“The judges said this entry was a breath of fresh air to read. Iceni stood out as different, creative, colourful and innovative. They’ve not been afraid to break away from the mould and be themselves, having developed their own successful and imaginative approach to clients and staff offering above and beyond what is expected from a large consultancy.
“The judges were especially impressed by Iceni’s tribal ethos, in the sense that they have created a culture which is staff focused and highlights the importance of their wellbeing above all else.”
RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence 2021
Introduction | A multi-skilled consultancy
ESSEX EXPERIENCE
Formed in 2005, Iceni is now the market leader and preferred consultancy for a fast-growing number of clients. We have always sought to provide the skills of an advisor with the instincts of a developer.
We achieve this by knowing our tradecraft –the technical skills that come through years of education and on-the-job experience that is recognised by professional accreditation. But it is also daring to be different; being proactive and thinking strategically. Our client relationships are built on trust, togetherness, enthusiasm, and a courage to challenge, where appropriate. The technical specialisms that the company hold have widened, but this fundamental objective remains the same. We are committed to putting our client’s interests first – and providing them with the tools to significantly improve their performance.
When founded, Iceni’s expertise focused on strategic land in Essex. Our extensive knowledge and long-standing relationships with key stakeholders makes us best placed to advise on planning applications and land promotion in the county.
Beyond planning, we offer a variety of specialist services in the fields of archaeology; delivery; design; EIA management; engagement; heritage; sustainable development, townscape and transport . Our team are talented, relentless, intelligent, bold and experienced. Individually or collectively, you’ll know when you’re with Iceni Projects.
We have the expertise to deliver strategic planning at a sub-regional and local level, advising local authorities on evidence and strategy development across England. Our services include advising local authorities on aligning their evidence on housing need and economic growth, to deliver a collaborative approach to strategic planning.
Ian Anderson Chief Executive
To Iceni, thinking strategically is what we fundamentally believe to be the right way of doing things; to assess needs, evaluate constraints and maximise opportunities. It’s about having a strategic vision for a site, often looking beyond the immediate constraint of development management policies, and utilising a diverse range of skills to deliver large scale infrastructure and development projects.
Arena Essex West Horndon Settlement Extension
Beechwood
Your Strategic Adviser
Birmingham
The Colmore Building
20 Colmore Circus
Birmingham, B4 6AT
T: 0121 262 4148
Edinburgh
14-18 Hill Street
Edinburgh, EH2 3JZ
T: 0131 370 3486
London
Da Vinci House
44 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8FH
T: 020 3640 8508
Glasgow
201 West George Street
Glasgow, G2 2LW
T: 0141 465 4996
Manchester
WeWork, Dalton Place
29 John Dalton Street
Manchester, M2 6FW
T: 0161 509 2840
The Team Structure of Iceni
DESIGN
Ian Anderson Chief Executive
Andrew Gale Chief Operating Officer
James Bompas Director | Business Devt. & Strategic Planning
ARCHAEOLOGY
Claire Cogar Director
BUILT HERITAGE & TOWNSCAPE
Laurie Handcock Director
Nick Walker Director
Jonathan Stewart Director
Paul Drew Director
IMPACT MANAGEMENT
James Jaulim Director ECONOMICS
Nick Ireland Director
Matt Kingham Director
Paul McColgan Director
ENGAGEMENT & PLACE
Gemma Gallant Director
Philippa Curran Director
Sam Griffiths Director
Silke Gruner Director
PLANNING
Callum Fraser Director
Chris Jones Director
Gary Mappin Director
Ian Gallacher Director
Ian Mayhead Director
James Waterhouse Director
Jamie Sullivan Director
John Mumby Director
Kieron Hodgson Director
Leona Hannify Director
Grant Director
Simon Fowler Director
Lewis Westhoff Director
Lorna O’Carroll Director
Clive Burbridge Director
Fred Peters Director
Rob Amey Director TRANSPORT
Nick
Iceni Intelligence
Iceni offers a network of Area-Based Experts that report weekly on the following:
Development Plan changes;
Delivery figures for housing/employment and the implications for future land release and policy change;
Major developments and the developers behind them;
Key planning officers and Members of influence; and
Changes in Policy Direction and New Initiatives contained within the decision taking functions of authorities at local, county and subregional level.
Iceni Intelligence ensures Iceni are at the forefront of all planning and political matters in these areas. This informs our advice to clients on planning strategy and allows us to identify opportunities at the earliest stage.
Essex Area-Based Expert
Lydia Frimley
ESSEX
T: 07760 653 824
E: lfrimley@iceniprojects.com
Josie Doherty
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
T: 07799 035 831
E: jdoherty@iceniprojects.com
Mary Helen Elliott
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
T: 07786 734 206
E: mhelliott@iceniprojects.com
Lauren Cadore
BEDFORDSHIRE
T: 07909 528 393
E: lcadore@iceniprojects.com
Matthew Madden
HERTFORDSHIRE
T: 07909 530 312
E: mmadden@iceniprojects.com
Aisling Merriman
SURREY/MILTON KEYNES
T: 07765 766 991
E: amerriman@iceniprojects.com
Lou Hirrien
OXFORDSHIRE/ CAMBRIDGESHIRE
T: 07350 404 895
E: lhirrien@iceniprojects.com
Toby Bonny
SUSSEX
T: 07788 912 615
E: tbonny@iceniprojects.com
Isabella Ingram
KENT/ BIRMINGHAM
T: 07990 372 954
E: iingram@iceniprojects.com
Georgia Foy
BERKSHIRE
T: 07799 089 425
E: gfoy@iceniprojects.com
Yasmin Hamde
SUFFOLK
T: 0790 952 8468
E: yhamde@iceniprojects.com
SHROPSHIRE
STAFFORDSHIRE
DERBYSHIRE NOTTINGHAMSHIRE LEICESTERSHIRE
LINCOLNSHIRE
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE WEST MIDLANDS
WORCESTERSHIRE WARWICKSHIRE
HEREFORDSHIRE
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
AVON
SOMERSET WILTSHIRE
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
BEDFORDSHIRE OXFORDSHIRE
HERTFORDSHIRE
GREATER LONDON ESSEX
HAMPSHIRE BERKSHIRE
SURREY
EAST SUSSEX WEST SUSSEX
KENT
DORSET
DEVON
CORNWALL
NORFOLK
SUFFOLK
Iceni Futures
The Iceni Futures team was set up in response to the rapidly changing world and the acknowledgment that more than ever, we need to create futureproofed and sustainable development. The teams role is to assess, predict and influence change across the development industry. In practice that means exploring how places and people will function in the future, analysing existing barriers and providing strategic advice which aligns with clients goals and aspirations to ensure development is fit for the future.
