Planning

IntroductionAtkins is one of the UK’s leading multidisciplinary planning consultancies with around 600 qualified and experienced professionals covering a wide rage of disciplines including planning, masterplanning, urban and landscape design, economics, heritage, transport, ecology, sustainability and environmental science.

Drawing upon this expertise we can provide integrated solutions to the planning challenges faced by public and private sector clients at all stages of the planning cycle from policy formulation to consenting and project delivery.

We can also draw on the company’s extensive expertise in:

• Flood risk and SUDS design

• Land contamination

• Noise and air quality

• Renewable energy

• BREEAM

• Infrastructure design

• Project costing

Our services include:

• Planning appraisals

• Planning applications

• Masterplanning

• Appeals, including Public Inquiries

• Environmental Impact Assessments

• Supplementary Planning Documents

• Minerals and waste

• Sustainability Appraisals

• Design Guides

• Asset Managing and Surveying

The cornerstones of our approach are a commitment to client satisfaction and excellence in the technical quality of our work.

Policy MakingAtkins has taken a lead in working to the new planning system introduced by the Planning Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and has wide ranging expertise in helping local planning authorities to deliver their Local Development Frameworks. Our involvement ranges from the specialist assessments essential to a robust evidence base, such as open space studies and employment land assessments, through community consultation, Sustainability Appraisals and GIS, to the LDF documents themselves including Statements of Community Involvement, Site Specific Allocations, Proposals Maps, Area Action Plans, Sustainability Appraisals, Supplementary Planning Documents and Minerals and Waste Development Frameworks.

Site PlanningAtkins has been involved in a wide range of projects helping private and public sector clients design and deliver new communities that are both sustainable and well planned. Our work includes both greenfield development and urban extensions, from initial assessments and feasibility, through to masterplanning and detailed planning and design, to site delivery. Our approach encompasses assessment of greenfield requirement, considering urban capacity in relation to the land-take necessary for proposed levels of housing and employment, transport and community infrastructure. We also evaluate growth options in terms of environmental impact, infrastructure capacity and the need to ensure sustainability. In addition we address the need for business development to keep travel to a minimum.

Atkins can provide support at all stages of the planning process

Policy Making Site Planning ConsentingProjectDelivery

AssetManagement

Asset ManagementThe government’s best value, modernisation and change agendas have put increasing pressure on the public sector to manage and operate their property assets strategically and think corporately about their property investment. Fitness for purpose and flexibility are key to effective property management which, in both public and private sectors, is typically the second biggest drain on revenue budgets after employee costs. A real drive is now underway to manage property better and to recognise that strategic asset management is not something to be dealt with in passing, as problems arise, but is an evolving process requiring continuous specialist supervision to provide the highest standards of operational efficiency.

ConsentingExpert preparation is key to success in securing planning consent at local authority level or on appeal, as in-depth information is now required in support of even relatively small applications. Drawing upon international and UK experience, Atkins has acquired considerable expertise in co-ordinating planning applications, EIAs and other specialist assessments. Project DeliverySuccessful delivery of high quality development depends on rigorous analysis of potential implementation strategies. Atkins starts with assessment of land use mixes based on market demand, policy context and physical constraints and opportunities. Options are then appraised against commercial, economic, design and sustainability criteria. Possible funding deficit is considered along with any public funding needed. Options for delivery vehicles can vary from a market led approach to public private partnerships as either joint venture or special-purpose vehicles.

Atkins was commissioned by Mid Sussex District Council, Crawley Borough Council, Lewes District Council, East and West Sussex County Councils to undertake a feasibility study to examine the potential for additional strategic development on land around Crawley, Burgess Hill and West Sussex. The objective of the study was to explore and gain an understanding of the issues and implications for development around these conurbations in order to provide a robust response to the South East England Regional Assembly. The findings have informed the South East Regional Spatial Strategy.

The first stage was to ascertain development constraints including areas of flood risk and ecological and landscape value. We also considered the impact of any development on the transport, utility and community infrastructure. From this work we have been able to identify potential developable areas, community and infrastructure requirements. Indicative site layouts were included in the final report to illustrate how the options would work.

