The Planner - July 2020

JULY 2020 VENUES CALL LAST ORDERS // p.4 • LEVELLING UP SOCIAL INEQUALITY // p.6 • VIRAL TOLL ON PLANNING // p.18 • CASE STUDY: SOUTH HUMBER GATEWAY // p.28 • TECH LANDSCAPE: WINDY CITIES // p.28 • NATIONS & REGIONS: LONDON // p.36

T H E B U S I N ES S M O N T H LY FO R P L A N N I N G P R O F ES S IO N A LS

HOW MARK SOUTHGATE WOULD MANAGE A HOUSING REVOLUTION

1 Cover_July 2020_The Planner 1

10/06/2020 10:24

Book today rtpi.org.uk/training training@rtpi.org.uk + 44 (0)20 7929 8400 @RTPIPlanners #RTPICPD

Boost your CPD with interactive online masterclasses High-quality expert training for planning professionals

p02_PLN.JULY20.indd 2

View the full list of online masterclasses at: rtpi.org.uk/training

10/06/2020 12:55

CONTENTS

J U LY

04 NEWS 4 Last orders: a third of venues set to close 6 How planning can address social inequality 7 Covid-19 and enforcement: A Q&A 8 Two-thirds of councils have no up-to-date plan, suggests research 9 Welsh planning needs better resourcing to deliver wellbeing outcomes

24

“CONSTRUCTION IS A CONSERVATIVE INDUSTRY AND WITHIN THAT SITS HOUSEBUILDING, AN EVEN MORE CONSERVATIVE ISLAND”

OPINION

14 Louise BrookeSmith: Diverse thinking and a dash of realism 16 Michael Kordas: Participative planning and the ‘new normal’

10 Mixed fortunes for Dublin fast-track housing schemes

16 Kate Bellew: Planning for a green recovery in Scotland

11 Application lodged for carbon-neutral Perth West development

17 Eleanor Gingell: It’s time to start planning for play

15

20 20

17 Julia Berry: Planning during a pandemic – the CIL regime

QUOTE UNQUOTE

“WE HAVE A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO ‘RESET’ THE NATURE OF CONSUMPTION AND REDUCE OUR IMPACT ON THE NATURAL WORLD” OLIVER BOLTON, CEO OF CLIMATE TECH INVESTMENT PLATFORM ALMOND IMPACT LTD, ON THE OPPORTUNITIES OPENED UP BY THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS

COV E R I M AG E | R IC H A R D L E A H A I R

FEATURES

INSIGHT 33 Tech Landscape: Tall building clusters create microclimates that can make life at ground level tough. Guidelines produced by the City of London aim should make street life more pleasant.

18 Covid-19 is prompting towns and cities to ‘reallocate’ road space for safety reasons. But will temporary measures herald a new approach to transport planning?

24 Housebuilding in the UK is stuck in the past – what’s needed is a revolution, Mark Southgate tells Serena Ralston 28 Matt Moody reports on how a conservation strategy in north-east England is giving endangered bird species vital space alongside new industrial development

33

14

36 Nations & Regions: London 38 Cases & decisions: Development decisions, round-up and analysis 42 Legal Landscape: Opinions, blogs and news from the legal side of planning 44 RTPI round-up: News and interviews from the institute 50 What to read, what to watch and how to keep in touch

18 J U LY 2 020 / THE PLA NNER

3 Contents_July 2020_The Planner 3

3

10/06/2020 10:42

NEWS

Report { 115,108

The number of licensed premises in Britain as of March 2020

COVID­19 AND HOSPITALITY

Last orders: a third of venues set to close Coronavirus has cast an existential shadow over the UK’s hospitality sector. Huw Morris surveys the rocky road ahead The Covid-19 pandemic sent the UK’s hospitality sector into cardiac arrest. The next few months will decide whether it can be revived.

Hospitality was among the first sectors to enter lockdown in March and will be one of the last to reopen, but only gradually. Under government restrictions, the sector assumes that restaurants are likely to reopen before bars, the suburbs before cities, and independents before chains. Larger sites such as nightclubs and entertainment venues have been told to wait longer.

But what shape the sector will be in is highly debatable. Confidence is fragile, according to a survey of senior executives

and entrepreneurs in the sector by business consultant CGA AlixPartners.

A total of 96 per cent expect a phased reopening, with only 36 per cent believing they will eventually reopen all of their premises. Nearly a third – 32 per cent – anticipate permanently closing sites. The same proportion has yet to decide. But 81 per cent are planning for recovery and considering a range of scenarios. Almost all expect to see a much-reduced market.

How such expectations translate into reality is likely to have daunting implications for towns, cities and rural areas alike, plus any drive to boost the night-time economy. The shutters on about 30,000 pubs, bars and restaurants may stay

30,000

The estimated number of premises under threat of permanent closure as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak

2,800

The number of pubs and bars that closed in the year before March’s lockdown

36

The percentage of sector leaders and owners who believe they will eventually reopen all their premises

32

The percentage of sector leaders and owners who think they will permanently close sites

2

The sector was already suffering before lockdown, recording a 2.4 per cent fall in the number of premises in the year up to March

4

The number of metres for social distancing under government rules, – the hospitality industry is lobbying the government to have this cut to one metre

TH E PL AN N E R \ JU LY 2 0 2 0

4-5 news_July 2020_The Planner 4

10/06/2020 10:25

PLAN UPFRONT UK hospitality bodies want the government to adopt World Health Organization advice suggesting one-metre social distancing

make friends and socialise in a common area that they don’t find in cafés or restaurants. I’d be very concerned if this intrinsic pub characteristic is removed and rationing introduced in the name of safety and it then becomes the norm in the months and years to come.”

Hotels look for room to recoup

down permanently. This is also a headache for the government. UK hospitality accounts for 10 per cent of jobs, 6 per cent of businesses and 5 per cent of GDP. The sector was hurting before lockdown, recording a 2.4 per cent fall in the number of premises in the year up to March, amounting to 2,800 sites. AlixPartners managing director Graeme Smith believes the eating and drinking out market faces an uncertain time when it reopens.

“Many operators have got their tape measures out to assess the impact of social distancing restrictions on operations and capacity,” he added. “Even with wellconfigured space, cover counts will be meaningfully reduced and may prompt further questions on whether it is sensible to reopen, or not, from a profit perspective.

“Location considerations will be another factor – it’s easier to foresee rural and suburban venues opening faster than those located in large city centres given there will be a significant period before offices reopen and footfall numbers return to prior levels, particularly where mass transit is key for commuters.”

Customer confidence in returning to pubs and restaurants is one issue, the intricacies behind the government’s furlough scheme another. But a big obstacle is the two-metre social distancing rule. A survey of British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) members found that 19,000 out of 47,000 pubs across the country might be unable to reopen.

Indeed the BBPA, the British Institute of Innkeeping and UKHospitality, have called on the government to adopt World Health Organization (WHO) advice, which suggests one metre for social distancing.

“Unless social distancing restrictions

I M AG E S | G E T T Y

4-5 news_July 2020_The Planner 5

Opinions vary on the future for hotels.

Knight Frank thinks the UK market will rebound strongly once the economy revives and travel restrictions are lifted, with hotels in London and Edinburgh likely to recover faster. It predicts a V-shaped, are reduced to the WHO’s suggested one stepped recovery, with occupancy growing metre, two-thirds of pub jobs could be slowly in the third quarter of this year lost,” warned BBPA chief executive Emma followed by substantially stronger growth McClarkin. “It is vital that the government in the final three months as confidence allows pubs to reopen under those safe returns. London hotels could make a full conditions in July, so that they can operate recovery by the fourth quarter of 2021. at a sustainable level.

“We predict that the market will bounce “Under two-metre social distancing back following the relaxing of travel rules, pubs will have less space to operate restrictions and the containment of the with so will need less staff. Many pubs virus, leading to a potential won’t even be able to full recovery in London and reopen, yet they could be “THE SHUTTERS a gradual recovery in the expected to cover part of ON AROUND regions as well as an uplift their staff furlough costs 30,000 PUBS, in investment volumes from August without any BARS AND nationally,” said Shaun Roy, money coming in. Such a RESTAURANTS head of hotels and specialist situation would mean either property investment. pubs closing for good or jobs MAY STAY DOWN PERMANENTLY” Colliers International hotels being lost.” agency director Paul Barrasford How town and city fears economic hardship, centres recover as workers often a key variant in the and shoppers return will planning process, may become focus minds. AlixPartners a more important factor for research shows large towns, some hotel owners who see which collectively have redevelopment as “a far more realistic seen a 3.4 per cent decline in premises and rewarding route” to recoup their in the past year, have fared worse than investments or minimise losses. city centres, down 1.2 per cent, and small “A relaxation of planning restrictions towns, where premises are down 2.5 per could be just what they need and would cent. The locations most under pressure boost the economy and provide muchbefore the lockdown may face the biggest needed housing,” he added. “Historically, challenges, warns the consultancy. most owners seeking a change of use have The Campaign for Real Ale national to prove it was not unviable as a hotel. This chairman Nik Antona fears that up to 40 often required marketing a hotel for sale per cent of the nation’s pubs will close for for an extended period of time, sometimes good. “We have to consider the long-term as long as 12 months. With acute cash flow impact of social distancing and rationing pressures, it would be greatly welcomed measures on the viability of our beloved to see planning authorities relax some of pubs. Having an open space where you the legislation around redevelopment of can mingle at the bar and order drinks hotels for alternative use, not least the time is an essential part of the pub-going taken to prove any unviability.” experience as it gives visitors a chance to

J U LY 2 020 / THE PLA NNER

5

10/06/2020 12:48

NEWS

Analysis { COVID­19 AND SOCIAL INEQUALITY

How planning can address social inequality

By Laura Edgar As the UK entered lockdown on 23 March to stem the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19), there was a notion that we were “all in this together”.

We left our homes only for food, medical reasons, to exercise once a day, or if we were key workers. The UK’s public parks, green spaces and gardens provided millions of adults and children with a place to exercise and a dose of daily green.

But were we, and are we, still all in this together?

Does the lockdown discriminate between those that have access to a garden or outdoor space and those that live in flat blocks who do not; those that have quick and easy access to a park and those who do not; and those who are in easy walking distance of grocery shops and those who rely on public transport, which people are recommended not to use.

Such social inequalities have been exacerbated and brought to wider attention during the pandemic, and heightened by the threat of some UK park closures. Some did close for a short time, including Brockwell Park in South London and Stewart Park in Middlesbrough. Local authorities were concerned that social distancing was not being adhered to. As John Haxworth, partner at Barton Willmore and landscape design team lead pointed out, “their closure and the subsequent local outrage has brought into the spotlight

6

T H E PL AN N E R \ J U LY 2 0 2 0

6-7 news_July 2020_The Planner 6

the mistakes of 2008, when many the importance of these spaces to argued the economic crisis would lead communities”. to a kinder form of capitalism."

Technological advancements to Lasting change, Slade concluded, will measure social value, such as be hard-won. “As a profession we need Greenkeeper, which uses data to model the environmental, economic and social to provide both a compelling vision for value of green infrastructure, provide an the future and clear, workable, policy options for achieving this. An ambitious opportunity to understand the value first step would be a that the built and natural environment #HealthyHomesAct.” gives, explains Haxworth. This is “key to ensuring we are properly providing, A new normal enhancing and supplementing these “What is the normal that we desire?” resources”. asked Ian Harvey, executive director at James Harris, policy and networks Civic Voice. “A society that thought it manager at the RTPI, said the risk of was acceptable to let people live in infection and the effects of lockdown office blocks while housebuilders make have fallen hardest on those living in millions in profits? High streets that are unaffordable, low-quality and owned by landlords that are absent overcrowded housing. Dr Daniel Slade, from the area? ... Children expected to projects and policy manager at the Town and Country Planning Association walk to school along pollution-filled roads? Perhaps going back to normal is (TCPA), added that Covid-19 has not what is best for us.” “amplified” pre-existing urban Perhaps, he said, now is the time to inequalities that have been “chart a new normal” and to change the undermining residents’ wellbeing inequality in cities, towns and villages. for years.

“The planning system and “The way we regulate local government planners the built environment should be leading the was broken before the “THE WAY WE charge, not just to a new pandemic – but what it REGULATE normal but to work with has done is made the THE BUILT communities to create need for change even ENVIRONMENT WAS places that we can all be more obvious," he told BROKEN BEFORE proud of.”

The Planner. But, he THE PANDEMIC – Chris Wood, assistant cautioned, it cannot be BUT WHAT IT HAS director of research and assumed that increased DONE IS MADE strategy at housing charity awareness will lead to THE NEED FOR Shelter, agreed. change. “If we do, we CHANGE EVEN Policies such as permitted are doomed to repeat MORE OBVIOUS” –

DANIEL SLADE

I M AG E | I STO C K

10/06/2020 10:26

PLAN UPFRONT

Covid-19 and enforcement: A Q&A Due to lockdown, the planning profession altered the way in which it worked, including those in planning enforcement. Now, the restrictions are relaxing in England.

The Planner spoke to Craig Allison (CA), senior planning enforcement officer at Hambleton District Council about how the council adapted.

development rights exacerbate issues surrounding the quality of homes, but, providing high-quality social housing offers the government the chance to drive an improvement in housing standards. “It also provides the opportunity to protect jobs and skills in the housing sector, which we know from 2008 are put at risk by a recession and housing market downturn. It’s an opportunity to tackle the housing inequalities laid bare by the Covid-19 crisis – and give everyone the security and opportunity provided by a decent and high-quality home.”

For RTPI president Sue Manns FRTPI, the role of the planner must be to better understand what everyone in society needs and to secure it.

“Whilst the pandemic has reinforced the legitimacy of public investment in health and social care, this needs to be extended to include the homes that we build and the spaces and places that we live in… planners need to lead this debate.”

Harris added that planners would need to “work in partnership to tackle socio-economic disadvantage, directing economic stimulus measures through integrated plans for strategic networks of green infrastructure and active travel, and linking the retrofit and regeneration of existing buildings with the delivery of new affordable homes.” n John Haxworth’s blog is on The Planner website: bit.ly/planner0720-lockdown

1. When lockdown restrictions were implemented how did you and the council continue to address enforcement issues, given the ban on site visits?

CA: The council took the view that site visits would be undertaken only for cases that were considered a high priority in accordance with the council’s local enforcement plan. The plan sets out the high category to be any sites that would cause considerable harm to the council’s natural or built environment.

This included any works to listed buildings or works to trees protected by tree preservation orders. To enable site visits, I was given a letter from the council’s chief executive detailing that I was a key worker and required to go on site. This letter was to be given to the police if I was to be pulled over.

When undertaking the site visit this was done from the public road or footpath and no entrance was actually made into the site to ensure that we maintained social distancing. For any other cases that came, site visits were not undertaken and complainants were advised that this was the case.

2. Did calls about enforcement breaches fall? Have they begun to return to normal since lockdown restrictions were eased in early May? CA: At the beginning of the lockdown the number of enforcement cases reduced significantly to maybe only one or two cases a week. However, from a week before the lockdown restrictions were eased the council saw an influx of new enforcement cases being received.

This was considered to be the same

amount as what the council normally receives when no lockdown is in place.

In some weeks we have experienced more enforcement cases than normal, which is probably due to people being at home more or when they are undertaking their daily exercise.

3. Are you able to visit sites now a bit more movement is allowed and builders are able to work? If so, how are site visits conducted?

CA: All site visits are being conducted now, however, we are still only viewing the sites from a public road or a public vantage point and not actually going into the sites. When we have to go into a site when it is not visible from the main road we are contacting the owner to ask for an arranged site visit and stating that social distancing is to be maintained at all times. Furthermore, we are not entering any buildings or properties as of yet and this will need further consideration before these types of site visits are conducted.

4. Is the council considering the use of PPE so that site visits can take place, particularly for the worst cases of enforcement breaches?

CA: The council is considering the use of PPE, but at the moment it is just exploring all options.

5. Have you encountered any issues with change of use to takeaway businesses during the pandemic?

CA: The council has not experienced any difficulties with takeaway businesses during the pandemic. I am sure this may become more of an issue as further lockdown restrictions are relaxed in the future. If people are experiencing any difficulties or have any queries, please contact your NAPE regional contact for guidance. n Information on procedures and the council’s way of working during Covid-19 were in line with government and public health advice at the time of writing

J U LY 2 020 / THE PLA NNER

6-7 news_July 2020_The Planner 7

7

10/06/2020 10:26

NEWS

News { Two-thirds of councils have no up-to-date plan, suggests research Questions have been raised by a countryside charity regarding the government’s target for all councils to have an up-to-date local plan in place by 2023 after it found just a third of English councils have one.

CPRE’s What’s The Plan? report assesses local plans across England and challenges whether or not the system is “genuinely plan-led”. It found:

90%

of local planning authorities have an adopted local plan but 10 per cent do not, and most of them, except one development corporation, are relying on older policies from plans developed before 2004.

40% 80%

of local plans are less than five years old, or have been updated or reviewed in the past five years.

of local planning authorities will need to review an existing plan – or adopt a new one – to meet the government’s proposed 2023 deadline.