The team doesn’t claim to be experts in every new discipline or product, but they understand the existing barriers and outdated development processes that persist across the industry and the importance of working innovatively and smarter to deliver client visions and change that actually works. It’s understood that each client will need tailored advice and the Futures team look to work collaboratively to provide advice which is tailored to a specific site, company strategy or product. Essentially, if you’re looking to plan for or capitalise on the future, Iceni Futures can be there to support you and drive that ambition.
Iceni Futures: Smarter Sustainability
Introduction to Essex Local Plan Progress Political Portrait Housing Delivery
People
Proposed
/
Possible Garden Communities
Braintree, Colchester & Tendring
East Colchester | c 9,000
Chelmsford
North East Chelmsford | c 3,000
Harlow & Gilston
c 16,500 by 2033
Brentwood
Dunton Hills | 4,500
Southend & Rochford
New growth location of c.10,000 identified in the Rochford
Spatial Options & Southend : Refining the Plan Options
Thurrock
New freestanding settlement / Garden Village proposed at Issues and Options (Stage 2).
Castle Point
Growth location at North West Thundersley area / Fairglen Interchange envisaged to deliver growth post 2033.
Proposed Major Infrastructure Improvements
The Elizabeth Line
A new fast rail service linking Shenfield and Brentwood with Heathrow and reading via Central London.
Status: Elizabeth Line open as of May 2022, with Bond Street open as of October 2022.
Lower Thames Crossing
A new roadcrossing linking Thurrock to North Kent and the M2 motorway, relieving pressure on the current. Completion in 2027.
Status: Lower Thames Crossing DCO is under review as of October 2022.
DP World London Gateway
A third ship berth was completed in 2016 alongside a growing logistics park. Potential exists for further expansion of up to three more berths.
Harwich Port
Consent granted in 2019 for expansion works, deepening the port to 16m to allow access to large container ships.
Status: Works completed in 2022.
Chelmsford Beaulieu Railway Station
Will provide access to the Great Eastern Main Line relieving overcrowding at Chelmsford railway station.
Status: Funding approved, completion planned for 2025.
Chelmsford North East Bypass
Will relieve congested traffic on local roads and provide a strategic link between Chelmsford, Braintree, London Stanstead Airport and the wider east and southeast of England, including South Essex and the Lower
Thames Crossing. Completion in 2024.
Status: Plans realised in July 2020. 2024 target opening date.
Colchester Rapid Transit System
Enabling housing growth and help connect the planned Garden Community on the borders of Colchester and Tendring with the rest of the town.
Status: Planning permission granted in November 2021 and works expected to start in 2024.
A12 Chelmsford to A120 widening scheme
Facilitating and releasing the growth potential of this part of North Essex by releasing land intended for the proposed new Garden Community at Marks Tey.
Status: Preferred routes published with surveys and ground investigations underway.
Thames Freeport
Britain’s first freeport with potential to deliver up to 21,000 jobs
M25 / A12 Interchange improvements
Building a new two-lane loop road, including new bridges and signage, and widening the M25 anti-clockwise carriageway.
Status: Construction to begin in 2023 with the scheme projected to open for traffic in summer 2025.
Active Travel
£7 million of government funding towards active travel improvements in Brentwood, Chelmsford, Colchester and Wickford.
Status: Schemes progressed throughout 2021 and 2022.
HARLOW
CASTLE POINT SOUTHEND -ON-SEA
ROCHFORD MALDON
CHELMSFORD
BASILDON THURROCK
Introduction toEssex Local Plan Progress Political Portrait Housing Delivery
People
Added Value
Local Plan Progress
Overview
The following section provides an update on the current stage of each Local Plan within the county.
Local Plans set out a vision and a framework for the future development of an area, addressing needs and opportunities in relation to housing, the economy, community facilities and infrastructure – as well as a basis for conserving and enhancing the natural and historic environment, mitigating and adapting to climate change, and achieving well designed places. It is essential that plans are in place and kept up to date.
The National Planning Policy Framework (2021) states that policies in Local Plans should be reviewed to assess whether they need updating at least once every 5 years from their adoption date.
In March 2020, the government announced that all authorities will be required to have up-to-date Local Plans in place by December 2023
Map Key
Pre-Reg 18
Reg 18
Reg 19 / Submitted for Examination
Post EIP
Main Mods / Adopted
BRAINTREE UTTLESFORD
HARLOW
EPPING FOREST
BRENTWOOD
BASILDON
CASTLE POINT SOUTHEND -ON-SEA
ROCHFORD
MALDON
COLCHESTER TENDRING
THURROCK
CHELMSFORD
Local Plan Progress
Public Consultation Stages
Uttlesford District Council
Consultation on the draft Local Plan has been postponed to summer 2023 to evaluate an additional emerging Option for inclusion in the Plan.
Baildon District Council
Basildon withdrew its draft Local Plan in March 2022 and has prepared a 2022-2027 Local Development Scheme that sets out Issues and Options consultation in Q4 2022 and draft Plan consultation in Q3 2024.
Castle Point District Council
Castle Point withdrew its draft Local Plan in June 2022 and has prepared a Local Development Scheme that sets out Issues and Options and draft Plan consultations in 2024/2025.