West Sussex Urban Extension Feasibility Studies

Daventry Strategic Development FrameworkAs part of the Government’s plans for the Milton Keynes - SouthMidlands growth area, Daventry has been earmarked forsubstantial housing growth between now and 2021. Atkins wascommissioned to draw up a Framework for the growthof the town that would be both objective and independent.It would need to provide for 8,000 new homes plus land foremployment, open space, schools and shops.

The Framework identified the constraints on development, looking at wildlife, heritage, landscape and ground conditions andlooked at ways of expanding the town based upon urbandesign principles.

We produced three growth scenarios which were both sustainable and addressed environmental and other constraints. The District Council incorporated the Framework into its emerging LocalDevelopment Documents.

Corby Development FrameworkMajor housing and employment growth between now and 2021 are faced by Corby, in the Milton Keynes South Midlands Sub-Regional Strategy area. But like many local planning authorities, Corby Borough Council (CBC) lacks sufficient in-house capability to produce the various documents critical to its growth agenda.

CBC commissioned Atkins to provide an Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) and also Corby Site-Specific Allocations and Sustainability Appraisal (SA), plus Corby Proposals Map and Area Action Plans and Sustainability Appraisals for Corby Town Centre, Kingswood and Corby Borough Urban Extensions.

With work on the site specific allocations and town centre AAP starting at the Issues and Options Paper stage, Atkins specialists liaised closely with CBC. The material for exhibitions and workshops featured among services provided.

Kidbrooke SPDThe London Borough of Greenwich commissioned us to develop an SPD for the Kidbrooke area which would expand on area-based policies in the Greenwich UDP and aid development of a vision masterplan to give design guidance to prospective development partners.

The commission included a review and design development of the masterplan and guidelines for urban form in four main character-areas. Issues addressed in the study ranged across built form, public realm and open space, access and parking. We also carried out a Sustainability Appraisal. Community involvement was of central importance throughout the project.

Hinckley Town Centre MasterplanAtkins led a consortium of consultants in the preparation of a masterplan to promote the renaissance of Hinckley, a market town in the East Midlands. Our study placed Hinckley in context and examined the physical, social and economic aspects which govern the town.

Wide ranging consultation was central to our work. We identified the factors responsible for the town’s underperformance, the existing assets which could be developed and exploited, as well as identifying new sources of demand. Particular focus was given to the redevelopment of key development sites within the town centre as well as an in-depth study into a new leisure/cultural facility.

Our aim was to develop a strategy for Hinckley town centre that would provide a welcoming image, promote design excellence, attract new investment and create a high quality environment where people would want to live, work and visit.

A wide choice of housing was proposed, varying in price and tenure in new buildings as well as in converted hosiery factories and above shops. There were proposals for business premises ranging from small workshops to office accommodation. Under the proposals people would find a varied range of shops, restaurants and pubs and Hinckley would be a lively and safe place with overlooked public spaces. Pedestrians and cyclists would enjoy improved accessibility to the town centre and new leisure and cultural facilities would be an integral part of the town centre.

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Berkshire Minerals and Waste Development FrameworkWe have assisted the Berkshire Joint Strategic Planning Unit (JSPU) to provide strategic minerals and waste planning advice for the former county area of Berkshire on behalf of the six unitary authorities that serve the area. We have prepared the formal consultation Issues and Options Report for the Berkshire Joint Minerals and Waste Development Framework Core Strategy. Its purpose is to set out the main issues that need to be considered in preparing the Core Strategy for the Framework, which will provide planning policy for minerals and waste in Berkshire for the next ten to fifteen years.

Recycling and Waste Treatment Facility, Courtauld Road, EssexAtkins has been offering strategic advice to the Waste and Recycling Branch of Essex County Council under a three year contract for the provision of Planning Services. Responding to the waste strategy studies on BPEO technologies and BPEO for locational considerations, we prepared the Environmental Statement to support a planning application for a major waste treatment and recycling facility, designed by Atkins, over a 12ha site in Basildon, Essex.