Matt Thomson, head of land use and planning at CPRE, said the research “clearly disputes” claims by ministers that England’s planning system is plan-led.

“This is concerning, as local plans are essential to delivering high-quality and genuinely liveable areas. Done well, local plans provide a vision for residents and investors alike. They also protect and enhance areas of countryside that are critical for our health and wellbeing, provide a haven for nature and are an asset in tackling the climate emergency.”

He explained that the report finds that national planning policies and the government’s tests for local plans make it “difficult” for councils to adopt plans, and even harder for plans to be defined as up to date.

What’s The Plan? sets out a number of recommendations that aim to support local authorities and the government to move to a “genuinely plan-led system” by the end of 2023: The government should monitor and publish a summary of local plan coverage across England at least once a year.

The government should monitor local planning authorities’ housing land supply positions and consider improving the policy’s practicability.

Guidance should be produced for local planning authorities by the government on how to review and subsequently update a local plan, which is essential to enable local authorities to maintain up-to-date plans.

The government should work more closely with the relevant local planning authorities to try to learn from these lessons and provide the necessary support to address the barriers they face in plan preparation and adoption.

The government should help to simplify the landscape by providing a clear structure of statutory plan documents across England, which would improve usability and make it easier to monitor and maintain up-to-date plans.

n An executive summary and the full report can be found on the CPRE website: bit.ly/planner0720-cpre

Green light for 266 new homes as Mid Ulster committee meets again Proposals for more than 260 new homes were approved in June at the first meeting of Mid Ulster District Council’s planning committee since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

In all, 266 dwellings were given the go-ahead, including a 76-unit development at Clogher and a 39-home scheme at Cookstown (left).

Committee chair Sean McPeake said: “The positive decisions made at the meeting demonstrate that the council’s planning committee continues to provide the green light to sustainable development proposals, which in turn will protect and safeguard our economy, as well as many local jobs.”

8

T H E PL AN N E R \ JU LY 2 0 2 0

8-9 News_July 2020_The Planner 8

I M AG E S | A L A M Y / S H U T T E RSTO C K

10/06/2020 10:27

Welsh planning needs better resourcing to deliver wellbeing outcomes The Welsh Government should put in place a series of mechanisms that better monitor the outcomes delivered by a planning system aligned with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 – along with the resources to realise those outcomes.

The recommendations are outlined by the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, whose role is to act as “guardian of future generations”.

The Future Generations Report 2020 draws on information gathered since the act came into force four years ago, considering progress made by all public bodies, including the

Welsh Government, towards its implementation. It comprises chapters on leadership, progress against the wellbeing goals, setting good wellbeing objectives and areas of focus including land-use planning and placemaking, as well as transport and housing.

On the recasting of the Welsh planning system, which it notes is still “many years from completion”, the report suggests that the different stages at which local development revisions are taking place across the country represents a significant challenge for planners as they seek to balance out “competing interests and implement several new policies,

legislation and guidance with dwindling funding and diminished resources”.

To recast the planning system, “the Welsh Government needs to invest in supporting the planning profession in the public sector, while also recognising the role that private sector consultants and developers play”.

Halving land use planning resources in the past 10 years has already affected the ability of the system to handle its everyday activities, states the report, while in many councils the chief planner is no longer on the executive team.

“It is, therefore, challenging for local authorities to maintain the status quo, let alone find the time and space to support the transformational change needed to embed placemaking and the act.”

A key recommendation is that the Welsh Government should explore how financial levers – such as the newly devolved stamp duty tax and green finance funding for major infrastructure projects – can be used to bring back adequate resources to planning.

The government should also invest significantly in the implementation of placemaking and Planning Policy Wales 10 (PPW10) to ensure that placemaking is delivered and that skills are not lost.

Roisin Willmott OBE FRTPI, director of RTPI Cymru, told The Planner: “The RTPI welcomes the report and the recognition of the value and importance that planning has in delivering for current and future generations. Many of the recommendations directed at planning, as well as other related recommendations, are what the profession already strives to do.

However, they need to be given the resources to enable them to achieve this. The report, through its recognition of planning, provides strong evidence to support the need for investment in planning.” n A full analysis of the report can be found here on The Planner website: bit.ly/planner0720-wellbeingwales

J U LY 2 020 / THE PLA NNER

8-9 News_July 2020_The Planner 9

9

10/06/2020 10:27

NEWS

News { Mixed fortunes for Dublin fasttrack housing schemes Two major fast-track housing schemes in the greater Dublin area, both involving around 450 new homes, saw mixed fortunes in June.

Glenveagh Properties has received approval for a 463-unit development in the heart of Citywest, Dublin from An Bord Pleanála. The proposals were for 353 flats and 89 houses.

One of the country’s biggest builders, Glenveagh acquired the 7.4-hectare site at the junction of Citywest Road and Magna Drive two years ago. The successful scheme proposes seven

blocks mostly six-storeys high.

However, Ironborn Real Estate’s plans for Stepaside failed to pass muster with An Bord Pleanála.

The proposals involved 444 flats and a crèche on a 2.8-hectare site at Aiken’s Village. The scheme would have seen nine blocks ranging from two to eight storeys built.

The planning agency raised concerns about sustainable connectivity, layout, design, and problems with wastewater capacity, as well as potential flooding risks.

Plan lodged for carbonneutral Perth West scheme The John Dewar Lamberkin Trust has submitted a planning application for the initial phases of its mixed-use sustainable expansion of Perth.

Touted as Scotland’s ‘largest carbon-neutral development’, the Perth West project includes proposals for a national innovation business park as well as 1,500 homes, leisure and educational provision supported by a smart energy grid.

Key to the project is the so-called Perth Innovation Highway – an integrated energy, data and road corridor connecting the scheme to Perth city centre and enabling logistics businesses, public transport operators, industrial and manufacturing businesses and residents to access lowcarbon smart energy and mobility infrastructure.

UK Government funding

10

T H E PL AN N E R \ JU LY 2 0 2 0

10-11 News_July 2020_The Planner 10

through the Tay Cities Deal has set aside £5 million for the development, which has been designed to promote active travel and public transport. Three neighbourhood centres, connected by a pedestrian and cycle-friendly street network, will offer local facilities and bus connections. A mobility hub will host parking and car-sharing facilities, electric charging-points for cars and bikes, a medical centre and a bus service as well as connecting Perth West into the Perth city centre network.

Ultimately the scheme, on 240 hectares of land on the western edge of the city, should provide up to 3,500 new homes, 875 of which could be affordable. A separate proposal is being prepared for a renewable energy park providing low-carbon heat and power for businesses and households in the area.

Outline permission granted for Cambridge housing development Plans for 1,200 homes and two schools on the south-eastern outskirts of Cambridge have secured outline planning permission.

The Marshall Group Properties and Endurance Estates Strategic Land scheme is the first phase of a 12,000-home plan for Cambridge East at the Marshalls Airfield site on the edge of the city.

The project, approved by a virtual meeting of the Cambridge Fringe Joint Development Control Committee – the joint planning body comprising members from Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire councils – was given approval after planners described the scheme as a “high-quality and distinctive new neighbourhood” that would bring significant benefits to the public.

The Cherry Hinton scheme is set to comprise a “later living” community, town centre, primary and secondary schools, open spaces and community facilities on a 56-hectare site.

Forty per cent of the homes will be for affordable housing with 90 provided for a retirement living facility.

I M AG E S | G E T T Y / I STO C K / M I DL A N D S CON N ECT

10/06/2020 10:27

NEWS

Eden Project eyes up Dundee for new venture The international arm of the organisation behind the Eden Project in Cornwall has confirmed that it is investigating the feasibility of locating a scheme in Dundee.

Eden is working with the city council and university and has identified the 162-hectare Camperdown Country Park, three miles from the city centre, as a potential site.

The proposal – provisionally known as Eden Project Scotland – is part of Eden’s portfolio of international initiatives, which include more UK projects earmarked for Derry in Northern Ireland, Morecambe, Lancashire and at Portland, Dorset, on the World Heritage Jurassic Coast.

Like every Eden Project around the world, Eden Project Scotland would be both transformational and regenerative with an overarching theme of humanity’s connection to the natural world.

The original Eden Project, near St Austell in Cornwall, opened in March 2001 and boasts the world-famous geodesic Biomes, one of which houses the world’s biggest undercover rainforest. Eden has welcomed more than 22 million visitors since opening and has generated more than £2 billion for the regional economy.

David Harland, chief executive of Eden Project International, said: “Dundee… is a vibrant city with big ambitions, and we hope to be able to create something that encapsulates its unique appeal. The opening of the city’s V&A Museum in 2018 was a bold statement of intent and we want to be part of the next wave, helping establish Dundee as a truly world-class destination.”

John Alexander, city council leader, added: “There’s a clear alignment between what Eden is known for – sustainability, education and a first-class visitor experience – and what we want to deliver here in Dundee.

“Bringing Eden Project Scotland to Dundee would not only mean securing an amazing asset for local people to enjoy, but also adding another world-class attraction to our future visitor offer. Tourism was a key pillar of the Dundee economy before the devastating events of the past few months, and it will be again.”

East Midlands transport plan for HS2 station set out A £2.7 billion transport plan to connect the East Midlands to the region’s HS2 hub station at Toton in Nottinghamshire has been set out by a group of councils, transport bodies and East Midlands Airport.

Midlands Connect intends its plan for the site to lead the region’s economic recovery from Covid-19 and accelerate the benefits of HS2. It comprises new bus, rail and tram connections to the HS2 East Midlands hub for 20 villages, towns and cities including Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Newark, Matlock, Mansfield and Long Eaton.

The bodies expect the hub to support regeneration plans for 84,000 jobs and 4,500 homes, as well as the government’s levelling-up agenda.

It comprises three phases, with phase 1 set to be completed by 2030, which would “stimulate development” before HS2 trains arrive in the East Midlands. Midlands Connect, the transport partner of the Midlands Engine, and the Midlands’ Sub-national Transport Body, said the region has the lowest transport spend per head of anywhere in the UK – 49 per cent less than the UK average – but this plan seeks to improve transport connectivity

and social mobility for deprived communities in the region.

These works are integrated with the work of the East Midlands Development Corporation, which the government has backed. Its plans are split into three phases.

Phase 1 includes: • Extension of the Nottingham Express Transit system from Long Eaton to Toton Lane via two new stops at the planned Innovation Campus Development and HS2 East Midlands Hub. • New bus services from HS2 East Midlands Hub to Amber Valley, West Bridgford and Clifton.

• Four rail services an hour to the HS2 East Midlands Hub from Leicester, Derby and Nottingham.

• A6005 improvements.

• New rail services between Mansfield, Derby and Leicester, with stops at Ilkeston, Langley Mill, Kirkby in Ashfield, Sutton Parkway and the HS2 East Midlands Hub. Phase 2 would see a railway station built at East Midlands Airport and connections from the East Midlands Hub to Derby by tram or Bus Rapid Transit. This is expected to be completed in 20 years. Phase 3, planned for completion within 25 years, includes rail links to the South Derby Growth Zone.

D EC EMB J UER LY 20 2 0 216 0 / THE PLA NNER

10-11 News_July 2020_The Planner 11

11

10/06/2020 10:28

The UK’s leading supplier OF HARDWOOD BUS SHELTERS Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Townscape Assessment Expert Witness, Public Inquires & Appeals Strategic Land Promotion Local Plan Representations Green Belt Assessment Sensitivity and Capacity Appraisals Minerals and Waste Development Urban Design, Public Realm and Masterplanning Regeneration and Renewal Heritage Landscapes and Restoration

PR NEWSTEAD O

OD

BUS

S

EL TERS

HARD

Ecological Consultancy and BREEAM

H

W

M O FR 0 ES 98 I C 4 , AT £ V +

Landscape Design and Implementation

Littlethorpe O F L E I C E S T E R LT D ESTABLISHED 1983

12

0116 2603777

Mark Flatman - mark.flatman@lizlake.com Head of Landscape Planning

01279 647 044

sales@littlethorpe.com

www.lizlake.com

littlethorpe.com

Stansted | Bristol | Nottingham

T H E PL AN N E R \ J U LY 2 0 2 0

p12_PLN.JULY20.indd 12

10/06/2020 16:28

LEADER COMMENT

Planning for post­pandemic recovery

Event

The Planner Live Online: Planning for post-pandemic recovery Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July sees a week of digital conference sessions covering how planning is coping in this age of crisis. The webinars and video debates are free to attend, so join us by going to bit.ly/planner0720-plannerlive Monday 29 June 10.30am-10.40am – YouTube Premiere Opening address by 2020 RTPI president, Sue Manns.

Transport has completely changed during lockdown. What are the implications for transport infrastructure planning in the future?

Data analyst Co-Star presents the latest data on commercial properties, and experts debate the impact on planning of commercial centres.

11.00am-11.30am – Webinar The risks exposed: What Covid-19 is telling us about the way we plan and build our living environments A neuroscientist and a planner focus on health, inequality, environment and the need to plan for more resilient homes and neighbourhoods.

2.00pm-2.40pm – Webinar Current and Future State of Town Planning Recruitment How the Town Planning job market has responded to Covid-19 and how recruiting in the sector will change over the next year.

4.00pm-5.00pm – Webinar How will Covid-19 change the way we plan our towns and cities? Public health has always been a central concern for planners. This session explores the challenges that Covid-19 poses for our towns and cities, and how we plan them in the future

2.00pm-2.15pm – YouTube Premiere PINS CEO Sarah Richards in conversation with RTPI chief executive Victoria Hills Tuesday 30 June 11.00am-11.40am – Webinar Transport for green recovery

Wednesday 1 July 11.00am-11.40am – Webinar New priorities for health and wellbeing – a function of place?

With social distancing a new feature of our lives how has the emphasis on place changed in terms of health and wellbeing?

2.00pm-2.40pm – YouTube Premiere

Thursday 2 July 11.00am-11.40am – Webinar Climate action and environmental impact – the role of the local planning authority. Many commentators note the immediate impact of fewer journeys on the climate - what is the role of the local

planning authority in capitalising on this?

2.00pm-2.40pm – YouTube Premiere Chief planners from the UK Nations and Ireland in conversation with Wei Yang, RTPI vice-president.

Friday 3 July 11.00am-11.40am – Webinar Post Covid-19 economic and social recovery and planning‘s contribution Planners will be central to the recovery of our economies and communities. What will they contribute?

2.00pm-3.00pm – Webinar London Planners Idea Exchange: Inclusive Economies . What can planners do to help facilitate the recovery and bring about more inclusive growth?

CONTACTS Redactive Publishing Ltd Level 5, 78 Chamber Street, London, E1 8BL, 020 7880 6200

Sub-editor Deborah Shrewsbury

SUBSCRIPTIONS Picture editor Claire Echavarry Designer Craig Bowyer

EDITORIAL

A D V E RT I S I N G & M A R K E T I N G

Tel: 020 7324 2736 editorial@theplanner.co.uk

020 7880 6206 sales@theplanner.co.uk

Editor Martin Read martin.read@theplanner.co.uk

R E C RU I T M E N T

Consultant editor Huw Morris Deputy editor Simon Wicks simon.wicks@theplanner.co.uk News editor Laura Edgar laura.edgar@theplanner.co.uk Section editor Matt Moody

ISSN 2053-7581

020 78806232 jobs@theplanner.co.uk PRODUCT ION Production director Jane Easterman Production manager Aysha Miah-Edwards PUBLISHING Publishing director Joanna Marsh

Average net circulation 17,608 (January-December 2020) (A further 5,700 members receive the magazine in digital form)

£120 – UK £175 – Overseas To subscribe, call 01580 883844 or email subs@redactive.co.uk – alternatively, you can subscribe online at subs.theplanner. co.uk/subscribe © The Planner is published on behalf of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) by Redactive Publishing Ltd (RPL), 78 Chamber Street, London E1 8BL This magazine aims to include a broad range of opinion about planning issues and articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the RTPI nor should such opinions be relied upon as statements of fact.

All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in any print or electronic format, including but not limited to any online service, any database or any part of the internet, or in any other format in whole or in part in any media whatsoever, without the prior written permission of the publisher. While all due care is taken in writing and producing this magazine, neither RTPI nor RPL accept any liability for the accuracy of the contents or any opinions expressed herein. Printed by PCP Ltd.

RT P I C O N TA C T S Membership membership@rtpi.org.uk 020 7929 9462 Education education@rtpi.org.uk 020 7929 9451 Planning Aid England advice@planningaid.rtpi.org.uk 41 Botolph Lane London EC3R 8DL Media enquiries Rebecca Hildreth rebecca.hildreth@rtpi.org.uk 020 7929 9477 The Planner is produced using paper that is elemental chlorine-free and is sourced from sustainable managed forest.

J U LY 2 0 20 / THE PLA NNER

13 leader_July 2020_The Planner 13

13

10/06/2020 14:06

LO U I S E B R O O K E ­ S M I T H O B E

O Opinion

Diverse thinking and a dash of realism If we logged on to every Zoom meeting, Teams gathering, legal seminar or virtual conference bombarding our inboxes, I don’t think we would have got much sleep over the past three months.

Lockdown would be leaving us with square eyes, in addition to our new skills in talking with the mute on – or, perhaps more embarrassing, talking with the mute off when it should be on.