Rochford District Council
Rochford undertook Spatial Options consultation in Summer 2021. Issues and Options and pre-submissions were programmed for 2022 but have yet to be initiated.
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council
Preferred Approach consultation was programmed for Q3 2022 but has yet to be initiated. Publication consultation is scheduled for Q2 2023 with submission in Q4 2023.
Thurrock Council
Issues and Options consultation concluded in March 2019. Reg 18 consultation was expected to take place in early 2023 with submission in late 2023, but this is likely to be delayed. An updated Local Development Scheme has yet to be published.
EPPING FOREST
BRAINTREE UTTLESFORD
HARLOW
BRENTWOOD
BASILDON
CASTLE POINT SOUTHEND -ON-SEA
ROCHFORD
MALDON
COLCHESTER TENDRING
THURROCK
CHELMSFORD
Local Plan Progress
Main Mods / Adopted
Braintree, Colchester & Tendring Joint Local Plan
Section 1 - Strategic Plan for North Essex - As a result of the Inspector’s findings, the Councils removed two Garden Communities which resulted in the Plan being found sound and adopted by the Councils in January 2021.
Section 2 - Policies, maps and sites for development, housing, employment, regeneration etc., for each authority
Tendring adopted the Section 2 Local Plan in January 2022. Braintree and Colchester adopted the Section 2 Local Plan in July 2022.
Brentwood Borough Council
The Local Plan was adopted in March 2022.
Epping Forest District Council
A first main modifications consultation took place in September 2021 and a second consultation took place in November 2022 which lasts until 9th December 2022.
Harlow Council
The Local Plan was adopted in December 2020 and a review is underway with Reg 18 consultation programmed for June 2023.
Chelmsford City Council
The Local Plan was adopted in May 2020 and a review is underway. Issues and Options consultation took place in October 2022. Preferred Options consultation will take place in 2023.
Maldon District Council
A Call for Sites was undertaken in 2022. A draft Review publication consultation is programmed for spring 2023, with Review adoption in autumn 2023.
Adopted
BRAINTREE UTTLESFORD
HARLOW
EPPING FOREST
BRENTWOOD
BASILDON
CASTLE POINT SOUTHEND -ON-SEA
ROCHFORD
MALDON
COLCHESTER TENDRING
THURROCK
CHELMSFORD
South Essex 2050
The South Essex Plan will act as an overarching framework to implement the South Essex 2050 vision to deliver 90,000 homes over the next 20 years.
In 2017 the Leaders and Chief Executives of South Essex – Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Rochford, SouthendonSea, Thurrock and Essex County Council – embarked on a process to develop a long-term growth ambition that would underpin strategic spatial, infrastructure and economic priorities across the sub-region. The ‘South Essex 2050 Ambition’ is now being taken forward through a number of workstreams to develop:
the spatial strategy, through a Joint Strategic Plan
Productivity Strategy
a strategic Infrastructure Framework in particular focusing
on transport
a Place Narrative and Communications Strategy
In 2018, the local authorities formed the Association of South Essex Local Authorities (ASELA). The spatial strategy to implement the SE2050 Ambition is being taken forward through the South Essex Plan. This will provide the high level statutory planning framework for the whole South Essex, sitting above and guiding each Council’s own Local Plans.
ASELA have published a range of evidence base documents –
South Essex Strategic Growth Locations Study 2020 has undertaken a strategic review of land availability and development constraints across South Essex and considered potential locations where urban extensions and new settlement-scale growth could be explored. The Study concludes that the best scope in the medium term is for strategic growth at Southend North East and West Horndon.
South Essex Green and Blue Infrastructure Study analyses the supply of existing Greenspace and Waterways across South Essex. It then identifies the potential for developing a network of such spaces across the area.
South Essex Growth and Recovery Prospectus 2020 set out growth priorities and made the case for significant government funding to enable the creation of 100,000 new jobs and an additional £15 billion in value by 2050.
A vision for South Essex Estuary (SEE) Park was announced in March 2021.
EPPING FOREST
BRAINTREE UTTLESFORD
HARLOW
BRENTWOOD
BASILDON
CASTLE
POINT SOUTHEND -ON-SEA
ROCHFORD
MALDON
COLCHESTER TENDRING
THURROCK
CHELMSFORD
Introduction toEssex Local Plan Progress Political Portrait Housing Delivery
Added Value
Essex
Political Portrait
National Level
As of October 2022, Rishi Sunak is serving as prime minister with a Conservative majority of 69. Sunak’s election followed the resignation of Liz Truss after just six weeks in the role. Truss had been elected to replace Boris Johnson after he resigned in July 2022.
Local Level
There are two unitary authorities: Southend and Thurrock. Basildon has made it a priority to seek unitary status and as of 2021, Basildon Borough Council and Thurrock Council are in discussions to sign a memorandum of understanding for local government reorganisation which could pave the way to forming a new 360,000-strong unitary council.
District councils will hold elections in spring 2023. This is likely to result in some change in their political composition.
75 seats in total of County Council comprising:
52 Conservative (38 seat majority)
8 Liberal Democrats
5 Labour
3 Independents
2 Residents for Uttlesford
2 Canvey Island Independent Party
1 Rochford District Residents
1 Independent Loughton Residents Association
1 Green Party
Map Key (Local Authorities)
No overall control Residents for Uttlesford party (R4U)
BRAINTREE UTTLESFORD
HARLOW
EPPING FOREST
BRENTWOOD
BASILDON
CASTLE
POINT SOUTHEND -ON-SEA
ROCHFORD
MALDON
COLCHESTER TENDRING
THURROCK
CHELMSFORD
Introduction toEssex Local Plan Progress Political Portrait
Housing Delivery
Our Projects Our People
Latest Five Year Housing Land Supply
The 5 year housing land supply is a calculation of whether there is a deliverable supply of homes to meet the planned housing requirements over the next 5 years.
This opens up opportunities for speculative applications as the presumption in favour of sustainable development will apply in decision-making. However, a robust Very Special Circumstances (VSC) case must accompany any proposals on Green Belt land.
