We’re always keen to exchange ideas, knowledge and experience of the development industry. Here’s some of our insights to date, we’d love to hear yours…
Well, it’s certainly been a roller coaster few weeks in the planning-sphere, culminating in Johnson and Jenrick finally releasing their white paper vision for a new national zoning system. Largely ditching local plans in favour of graded areas of protection, renewal, and growth and riding roughshod over the democratic consultation process, the document also contains … Read More
Anna Smith is the CEO of One25, a Bristol-based charity who specialise in helping women to break free from street sex work and addictions and build new, independent lives. As a female led Bristol business, we are very proud to have supported One25 over the past few years, and privileged to have become part of … Read More
What issues can and can’t be covered by planning objection As part of the democratic application process we have a right to comment on the impact of a scheme, be it to offer support for the proposals or to object. We are consulted either formally through a local news publication, by a site notice, through … Read More
To our privilege, an increasing share of our work involves a heritage element – we frequently deal with applications for Conservation Areas and listed buildings, often in constrained urban settings. These make for challenging but rewarding projects. Jules sits on Bristol’s Conservation Advisory Panel so is already pretty au-fait with heritage principles, but as per … Read More
In recent years we’ve dealt with a stream of schemes relating to food, drink and entertainment venues. These have mostly involved changes of use for various cafes, restaurants, bars, take-aways and event spaces, with the odd micro-brewery, gin-distillery and axe throwing venue thrown in. Some have involved individual entities, some mixed-up with other uses, but … Read More
Welcome to 2020 and here’s hoping you had a restful festive break. Before we launch on into the New Year, we’ve been spending some time reflecting on 2019 and taking stock of where we’re at – both as Planners and people – where we fit within the grander scheme of the development industry and how … Read More
‘Context’ is a design-related concept that we usually associate with heritage development. But it shouldn’t just be limited to schemes for listed buildings, non-designated heritage assets and development in Conservation Areas. ‘Context’ is just as important, relevant and integral to creating great design anywhere. A good understanding of ‘Context’ enables the creation of an honest … Read More
We’re back in harness after our summer recess, and looking forward to whatever projects unfold for us over the next few months. Whilst we’ve seen a Brexit-related hold across much of the construction industry over the past year, we’re really hoping that some form of a resolution from the Government (lord knows which way) over … Read More
In our last post, we shared an update on the successful outcome of an appeal to the Valuation Office Agency over Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) that we were running. Whilst still reveling in that decision, the same client asked us what he should do next – when and who to pay and how to document … Read More
Well, we’re back at our desks after that glorious Easter break; hope you all got out and enjoyed the fabulous sunshine and the blessed radio-silence from Brexit for a few days. Our bank holiday weekend was made all the sweeter by the late receipt of a successful decision from the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) over … Read More