The initial plethora and the novelty of invitations to so many free events with every organisation under the sun getting on the bandwagon of ‘virtuality’ has thankfully waned. Most people appear to have chosen their favourite goggle-box format and registered with select regular events that prove to be more entertaining than others.

Luckily, the initial pontification has moved beyond “What will life be like, post-Covid-19?” And, let’s be honest, there is only so much we can take of “Can we all work from home forever?

What will happen to the office market? Can we make sure our air will stay as clear and how can we continue to hear the birdsong?”

It’s all very laudable, but no one has a crystal ball and I think we all know that things have a habit of changing fast.

Opening up schools too soon, or holding the equivalent of the Cheltenham Cup, could see a renewed infection rate, an Italian-style lockdown and the economy going to hell in a handcart.

But less of the pessimism.

A key issue that has been

14

T H E PL AN N E R \ JU LY 2 0 2 0

14 Louise_July 2020_The Planner 14

admirably highlighted by the World Health Organization and UN Habitat in their joint publication Integrating Health in Urban and Territorial Planning (bit.ly/ planner0720-health) might sound a bit dry, but it is something to shout about. The document quite rightly asks: “If the purpose of planning is not for human and planetary health, then what is it for?”

With this rhetorical context, it provides resources and tools for the built environment community to embed health into respective planning systems. Clearly, much of the hard work by the research teams involved was undertaken before Covid-19 hit but, nevertheless, what great timing to issue it now just as planning strategists, policy-makers, developers and investors are looking for the best roadmap to follow.

“IF WE DON’T GRASP THIS NOW, WHEN WILL WE EVER HAVE A BETTER OPPORTUNITY?” If we don’t grasp this now, when will we ever have a better opportunity?

If the quality of life for all us is measured by a combination of our physical and mental health, our personal economic position, our ability to make best use of digital technology, our access to a home and our interaction with other people whether in work and social scenarios, then who is better placed than built environment professionals to embark on a refreshed agenda?

What a bonus if that agenda is well thought

through so it isn’t tripped up by unintended consequences, and is accepted as plain and simple common sense. That will mean collaboration and a combination of skills, not just the ‘planoraks’ or beancounters, or tree-huggers working in silos.

If all those virtual seminars have shown me anything it’s that the key concerns of life after Covid-19 can’t be solved by one mindset or specialism.

They will need to be looked at in the round, with diversity of thinking and a liberal sprinkling of realism.

So while we settle into the new normal, making the best of our spare rooms or kitchen tables, let’s push the Zooms, Skypes and Teams calls to the next level. Let’s move on from the navel-gazing and neverending debates over tweaks to the planning system and tackle the bigger picture.

Let’s demand investment in the public realm, say no to rabbit hutch-sized studio flats that might well emerge from the inevitable tsunami of vacant office space, and put health and wellbeing at the top of the agenda.

Dr Louise Brooke-Smith is a development and strategic planning consultant and a built environment non-executive director I L L U S T R AT I O N | Z A R A P I C K E N

10/06/2020 11:42

Quote unquote FROM THE RTPI AND THE WEB

“I find myself trying to remind people that green belt policy is not environmental policy.

It’s not about how green things are. A bit of me thinks that it is bit of a misnomer. It’s a spatial policy.”

“We have a unique opportunity to ‘reset’ the nature d reduce d of consumption and our iimpactt on the natural world” OLIVER BOLTON, CEO OF CLIMATE TECH INVESTMENT PLATFORM ALMOND IMPACT LTD, ON THE OPPORTUNITIES OPENED UP BY THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS

RETIRING CHIEF PLANNER FOR ENGLAND STEVE QUARTERMAIN ON A COMMON MISCONCEPTION THAT COULD GIVE A FALSE IMPRESSION OF POLICY INTENT

CONSULTANT KIM PENFOLD CALLS FOR A MASS SIMPLIFICATION OF PLANNING LAW IN THE FORTHCOMING WHITE PAPER

I M AG E S |

ISTOCK / SHUTTERSTOCK

“In 2017 the Law Commission argued that planning law in Wales was difficult and time-consuming to navigate, resulting in increased costs for individuals, businesses, and local planning authorities. It would be difficult to argue that the same does not apply to England today.”

“I have witnessed the profession change from being engaging, enabling and helpful into rigid, remote and at times highly obstructive with endless check ists before any approval can be considered. A call centre could deliver that kind of service!”

PLANNING CONSULTANT DON BENNETT BEMOANS WHAT HE SEES AS THE PLANNING SYSTEM’S FAILINGS

“For the first time, most of us have exposed something from our private lives to someone new. I sense increased empathy and a better understanding of how certain ways of life don’t work for everyone.

The exposure of these diversities is a very important feature of how we should design in the future.”

MARIA LOUISE SCHEMBERI OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY HILSON MORAN THINKS LOCKDOWN COULD CHANGE MUCH ABOUT HOW THE FUTURE BUILT ENVIRONMENT IS CONCEIVED

“An increase in the number of homeworkers could see a wider preoccupation with thermal comfort and the energy efficiency of homes” DR TARA HIPWOOD, LECTURER IN ARCHITECTURE AT NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY, ON HOW AN ACTUAL INCREASE IN OVERALL ENERGY USE CAUSED

BY MASS WORKING FROM HOME NEEDS TO BE COUNTERED BY GOOD HOUSING DESIGN.

“We have a lot of empty spaces and after the pandemic the number will increase. Bringing workplace and homes to the high street would be an exciting way to activate them and keep communities close.”

ARCHITECT GIULIA ROBBA OF FARRELLS, SEES OPPORTUNITY IN MORE GEOGRAPHICALLY DISPERSED AND LOCALISED WORKING COMBINING WITH RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

J U LY 2 0 20 / THE PLA NNER

15 Quote_July 2020_The Planner 15

15

10/06/2020 10:29

B E S T O F T H E B LO G S

O Opinion

1 BLOG

Michael Kordas MRTPI is data manager with the Scottish government and was recently awarded a PhD in urban studies by the University of Glasgow

Participative planning and the ‘new normal’

“The charrette takes place at the town centre bandstand. Local people, enticed by the buzz, can draw or write their suggestions for the regeneration of the area on a table set with blank paper or with building block models on a map, working alongside the facilitation team. A busker sets up nearby, playing her guitar and singing. The charrette feels like just another ‘attraction’ that might be found in any town centre Saturday morning and integrates perfectly with the street life.”

So my research diary records from a charrette in Clydebank in 2018 to create a local place plan.

During my PhD project, I argued that participative planning by public event could create an atmosphere of partnership between planners and citizens.

Scotland is an interesting environment for this; the government has supported charrettes, enquiries by design and similar interventions since the 2000s.

Facilitators have set up their own ‘stall’ locally during participative events, igniting interest and bringing professionals and communities together through working over maps and sketches or experiencing host places ‘live’ on walking tours and site visits.

But the foreseeable future

Kate Bellew MRTPI is a senior conservation planner with RSPB Scotland

Planning for a green recovery in Scotland

with its need to physically distance, counts against the interpersonal energy of these formats. How will participative planning meet the new normal?

Pre-epidemic, there was already developing experience in planning engagement focused on social media, apps and even wearable tech. The use of web meeting technologies, not only for engagement on new strategies, but for planning committees and pre-application consultation, is also likely.

Neve r t h e l e s s, the quality of engagement that these communication methods might deliver and the problems of ensuring inclusive access are big hurdles. Perhaps serious online participation, especially on local development and community planning, requires a change of pacing as well as method?

One approach could be to invite the public into an online coproduction space, as is common in tech and higher education, permitting dialogue between stakeholders over weeks or months.

The explosion in working and socialising from home under lockdown has shown that wider society is adaptable to doing things differently: as planners we must be too.

“THE EXPLOSION IN WORKING AND SOCIALISING FROM HOME UNDER LOCKDOWN HAS SHOWN THAT WIDER SOCIETY IS ADAPTABLE TO DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY – AS PLANNERS WE MUST BE, TOO”

16

2 BLOG

Covid-19 has brought inconceivable changes to society and the way we live. Our world has been turned upside down so, in many ways, preparing a consultation response to the next national plan for Scotland has been quite challenging.

National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) will set a route map for how development and infrastructure is delivered in Scotland over the next decade.

Planning and investment decisions made now and over the period of NPF4 could drive not only our economic response to Covid19, but also shape the infrastructure that will be in place in 2045, the deadline for Scotland’s net-zero emissions target.

It will also be key in supporting the government’s shift towards a wellbeing economy, including ambitions for a nature recovery.

It’s critical that we get this plan right.

The new plan for Scotland will identify ‘national developments’ – key developments that Scottish ministers believe are needed for the future.

The current plan includes airport expansion projects, major road infrastructure and a new power station. But as we contemplate recovery from this pandemic, it is vital that we focus on building a new future and not just recreating the existing system.

We need to rebalance Scotland’s economy – prioritising the long-term wellbeing and resilience of people, nature and climate – and address inequalities.

This means supporting green jobs and industries by directing investment towards renewable and zero-carbon development.

We also need to invest in our natural environment. We will be asking the Scottish Government to make a ‘Scottish Nature Network’ a national priority.

A nature network means creating bigger, better, more and joined-up sites for nature.

This includes creating naturerich green space in urban areas to support health and wellbeing, but also prioritising where investment is needed for land uses that address climate change – including suitable areas for native tree planting, peatland restoration, and natural flood management measures, which can restore nature and benefit rural economies.

The Scottish Government has made it clear that the dual emergencies of climate change and biodiversity loss must form a central part of our recovery.

NPF4 will play a critical role in shaping Scotland and we want to see solutions that address climate change and biodiversity loss prioritised to realise a resilient and healthy society.

“IT IS VITAL THAT WE FOCUS ON BUILDING A NEW FUTURE AND NOT JUST RECREATING THE EXISTING SYSTEM”

T H E P L AN N E R \ JU LY 2 0 2 0

16-17 blogs_July 2020_The Planner 16

10/06/2020 10:29

Have your say Would you like to see yourself in these pages?

Get in touch by email – editorial@theplanner.co.uk Topical, inspirational, angry or amusing – we consider all relevant comment

3 BLOG

Eleanor Gingell MRTPI is a principal planner with WYG. Her views are expressed in a personal capacity.

It’s time to start planning for play

If you’ve ever watched a group of young children, you may have observed them creating imaginary worlds with an exhausting amount of energy.

Play is how children learn to understand the world around them. Its benefits are well documented, encompassing social, emotional, intellectual and physical development.

Yet how we plan for play appears to have dropped off the agenda, with no detailed or high-level planning policy in place at a national level in England.

Our response to the provision for children’s play has at best become formulaic – an afterthought to ensure that boxes are ticked and the numeric requirements in an ageing SPD have been met, resulting in a ‘KFC playground’.

This term, coined by landscape architect Helen Wolly, describes the kind of play area where standard kit (easily maintained and brightly coloured) is fenced off and a safety surface is added.

During lockdown these areas have also been closed and we have had to explore our environment to find new opportunities for play. Indoor spaces have been repurposed.

A den has appeared under the kitchen table, plastic dinosaurs roam through seedling forests

4 BLOG

Julia Berry is consultant solicitor at Reed Smith LLP

Planning during a pandemic – the CIL regime

in our small garden, and the wildlife (mostly snails) has been named and domesticated.

Yet it is outside, in the planned environment, where we have been forced to alter our behaviour the most. It has been a privilege to be locked down in Milton Keynes. Despite growing up here, it is only since lockdown that I have discovered bridleways high with cow parsley, woods full of wild garlic and trees to climb on, alleyways between buildings, and appreciated the connectedness of its open spaces.

Our favourite place is now the archaeological remains of a Roman villa with stones laid out on top to aid interpretation. These different spaces, each with their own sensory experiences, have enabled play without standard equipment.

The first Women in Planning South Midlands coffee break focused on urban design.

Interestingly, other members had also begun to question how we plan for play. Is it time we moved away from standardised equipment and created environments that facilitate opportunities for play? Is it time to revisit the 10 principles promoted by Play England? With no policy on play in the NPPF, it is up to us as planners, working with urban designers and landscape architects, to rethink approaches to play, post-Covid-19.

“IS IT TIME WE MOVED AWAY FROM STANDARDISED EQUIPMENT AND CREATED ENVIRONMENTS THAT FACILITATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PLAY?”

The government has announced that help for the CIL regime may be on its way, but it looks as though assistance may be limited to deferral of payments and waiver of interest penalties.

There are several options councils and the government should be exploring. The first is a blanket scheme of payment postponements for set periods, or a more bespoke approach commensurate with the delays an individual project has experienced, agreed at a local level.

A more challenging answer could involve changes to the tariffs themselves or creative discounts to encourage delivery of targeted projects, conditional on targets being met with regard to start, progress and delivery.

Some authorities have announced a delay to payments by reissuing demand notices already served, coupled with suspending debt recovery and enforcement. There is no statutory basis for these actions in the regulations, so they cannot be formally relied on until new legislation is forthcoming.

One answer may be the extended use of exceptional circumstances relief. This allows authorities to offer relief “where a person responsible for a specific scheme cannot afford to pay the levy”. Currently, this is not automatic. It only applies where a charging authority has given

formal notice that the relief is available. Each claim has to be considered individually, but only where a section 106 agreement is in place and the development has not yet begun. The charging authority has to be convinced that the full levy would have an unacceptable impact on viability.

Pre-coronavirus, this was little used but future claims could become more frequent.

This procedure will not help schemes already under way, and it is subject to the authority’s discretion.

A government keen to kick-start development could apply it automatically to all developments, at whatever stage they are.

A right to review negotiated s.106 contributions where viability has fu n d a m e n t a l ly changed could also be reintroduced.

Phased developments will benefit from phased payments, however, this phasing must be set out within the consent itself and cannot be retrospectively engineered. Many authorities allow payment by instalments, which could be extended, but this is entirely discretionary.

With far-reaching assistance afforded to many other sectors, and development an important catalyst for economic recovery and growth, some form of CIL relief would be of long-term benefit to developers and councils alike.

“SOME FORM OF CIL RELIEF WOULD BE OF LONG­TERM BENEFIT TO DEVELOPERS AND COUNCILS”

J U LY 2 0 20 / THE PLA NNER

16-17 blogs_July 2020_The Planner 17

17

10/06/2020 10:29

COVID­19 AND TRANSPORT

THE COVID­19 CRISIS IS PROMPTING COUNCILS TO ‘REALLOCATE’ ROAD SPACE TO ENCOURAGE ACTIVE TRAVEL AND ENABLE PEDESTRIANS TO GET AROUND SAFELY. MEASURES ARE TEMPORARY BUT, ASKS SIMON WICKS, DOES THIS HERALD A NEW APPROACH TO TRANSPORT PLANNING IN TOWNS AND CITIES?

FROM TEMP

18

T H E PL AN N E R \ JU LY 2 0 2 0

18-22 Feature_July 2020_The Planner 18

10/06/2020 10:30

COVID­19 AND TRANSPORT

Physical distancing has become necessary in our streets and on public transport during the Covid-19 pandemic

P TO PERM I f we want to change, this is the time to do it,” insists John Lauder, Edinburgh-based deputy chief executive of cycling and walking charity Sustrans.

“It’s about setting up safe and reliable routes to where people need to get to; about sufficient safe physical distance; and about temporary infrastructure that leads to well designed permanent infrastructure.” Then it’s about access, he continues, and for government “to keep up the message that we want people to exercise more.”

On its surface, Lauder’s recipe for a new way of managing movement in towns and cities is driven by the need to adapt to Covid-19. But it is also a manifesto for embedding the principles of sustainable transport into our towns and cities.

Campaigners, planners, researchers, policymakers and health experts have argued the case for years, but progress has been piecemeal with low demand due to continued furlough and until now. Perhaps. working from home.

Despite the privations, lockdown has allowed It can also be read as people seeing cars as the a glimpse of quieter streets, cleaner air, safer safer option for getting around. cycling, more space for walking and, arguably, “In places like London, Greater Manchester, greater integration into our immediate localities.

Leeds, Bristol, people can’t all go back to Encouraged by the government injunction to take commuting on public transport [with physical daily exercise, a plethora of walkers, joggers and distancing reducing capacity],” says Rachel Aldred, cyclists emerged onto suddenly spacious streets. professor of transport and director of the University Bike sales boomed. Cycle to work schemes saw a of Westminster’s Active travel academy.

200 per cent increase in bicycle With a vaccine “months, years orders from people working in away”, she asks: “What do those emergency services. people do? If those people who “IF GOVERNMENT Since its mid-April low of 22 per can, get in their cars, it’s not WANTS PLANNING cent of normal levels, car use had going to work. Things can’t go TO DELIVER A crept back to 67 per cent by early back to normal. Can you imagine ZERO CARBON June, according to the Department hundreds of thousands of cars AGENDA, IT NEEDS for Transport. Rail and bus use more on London’s roads? It’s just TO BE ENSHRINED remained heavily depressed, not possible.”

IN LAW”

I M AG E S | G E T T Y

18-22 Feature_July 2020_The Planner 19

J U LY 2 0 20 / THE PLA NNER

19

10/06/2020 10:30

Space - the viral frontier Space is the issue. If cars continue to take up the lion’s share of the space in our streets, we leave too little for pedestrians.