Whilst housing need can contribute to a VSC case, in most cases it does not outweigh protection of the Green Belt. Further justification – for example, affordable, retirement or self-build housing – should be provided.
District 5YHLS Source
Basildon 1.70 years supply Appeal Decision (2021)
Braintree 5.00 years supply Appeal Decision (2022)
Brentwood 1.95 years supply Five Year Housing Land Supply Statement as of 31st March 2021
Castle Point 5.20 year supply Local Plan Housing Supply Update April 2021
Chemsford 7.39 years supply Five-Year Housing Land Supply Position Statement as of April 2022
Colchester 5.74 years supply Appeal Decision (2022)
Epping Forest 1.15 years supply Appeal Decision (2022)
Harlow 6.40 years supply Five-Year Housing Land Supply Position Statement as of 31st March 2021
Maldon 2.9 years supply Appeal Decision (2023)
Rochford 4.04 years supply Appeal Decision (2022)
Southend-on-Sea 4.99 years supply Appeal Decision (2022)
Tendring 6.15 years supply Appeal Decision (2022)
Thurrock 2.50 years supply Appeal Decision (2021)
Uttlesford 3.52 years supply Appeal Decision (2022)
EPPING FOREST
BRAINTREE UTTLESFORD
HARLOW
CHELMSFORD
BASILDON
CASTLE POINT SOUTHEND
COLCHESTER
TENDRING
THURROCK
MALDON
ROCHFORD
BRENTWOOD
Housing Delivery Test Measurement (2021)
The Housing Delivery Test compares the net homes delivered over three years in each authority to the homes required over the same period. Map Key
Presumption
Buffer Applied
Action Plan Required No Action Required
Introduction toEssex Local Plan Progress Political Portrait Housing Delivery
Projects
People
Fossetts Way, Southend-onSea, Ilke Homes
Iceni Projects took a lead role in securing full planning permission for 221 affordable dwellings on a greenfield urban site at Fossetts Way in Southend-on-Sea, in September 2021, on behalf of Ilke Homes, a highly sustainable modular developer. The planning application sought permission for residential development comprising of up to 221 units with associated access, parking, landscaping and associated infrastructure.
Iceni led on the planning application submission by providing initial planning advice, coordinating a large technical team to produce the application submission and collaborated with Southend-on-Sea Council planning and legal teams to facilitate a resolution to grant planning permission within five months from the planning application submission. Iceni also provided impact management services in support of the planning application.
The planning strategy focused on providing much needed affordable housing needs in the Borough in a range of tenures and mix of homes, the volumetric housing sustainability benefits and landscaping improvements. As a result of this strategy, the application received overwhelmingly positive consultation responses and therefore a recommendation for approval at Planning Committee and the Section 106 was signed within two weeks of the committee resolution. Given this success, Iceni have also been instructed on another project in Linford in Thurrock by Ilke Homes for 230 units which has been submitted to the Council for consideration.
Arena Essex, Lakeside London Strategic Land
Iceni Projects were instructed in late 2017 to submit a hybrid planning application for up to 2,500 dwellings; a new lido with ancillary café; community pavilion; mountain bike / pump track; primary school; convenience retail store; open space and transport upgrades. This planning application was submitted in November 2018.
The site is extremely challenging from a technical perspective and has a very large number of planning constraints. For this reason, the site has historically stalled, notwithstanding a single-issue review as part of the former Regional Spatial Strategy that identified the site as being well-placed to support growth around Lakeside Shopping Centre. These constraints include: Green Belt; existing uses (motorsport circuit); overhead pylons; protected cudweed; HSE consultation zones; being within an air quality management area; a susceptibility to noise from the A13 dual carriageway and M25 motorway; being in an area prone to highway blockages and as a former quarry site there are also significant topographical challenges.
In responding to the above, Iceni Projects prepared a Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) that responded to the number and breadth of statutory and non-statutory consultees. This PPA was supported by Thurrock Council as the Local Planning Authority and is now being used as the basis for all PPAs in the Borough.
Consultees were also agreeable to several focused workshops that were framed around: (1) transport access; (2) the environment and ecology; (3) health and wellbeing; (4) amenities (e.g. noise, air quality, daylight / sunlight) and (5) utilities and water management. These workshops enabled inherent tensions between stakeholders to be unlocked and provided a platform to share the draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be discussed. A separate business orientated group was set up with businesses in the Lakeside Basin as the largest amalgamation of retail space in Europe – so sensitive to any changes to the highway network.
Eastgate Centre, Basildon Infrared Capital Partners
In September ‘22, Iceni were delighted to receive a positive decision on a major urban development project in Basildon town centre, working on behalf of Infrared Capital Partners. The outcome followed a two week public inquiry following an appeal against non-determination of the original planning application. The development comprises up to 2,800 new homes, student accommodation, later living and co-living, alongside the potential for office floorspace provision and changes to the Eastgate Shopping Centre by way of a consolidation of existing commercial and retail floorspace. Additionally, the Basildon bus station was also located within the red line boundary and was redesigned / updated as part of the proposals.
The proposals and planning process were years in the making and will now move forward through reserved matters applications to develop and finesse the scheme design over the coming months and years. The scheme delivers notable economic benefits and investment confidence, which were outlined as major positives in the planning balance undertaken by the Planning Inspector appointed to determine the appeal.
Land at Manor Road, Chigwell
Kind & Co Limited
The site is located on the edge of Chigwell within the Green Belt. Iceni Projects and the wider project team has worked to secure an allocation to remove the site from the Green Belt and deliver 105 independent living apartments.
Iceni has worked with both Chigwell Parish Council and Epping Forest District Council to secure an allocation in first the emerging Chigwell Neighbourhood Plan and then the New Local Plan.
We worked with a varied consultant team to identify that there was an overwhelming need for care and accommodation for older people in the District and the absence of any alternative sites to meet this need. This includes production of a Site Search by Iceni Projects which has been accepted by the District Council to demonstrate that this is one of the few sites that can deliver the care and accommodation needed by this sector of the community.
