The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published its response to the Government’s consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said: “Delivering the volume of high-quality homes to meet the urgent demand across the country is essential. We have a housing
New site at Port Glasgow will deliver grid scale battery energy storage driving its renewable energy ambitions in Scotland Renewable energy storage specialist Apatura has secured planning permission for a major new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Port Glasgow, Inverclyde with a capacity of 700 megawatts (MW). This is
Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Scotland has welcomed the creation of a new Planning Hub, which aims to support the work of local authorities, build skills and capacity, and leverage specialist expertise from outside the planning profession. Dr Caroline Brown, Director of RTPI Scotland, said: “Whilst recent budget announcements from
Two Principal Planners become Associate Directors and one team member is promoted from Assistant Planner to Planner DPP, one of the UK’s leading independent planning consultancies, has made key promotions at its offices in Cardiff, Leeds and Newcastle. Tom Molyneux Wright, Principal Planner at DPP’s Cardiff office, has been promoted
The new government has made it clear that it intends to promote a more strategic approach to planning. New research, commissioned by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), revealed overwhelming support for effective strategic planning in England across the public and private sectors, with 96% of planners agreeing that a
Yondr Group has secured plans for a third building on its London campus in Slough. Located on the site of a former paint factory, the new data centre will follow the first facility which was completed in July and the second currently under construction. It will be part of Yondr’s
Green light for 462 new rental homes in second phase of 2,400-home New Garden Square masterplan Moda Group has secured planning permission for the next phase of its city gateway masterplan in Edgbaston, paving the way for a further 462 much-needed new homes in the Birmingham district. Plans for the
The government has announced an overhaul of the planning system, proposing local planning authority resources be put on a sustainable footing, local plans for every area, mandatory housing targets for councils, and reviews of green belt land. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute, said the consultation
Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), states national renewal of the planning system could have a significant impact on the planning profession and the UK economy. A recent report by Public First, commissioned by the RTPI, revealed that investing in planning could unlock £70 billion
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has written an open letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, emphasising the potential value to the UK economy that could be lost without investments into planning, and outlined the importance of planning to kickstart economic growth and address the UK’s housing crisis. Victoria
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published its response to the Government’s consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said: “Delivering the volume of high-quality homes to meet the urgent demand across the country is essential. We have a housing crisis, and while there are promising reforms on the table, such as measures to unlock brownfield land, real change will only happen if these proposals are backed by adequate support and resources. Architects are poised to bring the high-quality design that these reforms call for, but the uncomfortable truth is that most volume homes never pass through an architecture design studio. Add to that the lack of investment in local planning authorities, which are stretched thin and lack the design expertise necessary to oversee the process effectively. While we note proposals to mandate a greater proportion of homes for social rent and a mix of tenures and types, these must be accompanied by an adequate supply of housing for older and disabled people to meet the increasing demand. If the Government commits to supporting local planning, encourages cross-boundary cooperation, and releases grey belt land while also prioritising brownfield sites, it can unlock the system’s full potential – but it must get it right.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New site at Port Glasgow will deliver grid scale battery energy storage driving its renewable energy ambitions in Scotland Renewable energy storage specialist Apatura has secured planning permission for a major new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Port Glasgow, Inverclyde with a capacity of 700 megawatts (MW). This is the largest planning consent for a stand-alone BESS in Scotland to date and the biggest ever secured by Apatura Energy, marking a significant milestone in the company’s relentless mission to deliver sustainable energy solutions that fast-track the path to net zero. It is also the fourth consent in less than 12 months, and Apatura Energy expects more to follow soon. Andrew Philpott, Chief Development Officer, Apatura stated: “We are delighted that Ministers have supported this critically important scheme and the local Council – Inverclyde – lodged no objections. Our focus on Scotland is central to our vision to harness its renewable energy potential. This latest planning consent is not only the largest consent for a stand-alone Battery Scheme in Scotland, but it also positions us at the forefront of delivering resilient energy infrastructure. This is also a central goal of the NGESO Beyond 2023 report which highlighted the vital role of BESS in Scotland.” The Auchentiber BESS, which will comprise of a battery electricity storage facility and associated infrastructure and the planting of new native species trees to improve biodiversity, was approved by the Energy Consents Unit on 11 September 2024. When it comes online it will make a substantial contribution to the Scottish