The site will process 385,000 tonnes per annum of Municipal Solid Waste, 107,000 tonnes of green/kitchen waste and 80,000 tonnes of source segregated waste. It will also produce at least 6 MW of electricity from burning Biogas.

Planning Advisory Service, (PAS) Evidence Base GuidanceAtkins was commissioned by PAS to provide guidance and support to assist local authorities in developing an appropriate evidence base to support the preparation of LDFs. The aim of the project was to improve the ability of local planning authorities to prepare and maintain an appropriate evidence base, and support improvements in LDF delivery.

Evidence guidance note andelectronic tool The first stage was to produce an evidence base guidance note which established the key components of the evidence base and potential sources of information which could be used to develop the evidence base. The note included guidance on:

• The scope of evidence which may be required to develop a profile and characterisation of the local area, including spatial linkages and the thematic components

• Preparation of a matrix to assist authorities in evaluating existing sources of information which could potentially be used to form part of the evidence base including a list identifying the checks required to make sure that these sources are fit for purpose

• Guidance on how to identify the significant issues within the locality

• Guidance on how to judge the age of information and level of change

• Guidance on scoping the nature of additional evidence which may be required including timing and focus.

• Links with monitoring and sustainability appraisal.

The guidance note was supported by an electronic Excel based decision making tool which would be a flow chart and decision tree which identifies criteria for evaluating evidence and whether it meets national planning policy guidance which is to be hosted on the PAS website.

Piloting the guidance and tools The second strand of the work provided expert advice and assistance which piloted the guidance and tool including:

• Support to, and expert advice and assistance on, approach and processes required to develop the evidence base

• Support to identify and improve processes involved with information flows and evidence gathering.

The last stage of the project is to provide feedback to PAS on processes, problems, solutions, outcomes and recommendations.

Derby Housing Land Availability AssessmentAtkins was commissioned in association with Savills to undertake Housing Land Availability Assessment (HLAA) for Derby to serve as an evidence base for the City Council at the Examination in Public into the Draft Regional Spatial Strategy for the East Midlands (RSS8).

Atkins undertook a systematic HLAA in order to determine the extent and type of land available for residential development during the period 2006-2026.

The various sites were identified through baseline document review, consultation with Derby City Council Officers and Derby Cityscape Limited and desktop/field survey identification. Each of the identified sites were visited to assess their suitability, viability and availability for residential development. This included an assessment of each site’s proximity to infrastructure, services, employment and educational facilities. Each of the potential greenfield sites was assessed objectively for their potential suitability for residential development in terms of environmental and sustainability factors.

An overall quantification of supply was calculated and each identified site placed into one of four, 5 year trajectories and a strategy for development to assist in ensuring the successful development of the identified sites was developed.

Liverpool Open SpaceWe were commissioned by Liverpool City Council and English Heritage to undertake a study to improve the understanding of open space in Liverpool. The purpose of the study was to inform the production of the Liverpool LDF but it was also to supply information of value to English Heritage and the Parks and Leisure Departments of the Council. The study delivered a clear picture of Liverpool’s existing and future needs for open space and its ability to meet those needs in terms of quality, quantity and location. It also defined new standards for provision which could be used in the implementation of planning policy.

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Lambeth Employment StudyOn behalf of the London Borough of Lambeth, Atkins carried out a comprehensive assessment of the Borough’s needs for employment land and premises which included a planning and property appraisal of Key Industrial Business Areas (KIBAs). A key objective of the study was to test the appropriateness of this new type of planning designation for Lambeth taking into account the particular circumstances of the existing and potential future business community.

The assessment considered the suitability of continued employment use and options for change and utilised a series of innovative techniques to derive sectoral employment forecasts for the Borough. A comprehensive consultation process was undertaken including a survey of local businesses to build up an economic profile of the Borough as well as to understand the future needs of the indigenous business population.

The study drew conclusions about the employment land supply-demand balance in the Borough and confirmed that the new policy approach towards protecting existing sites and maintaining an adequate supply of premises to meet future needs through the use of KIBAs was robust.

