Project Summary
- Relocation of glass packaging specialist from town centre to industrial estate
- New contemporary HQ office facility
- Reconfiguration of access arrangements
- Conservation Area and arboricultural constraints
The Planning Process
Our client was an independent glass packaging specialist who had completely outgrown their town centre premises and were seeking to relocate their entire business to a nearby industrial estate within the outer suburbs. They had secured a large unit with ample storage and loading capacity, but little dedicated office space, and required a contemporary office facility to become their new administrative hub, with capacity for future expansion.
The site fronted onto a busy through-route into the city centre, lined with veteran trees and adjoining a Conservation Area. Working with Bristol architects Cryer and Coe, we pursued pre-application and full planning submissions to South Gloucestershire Council, negotiating particularly over the retention of significant trees, the re-positioning of a secondary access and the sub-division of the main car-park to allow maximum flexibility for future sub-letting.
South Gloucestershire Council welcome the new commercial development and the potential for further jobs in the area, and supported the contemporary approach to design. The scheme represented a really sustainable move for Rawlings, consolidating all their operational activities in one accessible location, and future-proofing for further growth. Built out in 2018, it went on that year to win the the British Council for Offices’ (BCO) South West and South Wales Award for Projects up to 1,500m2 – great design, beautifully executed, and very happy end-users.
“Planning Ventures has deep knowledge of planning policy and how to get you over the line. Quick to react and good negotiators – they’re solid professionals who provide a really good service.”
Duncan Cryer, Cryer and Coe Architects