Government’s goal of generating 50% of Scotland’s overall energy consumption from renewable sources, and by 2050 to have decarbonised its energy system almost completely. It is therefore critical to meeting the UK Government’s commitment to achieving Net Zero as set out in the Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order 2019. Apatura worked closely with the Energy Consents Unit and Inverclyde Council to achieve this success which will not only bring grid resilience but will also create local job opportunities and a Community Benefit Fund. Direct employment opportunities are expected during the construction, operational and decommissioning phases, as well as indirect job creation throughout the supply chain and related services. BESS is advanced technology systems designed to store electrical energy during periods of high generation and low demand which can then be exported back into the grid network during periods of high demand. According to the Decision Letter not only did Scottish Ministers acknowledge that Apatura Energy conducted good practice community engagement, but the ‘Grid scale battery energy storage provides a means to store the electricity generated from the wind, solar etc at times when electricity generation outstrips demand or when the capacity of a constrained electricity grid is insufficient to supply the generated electricity to consumers. On this basis battery energy storage makes an indirect but significant contribution to renewable energy generation targets and greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, by effectively increasing the productivity of renewable generators elsewhere on the grid. This is a significant factor weighing in favour of the development.’ It went on to state the proposal ‘will contribute to sustainable development, providing for greater and more efficient use of renewable energy generation in the electricity system, and in this regard, it will contribute to greenhouse gas emissions reduction ambitions.’ “Our BESS plays a crucial role in modern energy management, especially in the context of renewable energy integration and grid stability. It is central to our goal of enhancing the renewable energy infrastructure in Scotland and follows on from a number of recent successful planning consents. This scheme will help deliver stable energy prices, leading to reduced bills, taking the pressure off households while at the same time increasing energy security. We are determined to deliver reliable, clean energy to communities across the country and this latest planning consent does just that,” concluded Philpott. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Scotland has welcomed the creation of a new Planning Hub, which aims to support the work of local authorities, build skills and capacity, and leverage specialist expertise from outside the planning profession. Dr Caroline Brown, Director of RTPI Scotland, said: “Whilst recent budget announcements from the Scottish Government raise concerns about the impact on funding for nature recovery, active travel, and climate action, we are really pleased to see a more positive announcement about the creation of a new Planning Hub. This is a very positive step, investing new resources into Scottish planning with the potential to bring in diverse expertise and drive innovation in the profession. “The Sottish Government has taken great initiative in setting up a hub that will operate to support the work of local authorities, building skills and capacity by leveraging specialist expertise from outside the planning profession. In our consultation response earlier in the year, we voiced concerns that an initiative like this could create new bottlenecks in local authorities, and it is encouraging to see those concerns addressed in the architecture of the proposed Hub. “The true benefits of the planning hub are likely only be visible over time. Sustained funding is necessary for its long-term viability, and it will need to expand beyond hydrogen to truly impact Scotland’s communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Two Principal Planners become Associate Directors and one team member is promoted from Assistant Planner to Planner DPP, one of the UK’s leading independent planning consultancies, has made key promotions at its offices in Cardiff, Leeds and Newcastle. Tom Molyneux Wright, Principal Planner at DPP’s Cardiff office, has been promoted to Associate Director, as has Oliver Corbett, who will be stepping up as Associate Director at its Leeds office. Assistant Planner Joe Kirtley, who is a member of DPP’s Newcastle team, has been promoted to Planner. Tom is a graduate of the University of West of England and relocated from a planning consultancy in Bristol in 2018 to join DPP as a planner. He worked his way up the ladder and has now been recognised by his peers within the consultancy and has been promoted to Associate Director. Tom is as a Corporate Member of the RTPI Cymru Executive Committee, helping inform and shape planning policy in Wales. Tom works on a range of sectors on projects across Wales and Southern England, recently securing consent at appeal for a 419-bed purpose-built student accommodation scheme in Beeston, as well as the zero carbon in operation West Coventry Academy. Oliver Corbett is a graduate of Leeds Beckett University where he studied Town Planning. He worked at Kirklees Council as a graduate planner before joining DPP as a planner in 2018. Several promotions later, Oliver has now been named as one of DPP’s new Associate Directors. He also sits on the committee of Forum for Tomorrow (fft)Leeds, the young professional’s branch of the Forum for the Built Environment (fbe) Leeds construction industry networking group, where he organises various networking and CPD events throughout the year. Oliver works across many sectors at DPP and is currently working on major education redevelopment projects across the country. He is also leading on the regeneration of the Rheola Estate in the Neath Valley, South Wales, which includes three Grade II listed buildings and a Registered Park and Garden designed by renowned architects John Nash and George