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Atkins is assisting several authorities in the review of their approach to planning obligations in response to the recent supplement to PPS1 and PPS12 which place a greater emphasis on ensuring development plans include a strategy for providing appropriate infrastructure in tandem with development.

In addition the proposals for a new Community Infrastructure Levy within the Planning Bill will influence the approach authorities take to securing planning obligations with several authorities already trailblazing this approach.

We have developed and applied an approach for identifying infrastructure requirements in their widest sense and devising mechanisms for securing appropriate developer contributions. Key aspects of our approach include:

• review of existing approach and gap analysis

• the implications of planning growth and analysis of infrastructure needs

Infrastructure and Planning Obligations Studies and SPDs

• establishing the evidence base

• infrastructure costs, phasing and responsibilities

• establishing mechanisms for calculating contributions

• viability testing, operational and legal issues

• delivery strategy and contingency planning including prioritisation and monitoring framework.

Project examples:

• Hertfordshire Joint Infrastructure and Investment Strategy

• Harlow Infrastructure Study

• Lewisham Planning Obligations SPD

• Cherwell Planning Obligations SPD

• Haringey Open Space Sport and Recreation SPD

• Camden Recreation and Sport Infrastructure Study.

Cheeseman’s Green, AshfordAshford, Kent, earmarked by the government as a Sustainable Communities Growth Area, is being promoted as a key location for attracting inward investment to the region.

We worked with The Church Commissioners to produce a masterplan for the new community on their land at Cheeseman’s Green, on the outskirts of the town. Sustainability has been central to the concept, as have environmental concern, sustainable

transport and commitment to the highest standards of urban design, including public realm.

Approval for 1,100 new homes and upwards of 70,000 square metres of business space has been granted by Ashford Borough Council which has accepted a development brief by Atkins based on village principles and proposing a mix of uses, density and building type.

Waterlooville MasterplanAtkins prepared four masterplan framework options for the Major Development Area (MDA) to the west of Waterlooville to guide the development of the site and, in particular, to assist Winchester City Council and Havant Borough Council in taking their Local Plan Reviews to the next stage.

The site is one of four MDAs in the Hampshire Structure Plan proposed, or reserved, to provide the majority of new greenfield development requirements within the county up until 2011. The site of the proposed new community is required to provide at least, 2,000 dwellings, with a reserved provision of 1,000 houses and 30 hectares of land for industrial, business and commercial purposes to meet the development needs of South East Hampshire.

The various options each addressed the issue of integration with the existing settlement of Waterlooville and made provision for public transport and traffic management whilst respecting the landscape and nature conservation interests in the area and the setting of nearby settlements.

Greenwich Peninsula, LondonOver the past ten years or so we have provided the complete spectrum of specialist consultancy to English Partnerships. We have played a pivotal role in the procurement and project management, including design and implementation of new infrastructure, landscaping and riverside reconstruction across the whole 120 hectare site.

In addition to securing planning permission for the Millennium Dome we were responsible for obtaining all of the detailed consents for the new infrastructure on the peninsula. We also provided expert witness evidence at a Lands Tribunal hearing into compensation arising from a Compulsory Purchase Order.

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Olympian Tower, LondonWe successfully obtained planning permission for the redevelopment of a high profile site in Stratford, East London. We led the planning, environmental and transport support to inform this application for a sustainable, high quality, mixed use 26 storey landmark tower.

The scheme is an eye catching, modern design, and will create a new defining landmark for the area. The development will be an important part of the overall transformation of Stratford into a centre of regional significance.

The preparation of the planning application involved extensive liaison with London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (as determining authority), London Borough of Newham and GLA. Technical assessments undertaken to support this application included: transport, air quality, noise, flood risk, ecology, socio-economic, sunlight and daylight, cultural heritage and waste.

Richmond School, YorkshireWe prepared and co-ordinated planning and listed building consent applications with a suite of documents and supporting information on issues such as planning policy, transport, landscape, archaeology/heritage, ecology, flood risk, visual impact and sustainability.

