“The judges said this entry was a breath of fresh air to read. Iceni stood out as different, creative, colourful and innovative. They’ve not been afraid to break away from the mould and be themselves, having developed their own successful and imaginative approach to clients and staff offering above and beyond what is expected from a large consultancy.
“The judges were especially impressed by Iceni’s tribal ethos, in the sense that they have created a culture which is staff focused and highlights the importance of their wellbeing above all else.”
RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence 2021
Introduction | A multi-skilled consultancy
BERKSHIRE EXPERIENCE
Formed in 2005, Iceni is now the market leader and preferred consultancy for a fast-growing number of clients. We have always sought to provide the skills of an advisor with the instincts of a developer.
We achieve this by knowing our tradecraft –the technical skills that come through years of education and on-the-job experience that is recognised by professional accreditation. But it is also daring to be different; being proactive and thinking strategically. Our client relationships are built on trust, togetherness, enthusiasm, and a courage to challenge, where appropriate. The technical specialisms that the company hold have widened, but this fundamental objective remains the same. We are committed to putting our client’s interests first – and providing them with the tools to significantly improve their performance.
Iceni Projects have significant experience of working across Berkshire over many years. Our extensive knowledge and strong relationships with key stakeholders makes us best placed to advise on planning applications and land promotion across the county.
Beyond planning, we offer a variety of specialist services in the fields of archaeology; delivery; design; EIA management; engagement; heritage; sustainable development, townscape and transport Our team are talented, relentless, intelligent, bold and experienced. Individually or collectively, you’ll know when you’re with Iceni Projects.
We have the expertise to deliver strategic planning at a sub-regional and local level, advising local authorities on evidence and strategy development across England. Our services include advising local authorities on aligning their evidence on housing need and economic growth, to deliver a collaborative approach to strategic planning.
Ian Anderson Chief Executive
To Iceni, thinking strategically is what we fundamentally believe to be the right way of doing things; to assess needs, evaluate constraints and maximise opportunities. It’s about having a strategic vision for a site, often looking beyond the immediate constraint of development management policies, and utilising a diverse range of skills to deliver large scale infrastructure and development projects.
Your Strategic Adviser
Birmingham
The Colmore Building
20 Colmore Circus
Birmingham, B4 6AT
T: 0121 262 4148
Edinburgh 14-18 Hill Street
Edinburgh, EH2 3JZ
T: 0131 370 3486
London
Da Vinci House
44 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8FH
T: 020 3640 8508
Glasgow
201 West George Street
Glasgow, G2 2LW
T: 0141 465 4996
Manchester
WeWork, Dalton Place
29 John Dalton Street
Manchester, M2 6FW
T: 0161 509 2840
The Team Structure of Iceni
DESIGN
Ian Anderson Chief Executive
Andrew Gale Chief Operating Officer
James Bompas Director | Business Devt. & Strategic Planning
ARCHAEOLOGY
Claire Cogar Director
Jonathan Stewart Director
Paul Drew Director
James Jaulim Director
Silke Gruner Director
Nick Ireland Director
Matt Kingham Director
Callum Fraser Director
Jamie Sullivan Director
John Mumby Director
Kieron Hodgson Director
Leona Hannify Director
Laurie Handcock Director
Paul McColgan Director
ENGAGEMENT & PLACE BUILT HERITAGE & TOWNSCAPE
Nick Walker Director
Gemma Gallant Director
Philippa Curran Director
Chris Jones Director
Gary Mappin Director
Lewis Westhoff Director
Lorna O’Carroll Director
Ian Gallacher Director
Nick Grant Director PLANNING
Ian Mayhead Director
James Waterhouse Director
Simon Fowler Director
Clive Burbridge Director
Fred Peters Director
Mike England Director
Rob Amey Director
Iceni Intelligence
Iceni offers a network of Area-Based Experts that report weekly on the following:
Development Plan changes;
Delivery figures for housing/employment and the implications for future land release and policy change;
Major developments and the developers behind them;
Key planning officers and Members of influence; and
Changes in Policy Direction and New Initiatives contained within the decision taking functions of authorities at local, county and sub-regional level.