Governments and cities have responded to this dilemma by ‘reallocating’ street space away from cars and towards people on foot and bicycles (see Popping up all over). Meanwhile, they are encouraging people to continue working from home where they can, introducing physical distancing rules on public transport, promoting cycling and circumscribing delivery times for goods vehicles.

‘Pop-up’ measures, from road closures to traffic cones, are redesignating road space. Many of these measures could be seen as trials for what could become permanent arrangements. That’s because what makes sense in addressing Covid-19 also makes sense as a response to anxieties about health, air quality, climate change, ‘liveability’ and, with Covid-19 disproportionately affecting BAME communities and others living in socioeconomically deprived areas, equality.

Lauder is explicit about this intention in Scotland, where Sustrans is allocating £30 million of funding for temporary measures across the nation. He says: “It’s about safe infrastructure that allows you to exercise with the minimum amount of planning; that’s fair to everyone, particularly those people who don’t own a car, and gives them better access to where they need to get to whether it’s green space or work or shops. It’s about challenging the dominance of the motorcar.”

Lauder argues for bike hire schemes to be extended into communities low on the Index of Multiple Deprivation, and for more thought to be given to the needs of young people in rented accommodation, the visually impaired, and people with disabilities “…if we’re going to get it right”.

The answer may be the use of temporary measures to inform a new approach to infrastructure planning. “Not that traditional approach of ‘We’ll do it once and it’ll be fine’. We’re going to have to go back and iterate which is what a lot of Northern European countries do. We don’t seem to have that tradition.”

No simple alternatives Lauder describes the government response to Covid-19, in sustainable transport terms, as a “watershed moment”. But who’s to say we won’t all simply go back to how we were before, with a few small changes in

20

Xxxxx

POPPING UP ALL OVER

City adaptations are typically taking the form of reallocating road space towards pedestrians and cyclists, thus allowing social distancing while walking, taking pressure off public transport services and discouraging car use.

Oakland in the US has closed 74 miles of streets to motor vehicles while Berlin, Mexico and Budapest have created pop-up bike lane networks.

Many cities are creating one-way streets to free up lanes for walkers and cyclists.

Across the UK local authorities have been given powers – and funding – to implement temporary changes.

In England, £250 million is available to authorities for road space reallocation. Transport secretary Grant Shapps calls it a “once in a generation opportunity to deliver a lasting transformative change in how we make short journeys in our towns and cities”.

Guidance reminds authorities that they do not require traffic regulation orders (TROs) for new ‘lightly segregated’ cycle lanes, but will do for infrastructure that will be permanent, experimental or temporary, which can be in place for 18 months. In the last case, there is a seven-day notice period prior to making the TRO and a 14-day notification requirement after it is made, plus publicity requirements.

Welsh authorities have been invited to bid for grants for “temporary measures to improve the safety and conditions for sustainable and active travel modes”, while in Scotland £30 million has been made available for temporary measures, with funding distributed via Sustrans' Spaces for People programme. Traffic authorities may make temporary TROs covering their roads for up to 18 months.

public transport use and homeworking habits? What’s required to really embed sustainable travel patterns into our everyday lives and ‘normalise’ them?

For Jo Ward, board member of the Transport Planning Society and transport planner with Elliott Wood, the challenge lies in the “missing middle”. Ward argues that we are becoming used to meeting our daily needs for exercise and food locally, and that technology has facilitated

a revolution in remote working. But there’s no simple solution to the car for middle distance journeys – visiting family, for example or, where public transport doesn’t exist, to get to work.

While advocating for more investment in local public transport, Ward nevertheless sees behaviour change as a necessity – in particular around work.

“It may be that peak travel is over,” she says. “We may need to rethink how

T H E PL AN N E R \ J U LY 2 0 2 0

18-22 Feature_July 2020_The Planner 20

10/06/2020 10:30

COVID­19 AND TRANSPORT

A new electric alternative for last-mile logistics?

“IF GOVERNMENT WANTS PLANNING TO DELIVER A ZERO CARBON AGENDA, IT NEEDS TO BE ENSHRINED IN LAW”

Electric cargo (e-cargo) bikes may be able to play a useful role in last-mile deliveries for those towns and cities keen to reduce and promote active travel in their commercial centres.

Smaller and cheaper to buy and maintain than vans, they use cycling infrastructure and carry 150-200kg of payload (including rider), plus 150kg in a trailer. They may also be more efficient than vans in a city centre.

“My company, Last Mile Manchester, has a contract with DHL Express parcels,” says Richard Armitage of the European Cycle Logistics Federation.

“We deliver 10-12 parcels per hour in the centre of Manchester, whilst a DHL van with the same parcels and the same customers would manage just 6-8.”

Can this commercial proposition support the broader argument in favour of reallocating road space towards pedestrians and cyclists? It may be climate change that swings it: Armitage notes that to meet the New Green Deal promoted by EU president Ursula von der Leyen, one in two light commercial vehicles will need to be replaced by “cargo bikes, e-cargo bikes, trailers and e-trailers by 2030”.

UPS already has 120,000 ‘alternative’ vehicles on the roads worldwide, including e-cargo bikes. The campaign group Just Ride The Bike has noted other firms, including Sainsbury’s, are

trialling e-cargo bikes. It further notes that logistics hubs will be smaller than those for other road vehicles and multistorey car park could be repurposed to store bikes and freight.

Nevertheless, obstacles are obvious: van drivers are typically reluctant to embrace the mode switch. Then there is the need to make much larger deliveries. Christopher Ashley, head of policy at the Road Haulage Association, fears that some recent temporary reallocation of road space, to the detriment of road hauliers, may become permanent.

“The roads have been empty and air pollution figures have come down,” he says. “But it’s not come cost-free. One thing missing from this debate is the economic cost behind all of this. It’s a balancing act. It’s not the environment or the economy, it’s the environment and the economy.”

“E-cargo bikes have their place, but it’s all about balance. With the best will in the world, you can’t take a one-tonne girder on an e-cargo bike.”

Armitage counters: “We are not for a second saying that we should be delivering 40 tonnes of sand to a construction site. Which is why where we think it’s headed is about 50 per cent of the light commercial van fleet.” n Martin Read

An ecargo bike and trailer can transport more than 300kg of cargo

I M AG E | G E T T Y / P E DA L M E

18-22 Feature_July 2020_The Planner 21

J U LY 2 0 20 / THE PLA NNER

21

10/06/2020 10:31

COVID­19 AND TRANSPORT

we run our days. For a lot of things we don’t need to travel anymore.”

'For Aldred, the focus needs to be on facilitating shorter commutes that most people would nevertheless consider too far to walk. She looks to Brussels, where city leaders put in place cycle lanes radiating from the centre into the suburbs, and Bogotá, where cycle tracks run alongside rapid bus transit routes for those reluctant to use buses.

Such ‘nudges’ can induce behaviour change and the UK government is encouraging similar schemes.

But there are obstacles, says Aldred. “The initial funding from government is not anywhere near enough. And there needs to be a clear programme that needs technical more than policy support to help local authorities do this. They haven’t done as much to change the [traffic order] regulations as they could. It needs to be easier to do temporary things that are then converted into permanent.”

Yet Aldred is hopeful. “London traditionally had very little cycling, but now people point at London saying ‘that’s London, it couldn’t happen here’. Five years ago, they were saying it couldn’t happen in London. It can happen anywhere.”

An economic brake?

While there is broad support for temporary street measures and a longer-term transition to more sustainable travel patterns, not everyone is happy.

The Road Haulage Association, for example, has written to Baroness Vere, Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State for Transport, expressing its fears that logistics is being treated as an afterthought and that temporary changes to traffic access could too easily become permanent without wider discussion.

“One thing missing from this debate is the economic cost,” says Christopher Ashley, RHA head of policy. “We are happy to engage in the debate about how we can move towards a more sustainable environment, but it’s got to be done in a way that supports jobs and economic growth.”

Of course there are alternatives to many deliveries in urban areas – not least e-cargo bikes (see box), whose advocates include Jennifer Ross, director at Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design.

Ross argues that the twin pressures of Covid-19 and climate change ought to prompt a wholesale rethinking of the way we plan settlements. “I think, as a result of Covid-19, people are realising that they don’t have to live in London. But in order for them [to move out] it has TO come with all the other stuff: places for people to work and meet; the way the education is delivered, the way we deliver food, how we plan infrastructure.

“If government wants planning to deliver a zerocarbon agenda, it needs to be enshrined in law and be much broader than just about land use planning.

It needs to be about delivering quality, the energy agenda and national infrastructure.”

The economic argument, too, is far from straightforward. Integrating sustainable transport

22

TEMPING IN THE CITY

In May 2019, the City of London Corporation set out its first ever long-term transport strategy. A year later, it’s rolling out temporary measures “to ensure the gradual safe return of those who work, live and visit the Square Mile” that have a lot in common with its longer-term ambitions.

“We were able to come up with our pandemic response quickly because we’d already been thinking about where our priorities were in preparing the transport strategy,” says Bruce McVean, acting assistant director of city transportation.

Streets have been classified into three tiers based on the interventions required to allow social distancing.

Proposed changes include closure to vehicles, reallocation for walking or cycling, and closure to through traffic or one-way systems. Changes will be delivered in stages and reviewed continually, typically using measures that can be altered or removed easily such as traffic cones.

“This is an enormous experiment so there is an element of ‘suck it and see’,” says McVean. “In London as a whole, the aim is to avoid a spike in car, taxi and private hire use. As people return to offices, we need them to cycle or use public transport, recognising that capacity will be limited. In London, that

"FIVE YEARS AGO, THEY WERE SAYING IT COULDN’T HAPPEN IN LONDON"

culture change is happening anyway, but this could accelerate it.”

Existing legislation provides emergency powers to make temporary changes – “the kind you’d use if a building was in danger of collapsing” – that can stay in place for up to 18 months. But what longer-term impact will these measures have?

“The Olympics in 2012 was the last time we had to do this kind of major travel management work, and that didn’t lead to as much permanent change as people thought it would,” says McVean.

“That may have been because it was a relatively short period of time that we had to make changes for.”

“With this pandemic, changes might need to remain in place for six months or even longer.”

McVean thinks adaptations to how businesses receive deliveries, for example, could become permanent.

How will success be measured?

“If businesses welcome these changes and recognise they have helped them come back,” says McVean. “Feedback from the public is key – we're setting up a mapbased feedback tool for that, which will give us insight into whether these are things people would like to see as permanent changes.” n Matt Moody

infrastructure into more strategically planned settlements can bring a range of economic benefits, from lower environmental costs to reduced expenditure on health services, greater access to employment for a wider range of people and more pleasant living and shopping environments that encourage people to linger and to spend money.

Could Covid-19 could be the catalyst for changing the damaging transport habits that have underpinned our lives for decades?

“A lot of local authority officers are interested in delivering [this],” says Lauder. “But they need political backing. They need their committee chairperson to say ‘We’re going to do this’. They need elected mayors to say ‘We’re going to do this and I’m going to lead’. And you need first ministers and prime ministers saying ‘I want this to happen’ – because if that’s the instruction, then it will follow.” n Simon Wicks is deputy editor of The Planner

T H E PL AN N E R \ J U LY 2 0 2 0

18-22 Feature_July 2020_The Planner 22

10/06/2020 10:31

APPROVED

Access all the planning data you need instantly in one place To find out more Search for “LandEnhance”

WANT BETTER OUTCOMES FROM PUBLIC CONSULTATION? WE CAN HELP. Participatr’s interactive tools help you reach a younger, more diverse audience with public consultation, bringing balance to the planning debate, building transparency and trust in the process and saving precious time and money.

To find out more about how we are transforming the quality, value and outcomes of community engagement on built environment projects, visit:

PARTICIPATR.CO.UK Alternatively, give us a call on 0117 3182114 or send an email to hello@participatr.co.uk.

J U LY 2 0 20 / THE PLA NNER

p23_PLN.JULY20POSS.indd 23

23

10/06/2020 16:34

I N T E R V I E W : M A R K S O U T H G AT E

IN A NEW LIGHT HOUSEBUILDING IN THE UK IS STUCK IN THE PAST, MARK SOUTHGATE TELLS SERENA RALSTON. WHAT’S NEEDED IS A REVOLUTION

S

ix weeks into the Covid-19 lockdown and the man calling for a housebuilding revolution is chatting to The Planner from his Gloucestershire home on Microsoft Teams. Despite a few dips in Wi-Fi quality, Mark Southgate points out that a mode of working that might have been noteworthy a few months ago has swiftly become routine.

“A lot of people were worried about working from home but broadly the technology has stood up and it’s not as challenging as people thought. But what does it mean for home? How we use it, how we can improve it? We’ll have missed a massive opportunity if we don’t think about this and learn from these hard times.”

The lockdown has kicked off a debate about housing design and Southgate thinks it is throwing into sharp relief the importance of our home space – both internal and external spaces, and access to green space. The debate is particularly pertinent to Southgate, who is chief executive of MOBIE (Ministry of Building Innovation and Education), the housing education and training charity set up by George Clarke, the architect and TV presenter. He is familiar to many planners as the former director of major casework at the Planning Inspectorate.

PHOTO G R A PH Y | R IC H A R D L E A- H A I R

24

T H E PL AN N E R \ J U LY 2 0 2 0

24-27 interview_July 2020_The Planner 24

10/06/2020 10:32

“If your home isn’t right, and you’re locked down in inadequate housing, that will have physical and mental health and social impacts on you, and cost the NHS financially,” he emphasises.

The housebuilding revolution for Southgate is about constantly questioning and improving homes: “Design should be a top priority, that has to become the norm. Design isn’t just about external appearance, it’s much more about how a building performs. Yes, we need many more homes but we must ensure they’re the right quality, last a long time, serve changing needs, are as environmentally sustainable as possible and create great places to live and grow up in.”

Home for Southgate is near Stroud, where he lives with his family and a Gerald Durrell-sounding menagerie of two rescue donkeys, two cats, a dog and a horse that has joined them during lockdown.

It is a fittingly bucolic setting for a man with a lifelong passion for the natural, as well as “IT’S built, environment.

EXTRAORDINARY Southgate was, until THAT WE HAVE SO recently, vice-chair of LITTLE CHOICE the Gloucestershire IN ONE OF THE Wildlife Trust. He was also head of planning MOST EXPENSIVE at the RSPB for 13 years THINGS THAT WE until he moved to the BUY. CUSTOMER Environment Agency INVOLVEMENT IS in 2004. While at REALLY LOW” the RSPB, he took up hockey, a sport he plays with a local team that is currently restricted to virtual pub drinks.

Stroud itself is a perfect backdrop for radical thinking about housing. The town is home to the UK’s first new-build co-housing scheme, Springhill Cohousing, and is a hub for alternative living, energy and green politics. George Clarke also loves the area and has recently moved nearby.

A model of modernity Southgate grew up in Kent in a 1960s house which, although he says it was nothing special, did have plenty of space inside and out, including a reasonably sized garden, good-sized rooms and well-planned streets where he could play. One of his worries about new homes is that space has shrunk – he is an advocate for minimum space standards internally and externally for all new homes. A lack of consumer choice is also one of his bugbears.

J U LY 2 0 20 / THE PLA NNER

24-27 interview_July 2020_The Planner 25

25

10/06/2020 10:32

CURRICULUM VITAE

“It’s extraordinary that we have so little choice in one of the most expensive things that we buy, Customer involvement is really low. In other industries, companies spend millions and all their time on thinking about what the customer wants. With homes this doesn’t seem to be on the radar at all. Construction is a conservative industry and within that sits housebuilding, an even more conservative island. That constant questioning, constant focus on improvement you see in almost any technology is something we need in housing.”

He points out that the new home as a product is often not exactly faultless.

“Snagging is not something you’d accept with another product – if a car dealer tried to sell you a car with lots of faults and said ‘We’ll put them right before you’ve driven off’, you’d walk away.”

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) have a big role to play in Southgate’s vision for a housebuilding revolution. The capacity for quality control in a factory environment and the opportunity for consumer choice are much greater, he argues. “An MMC home is based on a standard chassis with a relative standard design but the final appearance and fit-out can be much more down to the consumer. This is a bit of a challenge for planners because we need to be more enabling of the final appearance but the policy route to tackle this hurdle could be through local design codes.”

Southgate sees MMC as offering several other advantages, chief of which is quicker build times.

This and far less construction traffic are positives for existing communities more used to seeing the negatives in housebuilding. In addition, MMC can potentially open up difficult sites and it allows for homes to be easy to adapt through a flexible layout and materials.

The government is already supporting MMC as part of the housing solution and Homes England is encouraging 30 per cent of homes to be MMC-built on its sites. Southgate feels that the government has moved in the right direction on this, and on design quality in general with the NPPF. But he argues that local authorities now need increased power to be able to argue for good design, with more resource and training for officers and councillors.

Working with partner colleges and universities, MOBIE has created home design and manufacture courses from BTEC to PhD and developed materials for the Offsite Ready (www.offsiteready.com) training project, led by Construction Scotland Innovation Centre. Many of these are suitable for planners, he points out.

