspects of design and development,
with a special emphasis on the
engagement of those for whom
planning is being done – changing
this as much as possible to ‘with
whom it is being done’!
Judges’ comments:
The judges unanimously agreed that
Place Studio should win Small
Planning Consultancy of the Year with
a stand out entry. Place Studio
showed a strong philosophy with a
clear niche in neighbourhood planning
and community engagement as well
as the more ‘traditional’ consultancy
roles in strategic planning and
development management. Their entry
demonstrated that they are
consistently delivering for their clients
in a difficult field and although a small
consultancy they use their wider
network of other chartered town
planners as well as fellow professionals
across the environment and
development sectors recognising the
expertise required might not be
available in-house.
Place Studio take a refreshing
approach to consultancy and their
entry provides lots to be learned by all
UK planning professionals and they
seem genuinely committed to
planning as a profession being seen
in a positive light. They also provided
a great example of brining young
people into planning through their
community work.
The judges very much liked Place
Studio’s own description of themselves
when asked what they do (especially
by non-planners) they usually say “we
are ‘stitchers’ and ‘knitters’ and not in
any way apologetically! We focus on
‘stitching’ together sometimes very
difficult people (professional and lay)
on ‘knitting’ often contradictory issues,
aspirations and ideas, and all of that
together to enable genuinely
supportive, creative and sustainable
solutions.”
Congratulations Place
Studio, a very worth winner
of Small Consultancy
of the Year.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
46
Finalists:
AKA Planning
Cundall
aKa Planning is an independent town planning
consultancy, established in 2009, which prides itself in
offering high quality, timely and bespoke planning advice
to its clients.
the practice has a particular expertise in the care and
residential sectors and since its inception the practice
has secured consent for more than 2,500 new dwellings
and over 5,000 care beds.
NTR Planning
ntr Planning focus on their pride in the vocation of
planning; their professionalism; their enjoyment of
planning and all of its challenges; on successful delivery
of meaningful change to the built environment; and on
leading clients forward with confidence and purpose.
Cundall’s planning team started out in 2004, initially
they were only working on small newcastle based
projects. the planning team has now grown to 4
exceptional planners, who are working on a range of
complex projects throughout the uK.
their case studies such as Centre Parks Woburn
demonstrate imaginative solutions and their ability to
lead and be part of Multi-disciplinary teams in delivering
inclusive planning.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
47
Finalists:
rCOH
SF Planning
rCoH is a consulting firm of planners and architects
serving the community sector and specialising in
neighbourhood plans, community right to build orders,
community land trusts and co-development projects. it
comprises three planners (two are MrtPi qualified)
and three architects.
sF Planning limited was set up in 2005 and employs five
full time planning staff, four of whom are chartered
members of the royal town Planning institute (rtPi).
thus far sF Planning limited has built its reputation
providing accurate and honest services mostly to small
and medium sized developers and the business
community generally. over the course of the last 10
years they have worked on well over 700 different sites,
and in the order of 1000 different projects.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
48
Sponsored by
Planning Consultancy of the year
Winner: Indigo Planning
in 2014, indigo Planning recruited 25
new people, won a regional rtPi
award and attracted over 100 new
clients from every sector and region.
they shared their knowledge
through two conferences, six client
seminars and over 15 briefing notes.
they gave 4% of their profit and
nearly 240 man-hours to local
charities and community groups.
indigo Planning are changing shape
in advance of a new political
environment and economic uplift,
but also in the way they think about
town planning. they encourage their
clients to think about planning as a
business tool, and also to think
differently about engagement with
local stakeholders to create change
that works for everyone. they are
often the bridge between land
owners or developers and the
communities their investments will
impact on.
indigo Planning do far more than
advise on how to achieve planning
permission; they work to improve
places in a way that benefits the
widest number of people.
