East Staffordshire Borough Council are consulting until the 11th of June 2012 on a Strategic Framework for Burton Town Centre.

Eventually, forming part of East Staffordshire’s Local Development Framework the Strategic Framework sets out:

  • understand what makes Burton upon Trent town centre unique and special;
  • set out a vision of where the town centre could be in the next 20 years;
  • understand how the town centre operates; and
  • provide a coherent strategy to maximise development opportunities.

The Framework highlights potential development on seven existing town centre sites and also identifies eight opportunity sites:

  • family Bargains, Horninglow Street;
  • Bargates;
  • Market Square and Market Hall;
  • Former B&Q site, Lichfield Street;
  • Bond Street;
  • Green Street;
  • Station Street; and
  • Buildings on George Street.

The Framework also identifies guiding development principles, town centre improvements and transport priorities. 

To download a copy of the document visit the East Staffordshire consultation web site.

Are you interested in the future of Burton upon Trent? If you are and you need expert help to make sure you get your views across during this consultation call Kirkwells on 01282 872570.

Back to Top

May 14th 2012

Housing Minister Grant Shapps is shortly to announce a new £30 million fund for self builders.

This fund will provide short-term finance for projects where groups of self-builders come together to self-build homes at the same time.

These types of projects have struggled in the UK because of the reluctance of lenders to provide finance. But now Self-build groups will be able to bid for a slice of the cash to part fund land acquisition and early development costs with money being repaid on completion of the project.

Grant Shapps said:

“The self-build industry is riding the crest of a wave, with more people than ever wanting control over the design and build of their home. But despite this self-build surge, we continue to lag behind the rest of the world. I am determined to change this so anyone who wants to embark on a self-build project has the opportunity to do so.” (source: DCLG)

Interested in self-build? Read our guide on making sure you get planning permission.

Back to Top

May 14th 2012

We have been saying for some time this is going to be the biggest change to the town planning landscape in England – and so – to help you keep abreast of developments we have decided to publish a monthly update Kirkwells’ Neighbourhood Planning News.

Download your copy from this link - Neighbourhood Planning News Issue 1 May 2012 .

If you want to sign up for future issues just email.

Back to Top

May 11th 2012

From Monday 21 May 2012 for a period of six weeks Preston City Council will begin public consultation on the ‘Preferred Options’ stage of the City’s Site Allocations Plan.

Previous consultation on an Issues and Options paper between November 2010 and 18 February 2011 brought forward  over 90 suggested sites for development. These were suggested by developers, agents, landowners and local residents as potential development sites for a variety of uses

During this next period of consultation the Council will produce a preferred option of the ‘Site Allocations and Development Management Policies Development Plan Document’, and a Proposals Map showing the preferred sites.

Seven public consultation ‘drop-in’ sessions have also been arranged.

Further details can be found on the Sites for Preston web page.

Are you interested in the future development of Preston? Do you need expert help in responding to this forthcoming consultation? Call our expert policy planners on 01282 872570 to discuss how we can help you.

©Kirkwells Town Planners and Sustainable Development Consultants based at the Lancashire Digital Technology Centre in Burnley www.kirkwells.co.uk
Research • Planning Policy • Site Search • Site Appraisal • Planning Applications •  Appeals • Sustainable Development • Urban Design • Masterplanning • Heritage Statements • Bids for Funding • Neighbourhood Planning • Community Right to Build • Community Engagement • Training

Back to Top

May 10th 2012

 

Accrington from Peel Park

Accrington from Peel Park

Hyndburn Council in Lancashire have commenced work on the production of their development management polices by consulting on Issues and Options.

The consultation document poses a number of questions on how future development should be controlled in the Borough.

When complete these policies will form part of the Borough’s Local Development Framework and they will be used to assess and determine planning applications.

If you are concerned about the future of Hyndburn and need support in responding to the Council call our planning policy experts on 01282 872570.

Copies of the Issues and Options document are available here.

The consultation ends on the 18th of June 2012.

 

©Kirkwells Town Planners and Sustainable Development Consultants based at the Lancashire Digital Technology Centre in Burnley www.kirkwells.co.uk
Research • Planning Policy • Site Search • Site Appraisal • Planning Applications •  Appeals • Sustainable Development • Urban Design • Masterplanning • Heritage Statements • Bids for Funding • Neighbourhood Planning • Community Right to Build • Community Engagement • Training

 

 

 

Back to Top

May 10th 2012

Following the massive response to the first round of Portas’ Pilots the Government have announced funding for a further 12.

The first round received 371 bids for just 12 pilot schemes. When announced in May 2012 the winners of the first round will receive £100,000 to improve their high street.

And don’t forget use the new Neighbourhood Planning powers to support the development of your high street or town centre.

You can read more about this initiative on the DCLG web site.

Are you concerned about the future of your high street? Do you need help putting together a credible plan? Or a bid for Pilot status? Call 01282 872570 or email Kirkwells team of experts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to Top

April 30th 2012

Cheshire East Council has released for consultation a draft Interim Housing Policy.

The draft Revised Interim Planning Policy for the Release of Housing Land  sets out the Council’s policy approach to maintaining a five year supply of deliverable housing land. The policy will be used as an interim measure pending the adoption of the Cheshire East Local Plan.

The purpose of the Revised Interim Planning Policy for the Release of Housing Land is to set out policy that will be used to manage the release of additional land for residential development through the consideration of planning applications.

The consultation runs until the 29th of May 2012  for comments on the Revised Interim Planning Policy for the Release of Housing Land and the associated Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment Documents.

For help responding to Cheshire East call 01282 872570, or email michaelwellock@kirkwells.co.uk

The consultation documents can be viewed here.