To meet the government’s target of 300,000 new homes a year, Southgate stresses that we need the volume housebuilders, some of whom, he points out, are rising to the design

26

T H E PL AN N E R \ JU LY 2 0 2 0

24-27 interview_July 2020_The Planner 26

MARK S O U T H G AT E Born: Romford, Essex, 1964 Education: Maidstone School for Boys, Manchester University (BA Geography) Career highlights

1998 Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship to New Zealand

2002 Co-authors Living Spaces: A Vision for the Future of Planning, with Ian Christie and Dianne Warburton

2003 Appears in Independent on Sunday as one of 10 leading people in town planning, chosen by peers

2006 Appointed to advisory group for Kate Barker’s independent Review of Land Use Planning

2006­2008 Advises Department of Communities and Local Government on the sequential test in Planning Policy Statement PPS25 Development & Flood Risk and, post the 2007 summer floods, on the accompanying practice guide steering development away from the highest risk areas

2008 Appointed director of casework at the Planning Inspectorate responsible for planning, enforcement and environmental appeal casework teams

2010 Appointed to Defra advisory panel

2013 Appointed director of major casework at the Planning Inspectorate

2018 Appointed CEO of MOBIE

challenge. Berkeley Modular, founded to produce a volumetric modular housing solution for the Berkeley Group, has brought in expertise from the shipbuilding industry to rethink home design and manufacture. The company has a purpose-built manufacturing facility. Redrow has a placemaking framework that sets out eight design principles and has a director of design.

Councils and housing associations will also play a vital part in driving quality. Southgate cites last year’s RIBA Stirling Prize winner, Norwich City Council’s Goldsmith Street council estate, (see box) as a ‘game changer’ in housing design.

Young at heart But, in Southgate’s view, the key figures in the housebuilding sector are young people. “They are values-driven – they’re less likely to accept poor quality,” he stresses. “When MOBIE engages with young people, they’re really passionate – they may not understand planning or engineering but they absolutely get the built environment. Some of the best designs we see come from youngsters.”

It works with young people aged from 11 to 25 through courses and design challenges. It is currently running, as part of a wider consortium, ‘Home of 2030’ – a national competition for which young people are designing homes of the future. Southgate says the shortlisted entries (bit. ly/planner0720-mobie2030) are outstandingly creative. MOBIE has also launched a social media campaign, #LoveHome, asking people to share their ideas of home during lockdown.

I M AG E S | R IC H A R D L E A- H A I R / A L A M Y

10/06/2020 10:32

I N T E R V I E W : M A R K S O U T H G AT E

GOLDSMITH STREET: THE ‘GAME CHANGER’

“Home is an obvious place to engage people because most people relate to it easily and it’s a great way to get them involved in the built environment. Our education courses are multisectoral so, although you don’t come out of a MOBIE course with RTPI accreditation, you will have a good understanding of the built environment and how it all works together.”

Young people’s passion is not translating into the industry though, and Southgate puts this down to a broad lack of engagement across the built environment professions. “We’ve got to work together to join up the professions to sell the built environment in a better way. I do wonder why we don’t have a core element of built environment knowledge in all the professions’ courses.”

Construction has a particularly dreadful image as a career, he thinks, but as about 25 per cent of existing construction workers are set to retire in the next 10 years it urgently needs new blood. MMC may help as a modern factory environment is much more attractive to a diverse workforce.

Southgate’s own career in planning has spanned 30 years. Like many people, he thinks, he stumbled upon it as a career choice almost by accident as a final year option in his first degree in geography.

“Planning, in particular planning for new homes, changes people’s lives but there’s no obvious visible front door into the built environment. More people would knock on that front door if we made it more obvious.”

(above) Planning for new homes changes people’s lives, says Mark Southgate (below) Goldsmith Street, a RIBA Stirling Prize-winner

Southgate considers the Goldsmith Street development in Norwich to be a ‘game changer’ in housing design. But what’s so special about it?

The scheme, developed by Norwich City Council and designed by architects Mikhail Riches and Cathy Hawley, provides 105 two, three and four-bedroomed flats and houses to people in housing need.

What sets it apart from most council housing, however, is its focus on energy efficiency and design quality. Goldsmith Street has one of the highest concentrations of Passivhaus homes in the UK. Moreover, more than a quarter of the site is dedicated to communal space.

Parking has been pushed to the edge of the site, freeing up the streets for people, not cars.

The scheme is so highly regarded that in 2019 it won the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize, awarded to Britain’s best new building.

This is the first time that a social housing project has won the prize.

Read the details about the scheme here: bit.ly/planner0720-goldsmithstreet

n Serena Ralston is a freelance journalist specialising in planning and the built environment

J U LY 2 0 20 / THE PLA NNER

24-27 interview_July 2020_The Planner 27

27

10/06/2020 10:33

RTPI AWARDS CASE STUDY

South Humber Bank is a site of special scientific interest

TAKING FLIGHT A LARGE­SCALE CONSERVATION STRATEGY IN NORTH­EAST ENGLAND SHOWS HOW ENDANGERED BIRD SPECIES CAN BE GIVEN VITAL SPACE ALONGSIDE NEW INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT. MATT MOODY FINDS OUT ABOUT THE RTPI AWARD­WINNING HUMBER ESTUARY MITIGATION STRATEGY

CATEGORY: Excellence in planning for the natural environment PROJECT NAME: South Humber Gateway Mitigation Strategy SUBMITTED BY: North East Lincolnshire Council + Engie

28

One of many challenges local authorities face is balancing economic growth and development against the importance of safeguarding protected species and their habitats. In north-east Lincolnshire, an ambitious mitigation project has done exactly that.

Through the South Humber Gateway Mitigation Strategy, planners are in the process of delivering specialised wetland habitat for more than 50 species Investment Programme (SHIIP). The of rare wintering birds that flock to the £42 million plan to transform the South Humber Estuary to feed each winter.

Humber bank into a centre for industry By removing the need for developers to is managed by the energy and regencreate their own mitigation strategies, eration company Engie through a decthe project is spurring ade-long partnership with development in the area North East Lincolnshire while protecting wildlife.

Council (NELC). Along“THE PIECEMEAL side the award-winning APPROACH DIDN'T mitigation strategy, SHIIP FRUSTRATED PLANS BENEFIT THE will deliver six enterprise The strategy is one of WILDLIFE, AND IT zones – including the £2.6 three projects being deliv- WAS CHALLENGING million Stallingborough ered as part of the wider FOR DEVELOPERS Business Park – and an £8 South Humber Industrial TO MANAGE”

T H E PL AN N E R \ JU LY 2 0 2 0

28-31 Case study_July 2020_The Planner 28

10/06/2020 10:34

WHAT THE RTPI AWARDS JUDGES SAID

“The scale of this project really impressed the judges who view this to be leading practice in the industry, providing a template that can, and should, be replicated elsewhere.

“The judges were impressed by the strategic focus of the project that brings together the economy, public, private and environmental sectors.

They found this to be extremely impressive. If others worked in this way they believe it would significantly improve the planning system.”

“This created lots of frustrations both for the developers and landlords, but also for planners. The piecemeal approach didn’t benefit the wildlife, and it was challenging for developers to manage and monitor the mitigation sites once they’d created them as well. From an investor’s point of view, they were looking at prime industrial land positioned between two major ports, with lots of service infrastructure already in place – the perfect location for them... and then we’d have to throw these barriers up.”

This led to a situation in which everyone – from Natural England and the RSPB to the owners of big chemical companies and power plants – agreed that something needed to be done. million link road between the ports of Immingham and Grimsby, with a target of creating 4,000 new jobs.

As well as being an area with huge potential for economic growth, the South Humber Bank is an important habitat for resting birds, and is subject to special protection area (SPA), site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and Ramsar site designations. The mitigation strategy was inspired by frustrations on all sides, from developers and landowners to planners and environmental bodies, says Ian King, spatial

planning manager at NELC, whose team won the Team of the Year prize in the 2017 RTPI Awards.

“Because of the site’s ecological importance, developers were required to assess what impact their works would have on the wintering birds and work out what mitigation would be appropriate. Depending on the time of year, this might set them back up to 12 months, and even then we would still have to negotiate what parcels of their land they would have to give up for the birds as mitigation,” says King.

I M A G E S | S O U T H H U M B E R G AT E WAY M I T I G AT I O N S T R AT E G Y / I S T O C K

28-31 Case study_July 2020_The Planner 29

SPACE FOR BIRDLIFE The idea they came up with was a strategic approach to identify sites that the council could proactively develop as mitigation sites, allowing developers to make a single financial contribution in lieu of having to come up with their own mitigation strategies and give up part of their land. Working with neighbouring authority North Lincolnshire Council, NELC began undertaking bird surveys and collecting “huge amounts of data” to identify which sites might work as mitigation sites.

J U LY 2 0 20 / THE PLA NNER

29

10/06/2020 10:34

RTPI AWARDS CASE STUDY

“The system works on “The Cress Marsh “THE COUNCIL the basis that every bit of site wasn’t intended as HAD TO BE BRAVE, land has been analysed and a roosting habitat, but SPENDING MONEY given a value in terms of its we only got the grass UPFRONT TO BUY importance to the birds,” on this year and already THE MITIGATION King explains. “That data is we’ve seen some nestLAND AND then put into a table which ing avocets, so clearly it PREPARE IT” the council can use to work will play a role in supout what mitigation is porting other creatures needed, and that can then and aspects of nature be drawn down from the aside from just the SPA mitigation sites. The develbirds,” says King. “We’re oper pays per hectare of land it wants to talking with various environmental bodies at the moment about how we develop, and that funds the scheme. The can quantify that ecological gain that council had to be brave spending money we’ve delivered by enhancing the enviupfront to buy the mitigation land and ronment. It’s certainly helpful for us, prepare it, effectively investing in the thinking about how we can deliver net opportunity to attract developers.” gain elsewhere.”

Eventually, the mitigation strategy The strategy also has the advantage will provide 128 hectares of wetland that developers are able to clearly link habitat across five sites – making it the their projects with the off-site mitigalargest wildlife protection area of its tion that enables them, unlike under kind in Europe – and these will offset a centralised offsetting scheme. “It 450 hectares of employment land. Work depends on how it’s brought in, but if on the first – and largest – of the sites, the government offers a system where Cress Marsh, was completed in 2019. developers can pay funds into a centralThe 40-acre site is arranged around a ised pot, it may not be clear where that large central lagoon, which feeds seven money is going,” says King. surrounding ‘cells’ to provide the right level of water. Near the lagoon, a bird hide allows volunteer birdwatchers to SETTING A PRECEDENT visit and monitor wildlife at the site.

The main challenge in preparing the site The scheme has had some unexwas an unexpected one, explains Winpected additional benefits, too. ston Phillips, SHIIP’s project manager.

“The works were completed in the middle of a long period of dry weather, so the main problem we had was keeping enough water on the site, because otherwise the clay cells would dry out, crack and become porous.” In the autumn, heavy rainfall submerged the site and the habitat began to take shape.

Before that, however, the biggest challenge was getting everybody around the table. “When you’re dealing with different partners who all have different approaches, it can be frustratingly slow,” says King. “In north-east Lincolnshire we’re dealing with international companies, so quite often we’ll reach agreement on something at local level, but then it has to go to Dubai or Switzerland or somewhere else to get signed off.

You’re repeating your story all the time to lots of different people with different backgrounds, which can be a challenge.”

Working without a blueprint to begin with also proved difficult, says King.

“When we were gathering data, we were asking Natural England ‘Is there a blueprint we can follow in terms of how to approach this?’ But at that time there was no precedent that we could find in terms of delivering large areas of mitigation up front.”

Now, of course, there is an (award-winning) blueprint, which NELC hope will be of use across the country. "This is

More than 50 species of rare wintering birds flock to the Humber Estuary to feed each winter

30

T H E PL AN N E R \ JU LY 2 0 2 0

28-31 Case study_July 2020_The Planner 30

10/06/2020 10:34

RTPI AWARDS CASE STUDY

The grey wagtail is one of the endangered species to be spotted

a strategy that is specific to the Humber Estuary, but it does provide a lot of guidance in terms of how to bring stakeholders together, how to clarify what the issues are and what the benefits will be on both sides of the fence,” says King. Phillips agrees: “There’s now a very clear roadmap of how things should be done.”

NEXT STEPS Although only the Cress Marsh site is up and running, the mitigation scheme is already delivering benefits for developers. The council’s planning committee has just approved major plans for a £500 million zero-carbon aircraft fuel refinery backed by British Airways and Shell. “That project is taking a big site and paying quite a sizeable sum of money into the mitigation pot, as well as drawing down some land from Cress Marsh,” says King.

Going forward, the partnership is keen to buy and develop more land for mitigation “as fast as we can”, says King.

“We’ve got another piece of land close to the port of Grimsby that’s in place, and we’re negotiating for two further bits of land. We want to provide maximum opportunity for investors.” Work may be ongoing, but for now, NELC can celebrate.

ENDANGERED BIRDS AT CRESS MARSH

Birdwatchers at Cress Marsh have spotted 10 species on the British Trust for Ornithology’s ‘critical list’ of endangered birds, including the grey wagtail, herring gull, lapwing, skylark, linnet, ringed plover, and yellowhammer.

Many more, including the common sandpiper, greenshank and kestrel are on the ‘amber’ list – the next most critical conservation status. In total, 51 species were noted in the second half of 2019.

I M A G E S | S O U T H H U M B E R G AT E WAY M I T I G AT I O N S T R AT E G Y / I S T O C K

28-31 Case study_July 2020_The Planner 31

J U LY 2 0 20 / THE PLA NNER

31

10/06/2020 10:35

p32_PLN.JULY20.indd 2

10/06/2020 13:02

LANDSCAPE

Tech { L A N D S C A P E

P33 TECH P36 REGIONAL P38 DECISIONS P42 LEGAL P 5 0 W H AT ' S O N

TAMING THE WIND CLUSTERS OF TALL BUILDINGS CREATE WINDY MICROCLIMATES THAT CAN MAKE LIFE AT GROUND LEVEL UNBEARABLE. AWARD­WINNING GUIDELINES PRODUCED BY THE CITY OF LONDON AIM TO MAKE STREET LIFE MORE PLEASANT IN THE CITY, WRITES SIMON WICKS “There’s a spectrum,” explains Gwyn Richards, of the impact tall buildings can have on wind conditions in urban areas.

“The worst is an issue that happened in Leeds, which is a fatality for a cyclist or a pedestrian where they get pushed into a vehicle. That’s totally unacceptable.”

“But,” the City of London’s interim head of planning continues, “it goes right down to the places that we want people to experience as well, where they can sit in the sun, have a coffee and relax.

Human wellbeing is a huge issue at the moment that planning needs to grasp. We want to create areas where people feel like they can dwell.”

It is not that wind isn’t talked about when people consider the effects of tall buildings in cities; rather, that discussion

I M AG E | JA M E S BU R N S C I T Y OF LON D ON

33-34 tech Landscape_July 2020_The Planner 33

tends to be dominated by visual impact, heritage, and socio-economic issues.

Even so, more than 130 years since the first ‘skyscrapers’ in Chicago and New York, there are no clear guidelines to help planners manage wind impacts of proposed developments, particularly in zones where there are other tall buildings.

That’s not just in the UK, according to Richards, but anywhere. Yet wind has a profound impact on the way that people experience city environments.

Tall buildings can funnel it into canyons, cause it to plummet to ground level, and deflect it into your path. They create powerful gusts at junctions that can be deadly for cyclists – as Richards, a cycling commuter in London, well knows.

“For the first time ever, I think

globally, this will introduce criteria for comfortable cycling,” he emphasises.

The ‘this’ he refers to is the RTPI Awardwinning publication Wind Microclimate Guidelines for Developments in the City of London. Winner of the 2020 Award for Excellence in Plan Making Practice, it marks a step change in the way development is managed in modern cities.

A new method The document provides instructions for conducting wind microclimate studies required as part of planning applications in the City of London. The aim is to minimise the impact of wind on activities at ground level, thus making the public domain more pleasant.

Wind modelling, through wind tunnel testing with scale models and ‘computational fluid dynamics’ software, is not new, but to date it has been used in a piecemeal way with no standardised method for assessing a proposed building’s interaction with its wider context or consented buildings yet to be built.

Richards points out that one reason for this absence may be that until recently no one has tried to squeeze a large number of tall buildings into an irregular medieval street plan. The grid patterns of North American cities, by contrast, produce

J U LY 2 0 20 / THE PLA NNER

33

10/06/2020 10:35

LANDSCAPE

TTech { L A N D S C A P E THE STANDARD METHOD

Wind has a profound impact on how people experience cities

more regular and predictable airflow.

It may also be that people haven’t cared much about wind conditions in zones dedicated almost exclusively to business.

The City of London is an anomaly here, too, a commercial powerhouse full of tourist attractions and a growing retail offer, café culture and calendar of outdoor events. These are not activities compatible with the microclimate being created by the emerging ‘City of London Cluster’.

Richards stresses that he and his team wanted to make the City a more welcoming place. “The City has changed since the ’50s,” he muses. “It was blokes in bowler hats and was a very hard-edged city where you just walked from A to B. Nobody had a coffee outside. There wasn’t al fresco dining going on.