Indigo Planning is an accredited RTPI
Learning Partner and is currently
helping to run workshops on learning
and practice needs. The submission
illustrates a strong commitment to
bringing town planning to students of
all ages, working with junior schools,
providing work experience for local
school children, supporting a number
of Universities in developing training
and skills programmes and providing
summer placements and internships
for graduates. They are also actively
engaged in supporting the RTPI,
helping to deliver conferences and
in-house training sessions. They also
demonstrate a commitment to
developing their own staff with
mentoring and training programmes.
They are also actively involved in
supporting local youth and
environmental groups and raising
money for charities.
Judges’ comments:
Attractive, well-structured and well
written document illustrating good
client and stakeholder engagement
ethos.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
49
Sponsored by
Finalists:
AECOM
Deloitte Real Estate
deloitte real estate is the distinctive property firm in
the uK and their planning work for high profile clients
on complex asks across the country confirms them as
market leaders in their field.
aeCoM dP+e’s planning services include planning
policy, urban regeneration, master planning, urban
design and development management. aeCoM is
retained by the Planning advisory service to assist
local authorities in preparing local Plans and they are
at the forefront of uK government planning policy as
seen in their work on large urban extensions applying
Garden City principles and developing policy for
sustainable and well integrated communities.
a combination of their commitment to responsible
planning, their obligation to develop their team and
their insistence on quality in all their deliverables
makes them strong candidates for Planning
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
50
Sponsored by
Finalists:
GL Hearn
Iceni Projects
Gl Hearn operates by the maxim – Planning + Market
demand = Value and delivery. they have grown their
Planning department into a ‘development Group’ – a
unique team of recognised ‘development experts’ –
incorporating leading Planning, development,
regeneration and Communication specialists. By
expanding and augmenting the traditional role of
planners into a wider and more specialised skill set,
they proactively push the growth agenda.
iceni Projects stands as an example of an independent
company maximising the opportunity to move into the
space vacated by the agency-based consultancies
jettisoning their planning teams post-credit crunch, and
plc organisations either merging or acquiring established
planning consultancies. iceni is a modern, forwardthinking consultancy, partly reflected by the average age
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
51
young Planner of the year
Winner: Viral Desai
Planning Consultant, Amec Foster Wheeler
in 2014 Viral was appointed “young
Planners Co-ordinator” for the
Commonwealth association of
Planners (CaP). Viral has been
working with CaP to build a network
of young Planners in all regions of the
Commonwealth. thanks to Viral the
network has expanded considerably,
with webinars and on the ground
projects which aim to tackle the
issues of youth, climate and urban
planning. Viral is also an active
member of the rtPi West Midlands.
Judges’ comments:
Very personable and enthusiastic
planner with good knowledge of the
planning system, and clear views as
to the role of planning in promoting
sustainable development. Viral is a
strong role model for other planners
and engaging people in the planning
story. He has contributed a lot to the
institute, CAP and outreach work.
Viral has a strong public sector
background which he has adapted for
the private sector gaining a range of
planning permissions, hosting a
number of public consultation
exercises and providing planning
policy advice.
one of Viral’s keys passions is
mitigating against climate change and
he is an integral part of large eia
project teams who have delivered
planning applications for large
renewable energy schemes across
the uK.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
52
Commended: Leigh Nicholson
Development Management Team Leader, Thurrock Council
delivering positive outcomes for our
communities.
leigh’s belief in planning and his
positive approach to delivery makes
him an outstanding role model for
young planners and the profession
more generally.
leigh’s innovative flair has been
instrumental in bringing about
digital transformation to service
delivery with website upgrades,
remote working and new
technologies; some of the changes
that have made efficiencies and
improved service delivery and
outcomes. in March 2014, the
development Management team
was awarded ‘smarter Planning
Champion status’ by the Planning
Portal in recognition our digital
approach.
leigh is a talented and successful
young Planner with a progressive
and enthusiastic approach to
planning, which has been
demonstrably successful in bringing
sustainable growth to thurrock and
Judges’ comments:
A passionate planner with a strong
commitment to planning and
sustainable planning outcomes,
Leigh is a good ambassador for
public sector planning. He is a
planner who has made a difference
and is keen to ensure planning and
planners deliver positive outcomes.