Iceni Intelligence ensures Iceni are at the forefront of all planning and political matters in these areas. This informs our advice to clients on planning strategy and allows us to identify opportunities at the earliest stage.
Berkshire Area-Based Expert
Georgia Foy
BERKSHIRE
T: 07799 089 425
E: gfoy@iceniprojects.com
Josie Doherty
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
T: 07799 035 831
E: jdoherty@iceniprojects.com
Mary Helen Elliott
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
T: 07786 734 206
E: mhelliott@iceniprojects.com
Lauren Cadore
BEDFORDSHIRE
T: 07909 528 393
E: lcadore@iceniprojects.com
Matthew Madden
HERTFORDSHIRE
T: 07909 530 312
E: mmadden@iceniprojects.com
Aisling Merriman
SURREY/MILTON KEYNES
T: 07765 766 991
E: amerriman@iceniprojects.com
Lou Hirrien
OXFORDSHIRE/ CAMBRIDGESHIRE
T: 07350 404 895
E: lhirrien@iceniprojects.com
Toby Bonny
SUSSEX
T: 07788 912 615
E: tbonny@iceniprojects.com
Isabella Ingram
KENT/ BIRMINGHAM
T: 07990 372 954
E: iingram@iceniprojects.com
Lydia Frimley
ESSEX
T: 07760 653 824
E: lfrimley@iceniprojects.com
Yasmin Hamde
SUFFOLK
T: 0790 952 8468
E: yhamde@iceniprojects.com
SHROPSHIRE
STAFFORDSHIRE
DERBYSHIRE NOTTINGHAMSHIRE LEICESTERSHIRE
LINCOLNSHIRE
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE WEST MIDLANDS
WORCESTERSHIRE WARWICKSHIRE
HEREFORDSHIRE
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
AVON
SOMERSET WILTSHIRE
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
BEDFORDSHIRE OXFORDSHIRE
HERTFORDSHIRE
GREATER LONDON ESSEX
HAMPSHIRE BERKSHIRE
SURREY
EAST SUSSEX WEST SUSSEX
KENT
DORSET
DEVON
CORNWALL
NORFOLK
SUFFOLK
Introduction to Berkshire Local Plan Progress Political Portrait Housing Delivery
Projects
People
Added Value
Snapshot of Berkshire
Berkshire, a county located in the southeast of England, is home to an approximate population of 949,700 according to the 2021 Census. Over the past decade, Berkshire has experienced significant population growth, with a remarkable 10.2% increase from the population recorded in 2011. This growth rate surpassed the national average of 6.6%, reflecting Berkshire’s appeal as a vibrant and desirable area, which is also close to the national capital. The districts within Berkshire have shown varying degrees of growth, with Slough, Reading, and Bracknell Forest experiencing the highest rates, while West Berkshire, RBWM, and Wokingham had comparatively slower growth. Despite being the 8th smallest county in England, covering an area of 1262km2, Berkshire is renowned for its economic prosperity of the Thames Valley, and the cultural significance of the many television and film companies based here.
Much of the County’s success and wealth is owed to it’s advantageous positioning, which has made it highly desirable for individuals commuting to work in London, in addition to businesses which rely on national or international distribution. This desirability has been further magnified by the pandemic, as more people seek a better balance between the city and the countryside, and the demand for economic floorspace and warehousing grows. With its combination of economic opportunities and natural beauty, Berkshire continues to be an attractive and thriving county in the United Kingdom.
In terms of growth on the district scale, Slough, Reading and Bracknell Forest experienced the highest population growth, whilst West Berkshire, RBWM and Wokingham experienced the least.
In terms of significant planning constraints, the North Wessex Downs is the third largest AONB in England at 1730sqkm, approximately 840sqkm of which falls within West Berkshire district.
By virtue of the River Thames and River Kennet and River Loddon, a significant amount of land is faced with high chance of flooding.