In addition, the site adjoins Chigwell Cemetery, which is beginning to reach capacity and so the development would also donate land to the Parish Council so a new cemetery site does not need to be found. This has been crucial in bringing the Parish Council on board in supporting the site’s allocation.
The proposed scheme has been praised for the high quality design and the process has demonstrated the importance of seeking to involved a respected developer who can deliver this.
Ponds Farm, Thurrock Cogent Land LLP
Iceni Projects was appointed by Cogent Land LLP to promote Ponds Farm through the plan-making process and to advance an outline planning application, with a supporting Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Iceni Projects advised on planning; EIA co-ordination and transportrelated matters.
The outline planning application sought up to 38,686m2 of employment floorspace and a new means of vehicular access. In determining the outline application, the Planning Committee supported the employment benefits of the site; the defensible boundaries of the site; its strategic positioning and that the site was identified in emerging planning policy. Given the positioned of the site in the Green Belt it was subsequently referred to the Secretary of State who confirmed that it was not necessary to “call in” the planning application.
Whilst the site had inherent constraints of being positioned in the Green Belt, which required a robust planning case to be made (with a support Environmental Impact Assessment) it was well positioned next to the Strategic Highway Network (the M25 and A13 corridors). The site is also situated with close proximity to London Gateway Port and the Port of Tilbury. The site also has the potential to provide up to 900 full time jobs.
Since securing planning permission the site has been acquired by Segro, who are developing as a design and build opportunity. The outline planning permission, secured by Iceni Projects provides flexibility to develop the sites in three ways, depending on the requirements of the tenant.
Kemps Farm, South Ockenden
Loughton
Development
Kemps Farm, South Ockendon provides a perfect opportunity to deliver up to 30 new custom-build homes in the Borough.
Kemps Farm is conveniently located to the north of South Ockendon. It is positioned near to the train station that offers regular services to key employment nodes across the Borough. The site has few planning constraints. It does not suffer from contamination; does not have any ecological interests, and is not in an area that is prone to flooding.
Kemps Farm also benefits from a recent planning history that confirms residential development in this location is sustainable. This support for development is this location has been driven by elected Members, and has been also be considered by the Secretary of State following a referral to the National Planning Casework Unit (NPCU).
Since construction has commenced on site improvements have been made to accessibility and utilities within the vicinity of the site. As a consequence, Kemps Farm is well equipped to deliver up to 30 new homes for those people that want to build their own homes.
South Ockenden Extension EASL
South Ockendon is a town of contradictions. Where a historic settlement is interlinked with post-war prefabricated housing that was designed to be temporary, but has become cherished family homes; where warehousing designed for lorries sits next door to a railway station intended for people; where open space within the town offsets traffic that runs through it.
The local authority has ambitious plans for South Ockendon. From improving the public realm around the station, to alleviating traffic impact; from delivering new schools and community facilities to advancements in health and well-being. EASL is one of a number of companies working with the authority. On behalf of landowners, it controls a significant area of land on the eastern side of the existing town. EASL is committed to playing a collaborative role in the evolution of the town, and looks forward to contributing its own thoughts and ideas, alongside existing residents and other landowners.
Shire Hill Farm, Saffron Walden
Dianthus Land
Iceni Projects secured outline planning consent for 100 new homes and land for a primary school on a greenfield site, to form an urban extension to the historic town of Saffron Walden. We provided inputs on Masterplanning, Planning, Transport and Community Engagement.
This involved working closely with the developers on the adjacent site to accommodate a link road to connect the sites and alleviate transport and air quality impacts on the town centre.
The masterplan seamlessly links to existing committed development on its northern edge, as well providing new sports pitches and a network of open spaces. The scheme also contributes land to combine with an existing safeguarded area to deliver a much needed 2 form entry primary school.
Links to the existing town are integral to the scheme, with upgrades proposed to pedestrian and cycle links. The landscape setting ensures that new homes will be built in a location with a defined natural boundary with minimal visual impact on the surrounding area.
Working with Iceni’s Planning and Transport teams, the design team produced the material required for both the public consultation and the outline planning application submitted to Uttlesford District Council.
Iceni are also promoting wider parcel of land for up to 350 units through the Local Plan.
THAXTED ROAD
SHIREHILLLANE
SHIRE HILL FARM
Mardyke Farm, Purfleet
The GSE Group
Iceni Projects is promoted a HGV park and electric vehicle charging for the GSE Group through the emerging Local Plan.
The GSE Group has experience in managing lorry parks in south-east England, including The Ashford International Truckstop. This secure facility has real-time information concerning parking provision, restaurant and cafés, shower facilities, laundry services and Internet access. The site is open 24hrs a day and provides an enclosed facility, with CCTV coverage, and security patrols.
The GSE Group is developing a remote internet based intelligent pre-booking system that will enable operators to pre-book a specific parking bay, not just ensuring that one is available but levels of security in compliance with the Brussels directive and segregation for hazardous goods, refrigerated loads, livestock etc.
This international programme will prevent unnecessary mileage, out of time running, illegal and inconsiderate parking also providing authorities policing HGV parking to have real-time information on availability allowing them to enforce the law and insisting the driver pre-pays to reserve parking in controlled sites.
The GSE Group has identified a potential HGV parking-facility site immediately adjacent to the M25 in Thurrock. The site is extremely well positioned, as not only directly alongside the M25 motorway, but also a short-distance from the A13. The site is also a short distance from several waypoints, including the Dartford electronic tolls, and the London Low Emission Zone.
West Horndon Settlement Extension, EASL
West Horndon is a very special location with compelling characteristics of a new town.
It has an existing railway station that provides a direct link into Fenchurch Street, London in circa 28 minutes via C2C, together with wider access to Thurrock and Brentwood’s urban area. It has good road connections, with the A127, A128 and M25 nearby.