Atkins is providing services to a number of local authorities to support their Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programmes including the London Boroughs of Lewisham and Southwark, Cambridgeshire County Council and North Yorkshire County Council. We have also prepared and submitted planning applications for 18 surplus school sites on behalf of Northamptonshire County Council.

North Yorkshire County Council called in Atkins when the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) named it as one of only three local authorities in England required to produce an exemplar of sustainable development.

Their challenge, under the Building Schools for the Future Single Pathfinder Programme, was to replace Richmond School using sustainable design and construction techniques and, where practicable, renewable energy resources to minimise environmental impact. The task also included incorporation of an important Grade II listed building.

Surrey Heath AppealsUsing our planning expertise we can prepare for and mount an appeal or take a development plan document through an examination on behalf of a Local Planning Authority. From our wealth of resources we can call upon experts to give evidence at public inquiries on planning, environmental specialisms, heritage, landscape and visual impact, transport planning, economics and many other disciplines.

Over a number of years we assisted Surrey Heath Borough Council with planning appeals. We dealt with more than 35 planning appeals

over the period including appeals concerning listed buildings, conservation areas, enforcement notices and lawful development certificates.

We prepared, co-ordinated and submitted all evidence to the planning inspectorate, represented the council at informal hearings and provided expert witnesses for eight public inquiries, many of which focused on resolving how to balance national policy requirements for higher density housing and concern to preserve local character.

EIA of the London 2012 Olympic, Paralympic and Legacy FacilitiesAtkins was commissioned by the Olympic Delivery Authority to co-ordinate the Environmental Impact Assessment of the London 2012 Olympic, Paralympic and Legacy Facilities located in the Lower Lea Valley. To accompany the planning application, an Environmental Statement was prepared. The application represented one of the largest ever planning applications in Europe at over 10,000 pages.

The 246-hectare site has been the focus of heavy industry for over a century, and includes waste and recycling uses, railway lines, waterways, an area of housing and pockets of greenspace and wildlife habitat. Consequently the full range of environmental topics required assessment, including land contamination, aquatic and terrestrial ecology, cultural heritage, flood risk, noise and air quality.

Lea Square, NewhamIn support of a planning application for the landmark Lea Square development in East London, we undertook an initial impact assessment.

Lea Square, which will include offices, retail, leisure, residential, community spaces and exhibition facilities, is on a 1.4 hectare brownfield regeneration site at the confluence of the Rivers Lea and Bow Back.

The £180m Lea Square development will provide a new vibrant vicinity at the western extremity of the Thames Gateway in the Lea Valley, Newham, between the City and Stratford.

The three towers will provide a strong landmark statement at the ‘Gateway to Newham’. The building designs include integrated renewable and low energy initiatives, setting exemplar targets for sustainability. New public piazzas will be defined, and a new wharf is also included in the plans. Residential town houses and garden apartments along the riverside are integral to the character of the street context.

CrossrailWe have substantial experience of obtaining consents for railway related infrastructure. For the Crossrail project we provide ongoing planning support relating to new stations and upgrades to stations across the London Underground network and in relation to the proposed commercial developments above the stations. Stations range from those in the heart of the City to those in the suburbs, each with a very different set of operational and design issues to resolve.

United Utilities WindfarmsAtkins has provided town planning and community consultation services for a variety of projects on behalf of United Utilities Green Energy.

United Utilities Green Energy have developed their business in tandem with the Government setting out their objective of securing 10% of energy supply from renewable sources by 2010, following the 1998 Kyoto Protocol and the National Renewables Obligation of 2000.

At a strategic planning level we provide the client with a quarterly monitoring service, highlighting when opportunities occur for representations to be lodged for Issue Papers or Deposit Stages of development plans, considering the revision of planning policy matters.

E.ON Planning SupportOur call-off contract with E.ON, involves the provision of a wide range of planning services, including strategic advice on Local Development Frameworks, expert advice to public inquiry and judicial review processes; formulation of development options for redundant sites; the preparation and the submission of planning applications for operational centres, headquarters buildings and new uses on surplus land.