Leigh has clearly inspired and
turned around his team through
leadership and innovative
measures.
under leigh’s management and
leadership the development
Management team enjoys a good
working relationship with the
Council’s elected Members.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
53
Finalists:
Ian Stevens
Senior Planner, Savills
ian has gained experience in the public and private
sectors, together with planning policy and development
management functions. His experience and
understanding of the planning system has developed in
his roles with both Planning aid Wales as a director, and
rtPi Cymru as a member of its Planning Policy and
research forum.
ian’s transition to working in the private sector has
enabled him to develop his personal and team working
skills through a variety of projects, leading on the project
management of planning applications, preparing policy
representations and planning applications, and working
with senior colleagues on
strategic sites promotions.
ian was awarded a travelling
scholarship by the Planning
summer school and travelled to
Portland, oregon, usa in June
2012 to study exemplar
sustainable planning efforts in
the city and region. an article
was published in the town and
Country Planning Journal in
2013.
Stephen Litherland
Group Planning Manager at
Bellway Homes PLC
stephens’s career in planning began as a placement
within the development Control section at
Middlesbrough Borough Council in 2004. since then he
has continued to progress as a planning professional and
has now worked for Bellway Homes since March 2010,
initially as their Planning Manager covering the ‘north
east’ before being promoted to the Group Planning
Manager covering fifteen divisional offices across the uK.
His position involves direct responsibility and
management for the planning function across the
Bellway Group. this primarily involves engaging
meaningfully with communities and politicians, preparing
and submitting planning applications, attending and
speaking at examinations in public (eiPs), speaking and
presenting at planning committees and public meetings,
progressing planning appeals and speaking at public
inquiries.
stephen has also been an active volunteer for the rtPi
north east since 2010 and orchestrated the reestablishment of a young Planners group within the
north east.
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
54
overall Winner presented with the silver Jubilee Cup
The Thames Tideway Tunnel project
has earned the prestigious Jubilee
Cup Award as an exemplary approach
to addressing the extremely complex
planning challenge; there will be over
25 kilometres of tunnel and 24
construction sites along the route
where it has an impact on the surface.
It approached public engagement
positively; it was concerned to
respond to public concerns and in
the process of which it improved
the project and reduced the
sensitive impacts. It responded to
take measures to reduce the
negative impact. One of the great
risk benefits of this scheme will be
that although it will have a huge
impact, we will be largely unaware
of it on completion.
Nick Raynsford
Chair of Judging Panel
The Silver Jubilee Cup
Overall Winner
Thames Tideway Tunnel is an
exemplar for big investment
projects. Its open visionary process
believes that planning should be
good for everyone. It has positively
responded to objections in the
community, the original plan would
have been longer and more
disruptive, TTT were very creative
in looking for alternatives and
removing adverse impacts. It will
help people to get closer to the
river as the water quality is
increased. TTT will create several
thousand direct and indirect jobs
and will be developing skills within
local communities by establishing
an apprenticeship scheme for
contractors to implement.
Janet Askew
rtPi President 2015
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
55
overall Winner presented with the silver Jubilee Cup
The Silver Jubilee Cup
Overall Winner
The RTPI Awards for
Planning Excellence
2015
56
entries for the 2016 awards will
open later in the year.
For more information please visit
www.rtpi.org.uk/excellence
if you are interested in sponsorship
opportunities, please contact:
rebecca Hildreth at
rebecca.hildreth@rtpi.org.uk
The Royal Town Planning Institute • 41 Botolph Lane, London EC3R 8DL
Registered charity in England (262865) & Scotland (SC037841)
Telephone: 020 7929 9494 Website: www.rtpi.org.uk #rtpiawards

Winners and Finalists - Royal Town Planning Institute

Transcription

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