It benefits from the majority of the land being in one principal ownership, and a local authority that recognises the need for development. West Horndon is on London’s doorstep, but not reliant on the City for employment. Thurrock has the greatest potential for employment of any borough outside of London with DP World, Thames Enterprise Park and Port Tilbury in the Borough. And moreover, the longstanding community on the Brentwood side of the railway line will form an integral part of what we aim to achieve, where people are proud to call West Horndon their home.
However, EASL’s vision goes far beyond this. We passionately believe that it is possible to create an exceptional place, that is financially viable, contributes to the provision of infrastructure; delivers a positive return to our landowners, and ongoing benefits to the local authority and community it will come to serve. We shall achieve these objectives by applying good masterplanning and prudent asset management and development. West Horndon is a project for the long term. It takes a company with an 60 year heritage to understand that.
Dansand Quarry Orsett
Recycled in Orsett Ltd
Iceni Projects have been working on the site since 2012, including successfully extending and renewing the planning consent for the continued extraction from the quarry. Additionally, the planning permission for the quarry area now also includes recycling aggregates and other products, which was renewed for a period of 10 years and included the phased restoration of the site.
Key considerations included the site ecology (due to nesting birds), landscaping and neigbouring impacts on residential amenity. Transport was also a key matter due to the requirements for adequate site access, management arrangements and use of HGVs. Political engagement with local members was hugely important during the planning process.
East Tilbury Settlement Extension, Cogent Land LLP
East Tilbury is a phased development that provides for up to 1,000 new homes in synergy with the existing settlements and the historic Bata factory.
The proposal is an urban extension that provides social and transport infrastructure for the new and existing settlement that reflect the different character of the surrounding villages and integrates the heritage features of Bata.
The plan includes green space, a health centre, educational and communitu facilities. The development is focused around a better railway crossing providing a solution to the delays caused by the existing level crossing, which restricts the communities movement / ciruclation.
Key benefits of the scheme include:
Up to 1,000 new dwellings, a local centre and primary school;
A range of green open spaces, with the provision of new areas, and improvements to Linford Recreation Ground and Beta area;
A new pedestrian and vehicular route over the railway line; and,
Re-routing heavy traffic from the centre of East Tilbury
Iceni is also actively involved in the Lower Thames Crossing DCO process to protect our client’s interests.
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Gas Works Field, Stanford-le-Hope
Persimmon
Homes
Iceni Projects initially promoted Gas Works Field through the Local Development Framework and secured an allocation for housing in 2011. The site was previously in agricultural use and was positioned in the Green Belt.
In 2017, Iceni Projects submitted a detailed planning application on behalf of Persimmon Homes for 127 homes. In preparing the planning application the team worked closely with the local community, the Environment Agency and Thurrock Council’s ecological advisers.
The application was approved in October 2019.
Manorway, Stanford-le-Hope
C&S Associates
Iceni Projects secured outline planning permission for 153 homes in Stanford-le-Hope on a site known locally as Manorway.
The site is conveniently located to the north of the town centre and is a short walk to Stanford-le-Hope railway station, which provides regular services to London Fenchurch Street and Southend Central. Section 106 contributions from the scheme will provide for improved pedestrian access to the station and a link with the adjacent scheme that is due to shortly be developed by Persimmon Homes (Eastern) Ltd.
In preparing the application, Iceni Projects worked closely with the Local Planning Authority to get the site identified in the Local Development Framework. This the required regular submission of representations and attendance at the Examination in Public (EiP).
Malgraves Farm,West Horndon
Sky Strategic Land
Iceni Projects secured planning permission for 80 homes and a new hospice at Malgraves Farm for Skye Strategic Land.
The site is currently has two developers on site. Redrow Homes (Eastern) Limited are developing the residential component and Skye Strategic Land are developing the hospice which is scheduled to be completed by May 2020.
The proposed hospice will be delivered by St Luke’s Hospice. St Luke’s Hospice is a charity which cares for people whose illnesses are no longer curable, enabling them to achieve the best possible quality of life during the final stages of their illness. St Luke’s Hospice care for patients through its in-patient unit, out-patient clinics and day care unit, and numerous supporting services, encompassing support from post diagnosis, bereavement and survivorship.
The consented scheme will bring significant benefits arising from the need for a policy requirement to positively respond to an aging population in Thurrock as well as an ability to prioritise the delivery healthcare improvements in Thurrock; the requirement to provide a 5-year housing land supply, as defined in the NPPF; the linkages to London Gateway Port and Logistics Park and Thames Enterprise Park; highway / safety improvements within the nearby vicinity; and a newly created publicly accessible open space, with enhanced ecological value.
Iceni Projects advised on community engagement; planning, and transportation.
Greenwise Nurseries, Vange Park Road
Iceni Projects successfully secured planning permission for a 31 custombuild homes in Vange, Thurrock. The application site was allocated as Green Belt in the adopted Local Development Framework so required the preparation of a robust Very Special Circumstances case and referral of the planning application to the Secretary of State.
This was a first-of-its-kind in Thurrock and, therefore, the site has been promoted through the emerging Local Plan as well as through the pre-application process with Thurrock Council. This meant that when the application was submitted there were no objections from either statutory or non-statutory consultees. On this scheme it was also agreed with the Local Planning Authority that the scheme was best-placed to provide off-site affordable housing to be delivered directly by Thurrock Council.
Iceni Projects provided a strategic role in preparing the application – advising on planning, engagement, sustainable development, transport and design.
The outline planning application was accompanied by a comprehensive Design Code that was prepared by Iceni Projects. This restricts what can be built in terms of building heights, frontages, materials and other key design considerations. The scheme will also be controlled through the submission of reserved matters applications.
Press coverage: https://bit.ly/2FNhHxM
Langdon Hills Golf & Country Club
Rischo Leisure
Langdon Hills Golf and Country Club is a prestigious facility in the heart of Thurrock. The 27-hole course has panoramic views over Essex and the London skyline.
The golf club also provides important community and civic space. Many residents of Thurrock and wider Essex have celebrated weddings, birthdays, Christenings and other functions at the club.