“Today, we’re a gentler and more inclusive city. So we wanted the wind guidelines not just to stop a six-foot bloke being blown over but to incorporate people like the elderly, families, young

children, those who have disabilities… We wanted to change the way the planning deals with issues.”

This laudable ideal started to take shape five years ago when the planning team realised that it needed to “put all the jigsaw pieces together and get a complete picture of the macro level wind issues to do with the City Cluster”.

The project took shape through workshops with representatives of the wind engineering industry. The focus was on reaching a consensus on how best to use competing models for calculating wind impacts within “the first code of practice, quality control and agreed methodology in the wind engineering industry in the UK”. The resulting guidelines benefit from using the two approaches in a complementary, systematic way to produce a wind microclimate study which accurately assesses the impact of a building on street-level comfort (see box, above).

34

T H E PL AN N E R \ J U LY 2 0 2 0

33-34 tech Landscape_July 2020_The Planner 34

n Read the guidelines: bit.ly/planner0720-microclimate

The result should be that wind impact mitigation is built into the proposal rather than retrofitted post-construction. As Richards notes, this could see a greater prevalence of wind-friendly architecture such as stepped buildings, 1960s-style canopy buildings and ‘aerodynamic’ designs such as the ‘Gherkin’.

Beyond the City

been assessed using the new wind microclimate guidelines.

A City of London Corporation spokesman told The Planner: “We tested wind tunnel and CFD on both the new ground-floor public realm and the 10th floor public roof terrace to ensure optimum comfort for people to dwell.”

RTPI Award judges described the guidelines as an “exemplar” project.

“Not only is it innovative but it’s also comprehensive and transferable to not only other UK towns and cities but worldwide,” they wrote. Indeed, says Richards, the City has had contact with the Greater London Authority, Toronto, Singapore and New York. “This was never meant to be a City-centric approach,” he concludes. “It was meant to be redefining the way that planning deals with wind.

“I like to think that the planning system can become a more refined system where microclimate and the impact of wind and overshadowing on people’s lives is really captured early on in the planning process, rather than ‘This is growth and you have to take it on the chin’.”

n Read about the scheme: bit.ly/planner0720-Fenchurch

n Simon Wicks is deputy editor of The Planner

GUIDELINES IN ACTION

At 35 storeys high, the newly consented 50 Fenchurch Street will replace the existing livery hall for the Clothworkers’ Company, provide 60,000 square metres of office space, 800 square metres of retail space, a public roof garden and a winter garden on the 10th floor. It will also introduce a 36-fold increase in public space at pedestrian level.

The proposal was – somewhat controversially – approved on 14 May, but only after the scheme had

Wind Microclimate Guidelines d li for f Developments in the City of London requires applicants to undertake a fourstep process when preparing proposals: 1. Select appropriate wind statistics for the site. The City of London provides its own and stresses that wind measurements should be taken from “critical pedestrian level locations”, such as entrances and sitting areas.

2. Determine the impact of the proposed development through wind tunnel testing or computational fluid dynamics.

3. Combine the two above datasets to calculate “comfort ratings”.

4. Compare comfort ratings to intended ground-level activities to establish whether the proposed development is acceptable or requires mitigation.

I M AG E | JA M E S BU R N S C I T Y OF LON D ON

10/06/2020 10:36

RTPI Online Events 2020

Access our online events from wherever you are: rtpi.org.uk/onlineevents2020

In a series of FREE weekly online events we will help planners navigate the current crisis, keep up their CPD and explore planning in a post-pandemic world.

• Webinars • Online talks and discussions • Virtual conferences Members can also access free modules on a wide range of planning topics on RTPI Learn. #RTPIOnlineEvents

p35_PLN.JULY20.indd 2 RTPI Online Events FP bleed.indd 2

10/06/2020 06/05/2020 13:03 11:36

N AT I O N S &REGIONS

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G I N LO N D O N ?

HERE’S A ROUND­UP OF KEY PROJECTS AND EVENTS IN 2020

London IN THE PIPELINE

The London Plan as political football There’s no doubt about London’s most significant planning story.

Following Robert Jenrick’s scathing letter on the draft London Plan, and the subsequent postponement of the Mayoral Election until 2021, London Mayor Sadiq Khan is said to be ‘powering ahead’ with amendments to the plan’s text ahead of publication this summer.

Jenrick’s letter to Khan: bit.ly/planner0720-letter Khan’s response to Jenrick: bit.ly/planner0720-response

HS2 – Old Oak Station HS2’s ‘super hub’ at Old Oak Common received planning approval from the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation on 19 May. Work can now progress on a building that will become the largest railway station ever built in the UK. When complete it will have 14 platforms in total – six for high-speed services and eight for conventional services. bit.ly/planner0720oldoakstation

The London Plan is due to be published this summer

City of London’s Wind Microclimate Guidelines These are detailed this month in The Planner’s case study, having won in the RTPI Awards’ Excellence in Plan Making Practice category – see page 33.

Tower Hamlets – Local Authority Planning Team of the Year

The Score Centre, Leyton, Waltham Forest This scheme, comprising 750 homes, sports facilities and commercial space in five blocks up to 18 storeys high, was one of the first determined by an online committee as a result of the Covid-19 emergency. The meeting involved a remote video link for external parties, with councillors keeping to social distancing rules. bit.ly/planner0720-scorecentre

NOTABLE SUCCESSES

Oval Village in Kennington, South London

Tower Hamlets was highly commended in the Excellence in Plan Making Practice category for the Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2031: Managing growth and sharing the benefits. The borough’s team also won Local Authority Planning Team of the Year. bit.ly/planner0720towerhamlets

London Planning Awards’ projects Being built on the site of the

historic Oval Gasworks, the Oval Village development of 1,309-homes, promising “a new kind of neighbourhood with community at its heart”, won ‘Best Mixed-Use Scheme’ at the recent London First London Planning Awards. Also triumphing was Kidbrooke Village, which took the Mayor’s Award for Sustainable & Environmental Planning.

Developers of the £1 billion scheme are working with the London Wildlife Trust to boost biodiversity on the site by 200 per cent while delivering 1,630 homes. The awards’ Best New Place to Work category was won

by The Ray Farringdon, a mixed-use development comprising 100,000 square feet of commercial space over seven levels and involving a “modernised warehouse aesthetic”. bit.ly/planner0720londonplanning

I M A G E S | I S T O C K / O VA L V I L L A G E B E R K E L E Y

36

T H E PL AN N E R \ JU LY 2 0 2 0

36-37 N and R_July 2020_The Planner 36

10/06/2020 10:36

Regional contact details: london@rtpi.org.uk

See more about London on The Planner's Nations and Regions gateway: bit.ly/PlannerGateway

I N S I G H T : H E A LT H Y S T R E E T S A P P R O A C H Wa l t h a m Fo re s t

that means improvements to the network of cycling infrastructure in London – that’s a challenge on a huge scale, but we do have the space to do it. It’s also Healthy Streets is the strategic important to remember framework for all decision-making that it’s not just about the around transport and streets in pandemic – this is the scale of London. It was written into policy change we need for all Londoners in the Mayor of London’s transport to be able to get the physical strategy in 2018, and it’s also in the activity they need to stay healthy London Plan. It aims to improve and travel sustainably. air quality, reduce congestion An important part of making and help make London’s diverse streets healthier is making sure communities greener, healthier that they’re accessible to and more attractive places to everyone. That means live, work, play and do there needs to be business. real focus on, The Covid-19 for example, pandemic has making sure created an that people who opportunity for a have mobility lot of the things impairments are advocated by the able to use the Health Streets facilities that have framework to be been put in place. realised quite rapidly.

Many footpaths in One example is the school London are only wide streets initiative, which Lucy Saunders enough for able-bodied encourages timed closures people to walk in single file, of streets in front of schools, so which poses problems for social that children who are being picked distancing, but again, this goes up and dropped off are in a safe beyond the pandemic. There are environment, with clean air and a millions of people in London who reduced risk of vehicle collision. need much wider pavements just A lot of the London boroughs are to get around. looking to really scale up and roll It’s not just about infrastructure, out school streets more widely however. We also need to manage during the pandemic. how people use – and particularly A key part of Healthy Streets park – cars. As well as creating is making sure that people feel the physical space for walking safe, relaxed and welcome when and cycling, we need to manage walking, cycling and spending behaviour too. time in streets. With this in mind, As we move into the summer, TfL and the London boroughs are with the weather as hot and sunny looking to reallocate road space as it has been, we also need to away from cars. The aim is to think about what people will create dedicated space for cycling need to stay comfortable in those on busier roads, and also to make conditions. Whether people are out walking a more comfortable queuing, walking, cycling or just experience as well. socialising, they'll need shade and To respond to the pandemic, we shelter, and somewhere to stop and need hundreds of thousands of rest as well. people to be cycling to work, and Lucy Saunders is the public health specialist, urbanist and transport planner who created the Healthy Streets Approach.

Old Oak Common Towe r H a m l e ts C i ty o f London K i d b ro o ke

COMING UP

RTPI London quickly adapted its 2020 events programme to an online format and has been running two successful series:

RTPI London Idea Exchange Fortnightly seminars focused on new ideas for planning in the capital. The first session linked up with planners in San Francisco, Melbourne and Auckland to reflect on planning ideas that can be learned from lockdown. It has subsequently held events on design, climate action and streetscapes.

RTPI London/Greater London Authority PlanTalk Discussions organised with the region’s partners at the GLA, inviting planners from across sectors to talk on topics of interest to them.

It recently hosted RTPI President Sue Manns to conduct a virtual tour of the region, including a variety of online events covering issues including diversity in planning, community land trusts as well as an online social. A full programme is planned through to August. For details, visit the link: bit.ly/planner0720-londonevents INSIGHT: THE LONDON STREETSCAPE PLAN

Mayor’s Streetscape Plan in response to Covid-19 bit.ly/planner0720-mayorsplan NEXT MONTH

This is the last of our monthly Nations & Regions reviews for the time being.

J U LY 2 0 20 / THE PLA NNER

36-37 N and R_July 2020_The Planner 37

37

10/06/2020 10:37

LANDSCAPE

C&D { C

CASES &DECISIONS

A N A LY S E D B Y M A T T M O O D Y / A P P E A L S @ T H E P L A N N E R . C O . U K

Jenrick blocks 516 homes next to ‘irreplaceable’ bog Major housing plans for land next to a site of special scientific interest that were opposed by a cross-party group of MPs and Sir David Attenborough have been rejected by the housing secretary Robert Jenrick.

The appeal concerned 40 hectares of green belt land adjacent to the boundary of Askham Bog, a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) described by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust as “a remarkable survivor of the ancient fenlands of Yorkshire”.

Developer Barwood made a hybrid application seeking outline permission to build 516 homes, a sports pavilion and other facilities on the site. Full permission was also sought for a 125-metre wide ‘ecological protection and enhancement zone’, between the proposed housing and the SSSI. However, there was considerable opposition to the scheme, including from a cross-party group of seven Yorkshire MPs, Yorkshire wildlife and civic trusts, and Sir David Attenborough, who described the site as “irreplaceable”.

The application was recovered in September 2019, and a public inquiry was held over two weeks in November of that year. Inspector P W Clark recommended the scheme for refusal, having found that “the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitat” was not outweighed by the public benefits of the

38

EXPERT COMMENT Yorkshire Wildlife Trust said it was overjoyed with the secretary of state’s decision to refuse the planning application at Moor Lane, thereby protecting Askham Bog nature reserve for the future.

( “When told the news, Sir David Attenborough, president emeritus of the Wildlife Trusts and long­time supporter of the campaign to save Askham Bog, said: “I am absolutely delighted that such a treasure has been saved.” ( “In the midst of the climate emergency, and recognising the joy that nature is providing at the current time, the decision to protect Askham Bog is a welcome step in the right direction.”

LOCATION: Woodthorpe AUTHORITY: City of York Council INSPECTOR: P W Clark PROCEDURE: Recovered appeal DECISION: Dismissed REFERENCE: APP/ C2741/W/19/3233973

housing proposed.

In his own decision, housing secretary Robert Jenrick noted that the bog

required “continued human intervention” to maintain its “precious and delicate range of habitats”. Although there was universal agreement that the bog depends on water to survive, the parties disagreed over what effects – if any – the scheme would have on its water supply.

Jenrick agreed with his inspector’s finding that “the hydrology of the bog is complex” and that certainty regarding its water supply was “impossible”. He decided that although the housing itself was likely to have little effect on the bog, the attenuation ponds proposed as part of the appellant’s sustainable drainage (SUDS)

scheme were more likely to harm the bog by reducing the amount of nutrients the site was contributing to its water supply.

In the planning balance, Jenrick noted that the scheme would make a “considerable contribution” towards tackling York’s “housing crisis”. He also acknowledged that the plans would deliver a biodiversity net gain of 80 per cent, and would also significantly exceed policy requirements in terms of affordable housing and open space provision.

Ultimately, however, he concluded that the potential harm to the “irreplaceable” SSSI outweighed the scheme’s benefits, and that very special circumstances necessary to justify its green belt harm did not exist.

T H E PL AN N E R \ J U LY 2 0 2 0

38-41 Cases_decisions_July 2020_The Planner 38

10/06/2020 10:37

These are just a few of the 40 or so appeal reports that we post each month on our website: www.theplanner.co.uk/decisions

Kensington hotel to ‘super-prime’ home conversion blocked Plans to convert a five-storey hotel near Hyde Park into a ‘very large’ five-bedroom luxury home have been rejected by an inspector, who found that the site could provide a ‘better mix’ of housing.

Newly made neighbourhood plan defeats recovered appeal

I M AG E S | G E T T Y / A L A M Y

Plans for 65 homes in Farnham recommended for approval by an inspector have been rejected by the housing secretary, who cited the four tests at NPPF paragraph 11 concerning neighbourhood plans.

Appellant Stax Developments planned to build 65 homes on a paddock near Farnham in Surrey. A two-day hearing led by inspector Graham Chamberlain was held in June 2019, and the inspector submitted his report to the secretary of state on 15th August. Chamberlain recommended the scheme for approval, citing the council’s housing land supply shortfall.

But between submission of the inspector’s report and the secretary of state’s decision, the Farnham Neighbourhood Plan was approved and adopted on 3rd April this year.

After considering appeal decisions by planning inspectors that included findings on the council’s housing supply in the same period, housing secretary Robert Jenrick agreed that the council was still unable to prove a five-year housing land supply, which would normally engage the ‘tilted balance’ of NPPF paragraph 11.

However, he noted, paragraph 11 also states that neighbourhood plan conflict is likely to outweigh the benefits of new housing if four criteria apply: the neighbourhood plan was made in the last two years; it contains enough allocations to meet its identified housing requirement; the council can show a three-year supply of housing sites; and the LOCATION: Farnham council’s housing delivery is above 45 per cent as AUTHORITY: Waverley Borough Council set out in its most recent housing delivery test.

INSPECTOR: Graham Chamberlain Noting that the new plan satisfied housing needs, PROCEDURE: Recovered appeal Jenrick decided that all criteria were met. He said DECISION: Dismissed the appeal scheme would “conflict with an up-toREFERENCE: APP/ date neighbourhood plan R3650/W/18/3211033 by developing homes on a site outside the settlement boundary that was not allocated for housing”, and should be refused.

38-41 Cases_decisions_July 2020_The Planner 39

The building, in the De Vere conservation area in Kensington, was formerly a 12-bedroom hotel known as Clearlake Hotel, which closed in 2015. The parties agreed that it was in a “severely dilapidated” state. In 2018, the appellant sought permission to convert the building into a single five-bedroom home.

He explained that there were no accounts available for the hotel because it had been owned by an elderly couple that had both died. Instead, he referred to the hotel’s “very poor” reviews on TripAdvisor along with Companies House data showing the business’s assets and liabilities. He also cited the 50 other hotels within a 1,500-metre radius, and the increase in short-term lets in the area since 2015.

Inspector Aqbal was satisfied that having been marketed for 12 months and drawing “no strong interest” to retain its current use, and given that the area was “well served by other hotels”, no harm would arise from the loss of the hotel use.

However, he noted, local policy aims to boost the supply of homes by restricting

LOCATION: Kensington AUTHORITY: Kensington & Chelsea Borough Council

INSPECTOR: M Aqbal PROCEDURE: Hearing DECISION: Dismissed REFERENCE: APP/ K5600/W/19/3231664

the creation of very large homes. The relevant policy’s supporting text refers to an increase in “luxury, highend developments with multimillion-pound sales values known as prime and super-prime housing”, adding that these sites could provide “a much larger number of smaller units” instead.

Siding with the council, he ruled that the site could provide a “more balanced mix” of accommodation sizes than that proposed, notwithstanding his argument that the property was built and used as a single dwelling.

10/06/2020 10:37

LANDSCAPE

C&D { C Greenfield housing allowed despite 456 objections

The appeal concerned part of an open green space encircled by housing in Horwich, near Bolton, used for activities such as dog walking. The appellant planned to build 48 homes on the site, of which 40 would be affordable rent and the remaining eight would be for shared ownership.