Land Values
Land Value Estimates in Berkshire
Bracknell Forest is the only district to have seen a decrease in land value (-7.7%)
Slough had the highest increase in land value (+51%)
RBWM had the highest land value in Berkshire county at £7,050,000
The land is consistently higher/lower than the 2019 national average (2,686,000 disregarding London, £6,013,744 incl. London)
New Planning Constraints
16th March – River Lambourn SAC, Nutrient Neutrality Requirements
Natural England have recently announced that West Berkshire, and an additional 41 Councils, are now impacted by Nutrient Neutrality. Any development including overnight accommodation and falling within a catchment area, at this point in time, will be required to demonstrate Nutrient Neutrality and submit a Statement to Inform the Habitat Regulations Assessment. This is a complex issue, leading to delays in plan making and halting development across the country. However, we have been at the forefront of considering mitigation approaches, and have demonstrated experience in negotiating development consents in Nutrient Neutrality areas and are able to support applicants in considering differing mitigation approaches.
22nd July – Electrical Capacity
In July 2022, the Greater London Authority (GLA) made an announcement regarding the growing demand for new power connections in West London and surrounding areas. This increased demand can be attributed to the rapid expansion of the UK Data Centre industry. The Thames Valley, situated on the outskirts of London and conveniently located along the M4 corridor, has emerged as a significant hub for growth, contributing to the strain on the existing capacity. In June 2023, the GLA provided an update on the situation, highlighting the worsening capacity constraints. Consequently, many large-scale developments now face a waiting period of over a decade to obtain power connections, while smaller developments can proceed.
Responding to an Open Letter released by Ofgem, TechUK, the UK’s technology trade association, provided further insights into this issue. They emphasised that more than half of the data centre facilities are being constructed and prepared for operation without the promised power connections outlined in their agreements. Consequently, customers are anticipated to face a five-year delay for connection, with approximately 10% of them expected to wait for a staggering ten years or more. Recognising this urgency, significant efforts and advocacy are underway to address this declining trajectory and the situation continues to evolve.
Berkshire county boundary
European protected sites requiring nutrient neutrality strategic solutions - River Lambourn, West Berkshire
River Lambourn
Nutrient Neutrality SSSI Catchment
West London Electricity Capacity Mapping - Berkshire
Some headroom currently available
No headroom currently available
Introduction to Berkshire Local Plan Progress Political Portrait Housing Delivery Our
Projects Our People
Added Value
Local Plan Progress
Overview
Reading
Bracknell Forest
RBWM
Slough
The Local Plan examination was due to take place in Late 2023, however, on the 20th of June 2023, the newly elected Lib Dem council secured further delay to the adoption of the local plan which was due to be reviewed in late 2023. According to the appointed inspector, the next chance for an examination will be ‘at some point in 2024’.
Consultation on a Revised Growth Strategy took place November 2021 and January 2022. Pre submission anticipated late summer / autumn 2022. Following the recent announcement from the National Government which proposes to significantly water down the duty for Local Authorities to deliver new homes, the Council have paused works to the Local Plan in hope that their housing targets can be reduced.
The current local plan was adopted on 4th November 2019. The Council have recently commenced works on the Local Plan ‘partial update’, with the first CFS being run between May-June 2023.
The first round of examinations took place in early 2023. A handful of straightforwarn d modifications were thought necessary to make the plan ‘sound’. The plan may be adopted in late 2023.
Adopted in February 2022. Since adoption and in wake of the proposed NPPF changes the plan has seen widespread contention due to the large amounts of allocated housing sites greenbelt and golfcourse land.
Consultation on Green Belt housing sites ran November-December 2021, however, Local Plan production has been completely stalled due to a loss of annual local plan budget.