Notwithstanding the above, golf is changing to reflect wider societal changes. Golf clubs across the country have seen failing participation rates; members lacking time; family pressures and competing pressures from other sports and leisure activities. New potential members want action through shorter courses, technology, and updated food and beverage options. Members also want leisure options for the wider family, such as crèche facilities, a gym and pool.
In this context, Iceni Projects have worked with the Heronslea Group in preparing a hybrid planning application for the following:
“Detailed approval sought for: a new golf academy (with driving range; tuition space and function space for 150 guests); a redesigned club house (with wellness / mindfulness centre, reception space; restaurant space; bar space; function space (for 250 guests); shop; storage space; gym; swimming pool and spa; changing rooms; office space; kitchens and food preparation areas and other ancillary space). The creation of a new health-led community to include: 85 no. bungalows for the over 55s (Use Class C2); 36 no. apartments for the over 55s (use Class C2); 42 no. extra care apartments and a 64-bed care home (Use Class C2), and 4 no. key worker apartments. Demolition of existing buildings (clubhouse, hotel and green keepers building) and supporting infrastructure to include: a reconfigured main car park; a new car park for the golf academy; new vehicular access from Lower Dunton Road; landscaping; new bowling green; new walkways; a new bus stop to serve Langdon Hills Golf Club / St Luke’s Hospice; erection of a security gatehouse and surveillance. Outline approval sought for: a new quick play golf course; up to 12 no. apartments (Use Class C3) and a new redesigned green keepers building”.
Create a diverse and sustainable neighbourhood,
• providing a mix of high quality, aspirational homes in close proximity to existing and new community facilities;
Land at Tompkins Farm, Vange,
Increase the capacity of Vange Primary School
EASL
• through provision of a new school building within the heart of the scheme and potential reuse of original school building for expanded and improved nursery facility;
London Road, Vange, exemplifies these characteristics. Located within easy access to Basildon Hospital, the A13 – with proximity to extensive employment opportunities within the borough as well as the nearby ports of London Gateway and Port Tilbury – nearby school and established community, the site is an ideal opportunity to provide a residential extension to the urban area of Basildon.
Improving the school’s car parking arrangements
• and pick-up/drop-off facilities;
Scope for shared facilities between the school
• /nursery and local community;
Basildon needs a range of housing types and tenures, and London Road Vange is well suited to delivering small to medium sized family housing, together with a policy compliant mix of affordable homes.
Encourage use of sustainable modes of transport
• by enhancing pedestrian and cycle linkages within and around Vange;
Improve access to and the provision of public
• transport for new and existing residents (extend existing bus services through the site);
Enable new recreational resources in the form of
• new formal and informal green open spaces, providing safe and accessible places for recreation and outdoor activities;
Bring All Saints Church closer to the community
• through sensitive development of Brickfield Road site:
Integrated Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDS)
• within the landscaping; and
Creation of an environment that residents are
• proud of, engendering a strong sense of community and identity
Beechwood, Basildon Swan Housing
Iceni secured permission in July 2016 for the redevelopment of Craylands Estates and Former Fryerns School Site.
Full planning permission was sought for 8.78ha comprising the north phase for up to 96 residential dwellings, associated means of access, car parking, landscaping, service infrastructure and other associated works and improvements; and the central phase for a landscaped community hub area.
Outline planning permission sought on 21.4ha comrising the south phase (13.9ha) for up to 205 residential dwellings and associated access, landscaping, car parking and infrastructure works; central west phase (0.39ha) for up to 5,424 sqm of flexible floorspace (Use Classes A1-A5, B1, C3, D1, D2) with associated means of access, open space / landscaping, car parking and infrastructure works (all matters reserved); and the west phasefor up to 251 residential dwellings (use Class C3), and associated access, landscaping, car parking and infrastructure works with all matters reserved with exception to appearance.
Cockaynes Lane, Alresford
Self and Custom Build Development
Exploring the opportunities for high-quality self and custom build development at the edge of the settlement.
Iceni is working with Go Homes, an Essex-based developer focussed on smallscale, high-quality schemes, to provide ten exemplary Custom and Self Build homes on the edge of Alresford, a small but sustainable settlement in Tendring. Iceni’s Planning, Design and Landscape teams have contributed, overcoming significant hurdles presented by the planning history of the site. With one successful pre-app to date and another scheduled before the end of 2022, the scheme is progressing towards submission in early 2023. It is hoped that, once built out, Alresford will benefit from a unique edge of settlement development that will be the largest scheme of its kind in the district.
Introduction toEssex Local Plan Progress Political Portrait Housing Delivery
People
Added Value
Ian Anderson Chief Executive
T: 020 3640 8508
M: 07967 630 348
E: ianderson@iceniprojects.com
Ian is always seeking to identify opportunities to add value for his clients, and to further the growth of Iceni Projects.
in turn RPS, Ian has experienced working for both private-run and PLC planning firms. In turn, Ian worked for a private property company, led by two entrepreneurs, where he both acquired sites and managed them through the planning process.
Ian has taken the key ingredients that made those businesses successful and instilled them into the fabric of Iceni: A business mind-set characterised by hard work, strategic vision, common-sense, topical awareness, and speed of thought.
Ian relishes working with clients, be that on site identification, business planning or project strategy.
Ian currently works on a range of strategic, retail, and residential projects, and also serves in an advisory capacity to a number of property companies.
James Bompas Director, Planning
T: 020 3640 8508
M: 07736 314 143
E: jbompas@iceniprojects.com
James combines his planning and project management skills to deliver results.
James principally works on larger, strategic planning applications, often accompanied by Environmental Impact Assessment. This frequently involves site promotion, allocation, the co-ordination of planning application submissions and, where necessary, appeal work. Clients include housebuilders, strategic funds and property companies. Recent successes include: approval for the first custom-build scheme at planning inquiry; consent for 31 custom-build homes in Thurrock and the identification and promotion of several custom-build schemes across England.