The council had agreed to sell the land in 2019, but then refused permission to develop it despite having earmarked it for 53 homes in 2014, after receiving 456 objection letters from local people. It decided

to go ahead with the sale despite the application going to appeal, agreeing to allocate £100,000 of the proceeds to a town centre regeneration fund. It could not prove a fiveyear housing land supply.

Objectors cited a 1,700home scheme at a former locomotive works in the town, contending that the release of the greenfield appeal site was not necessary.

Inspector William Walton accepted the site’s “likely contribution to the mental and physical wellbeing” of

local people. He also noted its “almost wild” quality and biodiversity value.

The appellant also agreed to provide £10,000 towards the improvement of a nearby recreation ground, which the council considered a priority.

On balance, Walton found that the scheme accorded with the local development plan, which accepts “development of some informal green spaces if it allows for the improvement of other green spaces and helps to meet strategic housing objectives”.

‘Swell of local opinion’ persuades inspector to save pub

lease on the proviso that the group would cover the cost of refurbishing the pub, estimated to be about £100,000. The group turned down this offer, considering the costs to be too high.

The pub was also marketed to other potential buyers, but no deal was reached. The community group alleged that the appellant had “either rebuffed or not actively pursued” various offers he had received.

Inspector Paul Cooper could find no evidence to support this claim. However, he was concerned that the appellant’s asking price has risen by £50,000 even as the condition of the property was allowed to deteriorate.

Cooper noted the “swell of local opinion” in support of retaining the pub.

Dismissing the appeal, he noted that despite low attendance and turnover when it was open, the pub was the only one in the village and its principal community facility.

LOCATION: Horwich AUTHORITY: Bolton Council INSPECTOR: William Walton PROCEDURE: Written submissions DECISION: Allowed REFERENCE: APP/ N4205/W/19/3237598

An inspector has rejected plans to convert a popular local pub into a six-bedroom home, noting that the owner had increased its asking price by £50,000 while allowing its condition to deteriorate.

The appeal concerned The Railway Inn, a pub in the Northumberland village of Fourstones. The current owner bought the pub in 2014 for about £100,000. It operated for about 18 months, and was then closed and put up for sale.

When it failed to sell, the owner sought permission to convert it into a six-bedroom home. The plans were rejected by the council’s planning officers, and unanimously voted down by councillors.

At the subsequent hearing, 10 local people spoke against the scheme, and a petition to save

40

the pub gathered 239 signatures.

The pub is listed as an asset of community value (ACV) and was offered for sale to a local community group, but the group’s offer of £50,000 was turned down for being too far below the appellant’s asking price, which had risen from £150,000 to £200,000.

The appellant offered the group a two-year rent-free

I M AG E S | I STO C K / S H U T T E RSTO C K / A L A M Y

An inspector has approved plans for 48 affordable homes on undeveloped green space in Horwich, near Bolton, despite hundreds of objections from local people.

LOCATION: Fourstones, Hexham AUTHORITY: Northumberland County Council

INSPECTOR: Paul Cooper PROCEDURE: Hearing DECISION: Dismissed REFERENCE: APP/ P2935/W/19/3238645

T H E P L AN N E R \ JU LY 2 0 2 0

38-41 Cases_decisions_July 2020_The Planner 40

10/06/2020 10:38

DECISIONS DIGEST{

SSUBSCRIBE to our appeals digest:

https://subs.theplanner. ht ttps://subs.theplanner. co o.uk/register co.uk/register

Family unification is material in holiday let casee Plans to remove an occupancy condition on a former er mill converted into holiday accommodation in 2016 “did d not fit entirely under the ambit” of the local policy the he council cited in refusing permission, an inspector has as ruled. bit.ly/planner0720-holidaylet et

Six­storey retirement block allowed next to existing gardens

More pontoons at Limehouse Basin would cause congestion

Plans for 61 sheltered apartments can go ahead in Camberley, an inspector has ruled, deciding that an exception to the council's building design guidance was justified. bit.ly/planner0720-Camberley

An inspector has refused plans to install more pontoons for leisure mooring at Limehouse Basin in East London, citing congestion concerns and ‘obstruction to views of water shimmer’. bit.ly/planner0720-pontoon

Costs awarded against council for blocking 204­ home scheme

Design issues scupper farm succession plan

Rushcliffe Borough Council must pay partial costs for refusing plans for a major housing development in West Bridgford, after an inspector ruled that two of its three reasons for refusal were unsubstantiated. bit.ly/planner0720-Rushcliffe

After establishing an “essential need” for a new worker’s dwelling at a Cumbrian sheep farm, an inspector refused permission on design grounds. bit.ly/planner0720-sheep

Pandemic does not justifyy overflow car park

New obesity policy renders takeaway unacceptable

An inspector has upheld enforcement action against an area of overflow parking at a care home in Nottingham’s ’s green belt, despite the appellant’s “elegantly and forcefully put” argument. bit.ly/planner0720pandemic

In refusing permission for a takeaway in a town near Sunderland, an inspector has cited an anti-obesity policy that was adopted six months after the w application was submitted. bit.ly/planner0720-takeaway

‘Attractive’ countryside ‘hub for growing business’ allowed

Council defeated in Hackney warehouse enforcement inquiry

EN

FO

RC AP EM PE EN AL T S

E UR IS LE

SS SI BU

UN MM

NE

Y IT

L LE

GA CO

RO VI EN

GR MO DE

NM

AP

EN

HI

TA

L

CS

E NC NA FI

DE PE VE RM LO IT PM TE EN D T

WE HEA LL LT BE H & IN G

AP SC ND LA

TU UC TR FA S

IN

E

An inspector has granted retrospective permission for the conversion of a former warehouse in North London into studio flats after a long-running dispute, ordering the council to pay partial costs. bit.ly/planner0720-warehouse

RE

G IN US HO

GE RI

TA

GN SI DE

HE

GR

EE

N

BE

LT

A branded merchandise business can build a new office in the Essex countryside contrary to local policy, after an inspector ruled that the site’s proximity to the A120 meant it was not isolated. bit.ly/planner0720-hub

JULY 2020 / THE PLANNER

38-41 Cases_decisions_July 2020_The Planner 41

41

10/06/2020 10:38

LANDSCAPE

LLegal landscape OPINION

In defence of PINS at a time of crisis There's no problem with fair criticism of the institutions that shape planning, says Hashi Mohamed, but it's easy to cross the line - and it's worth extending a little empathy at a time of crisis

In November 2017, I was junior to a silk at a two-week inquiry near Leeds. It was miserable weather, dark and wet, but every night we returned to our cosy hotel in the Land Rover driven by my learned colleague.

Our inspector, known for his environmental credentials, would rent a car to arrive at the inquiry venue at the start of the week – but during the week would catch a bus back to where he was staying. One night I recall driving past him waiting for a bus in the pouring rain, huddled under an umbrella and clutching his suitcase full of overnight proofs. He knew the bus times better than any highways expert.

This scene underscored a mythology in my mind about inspectors. Anyone who has done planning inquiries and hearings knows that inspectors are a particular breed. They comprise some of the most conscientious, diligent, highly focused and unassuming people. They spend a great deal of time away from their homes, making life-changing decisions about our townscape, living environment and communities. Despite this, the average citizen has probably no idea what an inspector is, let alone what one does.

42

are also subject to the same However, over the past restrictions as the rest of three months we’ve seen us: the need for childcare, several examples of blame self-isolating, looking after being laid unfairly at the vulnerable members of our door of PINS for their ‘slow family and much more. response’ to what even Planners plan. Yet no the word ‘unprecedented’ one could have planned for is unable to assist us in this, literally no one. Yes, understanding. some of us would have been Irwin Mitchell reported more prepared than others; that Covid-19 is costing the some systems more adept UK £2.7 billion every day; it’s at coping. Hence why “The impossible to quantify the courts are working, why not human loss and suffering.

PINS?” is perhaps the most And it is more understanding misguided of that Sarah comparisons. It’s Richards, the “PLANNERS easy for a judicial chief executive PLAN. YET NO review challenge of PINS, called ONE COULD HAVE involving for when she was PLANNED FOR submissions from asked what help THIS, LITERALLY only counsel to they needed to NO ONE” be mobilised and ‘get the system for the judge to moving’. say, “I reserve Have they judgment” at the moved quickly end of the day. enough?

The commercial Probably not. courts have been hearing But neither have they been remote evidence from a sitting on their hands at robbed Russian oligarch home waiting for Ronseal to seeking justice for years, be delivered; 2,000 decisions as well as a former Emirati have been issued, 10 per cent princess who is divorcing of its staff has been seconded the ruler of Dubai who won’t to MHCLG, site visits have even step a foot in London, restarted and, as I write, 35 let alone its courtrooms. virtual events are planned in It is simply not possible, June. overnight, to convert a In hindsight, too, some of planning appeal system us may yet rue what we are which has at its heart a large wishing for. We seem to have element of participative forgotten that inspectors democracy into a purely and those working in Bristol

online system.

The procedures are not directly comparable; while we may wish for a quicker response, PINS remains, rightly, a fairly conservative institution, anchored in the gravitas, rigour and caution with which we have become accustomed to recognise the role of the inspector – to survey all the angles before coming to a sound conclusion.

That’s to say nothing of the fact that a recent Lloyds Bank report found that 9 million people are unable to use the internet and their smart device by themselves; and 7 per cent of the UK population (3.6 million) is almost completely offline.

We may make demands, but we also have to face the facts.

By the time this is published, lockdown restrictions will have been relaxed and we will be easing back into ‘normality’.

Accompanied site (and sight) visits to Barnard Castle will be authorised. But I fear that in the time of crisis and confusion, the unassuming people on whom we all rely, will not forget that we could have, and should have, shown more understanding.

Hashi Mohamed is a barrister at No5 Chambers and author of People Like Us: What It Takes to Make It in Modern Britain

T H E P L AN N E R \ JU LY 2 0 2 0

42-43 LEGAL_July 2020_The Planner 42

10/06/2020 10:39

EVENTS

CASES

LEGISLATION

NEWS

ANALYSIS

NEWS Jenrick admits decision on Isle of Dogs scheme was ‘unlawful’ Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has accepted that he approved a £1 billion housing development in East London unlawfully.

The London Borough of Tower Hamlets and the Greater London Authority had challenged the approval of plans to build 1,524 homes at the former Westferry Printworks on the Isle of Dogs.

Jenrick approved the scheme in January, the day before community infrastructure levy (CIL) charges placed on developments were increased. A planning inspector had recommended its rejection.

The timing of the decision meant former Conservative Party donor Richard Desmond avoided paying between £30 million and £50 million, according to Tower Hamlets. The council started legal action in March, alleging that the timing of the decision appeared to show bias in deciding to allow the appeal.

The council asked the High Court to order the government to disclose documents that it contended would show that the secretary of state was influenced by a desire to help the developer to save money by avoiding the revised charges.

Jenrick accepted that his decision was unlawful and allowed the planning permission to be quashed.

The Labour Party has called on the Cabinet Office to investigate the matter. In a letter to cabinet secretary Sir Mark Sedwill, shadow housing minister Mike Amesbury called for a “thorough investigation” into the events leading up to the decision.

The Metropolitan Police says the allegation will be assessed by officers from the Met’s Special Enquiry Team.

Supreme Court rules on decorative urns planning saga A listed buildings enforcement appeal inspector should have considered whether decorative urns could be considered as buildings under a ruling by the Supreme Court on a five-year planning battle between a member of the public and Stratford-upon-Avon Council.

Marcus Dill sold the urns in 2009 to raise money for the maintenance of Idlicote House, where they had rested on a driveway leading up to the property. The urns had been in his family since the 1900s and had moved with the family from residence to residence, finally ending at Idlicote House in 1973.

He discovered in 2015 that they had been listed 23 years earlier without the family’s knowledge. The council said listed building consent had been required for the removal of the urns, threatened formal action and refused a retrospective application for listed building consent.

Following this rejection, a listed building enforcement notice requiring the reinstatement of the items at Idlicote House was issued.

Dill argued that reinstating the urns was not feasible as the urns had since been removed from the UK and he did not have access to any information about the purchaser.

He appealed to the secretary of state against the refusal of listed building consent and the enforcement notice on several grounds, including the items not being “buildings” and therefore not capable of being listed in their own right. A planning inspector dismissed the appeals in January 2017, a decision later upheld by the High Court and the Court of Appeal.

But the Supreme Court said Dill had the right to have the status of the items as “buildings” considered in the appeals. Contrary to what the inspector and the courts decided, the appearance of these items on the statutory list was not conclusive as to their status as “listed buildings”.

LEGAL BRIEFS The power to make a Public Path Diversion Order Richard Humphreys QC considers the effect of a recent High Court ruling on the power of local authorities to make public path diversion orders. bit.ly/planner0720-path

Sadiq Khan fails in school challenge Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has failed in his challenge to the housing secretary’s decision to allow an appeal for substantial development at Harrow School, reports Local Government Lawyer. bit.ly/planner0720-harrow

Live music: the housing conundrum Lucy McDonnell, of Dentons, looks at the legal implications arising from housing being built near noise-generating uses. bit.ly/planner0720-music

Fisherman wins first leg of High Court cable battle A Clare Island fisherman has won the first leg of a High Court battle over the laying of fibre optic cable off the Mayo coast, part of an international communications project, the Irish Times reports. bit.ly/planner0720-cable

Nutrient neutrality and planning This webinar organised by RTPI Yorkshire will present the background to the European rulings on nutrient neutrality, Natural England’s stance, and implications in the UK. To be held on 23rd June at 11am. bit.ly/planner0720-neutrality

Completing PD within the threeyear time limit (class O) Planning lawyer and blogger Martin Goodall considers the issues with the three-year time limit relating to office-toresidential conversions. bit.ly/planner0720-conversion

Supreme Court ruling settles Carmarthenshire turbine row The Supreme Court says s.73 permissions cannot alter the description of development, ruling against the Welsh government in a case about the height of two Carmarthenshire wind turbines, Local Government Lawyer reports. bit.ly/planner0720-carmarthenshire

J U LY 2 0 20 / THE PLA NNER

42-43 LEGAL_July 2020_The Planner 43

43

10/06/2020 10:39

NEWS RTPI news pages are edited

by W Will Finch at the RTPI, 41 Botolph B Lane, London EC3 EC3R 8DL

WATCH THE EVENT

Over 3 300 members watched the live watch online launch of the updated Planning updat Enforcement Enforc Handbook for Handb England (pictured Englan above) featuring above NAPE Management Committee members Comm and the th RTPI's Immediate Past Imme President Ian Tant.

Presid

RTPI launches updated planning enforcement handbook An updated Planning Enforcement Handbook for England has been launched in an online event organised by the RTPI. The handbook ensures local authorities have access to the latest best practice advice in dealing effectively with a range of enforcement challenges.

It was written by members of the RTPI’s National Association of Planning Enforcement (NAPE), and funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG).

The launch featured presentations by many of the handbook’s authors, including NAPE chairman Neill Whittaker MRTPI and Izindi Visagie LARTPI, both of Ivy Legal; Scott Stemp of No5 Chambers; and NAPE Deputy Chair Craig raig Allison of Hambleton District Council.

44

The RTPI’s Immediate Past President Ian Tant MRTPI also spoke at the event.

He said: “This new handbook is an important guide for planners and for planning enforcers and I am delighted to have provided its foreword. I am particularly pleased that it is supported

by MHCLG, lending government support to this essential part of the planning system for England.

“Throughout my term as President, I was keen to give due regard to the work of our planning enforcers, who do so much to uphold the system and take action where appropriate against those who see seek to avoid important policy objectives and necessary objec planning controls.”

Current Curre RTPI President Sue Manns FRTPI said: M “I am delighted that NAPE NA has published tthis handbook and pleased to be able to continue the work

Weren’t able to Weren on the take part p day? Catch up on all RTPI Online Events 2020 on our YouTube channel at bit.ly/planner0720onlineevents

of my predecessor in highlighting the vital role of those working to enforce planning control. I know from first-hand experience just how valuable this NAPE handbook will be for all those involved in this important work.“ The RTPI says that the handbook will be reviewed and updated at regular intervals by NAPE Management Committee members.

LPAs have the primary responsibility for taking whatever enforcement action they consider necessary in the public interest in their area. The aim of the updated handbook is to guide LPAs towards correct decisions with an auditable trail of actions based upon the law and government guidance. n To read the Planning Enforcement Handbook for England online or to download a PDF version, visit bit.ly/planner0720-enforcement

T H E PL AN N E R \ J U LY 2 0 2 0

44_47 RTPI News_July 2020_The Planner 44

10/06/2020 10:40

Editorial E: rtpinews@rtpi.org.uk

RTPI (switchboard) T: 020 7929 9494

Registered charity no.

262865 Registered charity in Scotland SCO37841

MY VIEW ON… PLANNING AND THE PANDEMIC Lichfields’ Senior Director Matthew Spry outlines some of the ways that the consultancy has responded to Covid-19 During this crisis, we have kept the wheels turning – progressing planning applications, lodging appeals, working with local authorities on local plan preparation, and advising on strategy for projects. Consultations have been carried out and applications submitted for major schemes up and down the country, We have also been closely monitoring how the operation of the planning system is affected, including how local government adapts itself to delivering planning services. We formulated an online repository for our guidance, research and thought leadership, and we partnered with the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) so that both organisations use our networks to track change as it happens, and PAS can direct support to where it is needed.