Severn Trent Water Planning SupportIn support of Severn Trent Water’s foul treatment investment programme, Atkins has submitted a large number of planning applications for sewage treatment plants and pumping stations. The commission includes the preparation of environmental impact assessments to support the applications.

North Riverside, DerbyAtkins was commissioned in association with Savills to undertake a masterplanning, viability appraisal and forward planning strategy exercise for land at North Riverside, Derby.

The redevelopment of the North Riverside area is a key component of Derby Cityscape Limited’s revised masterplan for Derby City. The area is a currently under-used part of the city centre. Derby Cityscape Limited commissioned Atkins to develop masterplan options for the site, including a 4*/5* hotel, commercial offices, residential apartments, a multi-storey car park, retail, leisure and public realm improvements.

The proposed masterplan schemes were appraised for their financial viability and recommendations for a preferred scheme provided. Market research was also undertaken for the proposed site outputs along with a degree of soft market testing. The results of this were used to inform both the layout and viability of the masterplan schemes proposed. Once a final masterplan scheme had been determined for the site, a forward planning and delivery strategy for the site was produced.

Business Park, Beeston, NottinghamWe demonstrated the value to the local and sub-regional economy of a 20ha employment site in Beeston and made the case for a mixed-use development.

On behalf of the Greater Nottingham Partnership, Nottingham Regeneration Ltd and Broxtowe Borough Council, Atkins assessed the significance of the location, looking at supply and demand for local employment land, and established the economic viability of its redevelopment for employment uses. The study was supported by technical assessments including flood risk from the river Trent. Development framework options were generated with financial appraisals to estimate the difference between development value and cost. The study concluded with the formulation of a development strategy for a business park on the site.

Northamptonshire EnterpriseFit For Market, established in 2004 is a programme to enable economic development in Northants, which has seen nearly £15m invested in public and private sector projects by 2008 across Northamptonshire.

The aim is to bring forward development of brownfield land and the re-use of redundant premises in order to promote the local economy and stimulate job creation; this is to be in line with

predicted population increase triggered by the growth agenda of Milton Keynes - South Midlands.

We developed a detailed appraisal process to assess and prioritise initiatives and advised Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd on ways, compliant with State Aid rules, of engaging the private sector. This included the negotiation of innovative joint ventures with private landowners and developers and making use of the Land Remediation Scheme which benefits from State Aid exemption.

The London Borough of Havering and The London Thames Gateway Development Corporation commissioned Atkins with Mei Architects to develop a masterplan and delivery and investment strategy for the A1306 New Road corridor. Key aspects of Atkins’ role in the plan were:

• Creation of a residential environment concept which can attract families to the area providing family housing within a high density low rise typology (additional work was funded by DCLG funding to establish the concept for wider applicability in the Thames Gateway)

• Identifying an approach to delivering real mixed use development which combines employment generating activities within mixed use typologies working with market realities

• Provision of social and community infrastructure including greenspace, primary school, college, neighbourhood shopping, health and sports provision

New Road Masterplan, Rainham• Establishing an environmental infrastructure strategy to

overcome severe constraints relating to flood risk, noise and utilities and integration of an approach to decentralised renewable energy, sustainable drainage and Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4

• Establishing a sustainable travel strategy and movement framework including integration of a new railway station and East London Transit

• A delivery strategy which enables the development of the area over time taking account of viability, ownership and enabling infrastructure requirements.

Planning applications are now being prepared by landowners for the initial phases of development.

Oxfordshire County Council Comprehensive Property ReviewA property review for Oxfordshire County Council of about 1,400 properties valued at £1 billion required Atkins to liaise with every section of the County Council organisation, with a remit to consider the authority’s existing property portfolio in relation to current and future needs. The commission necessitated a clear understanding of all corporate plans, service plans and partnership aspirations as well as property issues to enable an effective property solution to be delivered. The exercise addressed fitness for purpose, sustainability and suitability issues relating to the County Council’s property portfolio.

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PAUL WHITEWoodcote Grove

Ashley RoadEpsomSurrey

KT18 5BWEngland

Tel: 01372 726140 Fax: 01372 740055

Email: paul.white@atkinsglobal.com