District CFS 18 19 EiP A Notes
West Berkshire
Wokingham
WEST BERKSHIRE READING
Map Key Regulation 18
WOKINGHAM
WINDSOR & MAIDENHEAD SLOUGH
BRACKNELL FOREST
Introduction to Berkshire Local Plan Progress Political Portrait Housing Delivery
Added Value
Berkshire
Political Portrait
Until recently, the majority of Berkshire was Conservative controlled, in line with the historical political pattern of the ceremonial county, with districts such as RBWM and Wokingham being Conservative controlled since the late 19th century. However, the May 2023 elections brought diverse shifts in political power resulting from the changing favour of the currently elected national government.
RBWM experienced a major shift with the Liberal Democrats gaining 13 seats and the Conservative Party losing 16, resulting in an overall Liberal Democrat majority. In Reading, the Labour Party maintained control, and Wokingham remained without an overall majority. However, the most notable transformation occurred in Bracknell Forest, where Labour secured 18 seats and formed a majority government, while the Conservatives lost 27 seats. West Berkshire also saw a change in political leadership, as the Liberal Democrats took 13 seats from the Conservatives. In an unexpected deviation from the national trend, Slough, which had been predominantly controlled by Labour since 1983, experienced significant losses. The Conservative Party gained 16 seats, while the Liberal Democrats secured the remaining 3. The recent bankruptcy declaration by Slough Council is believed to have played a significant role in this outcome.
Th 6 of the 8 districts are conservative controlled, 2 are labour controlled
The largest nondeveloped land use in all areas in Sussex was agriculture. RBWM and Wokingham have been conservative controlled since 1885
The largest nondeveloped land use in all areas in Sussex was agriculture. Slough has been labour since 1997 Berkshire has consistently been a conservative stronghold, having on average 51.02% of the votes in the county between 1922 and 2019
The largest nondeveloped land use in all areas in Sussex was agriculture.
Pre-Election
Post-Election
Introduction to Berkshire Local Plan Progress Political Portrait Housing Delivery
Projects
People
Added Value
Latest Five Year Housing Land Supply
5YHLS Position
The 5 year housing land supply is a calculation of whether there is a deliverable supply of homes to meet the planned housing requirements over the next 5 years.
Five out of six councils report that they can demonstrate a five-year housing land supply. In Iceni’s initial view, these counties could meet this target as there is substantial supporting evidence to demonstrate this. It should be noted that whilst Wokingham and RBWM can successfully demonstrate a five-year supply of housing, this is only by a small margin and therefore this figure would be subject to scrutiny and may present opportunities in the future.
Bracknell Forest is the only county that does not currently have a demonstratable supply of housing for the next 5 years. This authority is heavily constrained by Green Belt and ecological designations and tight authority boundaries which limit development opportunities. As such whilst some opportunities for development may exist, there is reasonable probability that a Very Special Circumstances (VSC) case (in the case of Green Belt) would be required. It is important to note that this position will change upon the adoption of the new Local Plan, which as demonstrated is in its final stages of production.
District Council’s View Recent Appeal Decison
West Berkshire 6.4 years
Wokingham 3.95 years
Reading 6.17 years
Confirmed that the council have a robust HLS (May 2023 – APP/ W0340/W/20/3265460)
3.95 Years (March 2023) (appeal ref 200011-678)
Confirmed that the council have a robust HLS (March 2022 – APP/ E0345/W/21/3276463)
Bracknell Forest 4.44 years 4.44 years (May 2023 - APP/ R0335/W/22/3298985)
RBWM 5.92 years 4.69 year (June 2023) Appeal Ref APP/ T0355/W/22/3309308
Slough 11.07 years 1.92 Years (May 2022) Appeal decision 2022, Ref 400-035-580
Map Key
Housing Delivery Test Measurement
The Housing Delivery Test compares the net homes delivered over three years in each authority to the homes required over the same period.
When compared with the figures published in 2020, 4 authorities have seen decreases in their Housing Delivery Test calculations, demonstrating that delivery is falling within the County.
Out of the six local authorities, RBWM and Slough are subject to the presumption in favour of sustainable development, whilst all other authorities are exceeding their targets under the test.
The Government has not yet published the Housing Delivery Test Results for 2022.