©Kirkwells Town Planners and Sustainable Development Consultants based at the Lancashire Digital Technology Centre in Burnley www.kirkwells.co.uk
Research • Planning Policy • Site Search • Site Appraisal • Planning Applications •  Appeals • Sustainable Development • Urban Design • Masterplanning • Heritage Statements • Bids for Funding • Neighbourhood Planning • Community Right to Build • Community Engagement • Training

Back to Top

April 30th 2012

 

The three district councils that go to make up Central Lancashire – Chorley, Preston and South Ribble are consulting on five supplementary planning documents (SPDs):

  • Affordable Housing
  • Controlling re-use of Employment Premises
  • Rural Development
  • Access to Healthy Food
  • Design Guide

These SPDs offer guidance on the interpretation and implementation of relevant planning policies, particularly those in the Central Lancashire Core Strategy.

The consultation runs until the 30th of May. The SPDs will form part of the Local Development Framework for each council.

If you are interested in the future of Central Lancashire and you need expert help to respond to this consultation call us now on 01282 872570.

 

 

©Kirkwells Town Planners and Sustainable Development Consultants based at the Lancashire Digital Technology Centre in Burnley www.kirkwells.co.uk
Research • Planning Policy • Site Search • Site Appraisal • Planning Applications •  Appeals • Sustainable Development • Urban Design • Masterplanning • Heritage Statements • Bids for Funding • Neighbourhood Planning • Community Right to Build • Community Engagement • Training

 

Back to Top

April 24th 2012

Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) is soon to make available £1 million to support the creation of high street neighbourhood plans.

This announcement is part of the Government’s ‘Portas-plus’ response to the Mary Portas’ High Street Review. Portas-plus goes above and beyond the recommendations of the Portas Review and includes a raft of new measures to rejuvenate the country’s rundown high streets.

The financial support available from DCLG for neighbourhood planning will help support development of neighbourhood high street plans

Announcing the funding Planning Minister Greg Clark said:

“For too long local people have been shut out of the planning process with no real voice to affect decisions about the places where they live.

“High streets are at the heart of their communities and new neighbourhood plans hand power back to communities so they can help shape the future development of this crucial part of their local economy.

“This £1 million fund will support local people, businesses and councils coming together to provide a really positive contribution to the future vitality and viability of our high streets.”

Further information on how communities and local authorities developing high street neighbourhood plans under the Localism Act can access the £1milllion will be published by DCLG shortly. We will publish a news update as soon as we hear anything.

If you are concerned about your local high street and want to discuss the positive benefits of neighbourhood planning contact Michael Wellock on 01282 872 570. Or email michaelwellock@kirkwells.co.uk. Also check out one of our low cost neighbourhood planning training sessions.

©Kirkwells Town Planners and Sustainable Development Consultants based at the Lancashire Digital Technology Centre in Burnley www.kirkwells.co.uk
Research • Planning Policy • Site Search • Site Appraisal • Planning Applications •  Appeals • Sustainable Development • Urban Design • Masterplanning • Heritage Statements • Bids for Funding • Neighbourhood Planning • Community Right to Build • Community Engagement • Training

Back to Top

April 18th 2012

In what would appear to be a first the Norland Conservation Society in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) has applied to become the first neighbourhood forum under the Localism Act. And hot on their heels are Faringdon in the Vale of White Horse vying to become the first parished area to be officially designated a neighbourhood planning area.

The Norland Conservation Society is also among wave 5 of the Government’s frontrunners, but unless you know better, even among this select band, this is the first fully fledged application we have come across under the new system. 

The Norland consultation is going to run until the 22nd of May 2012, and the Faringdon until 31st of May 2012.

If this whets your appetite to become a neighbourhood planning area read our guides on how to make an application for parished and non-parished areas.

And if you are still wondering if it is worth all the effort ponder this, or sample our low cost training.

Or if you prefer just ring one of the Kirkwells team on 01282 872570.

©Kirkwells Town Planners and Sustainable Development Consultants based at the Lancashire Digital Technology Centre in Burnley www.kirkwells.co.uk
Research • Planning Policy • Site Search • Site Appraisal • Planning Applications •  Appeals • Sustainable Development • Urban Design • Masterplanning • Heritage Statements • Bids for Funding • Neighbourhood Planning • Community Right to Build • Community Engagement • Training

 

Back to Top

April 17th 2012
Image of people at a crossroad

Neighbourhood Planning: Not Sure Which Road to Take?

 

Thinking of preparing a Neighbourhood Plan? Not sure where to start? Why not get help from our award winning team.

Sign up today for our special offer of  low cost Neighbourhood Planning training.  

Specially designed for parish and town councils – our seminars deal with all aspects of neighbourhood planning: including the neighbourhood planning process, how to work with your local council, how to engage land owners and developers, and consult the rest of your community.

Our seminars also have the added benefit that one of our award winning team will come to you – we discuss the issues you want to discuss in your town or parish at a time and place of your choosing.

To make sure you don’t miss out book now. Our Neigbourhood Planning Seminars start from just £99.00 (plus VAT).

Just telephone Michael Wellock on 01282 872570 or email Mick. We will be happy discuss your needs and arrange a seminar with you and your  fellow Councillors.

 

 

©Kirkwells Town Planners and Sustainable Development Consultants based at the Lancashire Digital Technology Centre in Burnley www.kirkwells.co.uk
Research • Planning Policy • Site Search • Site Appraisal • Planning Applications •  Appeals • Sustainable Development • Urban Design • Masterplanning • Heritage Statements • Bids for Funding • Neighbourhood Planning • Community Right to Build • Community Engagement • Training

Back to Top

April 15th 2012