PDP visit BRE in Watford and Accordia living in Cambridge

To stay ahead of the game, PDP went to explore the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in Watford, a “world leading and ground breaking demonstration development” intended to show how future sustainable buildings can be achieved.

It boasts seven sustainable houses (built to various levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes), a sustainable health centre and over 300 different construction innovations and emerging technologies designed to minimise environmental impact and reduced emissions, without impacting on build quality.

The prototype buildings are all uniquely designed by various house builders and are constantly monitored for environmental performance over time.

From an architectural perspective, the team was highly impressed by the various innovative features and ideas on display, despite the fact that many of the designs challenged the traditional house building concepts that we have become accustomed to over the decades.

PDP also visited Accordia Living in Cambridge. This is high density housing at its very best, demonstrating that volume house-builders can deliver high quality architecture – and that as a result they can improve their own bottom line.

PDP feel it is important to keep pace with technological advancements across the country, particularly where they concern minimising the environmental impact of new built development.

PDP help concerned residents in Spondon -refusal

Planning Design Practice were approached by concerned residents in Spondon who were seeking to oppose the extension and change of use of a small private gym to a boxing club. There were concerns raised amongst the residents relating to noise, loss of light, and impact upon outlook. Despite a recommendation of approval from planning officers, PDP spoke at planning committee and were able to ensure the application was refused. Both PDP and the local residents supported the proposed introduction of a boxing gym into the Spondon area, but felt that the proposed site was inappropriate for such a use.

‘Right to build’ policy publicised

The Government issued an e-leaflet this month to publicise their ‘right to build’ idea. The proposed strategy, which is to form part of the Localism Bill which the administration plans to publish later this year, involves giving community organisations the freedom to permit new local developments without a specific application for planning permission, as long as there is overwhelming community backing in a local referendum.
Any surplus made from the sale or renting of homes would be recycled for the benefit of the community. But community organisations would not be restricted to just building family homes - they could choose to build sheltered housing for the elderly, or set aside plots for people to build their own homes. They could even offer long-term, low rent deals for local shops, community halls or sports facilities.
The Campaign to Protect Rural England and the Royal Town Planning Institute have both questioned the proposals, however, preferring that the development plan system form the basis of decisions rather than simple public ballots.
PDP will keep a very close eye on relevant legislative developments over the coming months and would be happy to advise any individuals or community groups wanting to understand the implications of the policy changes further.