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Introduction Our Experience
Our People Added Value
A Multi-Skilled Consultancy
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.
Your Strategic Advisors
Ian Anderson
Chief Executive
Andrew Gale
Chief Operating Officer
James Bompas
Director | Business Devt. & Strategic Planning
Nick Ireland Director
Matt Kinghan Director
Paul McColgan Director
We’re proud to say that we’re an award-winning consultancy. We’ve a positive, creative mindset, and we’re passionate about what we do.
Claire Cogar Director
Gemma Gallant Director
Laurie Handcock Director
Nick Walker Director
Philippa Curran Director
Callum Fraser Director
Chris Jones Director
Gary Mappin
Director Ian Gallacher
Director Ian Mayhead
Director James Waterhouse
Director
James Jaulim Director
Jonathan Stewart Director
Paul Drew Director
Sam Griffiths Director
Silke Gruner
Director
Jamie Sullivan
Director John Mumby
Director
Leona Hannify Director Lewis Westhoff Director
Lorna O’Carroll
Director
Nick Grant
Director
Kieron Hodgson
Director
Simon Fowler
Director
Clive Burbridge Director
Director
Rob Amey Director
The Need for Data Centres
Long before the impacts of Covid-19 were being felt, data centres had become an essential part of everyday life and vital to the global economy. The exponential growth in digital data brought about by computers, the internet and mobile devices, as well as the invention of the cloud, has made data centres integral to everyday life, whether you are an individual, a company or a country.
In the UK and across the world, many businesses have been moving their IT networks and data to remote data centres, rather than store them on servers on site. This approach provides necessary security and it would be reckless of companies to not have this safeguard given computer networks are increasingly susceptible to attack and can cause untold damage if the networks are not properly secured and protected.
With developments such as 5G and an increased demand for employees to work from home during and post-pandemic, this is a trend that will continue to increase and demand for data centres will rise. This trend has developed because remote purpose-built data facilities are required to provide inherent security.
And also reliability advantages. It allows businesses to reduce the capital spending on ICT equipment, minimises the need for periodic hardware refreshes, reduces exposure to the depreciation of assets, and reduced rented floorspace costs by relocating IT infrastructure away from expensive city centre locations.
This importance has been recognised by the UK & Scottish Governments, with the Scottish Government publishing their A changing nation: how Scotland will thrive in a digital world”
and “Green datacentres and digital connectivity: vision and action plan for Scotland” policy documents. As the working at home trend continues, the reliance on data centres will continue to grow.
The growth in data centres would be inhibited by an absence of suitable and available sites that have the power supply, connectivity and security to be developed as data centres. Failure of the planning system to meet the objectively assessed need for such development would greatly restrict this growth.
Introduction Our Experience
Our People Added Value
Our Expertise: Data Centres and Planning
The need for datacentres is ubiquitous across society, with demand emanating from businesses, individuals and public institutions. This need is set to grow significantly in the future as data-intensive digital, cloud-based and AI technologies come to the fore. Data centres have recently been designated ‘National Critical Infrastructure’ (NCI) by the Labour Government, underscoring what appears to be a sincere commitment to support data centres at national policy level and which complements the introduction of specific references to data centres within the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
The new NPPF adopted in Dec 2024 introduces a requirement for Local Authorities to identify suitable locations for data centres and to recognise and address specific locational requirements for data centres. Data centres do have specific locational requirements linked to the geography of supporting infrastructure which can often be unique to certain operators. The relative location of existing telecommunications infrastructure, other data centres, and a suitable grid connection are key factors in determining viability. These locational requirements, and operational efficiencies associated with larger sites, can sometimes lead data centre proposals to clash with local and national planning policy as it relates to the Green Belt.
Two high-profile planning appeals against decisions to refuse large data centre developments within the Buckinghamshire Green Belt were recovered by Angela Rayner as one of her first acts as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. While we are still awaiting the outcomes of these called in appeals, the move was considered positively by industry observers.