Housing Delivery Test Measurement (2021)
Map Key
Presumption None
WEST BERKSHIRE READING
WOKINGHAM
BRACKNELL FOREST WINDSOR & MAIDENHEAD
Housing Targets
Adopted vs Standard Method
* Note that RBWM has a stepped trajectory over the 11 years of its recently adopted Plan to meet shortfall in housing delivery which skews the housing target.
Introduction to Sussex Local Plan Progress Political Portrait Housing Delivery
Projects
People
Added Value
Queensmere Shopping Centre, Slough Central
The Queensmere and Observatory Shopping Centres, are located within the heart of Slough Town Centre. The sites have been earmarked for regeneration by Slough Borough Council for over ten-years, with clear aspirations for a development which could transform the Town Centre and provide a significant uplift in the number of homes.
Iceni was instructed by British Land as the Planning Consultant, to lead on the planning application strategy and submission – to redevelop the Queensmere shopping centre part of the site to provide up to 1,600 residential units, up to 40,000 sqm of office floorspace, and between 5,500 and 12,000 sqm of flexible town centre commercial retail and community floorspace, as well as the potential for a live music venue or cinema. The scheme also has the potential to significantly enhance the public realm, through the provision of a Town Square, Local Square and Urban Park.
Given the scale of the proposals and the long-term nature of the development, achieving maximum levels of flexibility for the proposed development was of critical importance. Given the importance of the site to the Council and to the future regeneration of Slough, Iceni was involved in over two years of pre-application engagement with officers at Slough, where positive discussions were had resulting in the proposals submitted to planning. The proposals were submitted through an Outline Planning Application with all matters reserved in October 2021.
Hilton Heathrow Terminal 5, Slough
On behalf of Aprirose Real Estate Investment, Iceni Projects were instructed to submit representations for a site known as Hilton Heathrow Terminal, in Slough Borough. Iceni recognise the potential for the site to deliver high quality, highly sustainable industrial development on Green Belt brownfield land.
The proposals submitted as part of the representations are for the potential redevelopment of an existing car park that is no longer required for hotel car parking. The vision of the proposed development is to transform this element of the site into a more productive employment use. Aprirose intend to deliver a high quality industrial and warehouse scheme which would contribute to the existing industrial site and strengthen the economic prospects in the area.
As an initial stage in the site’s promotion, Iceni submitted representations for Slough Borough Council’s Family Housing Consultation during December 2021, recognising the challenge that Slough Borough faces to meet development needs and subsequently built a case in support of green belt release. Moving forward, Aprirose and Iceni are preparing the details of the proposed site and are currently in the early stages of its preparation.
York Road, Maidenhead
Iceni assisted Countryside Partnerships with the competitive tender to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead for the regeneration of four key sites around Maidenhead Town Centre, including strategic planning advice and planning strategy to support the tender submission.
Following the announcement of Countryside as the chosen development partner, Iceni were appointed to prepare the planning application for the York Road redevelopment site, the largest of the development sites. In addition to co-ordinating the planning application, Iceni also prepared the heritage, townscape, social infrastructure and economic assessments.
The £94 million regeneration scheme comprises of 229 dwellings, cultural/ community/commercial floorspace, a new civic square and a new waterside route along the York Stream. These public realm improvements formed a key part of the proposals due to the fact Maidenhead Town Centre currently lacks a highquality public space, and the site currently comprises of surface car parking which creates a harsh landscape and detracts from the urban environment. The scheme provides an enhanced setting for the Grade II listed Maidenhead library, the locally listed Town Hall as well as delivering a new Maidenhead Heritage Centre.
Following a resolution to grant at planning committee, the scheme was referred to the Secretary of State, who decided not to call-in the application and permission was granted in December 2018. Construction commenced in March 2019 and is expected to complete in 2024.
Beacon House, Slough
Beacon House is located to the north of Slough Town Centre, and was previously in use as L&Qs offices. L&Q appointed Iceni to act as planning consultant to prepare and submit a full planning application for the residential redevelopment of the site.