Finally, we know Covid-19 will have lasting impacts on planning and development: an accelerant to some existing trends; a ‘stopand-think’ moment for others. Our people are active participants in debates on what the pandemic means for the future, developing tools and insights to help our clients respond positively.

While recognising the pandemic means awful personal costs for many, our perspective is that – working in a fantastic business with great clients – planning has a central role in society’s

response. That is simultaneously exciting even as it is challenging. n Matthew Spry was speaking as part of ‘Wider Insights’, an RTPI research project featuring expert analysis of the planning profession’s rapid response to Covid-19. Download the report in full at bit.ly/planner0720-covidinsights

POSITION POINTS

OFFICE CONVERSIONS POST COVID 19 AUDE BICQUELET LOCK, RTPI DEPUTY HEAD OF POLICY AND RESEARCH Transformation of old office premises into flats through Permitted Development Rights (PDRs) has often resulted in poorly designed and located housing and challenged local authorities’ ability to deliver mixed and efficient land use.

From a policy perspective, the necessity to repurpose some buildings post Covid-19 will need to be considered within an incredibly challenging context where health considerations, climate change and economic recovery will be of paramount importance, along with the imperative of rejuvenating the High Streets, delivering new homes and planning for a diverse and ageing population.

There are certainly no quick and easy fixes. We will need to make sure that adequate mechanisms are in place to guarantee that permission is not granted to schemes or projects that are quickly approved but that we will eventually regret.

Aude was speaking to the BBC as part of an expert panel looking at the future of offices.

PRAGMATIC AND PREPARED VICTORIA HILLS, RTPI CHIEF EXECUTIVE Between 24 March and 8 April, more than 1,000 RTPI members responded to our online survey about the impacts of Covid-19 on the planning system. Insights were gained about home-working, the use of technology and how planners were keeping healthy and well during lockdown.

With the help of these insights, the RTPI has launched Pragmatic and Prepared for the Recovery, a report highlighting different innovative approaches adopted by planners to respond to the immediate challenges presented by the crisis.

I am delighted we have been able to capture and communicate this diverse set of experiences of the immediate response to the pandemic across every sector and part of the UK and Ireland. During these exceptional times the RTPI has a key role in promoting innovation and best practice and one way we do that is by collecting the expertise in our membership. We hope you enjoy reading this summary which illustrates the impressive responsiveness and resilience of planning and planners.

To download the full report, visit bit.ly/planner0720-covidresponse I M AG E S | RT P I

44_47 RTPI News_July 2020_The Planner 45

J U LY 2 0 20 / THE PLA NNER

45

10/06/2020 10:40

NEWS

RTPI N E W S

New guide for Chartered Town Planner apprentices The RTPI has launched a resource centre for planning apprentices looking to gain Chartered status.

The new resource centre is aimed specifically at apprentices who are preparing for the Degree Apprenticeship End Point Assessment (EPA), the final stage of the Chartered Town Planner Apprenticeship.

It features detailed information on how to complete the Assessment, and also features downloadable templates,

What is the Degree Apprenticeship End Point Assessment?

• 50-minute discussion with an independent assessor • 5,500-word written submission • ‘reflective journals’ for both the discussion and the written submission

advice notes, and links to online training modules, webinars and events.

RTPI Head of Membership Martine Koch said:“This new resource centre provides vital information on how to complete the EPA and we hope it will become a one-stop shop for all apprentices as they work their way towards becoming a Chartered Town Planner.

“We’re delighted that the Chartered Town Planner Apprenticeship has proved so popular, enabling students to earn a salary, gain practical experience in the workplace, learn in-demand skills from experienced professionals, and ultimately achieve an RTPIaccredited postgraduate qualification.”

The launch of this new resource centre is an action arising from the RTPI’s new Corporate Strategy 2020-30, launched earlier this year, which introduced GROWPLAN – a comprehensive growth strategy to attract new members. n Visit the new resource centre at bit.ly/planner0720-assessment

RTPI/POS agreement A concordat which commits the RTPI and the Planning Officers Society (POS) to increased collaboration over the next five years has been signed in an online ceremony.

The RTPI and POS say that they have agreed to work together to promote the role of the chief planning officer in local authorities, and to put planning and planners centre stage of the built environment professions.

46

T H E P L AN N E R \ J U LY 2 0 2 0

44_47 RTPI News_July 2020_The Planner 46

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS The RTPI has launched a new RTPI Learn bite-sized module which introduces the UN Sustainable Development Goals for town planners.

It outlines what the goals and targets are and through case studies focuses on what planners can do and the tools and techniques they can use.

Although referring to the planning systems in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, this free, onehour module serves as good practice on a global level.

RTPI’s bite-sized modules can account for one hour of CPD undertaken remotely. Other modules available include Introduction to Town Planning for Mental Health, Neurological and Spectrum Conditions and Planning to Protect Ancient Woodlands and Trees. n For more information on all the RTPI’s bite-sized modules, visit bit.ly/planner0720-bitesizemodules

Sarah Platts said: “Chief planners are such an important part of the corporate place shaping and place leadership agenda so POS is really keen to explore how we can work with the RTPI to best support the role.”

Victoria Hills said: “I’m thrilled that the two organisations are going to be working together and I’m sure that by doing so, we will achieve great things.”

The concordat was signed by RTPI Chief Executive Victoria Hills (pictured, right) and POS President Sarah Platts MRTPI (left).

n You may read the agreement in full at bit.ly/planner0720-rtpiposconcordat

I M AG E S | RT P I

10/06/2020 10:40

G PLANNIN AHEAD MEMBER NEWS

CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE

Key dates for 2020 RTPI Online Events 2020 The RTPI is now bringing you the best of its events and training programme online to help members navigate the current crisis and explore planning in a postpandemic world. As well as free modules for planners at RTPI Learn and more indepth online learning at RTPI Training, we now have a range of webinars and videos, many from the regions and nations. available to view for free on our YouTube channel. n For more information about RTPI Online Events, visit bit.ly/planner0720-OnlineEvents

RTPI Training For in-depth online learning, RTPI Training provides a range of CPD masterclasses. Led by quality-assured trainers and including a half-day interactive webinar, each course has a sequence of activities before, during and after the webinar, including peer-to-peer reflection, case studies and self-reflection activities to help you meet your CPD requirements.

Prices start from £99 with concessions available. n For more information, visit bit.ly/planner0720-rtpieventsawardstraining

9

EIA PROCESS Join trainer Josh Fothergill (pictured) JULY to look at the procedural steps a local planning authority undertakes in enabling and reviewing the Environmental Impact Assessment process. This masterclass will enable you to identify which developments need EIA, the topics to be scoped and covered, and will teach you how to identify and assess significant environmental effects of the proposals. n To book, visit bit.ly/planner0720-EIA

For the very latest news, follow us on Twitter @RTPIPlanners

An appeal has recently been heard in which the Conduct and Discipline Panel found that a member had breached the Code of Professional Conduct. The member appealed against that decision and the complaint was reconsidered by an Appeal Committee.

The complaint alleged that our member, John Snow MRTPI, had inflated the hours shown on his time sheets and therefore his invoices for work carried out for a company who had employed him as a planning consultant. The appeal committee noted that there was a lack of contemporaneous evidence to support the hours claimed. There was also sufficient evidence provided by the complainant that the hours were inflated. The Appeal Committee agreed that this had resulted in a breach of clause 4 of the code that requires members to act with honesty and integrity throughout their career, and to reprimand Mr Snow and name him in this published report.

Queries about the Code of Professional Conduct can be emailed to ruth.richards@rtpi.org.uk.

PAUL BARNARD Congratulations to Paul Barnard MRTPI, who was presented with the RTPI’s Gold Medal at a recent virtual meeting of the General Assembly. It was announced in December that Paul, Plymouth City Council’s service director for strategic planning and infrastructure, would be presented with the award in recognition of his ‘leadership, planning expertise, ability to innovate and sheer determination’.

The RTPI Gold Medal is awarded at the discretion of the Board of Trustees for exceptional achievement in the field of town and country planning. It is international and is open to all classes of membership. Since 1953, it has been awarded 16 times. n For details, visit bit.ly/planner0720-goldmedal

IN MEMORIAM It is with sadness that the RTPI has learned of the death of Charles Prosser HonMRTPI earlier this year. Mr Prosser was Secretary of the Royal Fine Art Commission for Scotland from 1976 until 2005 when the Commission was replaced

by Architecture and Design Scotland. He was made an Honorary Member of the RTPI in 2002 in recognition of his significant contribution to planning. The RTPI offers its sincere condolences to Mr Prosser’s family and friends.

J U LY 2 0 20 / THE PLA NNER

44_47 RTPI News_July 2020_The Planner 47

47

10/06/2020 10:40

Reach out to our audience of membership professionals There’s never been a more important time to reassure the planning community that their skills are in need.

The Plannerr job board board offers offfers you an opportunity it to t attract tt t the th attention tt ti of a guaranteed, dedicated audience of membership professionals, and reassure them that you are still looking to recruit.

Whether you have vacancies now, or will be looking to recruit at a later time, remind our readers what sets your organisation apart, and let them know your plans.

You might also consider advertising in The Planner magazine, and ensure you are seen by the profession’s top-calibre candidates and kept at the forefront of their minds. Show them that you are here, your brand is strong, and your organisation needs them.

For more information and rates, contact us now on: T: 020 7880 6232 E: jobs@theplanner.co.uk p48-49_PLNMAY20.indd 50 2 BLEED.indd 1 The Planner full page ad2 option p49_PLN.MAY20.indd

05/06/2020 15:02 09/04/2020 16:19 16:16 09/04/2020

Throughout the pandemic, organisations are still actively and successfully recruiting for planning professionals.

Here is a selection of the most recent opportunities from a few of those organisations working with The Planner to recruit the best quality candidates in the marketplace.

Head of Planning Policy and Environment

Planning Of·cer

Salary: £31,371 £32,878 pa Location: Bedford

Salary: £57,625 £63,693 pa Location: Coventry

Strategic Land Manager Salary: £50,964 pa plus car allowance Location: Croydon

Principal Planner Salary: Competitive Location: Cheshire

Various roles:

Principal Planner Delivery Planning Of·cer x2 Strategic Planning Manager

To a dve r ti s e pl ease em ai l : t he pl a n n e r jobs@redact ive. co. uk or ca l l 0 2 0 7 880 623 2

Laundry List FP.indd 1 49 p48-49_PLNMAY20.indd

Planning Services Manager Salary: £50,209 £54,280 pa (depending on experience) Location: East of England, Essex, North Ben¸eet

theplanner.co.uk/jobs 17:31 08/06/2020 17:33

ACTIVITIES Never let it be said that the planning profession hasn’t innovated during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. This month we celebrate our Nations & Regions focus on London, in particular RTPI London Region’s webinar series. We also look forward to Planner Live Online, the series of online events taking place in the last week of this month.

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING...

consider: Has the era of ‘plantech’ now truly arrived? This event forms part of the RTPI Online Events 2020 series (all webinars will be recorded and published on the RTPI YouTube ube channel). At time of going to digital press, speakers were yet to be confirmed – but bookings are being taken.

nuggets of construction, planning and structural information are to be had as the narrator takes you from west to east along the Thames. bit.ly/planner0720-bridges

bit.ly/planner0720-plantech

London: 2000 Years Of History History buffs will enjoy Channel 5’s latest: two millennia of development with a focus as much on the built environment as the political and social circumstances that led to its creation.

Episode one sees Dan Jones explore Crossrail to discover the ruins of Roman Londinium, Suzannah Lipscomb get to know Boudica, and Rob Bell investigate the first London Bridge, built by the Romans. Four episodes to catch up on, with the fourth looking at ‘how Crossrail will propel the capital into the future’. bit.ly/planner0720-2000years

London Planners Idea Exchange: #plantech This webinar, scheduled for 10 July at 12:30pm, sees RTPI’s London region considering ‘the revolution in the way we conduct our business remotely’ and the running of the first online planning committees. Panellists will

Planning for a post-pandemic city Another 2020 RTPI Online Event produced by the RTPI London, this is one brings together planners and resilience lience experts from around the world to explore the lessons we should be taking from the current pandemic, including: uding: Should we have been better prepared? Has the planning policy cy focus on densification compounded the health crisis? What policy changes should we be making when we come out of the other side? Speakers are: Celeste Morgan – E2 Design Lab, Melbourne; Cristian Bevington – AECOM, San Francisco; George Weeks – Auckland Council; Aude BicqueletLock – RTPI; and Tom Venables – Prior + Partners (chair). bit.ly/planner0720-postcovid

Connecting a Capital: London’s Thames Crossings This is 13 minutes well spent if you’re looking for a crash course in the capital’s crossings. Did you know that Westminster Bridge is painted green, and Lambeth Bridge red, to represent the two chambers in the Houses of Parliament? This and plenty of other

50

#How can we make the process of planning and building easier?

Produced by RTPI London in partnership with the Greater London Authority. Scott Alford, head of business development, Planning Portal, updates on the history of the Planning Portal before looking to the future of the planning process including use of APIs to aid interoperability of systems. The GLA’s Peter Kemp hosts. A 15-minute presentation then 15-minute Q&A. bit.ly/planner0720-plantalk

Last month we featured a Landmark Chambers webinar and suggested that participant Paul Tucker worked for them. In fact, he works for Kings Chambers. Happy to correct that here.

T H E PL AN N E R \ JU LY 2 0 2 0

50-51 Activities_July 2020_The Planner 50

10/06/2020 10:41

LANDSCAPE

WHAT WE’RE READING...

People Like Us

By Hashi Mohamed ISBN 978-1788161121

Planning barrister Hashi Mohammed – also to be found in our Legal Landscape section this month, page 42 – is, in this book, subtitled ‘What it Takes to Make it in Modern Britain’, suggesting to the country’s young professional wannabes that simply working hard is not enough, and that anyone seeking a professional career these days needs to adapt to the environments in which they find themselves. Mohamed suggests that there’s a fine balance to be struck between seeking to change the system and working from within it. A useful book for planning’s next generation.

Rewild Yourself Simon Barnes ISBN: 9781471175428

“We're not just losing the wild world. We're forgetting it. We’re no longer noticing it. We’ve lost the habit of looking and seeing and listening and hearing.”

WHAT WE'RE PLANNING...

This is Barnes’ starting point to a book that features ‘23 spellbinding ways to bring the magic of nature much closer to home’. Apparently, “Once you know the tricks, the wild world begins to appear before you”.

An ideal read for anyone who wants to get closer to the nature all around them and bring it back into focus.

The Planner Live Online We are preparing a week of digital conference sessions covering how planning is coping in this age of crisis. It starts on Monday 29 June, with events each day throughout the week.

All webinars and video debates are free to attend, and you can read more about the programme on p.13. For the very latest details, follow this link: bit.ly/planner0720-plannerlive

bit.ly/planner0720-rewild

Planning for post­pandemic recovery

Town Planning for Australia – Studies in International Planning History George Taylor

August’s edition of The Planner

ISBN: 9780415835107 One for those looking back to look forward, this was the first dedicated book on the subject of urban planning published in Australia, setting out “a specifically Australian approach to planning and development of towns in a young country”.

We are told that Taylor was a controversial activist and publisher who helped to bring the New South Wales Town Planning Association into existence before playing a role in publishing and promoting planning into the 1920s.

We’re speaking to Brian Evans, appointed by Glasgow City Council as its first ‘City Urbanist’.

What does the role mean, and how does it work in practice to deal with councillors, officers, the design community, and city partners and stakeholders to enhance Glasgow’s approach to placemaking and connectivity?

We also speak to Innovate UK’s Gary Cutts about putting an aviation systems framework to use to solve planning complexities.

As ever, we invite you to have your say on our feature themes by getting in touch at

bit.ly/planner0720-taylor

editorial@theplanner.co.uk

J U LY 2 0 20 / THE PLA NNER

50-51 Activities_July 2020_The Planner 51

51

10/06/2020 12:49

rtpi.org.uk

Have you seen our new website?

We are excited to announce the launch of RTPI’s newly designed website. We hope you enjoy our new clean design that is easy to navigate, looks great on any device, and is more user-friendly.

• Find the very latest news on our home page • Easy to navigate • Responsive design for a seamless customer experience on all devices • Fresh layout with up-to-date content • A ‘New from the Institute’ tab providing easy filterable access to the latest news, blogs, policy and research • Handy ‘content you might be interested in’ feature suggesting other relevant pages related to what you are looking at • Clear regions and nations pages via the ‘Find your RTPI’ tab

P3517 - RTPI Full page advert planner (Website)p4.indd 1 p52_PLN.JULY20.indd 2

Log in to our improved members’ area to: • Edit contact details • Log CPD hours • Keep track of which events you’ve booked • View member only content • Log volunteer activity (for Planning Aid England volunteers) • Access an exclusive package of consumer discounts through RTPI Plus

Our new event booking system includes: • Clear maps for all event locations • Ability to enter special and dietary requirements • Easy-to-use filtering to find events relevant to you • Quick and simple credit card payment system

07/04/2020 13:04 10:38 10/06/2020