Stanley Repton. Joe Kirtley studied Urban Studies and Planning at The University of Sheffield and after graduating in 2021 went on to join firm of chartered surveyors as a graduate planner, before joining DPP as an Assistant Planner in August 2022. He is also a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute North East Young Planners Committee. Based out of DPP’s Newcastle office, Joe works across many sectors including education, residential, retail, leisure and health. He has worked on projects such as Culture House in Sunderland, Greenfield Academy in Newton Aycliffe and a major residential development in Easington Lane, Sunderland Gareth Hooper, CEO of DPP Planning, said of the promotions: “There is nothing I like better than seeing colleagues thrive at DPP and that’s just what we have witnessed with Tom, Oliver and Joe. “Being able to nurture talent is part of our DNA at DPP and seeing our younger staff members progress and contribute so much to not only us as a business, but also to our client’s work is so rewarding.” Gareth added: “At DPP we recognise that we need the best in the business on our team to win and work on the best projects. We are fiercely independent and so we are committed to succession planning and creating a culture of excellence in a supportive and fulfilling working environment.” More information about DPP can be found at https://dppukltd.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The new government has made it clear that it intends to promote a more strategic approach to planning. New research, commissioned by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), revealed overwhelming support for effective strategic planning in England across the public and private sectors, with 96% of planners agreeing that a change to current practice is needed. Research from the Centre for Sustainable Planning and Environments at the University of the West of England is the first nationwide study that seeks to understand the nature of current strategic planning practice. It shows that over 80% of planners are in favour of strategic planning being mandated by the Government. While statutory strategic planning is widely regarded as vital for the management of key issues that cannot be addressed properly at the local scale, like building economic, climate, and nature resilience, and articulating long-term development and infrastructure needs, it was almost completely abolished in 2010. Since then, there has been no mandatory requirement for a nationwide approach to strategic planning in England. Today, parts of England remain without strategic planning activity. Although the new Labour government has signalled strong support for the practice, announcing ambitions to have universal coverage of strategic plans by 2029, researchers say it will not be achievable without a new generation of strategic planners. 40% of local authority planners surveyed by the researchers reported that they did not work in an area with statutory strategic planning, while 25% reported that there was no non-statutory strategic planning activity in their area. Alongside a reduction in planning resources, this has resulted in a loss of technical knowledge and experience in strategic planning. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “It’s really rewarding to witness our members producing such high-quality research at a time when we know the government is attempting to change the system through the NPPF.” Catriona Riddell, Catriona Riddell Associates, said: “The profession has been arguing for a return to an effective approach to strategic planning since 2010 and this research will be vital for the new Government as it moves forward with its proposals for reinventing it.” Hannah Hickman, Associate Professor in Planning Practice, UWE “It has been a privilege to lead research on behalf of the Royal Town Planning Institute on strategic planning. With over 400 participants, this research provides compelling evidence on the case for a return to a more effective, and mandatory form of statutory strategic planning.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yondr Group has secured plans for a third building on its London campus in Slough. Located on the site of a former paint factory, the new data centre will follow the first facility which was completed in July and the second currently under construction. It will be part of Yondr’s proposed 100+MW capacity campus, continuing to position the West London location as one of the most prominent data centre hubs in Europe, with Yondr as a key player in that market. Yondr has worked collaboratively with Slough Borough Council and the Canal & River Trust to develop a design for the building that enhances the canal bank and biodiversity, improving both views and access for local residents. Despite limitations, Yondr was able to install a green wall on the facade, placing it on an independent structure. The green wall will face out towards the canal and provide visual and acoustic shielding, as well as enhancing biodiversity on the site. The design also includes additional landscaping beyond the border of the data centre site, with trees and shrubs selected to be sympathetic to local plant species and wildlife. Residents will benefit from a new walking and cycle route, creating a convenient cut-through that will shorten journeys and encourage active travel. Energy efficiency also lies at the heart of the design for Yondr’s BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rated data centre facility, in line with the company’s sustainability strategy and 2030 target for Scope 1 and 2 carbon neutrality. Solar panels will be installed on the building’s roof and the facility will boast industry-leading power utilisation efficiency (PUE). Carl Fisher, Design Director EMEA from Yondr commented: “With the design for the third building on our London campus we have taken learnings from the previous two buildings and considered challenges to develop an exceptional data centre design that will set the standard for environmental best practice in the data centre sector. “The design that has been approved will enhance the canal-side walks, protect the canal, and enhance both vistas and pedestrian/cycle access for local residents, while increasing data capacity with an energy-efficient and resilient data centre asset. “With this project, we are proving that data centre performance, environmental responsibility, aesthetics and sensitivity to local residents can all be factored into progressive data centre design, and we’re looking forward to delivering on every one of those objectives as this project advances.