Data centres use large amounts of energy and concerns are growing around grid capacity into the future. Data centre operators around the world are approaching this challenge in novel ways, with nuclear options being pursued in some cases. Other synergies are possible, including the use of excess heat generated by data centre operations to fuel local district heating systems. A general lack of understanding about data centres pervades public discourse on the topic and contributes to resistance against data centre developments. Labour’s approach to data centres as central to economic spatial planning will encourage rounded consideration of the importance of data centres for growth and stability. The Government’s new approach to data centre infrastructure provides data centre developers and operators with an important opportunity to emphasise the important contribution data centre developments can (and must) make to society on a local and regional scale.
Our Expertise: Iceni’s Role and Approach
Our solution-focussed mentality both takes advantage of and creates opportunities to effectively and imaginatively further our clients’ aspirations. We are capable advocates for these aspirations, with an intimate and broad knowledge of regions all over the UK.
Iceni is also able to provide specialist input on a range of different subjects, all central to the delivery comprehensive and timely advice, with a culture of cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration resulting in agility and nuance in the company’s consultancy style. The variety of disciplines represented, as well as its personable character, sets Iceni head-and-shoulders above competitors who can offer neither the breadth nor the depth of strategic development advice.
Acknowledging the importance of positive working relationships with and within Local Authority officers and local representatives, and of understanding local political landscapes and populations, we are well-equipped to make constructive connections, supported by our experienced and highly affiliated Engagement Team.
Our Expertise: Iceni’s Role and Approach
Iceni are currently supporting a number of Data Centre schemes, currently focused in the southeast of England, at a variety of scales, but including some of the UK’s largest proposals. We are also constantly reviewing sites for clients, and have strong Due Diligence stage experience in the sector; we can help clients to spot good sites, with the right level of potential political and planning support for a successful scheme.
We are currently working, across a number of specialisms, to support Google in their delivery of the proposed North Weald and Thurrock Data Centre Campuses. These are huge schemes, incorporating 77,000m2 and 130,500m2 of Data Centre space respectively, in buildings of 24-33m in height, across 110 acres of countryside in Essex. There are a number of constraints and issues at play here, and Iceni are playing a key role in carrying these schemes through the planning process.
We are supporting Ark Data Centres in relation to a scheme on Western Avenue, in Park Royal, for a 38,500m2 data centre
of up to 44m in height, with associated office and incubator space accommodation, and Colt Data Centres in relation to an extension to an existing site in West London; this will result in the construction of a building of a considerable height, sufficient to be classified as a tall building.
Additionally, we are involved in 3 confidential data centre projects in East London, in feasibility studies to review cable route options to connect data centres to bulk electricity supply points. These are data centres that already have consent, but where our client is being appointed to deliver an electricity connection. Iceni’s Transport and Engagement team have supported our client in providing:
f High level traffic management considerations for various route options in terms of impact on the highway network, likely acceptability from highway authorities, risks in terms of cost, programme and number of stakeholders to consult.
f Initial engagement with highway officers (network operations rather than planning) and wider stakeholder mapping.
Our Wider Experience
Data Centres, as critical infrastructure, and as a relatively new land use for many local authorities, need to be introduced to a number of local authorities.
They need to be grounded and explained in terms of their impact and contribution, to persuade authorities to engage in a pivot towards them. As a result, you need an advisor with a deep understanding of the issues associated with the broader Industrial and Logistics sector and Energy and Renewables. Iceni have the skills and experience you need.
Industrial and Logistics
Industrial & Logistics forms one of our key sectors, reflecting years of experience across our various teams. Our breadth of experience ranges from promoting new strategic scale logistics parks to detailed applications for multi-unit schemes on complex sites and single unit last mile facilities.
We are able to draw on the expertise of the different Iceni disciplines to provide comprehensive and commercial advice to our clients. Key clients include GLP, SEGRO, Tritax Big Box, Newlands Developments, Indurent (St Modwen) and Wrenbridge. Major secured schemes include Willen House / Altitude Milton Keynes (GLP), Magna Park (GLP), White Hart Lane Tottenham (SEGRO) and Click Aylesford (Wrenbridge); with current projects such as Burnt Mills Basildon (Indurent) and Parkside RFI (Tritax). We also have a deep understanding of public sector advisory services having worked with over 100 LPAs on employment need at local and sub regional level.
