Planning Excellence and
Committed Collaboration
Education
A message from Michelle Davies
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As the UK embarks on a new path as an independent trading entity in the world, the future of the economy is dependent on the ability to produce goods and services both for our own needs and to export to the wider world. This involves the creation of new manufacturing capacity via efficient new production floorspace. In addition, with companies increasingly conscious of corporate sustainability and environmental targets and operational costs, there is an increasing mismatch in demand for sought after Grade A office space and now largely redundant Grade B space which needs to be redeveloped, often as part of a mixed use scheme. Finally to both support manufacturing but also as part of the retail supply chain, there is demand for more warehouse and distribution capacity across the UK. Each of the above presents both opportunities and challenges in terms of Planning whether this be scale and massing, or an appropriate mix of uses and the increasing adoption of policies which seek an element of affordable workspace to be provided as part of developments are a further challenge. DPP’s understanding of the key issues and experience of delivery of employment floorspace of all kinds across the UK allows us to assist you in delivery of projects and to be your trusted advisor on the journey. |
Somerset SEND School
DPP have prepared and coordinated a Full Planning application for the erection of a new SEND school, on land at Main Street, Ash, Martock, South Somerset.
The development aims to deliver a new 120-pupil SEND school supporting the age range of 5-16 and which provides urgent support for Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) as well as Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs (SEMH).
As a result of DPP showing their skills in managing the process and engaging with the LPA, we were retained as planning consultants following a re-tender process. The application has now been submitted and we are working with the LPA to achieve a prompt determination to allow construction to begin later in 2022.
Achievements
DPP have successfully co-ordinated a project and consultant team and prepared a comprehensive planning application and accompanying assessment of alternative sites. The proposed development site constitutes greenfield, agricultural land and as such, DPP have engaged closely with the LPA and other key stakeholders to demonstrate the urgent need for school places, and the locational requirements for the school, which in turn outweigh the perceived impact of the loss of the land and its location divorced from the nearest settlement.
West Coventry Academy
Client: Bowmer & Kirkland
DPP were instructed by Bowmer + Kirkland on behalf of the Department for Education to secure planning permission for full planning application for the demolition of the existing school buildings (with the exception of the Caretaker’s House) and construction of a replacement secondary school comprising a three-storey teaching block with linked single-storey double height sports building, the construction of a new access off Tile Hill Lane, and associated parking, external landscaping works, outdoor sports facilities, and infrastructure.
Achievements
DPP were appointed to conduct pre-application discussions with the Local Authority and the relevant consultees and ensure that the proposal met and complied with local and strategic planning policy.
DPP were also appointed to prepare the relevant planning documents including a Planning statement alongside managing this project.
DPP are also working with the Local Planning Authority, Bowmer + Kirkland and other relevant consultees to ensure conditions were discharged promptly to ensure development was able to start as soon as possible.
Seva School
Client: Bowmer & Kirkland
DPP were appointed on behalf of Bowmer + Kirkland on behalf of the Department for Education for two separate projects involving Seva School.
The school comprises two separate buildings, Link House and Eden House. The proposed development included extensions to both school buildings with the Eden House extension to be used as a sports hall and the Link House to be extended to comprise a new Diwan Hall. The separate application was to create a multi-use games area (MUGA) and adjoining sports pitch.
The new school facilities will significantly improve the current school buildings and services on offer to both pupils and the local community. This development will also support the vital need for new school facilities, recognised both locally and nationally.
Achievements
To date, DPP have coordinated and managed the public consultation of the proposed development, engagement with the Local Planning Authority and submitting a planning application.
Following this, DPP has secured planning consent subject to a Section 106 agreement and conditions for both applications. DPP will continue to work closely with the school, Bowmer + Kirkland and the Local Planning Authority to ensure that conditions are discharged to allow for the delivery of the scheme.
Elm Tree Primary Academy, Wednesbury
Client: The Elliot Group Ltd (on behalf of the DFE)
Acting on behalf of The Elliott Group, DPP were appointed to secure planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Phoenix Collegiate school site in Wednesbury. The application sought the proposed development of a new SEND primary school with associated parking and landscaping.
The proposals will include a single one-storey building which will house teaching spaces, dining areas and a main hall for up to 126 pupils. The proposed school will be occupied by the Elm Tree Primary Academy, a primary special education needs (SEND) school for pupils from ages 5 to 11 years with a diagnosis of autism and moderate learning difficulties. The school will be run by the Victoria Academies Trust, a Sandwell-based multi-academy trust which already leads 3 highly successful schools and have an excellent track record in supporting children with ASD.
Achievements
DPP provided strategic planning advice to The Elliott Group, including attendance at a pre-application meeting with the Local Planning Authority. The early stages of this project were progressed during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and DPP were able to develop our specialist web-based public consultation process to good effect.
DPP also prepared a Planning Statement to address the specific site constraints which included a case to justify the loss of existing netball courts against Sport England’s policy.
DPP successfully managed the application process in order to deliver a positive decision in May 2021 under delegated powers and within the 13 weeks determination deadline
Shephards Hall, Bristol
Client: 365 Rooms Bristol Ltd
DPP Planning secured detailed planning and listed building consent for the conversion and extension of the Grade II Listed Shepherd’s Hall within the Old Market District of Bristol to create an apart-hotel. The works enabled the refurbishment of a historic building, all whilst enhancing its key heritage features to offer 25 high-quality and unique
hotel rooms in the hope to secure its long-term future.
Achievements
DPP worked closely with the consultant team and stakeholders to overcome initial objections from the Conservation Officer, Civic Society, Old Market Community Group, Exchange Music Venue, and the Music Venue Trust. Following a period of close engagement, all of these objections were removed and key stakeholders confirmed their
support for this high-quality scheme meaning planning officers were able to approve the scheme under delegated powers.