Slough have ambitious plans for the regeneration and redevelopment of the Town Centre. Given the proximity of the site to the train station, which will soon be served by Crossrail, there was opportunity to make the most of this previously underutilised site.
Working alongside MEPK Architects, Iceni submitted an application for the demolition of the existing building and redevelopment of a building between 5 and 8 storeys to provide 116 residential units, with 34% as affordable housing. The proposals were found to be acceptable and a positive contribution to this part of Slough, with members giving a resolution to grant in December 2020.
Garth Hill, Bracknell
Iceni Projects acted as planning consultant on behalf of CALA Homes on their Garth Hill scheme. The site, which is located just north of Bracknell town centre, and within Bracknell Forest Council is located less than 300m from the town centre shopping facilities, and around 900m from the railway station. The scheme will provide 89 homes on surplus land previously under the Council’s ownership.
The sustainable town centre location and brownfield characteristics of the site were favoured by the Council in its allocation of the land for residential development in their Site Allocations Plan, leading to the preparation and submission of a planning application for a wide mix of homes (including affordable housing) by CALA Homes.
Iceni Projects’ planning and engagement teams works proactively alongside the Council to develop a masterplan which will provide a high quality living environment for future residents, will promote sustainable transport methods by providing a pedestrian and cycle link toward the town centre, and will sit comfortably alongside the existing residential development to the east, and the school to the west.
The planning application, managed by Iceni Projects, received a positive recommendation from the Case Officer and received a unanimous resolution to grant planning permission at the Council’s March 2018 Planning Committee.
Beaufort Park, Bracknell
Southern Housing Group has submitted an application seeks to provide 226 family homes of which, up to 50% of which will be affordable, with associated access, landscaping and parking; together with formation of an on-site SANG. The site sits on the southern edge of Bracknell and has been allocated for development in the emerging Local Plan.
There are a number of benefits that the scheme provides, these include:
Up to 50% affordable housing 25% of which will be secured under S106 agreement, an amount exceeding the Local Plan requirement which will make a windfall contribution to meeting the large unmet need for affordable housing in the District.
On-site SANG and walking route adjacent to safeguarded grassland which has been identified to have a high ecological value. Furthermore, the proposal seeks to provide green links to neighbouring SANGs at Buckler’s Park.
An exceptionally designed landscape-led scheme, appropriate to the site’s location and setting, and an exemplar sustainable building design, achieving Future Homes standard of Sustainability and a host of sustainable design techniques that respond positively to the Council’s declared climate emergency.
High quality new public open space within the heart of the development.
Amend Corner, Binfield
Iceni Projects acted as planning consultant on behalf of Danescroft Land on their Amen Corner, Binfield scheme. The site, which is located around 3km west of Bracknell Town Centre, and within the wider Amen Corner allocation, will provide 54 homes on an underutilised plot of land.
Iceni Projects’ planning team works proactively alongside the Council to develop a masterplan which will provide a high quality living environment for future residents, will promote sustainable transport methods by providing a pedestrian and cycle link to the planned development to the south and the new developments to the north, and will sit comfortably alongside the existing residential homes located along London Road.
The planning application, managed by Iceni Projects, received a positive recommendation from the Case Officer and due to the low number of objections from the local community was considered under delegated powers.
Introduction to Berkshire Local Plan Progress Political Portrait Housing Delivery
People
Added Value
Nick Ireland Director, Economics
T: 020 3640 8508
M: 07917 417 834
E: nireland@iceniprojects.com
Nick provides robust technical expertise to support strategic planning and site promotion.
Nick specialises in providing advice on strategic planning and economic development issues including employment land and economic impact, housing need and five year housing land supply, feasibility studies and sub-regional spatial planning. He regularly acts as an expert witness at inquiries and local plan examinations. Before joining Iceni, Nick led GL Hearn’s Economics Team.
