January Newsletter in Full (257k)

PLANNING

Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden, Cambs

Planning permission has been obtained for another building at Chesterford Research Park, near Saffron Walden. The latest building, to enable expansion of one of the existing occupiers on the Park, is 1,530 sq.m. CgMs advises Norwich Union Life and Pensions Ltd on planning and archaeology matters at Chesterford Research Park.

For further information please contact Malcolm Honour

Woodside Avenue, Muswell Hill, London

Haringey has resolved to approve a revised scheme for a school for autistic children for the TreeHouse charity. The school is to be built on former playing fields at Muswell Hill. CgMs has also acted for TreeHouse in obtaining permission for a temporary school on the site. The application was referred to the Mayor of London as a departure from the development plan and, following negotiations, has received his support.

For further information please contact Malcolm Honour

CgMs Limited's rural planning team has secured planning permission for the redevelopment of a former Thames Water Waterworks to residential uses, to provide 7 dwellings. The waterworks, located in the tiny West Oxfordshire hamlet of Worsham, in the Cotswolds AONB, dates back to the 1930's and in addition to the waterworks buildings themselves, there is a considerable volume of filtration tanks built into the side of a hill as well as other ancillary surface features. The proposal sought to rationalise the built development on site so that there was a material improvement in the character of the AONB. This included utilised parts of the tanks to provide new accommodation as well providing an underground car parking in a reservoir. Furthermore, a nature conservation area was created on an area previously used as sludge lagoons.

The development is a classic examples of the current dilemma facing the planning community; what to do with substantial and structurally sound buildings in rural locations that are worthy of being retained. As a result of the waterworks intrinsic architectural value, Officers at West Oxford shire were supportive of the redevelopment proposals on the basis that it could be demonstrated that alternative uses were neither practical or viable in the building.

In conjunction with other consultants under CgMs supervision, CgMs was able to put the case to the Council that this site was an appropriate candidate for residential conversion.

For further information please contact Nathan McLoughlin

Welwyn Garden City

On behalf of Land Securities, in the name of LS Howard Centre Welwyn Ltd., we submitted an application for the partial extension of the Howard Centre in Welwyn Garden City. The application specifically seeks permission for full planning permission for the extension of the retail floor area into the existing 1st Floor car park and the building of an additional half deck on top of the existing building to replace the lost parking spaces. The application also includes works to replace the existing car park access with a spiral ramp to gain access at second floor level. The proposal includes a net increase of total floorspace of 1640 sqm with an increase of retail floorspace of 2940 sqm.

The application was submitted further to discussions with the Council and the broad scope of the submission was agreed with them. An EIA screening opinion was also submitted. To support the application CgMs submitted a planning statement, Betteridge Turner and Partners prepared a transport assessment, Haskoll Architects produced a design statement. An arboricultural report is being prepared by ACS Consulting.

For further details please contact either Steve Wilson or Natalie Morris

GENERAL

Royal Mail Group Award

In association with Nelson Bakewell, CgMs have been providing planning advice to Royal Mail Group on all their properties within the M25 since 2004. In recognition of the service during 2005, RMG have awarded the team a Silver Service Provider Award. CgMs have advised on disposals, acquisitions, 3rd party proposals and development plan proposals and policies. We are currently involved with the development of a 65,000sqft mail distribution centre and 400 vehicle park in East London.

For further information please contact Chris Hicks

Future Seminar

Nick Doggett is chairing a series of four seminars called ‘Conservation Matters – the Structure and Fabric of Buildings' on behalf of Contact Property Training (www.cptevents.co.uk). These seminars, which are aimed at architects, surveyors and other property professionals, are to be held in London, Wakefield, Solihull and Bristol on 23rd February, 2nd March, 9th March and 9th April respectively. Nick is also giving a presentation at the seminar entitled ‘Legal Obligations for Occupiers and Owners'.

For further information please contact Nick Doggett