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Green light for 462 new rental homes in second phase of 2,400-home New Garden Square masterplan Moda Group has secured planning permission for the next phase of its city gateway masterplan in Edgbaston, paving the way for a further 462 much-needed new homes in the Birmingham district. Plans for the 37-storey build-to-rent development were submitted in January. After being recommended for approval on 1 August, the building was given the go ahead by Birmingham City Council this afternoon. Moda, in partnership with landowner Calthorpe Estates, will now deliver the striking building with an innovative ‘stepped bar’ design, creating a new and instantly recognisable local landmark. The consented plans include 462 high-quality homes for rent with flexible, all-inclusive tenancies. Featuring a mix of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom homes, residents will also benefit from best-in-class amenity spaces such as a roof terrace, 24-hour gym, co-working space and resident lounges, along with 230 new cycle parking spaces to encourage sustainable travel in the city. The development is the latest phase of Moda and Calthorpe’s ambitious New Garden Square masterplan, which will also see the next part of the linear one-acre park being delivered running east to west along the whole length of the masterplan. Anchored by 2,400 new homes in a mix of tenures, the 11-acre masterplan will include the new park, along with retail space, a range of cafes, bars and restaurants, as well as community amenities and industry-leading workspace. Immediately adjacent to Edgbaston Village Tram Station, New Garden Square has lifestyle, wellness and convenience built into its spaces, providing a canvas for a new, multi-generational community to thrive. The first phase of the New Garden Square masterplan – 398-home BTR neighbourhood Moda, Loudon’s Yard – opened last month with the first phases of homes pre-let before doors had opened. Named for the family behind the nearby Botanical Gardens, John and Jane Loudon, the neighbourhood has set the benchmark for the high quality of homes the New Garden Square masterplan will deliver. James Blakey, Planning and Engagement Director at Moda Group, said: “This is a hugely exciting moment for Moda and a big step forward for our wider 2,400-home mixed use masterplan, New Garden Square. Birmingham is in great need of quality new homes, and we are now that bit closer to delivering 462 outstanding quality homes, and a new city neighbourhood providing a gateway to the city centre. “Working with Calthorpe Estates, the local community and our investors and stakeholders, plus Birmingham City Council, we are dedicated to delivering something that is transformational not just for Edgbaston and Birmingham, but also for the wider Midlands region.” Ralph Minott, Masterplanning and Development Director at Calthorpe Estates, added: “The approval of this landmark development marks a significant milestone in the transformation of New Garden Square. Our partnership with Moda represents a new era of living and working to Edgbaston, delivering high-quality rental homes and outstanding amenities that reflect our commitment to creating vibrant, sustainable communities. We are thrilled to see our vision come to life, providing much-needed high-quality homes and contributing to the continued growth and prosperity of Birmingham.” The New Garden Square masterplan is one of several Moda Group projects underway in the city, with 4,000 rental homes operational, under construction or in development. Committed to being a long-term custodian of its communities, Moda is committed to using its significant footprint in the city to drive skills, training and economies for the long term. During construction of the 487-home Moda, The Mercian, local people were offered free construction training and a guaranteed job interview after completing a course through the Skills Hub, which was funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority in partnership with Birmingham City Council. The Hub exceeded the initial targets it had been set and resulted in 300 people being employed on site. Following the success of this scheme, the Skills Hub will also be used on site during construction of the 722-home Moda, Great Charles Street in the city’s Jewellery Quarter. A further 1,000 new homes are also planned at Stone Yard in Digbeth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The government has announced an overhaul of the planning system, proposing local planning authority resources be put on a sustainable footing, local plans for every area, mandatory housing targets for councils, and reviews of green belt land. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute, said the consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which opened today, has the potential to rebuild trust in the planning system. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of RTPI said: “The proposed changes to our planning system outlined today have the potential to rebuild trust in our planning system. We believe that the government’s goals for housing, energy, and transport can be accomplished through collaboration with planners in both the public and private sectors. “It is particularly encouraging to see the government placing a much-needed emphasis on strategic planning, which can help deliver more coherent – not piecemeal – urban expansions by integrating new housing with transportation, energy, and public services. “The RTPI will begin consulting our members widely across England immediately to guide our response to the government on these and other important reforms.”
Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), states national renewal of the planning system could have a significant impact on the planning profession and the UK economy. A recent report by Public First, commissioned by the RTPI, revealed that investing in planning could unlock £70 billion in additional value for communities and the UK economy. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute, said: “The Chancellor has wasted no time in preparing plans that will have a positive impact on the planning profession and the UK’s economy. Her goals highlight the role of our planning system in boosting the UK economy, and mark a clear shift in the government’s understanding of what our system can provide. Our members should be under no illusion that this will put a focus on delivery across the planning system. “However, our members in local authorities are overworked and understaffed, and have faced years of severe strain. Economic success will therefore require proactive planning and an investment into our planning system.” On local plans and green belt: “It is promising to see the government begin its parliamentary term with policy changes keenly fought for by the RTPI, including universal coverage of local plans, and reviews of greenbelt boundaries. These changes will be essential for rebuilding trust and coordination in our planning system and for ensuring that new developments are done with local communities, rather than to them.” On reforming the National Policy Planning Framework (NPPF): ”The Chancellor outlined plans to reform the NPPF and restore mandatory housing targets. Our members have been clear that recent changes to the NPPF have left many councils, especially those with significant land constraints, with few incentives to deliver on existing housing targets. “Locally-determined housing targets that are well evidenced and aligned to a plan-led ‘vision’ can play a constructive role in planning for housing. However they must come with adequate investment in the infrastructure and planning services required to support them.” On onshore wind: “The minister has wasted no time in pushing forward reforms to the NPPF that the RTPI has long called for, including ending the ban on onshore wind and committing to consult on it’s return to the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) regime. On the appointment of Matthew Pennycook as Housing Minister: “We will now work closely with Mr Pennycook to support the government’s ambitions by unlocking the power of the planning system. Throughout his time in opposition, the minister demonstrated a clear understanding of the value of planning, playing a positive role during the Levelling Up and Regenerations Act’s passage through parliament, and championing many of the amendments supported by the RTPI.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has written an open letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, emphasising the potential value to the UK economy that could be lost without investments into planning, and outlined the importance of planning to kickstart economic growth and address the UK’s housing crisis. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute, said: “The Labour Party has made the UK’s housing crisis a top priority during their campaign and has shown a strong understanding of the importance of planning. This change in government presents a unique opportunity for planners to demonstrate their value to the economy. “I have written to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to discuss how planning can be a part of the solution, rather than the problem. I’ve outlined clear steps his government can take to help implement planning reforms that will help to ‘Get Britain Building’ quickly. This includes fast progress to restore funding for planning services, kick-starting stalled local plans, and ensuring the involvement of strategic direction at a mayoral level from day one. ”We enlisted the services of economic experts at Public First to demonstrate the economic impact of well-resourced, proactive planning. Our letter outlines their findings, demonstrating how our profession has the potential to kickstart economic growth and generate over £70 billion in additional value over the next 10 years. This would be achieved by stimulating local economic activity and creating well-planned communities where people can thrive. “We are at the beginning of Sir Keir Starmer’s first 100 days in government, and there is significant work ahead to address the key issues facing Britain today. Starmer’s party has emphasised the need for swift action on planning reform and the revision of the national planning policy framework. They will need to collaborate with planners to achieve their ambitions.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