Before joining Iceni, James began his planning career working for the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation, who’s remit was to help with the largest regeneration project in Europe. This included managing the production and implementation of six area action plans and successfully challenging the East of England Plan, which culminated in its formal revision. He was instrumental in the determination of numerous largescale planning applications for residential and employment uses on strategic Green Belt and brownfield sites, which, in most instances, were heavily constrained.
James has over 14 years planning and project management experience which is supported by a MRTPI accreditation and a PRINCE2® practitioners qualification. James has also completed an MBA with distinction at Henley Business School.
Leona Hannify Director, Strategic Planning
T: 020 3640 8508
M: 07972 894 016
E: lhannify@iceniprojects.com
Leona leads a variety of complex and strategic projects.
Leona is a Director on the Strategic Planning Team and in her role promotes a wide range of large scale projects with a particular focus on greenfield residential-led mixed use schemes and renewable energy developments.
Leona’s keen understanding of the processes and procedures within planning, alongside her determination to succeed, enables her to manage the delivery of large scale strategic development sites.
Leona joined Iceni Projects in 2012 having worked on a number of high profile project portfolios in Ireland. Leona has secured planning permissions for a range of major commercial, residential and infrastructure projects across the UK. Many of these projects involve Environmental Impact Assessments whereby Leona plays a lead role in managing and co-ordinating large multidisciplinary teams.
In addition to her technical expertise, Leona’s key strengths include strong analytical, communication and interpersonal skills, which have been enhanced through her work with private and public sector clients and multidisciplinary project teams.
Clive Burbridge Director, Transport
T: 020 3640 8508
M: 07817 735 309
E: cburbridge@iceniprojects.com
Trusted by clients to deliver a highquality product on time and budget.
Clive is a transport planner with circa 30 years’ experience. Clive joined Iceni Projects in 2010 to set up the Transport Team, and has been an integral part of the Company’s subsequent expansion. He is also a member of the Quality Review Panel for Essex, providing independent reviews.
Clive originally took a BSc (Hons) Planning degree with spells at the London Borough of Redbridge and London Borough of Havering within the Development Control Departments. Thereafter he became a transport planner working for Kent County Council (KCC), during which time he obtained an MSc in Transport Planning. During the 5 years at KCC he worked on a wide range of diverse projects including the widening of the M2, the Channel Tunnel and Bluewater Shopping Centre.
Lorna O’Carroll Director, Strategic Planning
T: 020 3640 8508
M: 07875 681 532
E: locarroll@iceniprojects.com
Lorna utilises an analytical approach and attention to detail to deliver positive results for clients.
Lorna joined Iceni Projects having worked within the Economics and Regeneration Team at a leading London based planning consultancy.
The focus of her work is producing and advising on socio-economic impact assessments for a wide range of development projects including residential, commercial, mixed-use and transport uses to support planning applications and to form part of Environmental Impact Assessments. She also has experience in preparing health impact and equality impact assessments for major projects.
Lorna has also led on the preparation and submission of planning applications –co-ordinating multi-disciplinary project teams and successfully negotiating with local planning authorities.
She also has experience promoting strategic housing and employment sites through the local plan process and has undertaken employment land, local economic assessments and growth option studies for both public and private sector clients, drawing on her aptitude to decipher technical evidence.
Lorna’s strengths include strategic thinking, strong analytical skills, attention to detail and an ability to effectively communicate technical information.
Ryan Walker Associate/ Engagement Consultant, Strategic Planning
T: 020 3640 8508
M: 07799 369 967
E: rwalker@iceniprojects.com
Building professional client relationships, based upon trust and effectiveness of delivery.
As Senior Planner and Engagement Consultant, Ryan is responsible for leading the day-to-day communication on projects. This includes dealing with a range of clients, consulting with local communities, liaising with political representatives and negotiating with officers at local planning authorities.
Ryan has a wealth of experience in the field of planning, placemaking and regeneration, spanning design through to delivery, across the UK and Ireland.
Ryan’s experience includes technical input into various Local Development Plans, helping to secure significant investment as part of multiple City Region Deals and delivering award-winning Masterplans, Heritage and Economic Plans and Regeneration Strategies.
Ryan is also the Royal Town Planning Institute’s UK Young Planner of the Year for 2021 and is a regular conference speaker on the power of planning and its role in creating high-quality healthy and prosperous places.
Introduction to Essex Local Plan Progress Political Portrait Housing Delivery
iSite
iSite pulls together a number of services to enable the promoter of a project – but equally the respective consultant, local authority, consultee, local community and wider interested party – to gain the knowledge and understanding of a site or location that historically has only been possible from an in-depth site visit. Moreover, many projects are of the size and scale that even a physical site visit renders difficult to comprehend.
The key focus of iSite is to provide an intelligent digital design and consultation tool. This incorporates the use of drone photography, 360° camerawork (think Google Street View for buildings), interactive, virtual consultation halls and project web sites that can pool together all of the information for effective file management and sharing. So whether you need to initiate an initial site survey appraisal, team site visit, preapplication meeting, public consultation event or committee presentation, iSite can help.
iSite wont be for everyone. We understand that. But if you are looking for cost-effective ways to progress with your proposals, it could be the answer.
To discuss iSite please email isite@iceniprojects.com
The Sustainable Development Scorecard
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has running throughout it the ‘golden thread of sustainable development’. In spite of this, there is no clear-cut, NPFbased assessment criteria to consider a site or project’s sustainable development credentials, making current assessment processes both tricky and subjective.
The Sustainable Development Commission was established to address this recognised issue with our planning system. Made up of a balanced cross-section of industry professionals, the Commission has debated the issues and found solutions, culminating in the creation of the Sustainable Development Scorecard.
The Scorecard website is free to use and accessible to anyone with a vested interest in development, including developers, architects, planners, community groups and members of the public. By crystallising the NPPF’s guidance into a simple, online analysis tool, the Commissionaims to provide a more consistent approach to sustainable development, leading to a more sustainable built environment.