Nick has advised councils at a sub-regional level on strategic growth opportunities, including urban extensions, new settlements and strategic infrastructure. He led preparation of a Birmingham HMA Strategic Housing Study which encompassed a strategic review of Birmingham’s Green Belt; a Spatial Position Statement for the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH), and has work with other local authorities in Buckinghamshire, Sussex and Sussex to assess potential locations for, and the feasibility of new settlements and large urban extensions.
He regularly provides expert witness advice on objectively-assessed housing need and five year land supply, and has led preparation of strategic housing market assessments for areas right across England. His expertise includes advising on housing mix issues and older persons housing and care needs.
Lorna O’Carroll Director, Impact
T: 020 3640 8508
M: 07875 681 532
E: locarroll@iceniprojects.com
Lorna utilises an analytical approach and attention to detail to deliver positive results for clients.
Lorna joined Iceni Projects having worked within the Economics and Regeneration Team at a leading London based planning consultancy.
The focus of her work is producing and advising on socio-economic impact assessments for a wide range of development projects including residential, commercial, mixed-use and transport uses to support planning applications and to form part of Environmental Impact Assessments. She also has experience in preparing health impact and equality impact assessments for major projects.
Lorna has also led on the preparation and submission of planning applications –co-ordinating multi-disciplinary project teams and successfully negotiating with local planning authorities.
She also has experience promoting strategic housing and employment sites through the local plan process and has undertaken employment land, local economic assessments and growth option studies for both public and private sector clients, drawing on her aptitude to decipher technical evidence.
Introduction to Berkshire Local Plan Progress Political Portrait Housing Delivery
Iceni Futures
The Iceni Futures team was set up in response to the rapidly changing world and the acknowledgment that more than ever, we need to create futureproofed and sustainable development. The teams role is to assess, predict and influence change across the development industry. In practice that means exploring how places and people will function in the future, analysing existing barriers and providing strategic advice which aligns with clients goals and aspirations to ensure development is fit for the future.
The team doesn’t claim to be experts in every new discipline or product, but they understand the existing barriers and outdated development processes that persist across the industry and the importance of working innovatively and smarter to deliver client visions and change that actually works. It’s understood that each client will need tailored advice and the Futures team look to work collaboratively to provide advice which is tailored to a specific site, company strategy or product. Essentially, if you’re looking to plan for or capitalise on the future, Iceni Futures can be there to support you and drive that ambition.
Iceni Futures: Smarter Sustainability
iSite
iSite pulls together a number of services to enable the promoter of a project – but equally the respective consultant, local authority, consultee, local community and wider interested party – to gain the knowledge and understanding of a site or location that historically has only been possible from an in-depth site visit. Moreover, many projects are of the size and scale that even a physical site visit renders difficult to comprehend.
The key focus of iSite is to provide an intelligent digital design and consultation tool. This incorporates the use of drone photography, 360° camerawork (think Google Street View for buildings), interactive, virtual consultation halls and project web sites that can pool together all of the information for effective file management and sharing. So whether you need to initiate an initial site survey appraisal, team site visit, preapplication meeting, public consultation event or committee presentation, iSite can help.
iSite wont be for everyone. We understand that. But if you are looking for cost-effective ways to progress with your proposals, it could be the answer.
To discuss iSite please email isite@iceniprojects.com
The Sustainable Development Scorecard
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has running throughout it the ‘golden thread of sustainable development’. In spite of this, there is no clear-cut, NPFbased assessment criteria to consider a site or project’s sustainable development credentials, making current assessment processes both tricky and subjective.
The Sustainable Development Commission was established to address this recognised issue with our planning system. Made up of a balanced cross-section of industry professionals, the Commission has debated the issues and found solutions, culminating in the creation of the Sustainable Development Scorecard.
The Scorecard website is free to use and accessible to anyone with a vested interest in development, including developers, architects, planners, community groups and members of the public. By crystallising the NPPF’s guidance into a simple, online analysis tool, the Commissionaims to provide a more consistent approach to sustainable development, leading to a more sustainable built environment.
