Adapting to support the Planning System

22 Nov 2012

Julie Tanner

OPUN Architecture East Midlands Ltd is a registered charity 1143920

Design & the Economy

Housing & the economy

NPPF• “The Government attaches great importance to the design of the

built environment. Good design is a key aspect of sustainable development, is indivisible from good planning, and should contribute positively to making places better for people”

(National Planning Policy Framework paragraph 56)

• “Local planning authorities should have local design review arrangements in place to provide assessment and support to ensure high standards of design.…. In general, early engagement on design produces the greatest benefits. In assessing applications, local planning authorities should have regard to the recommendations from the design review panel.

(National Planning Policy Framework paragraph 62)

What is Design?

• ‘defines the specifications’ or ‘decides upon the look and function of a building or place’

• Cannot be determined in isolation• Design is multi-disciplinary: artists, architects,

urban designers, planners, landscape architects, engineers, surveyors, sustainability, highway experts etc.

• Place making is design• New build & regeneration

Design Review

• Design Review Panel benefits:– supports multi-disciplinary approach– speed a scheme through planning – endorsement from design review adds weight to a

planning application– can overcome objections to improve the design &

sustainability of a scheme – suggest fresh solutions to seemingly intractable design

issues– cut costs, often simplifying a scheme– improved design can command higher values

Number of Design Reviews by type 1st April – 30 Nov 2012

Housing type 1st April – 30 Nov 2012 (24)

Building for Life12

Housing design support •Demand is evidenced•Work with BfL partners•Provide local support•Speed up delivery•Assist & enable collaboration•Fill capacity•Support creation of better places

Design Support Service to local authorities£3,600 annual fee – bespoke package•Officer & Member Training•Local Authority Design Review discounts•Building for Life 12 validation•Enabling & Community Support•Public Art Support

(See letter in your pack)

2012/13: Ashfield District Council, Derby City Council, East Lindsey District Council and Leicester City Council.

- 6 discounted Design Review sessions- 4 training events for 120 participants including Building for Life12- 1 Student Public Realm Design Competition in association with Nottingham Trent University- 3 days of public art support- 1 facilitated Building for Life assessment- 2 design policy reviews on Local Plans

Activity:

Case Study – Manor Kingsway, Derby

• HCA sponsored, Kier Partnership Homes• Former hospital site• Existing SPD with parameters plan, including

traffic modeling and other ‘untouchables’ to do with layout and access

• 700 units, some retail, extra care, and potentially some B1

The Site

Design Review + Process

Design Review Design Working Group Submission

• Reviewed ‘as is’• Establishes key issues• Provides baseline for comparison of improvements

• All parties in attendance• Hands-on, proactive design development• Regular, intense

• Reduced negotiation• No nasty surprise objections• Concerns already addressed

New Masterplan

Design Review +

• formal Design Review – framed discussion• continuity of Panel Members• Subsequent Design Reviews – assurance

• informal Design Working Groups• Third Party role• Collaboration and ‘level playing field’

• BfL12 – verification of overall approachOutcome• Design uplift and 6 months time saving

Adapting

• Satisfies para.62 NPPF requirement – local planning authorities should have local design review arrangements in place

Why?• Speeds up planning process• Maximises overall value of the site• Raises local expectations of possibilities• Creates better places … and homes!• Unlocks potential through mediation

Adapting

• Developer Pays Principle• Third party mediation• Design Review model

– Desk Top Reviews (specialist advice)– Design Review+ (housing masterplans)– Arts Review Panel (supporting capacity)– Community-led Review (supporting Policy)– Building for Life 12 Review (housing)

• Credibility due to independence

Good Design Charter

- Commitment to support higher Design, Quality and Sustainability standards in the built environment in partnership with OPUN, to achieve better places in the East Midlands

-Recommends appropriate independent collaborative design-led approaches to assist the process towards determination of a scheme

-Design Review commitment-BfL12 Housing support

Good Design Charter

Significant Schemes:

When taken within their local context due to their:

a) intended size or end useb) location or setting is sensitivec) impact affects heritage, nature conservation, cultural or public amenity interests, ord) would have an importance greater than their size, use, location or intended impact would suggest i.e. to environmental, economic or social wellbeing

Good Design Charter - next steps

-Convening a working party to discuss how the Good Design Charter can be embedded

-How BfL12 can support Local Plan reviews

-Support pre-application discussions

-Support local plan delivery of housing and growth

-Roll out continuation of EMC/OPUN Design Support Service

•Include design considerations early •Independent involvement will not prejudice a determination•The Good Design Charter gives early signal to developers•Costs can be negotiated with the developer•Can reinforce Local Plan policy– NPPF• Lead to better quality and sustainable schemes

Not an afterthought… design is integral

OPUN team

Dharmista Sally Angus

Thank you for listening…

22 Nov 2012

Julie Tanner

OPUN Architecture East Midlands Ltd is a registered charity 1143920