Energy and Renewables
Iceni’s Energy and Renewables key sector team brings a highly collaborative and proactive approach to each project and are unique in their commercial mindset combined with technical expertise to ensure proposals protect and enhance the natural environment.
Understanding our client’s priorities and business processes is central to the sector’s success. Drawing upon broad experience spanning planning, design, and numerous technical specialisms, Iceni identify suitable development sites, contribute to the development of a project brief, and provide initial feasibility reports. Our evidence-based approach ensures that planning and environmental factors are considered from the outset, informing ongoing design development and shaping the project’s planning strategy through to submission. Iceni’s Renewable Power Team have the proven track record, knowledge, and experience to provide expert advice in this ever-expanding sector.
Magna Park Milton Keynes
Authority: Milton Keynes Council
Proposal: S73 application to incorporate amendments to the existing unit/ full planning application for a new unit.
Services: Planning
Status: Under Construction
The 6.37 hectare site is located on the eastern side of the Milton Keynes Eastern Expansion Area, to the north of the existing Magna Park Logistics Park.
GLP sought to amend the layout of the current warehousing unit, reducing the yard/ parking area and relocating the drainage attenuation pond to create space for a smaller additional c. 8,000 unit. This required a S73 application for the amendments to the original scheme and full planning application for the new unit.
The team worked closely with the Council to overcome landscaping and highways issues and both applications were approved under delegated powers in August 2020.
Wrenbridge Employment Site Portfolio
Authority: Various Authorities
Proposal: Change of Use and redevelopment of employment sites
Services: Transport; Planning
Status: Completed
Iceni Transport and Planning teams, have advised Wrenbridge on numerous employment sites across the UK, including redevelopment of existing employment sites, change of use applications and construction of new developments on previously undeveloped land.
The majority of these are speculative applications for open employment use, typically facilitating B1c, B2 or B8 uses on the sites. For each site, Iceni Transport provide early advice on access and parking to aid in the due diligence process and provide full highways and transport advice for each site, undertaking all elements required to secure planning approval. Selected projects outlined below:
Crompton Way, Crawley – redevelopment of an existing employment site to provide two units with a combined GFA of 4,689m2 for B1c/B2/B8 use.
Beam Reach Park, Rainham – change of use application for the existing 3,500m 2 unit to extend the use of the site from B1, B2 and ancillary B8 use to allow for B1, B2 and B8 use.
Crabtree Manorway North, Belvedere - redevelopment of previously undeveloped land to provide a 4,313m2 B1(c)/B2/B8 employment unit.
White Hart Lane Tottenham
Authority: London Borough of Haringey
Proposal: Redevelopment to provide 8 industrial/ warehouse units
Services: Planning
Status: Approved
Iceni are advising SEGRO on the redevelopment of a 3.2 hectare area of employment land in a key Locally Significant Industrial Site in the London Borough of Haringey. The proposals seek to deliver an exemplar urban logistics scheme and intensify the use of the site whilst achieving a more positive relationship to neighbours.
The development includes over 17,000 sqm of flexible B1(c)/B2/B8 floorspace over 8 units of varying sizes in order to maximise the potential tenants that can be accommodated. The proposals will be of a high quality design and incorporate measures to maximise sustainability benefits, enhance the local public realm, provide a pleasant working environment and minimise impacts on neighbours.
The proposals were informed by extensive work to consider the relationship of the development to nearby residential dwellings, as well as engagement with key stakeholders, officers, politicians and local residents.
The planning application was approved in December 2020. Iceni led the planning aspects of this scheme and coordinated the planning submission, as well as providing an economic assessment of the benefits of the development.
Introduction Our Experience
Our People Added Value
Laurie Handcock Director, Built Heritage & Townscape
E: lhandcock@iceniprojects.com
M: 07795 031 741
Laurie heads up the Iceni’s Built Heritage and Townscape team.
Laurie has particular experience in promoting this sort of critical infrastructure in urban and rural environment, alongside his work on urban regeneration and tall building development.
Working closely with clients developing often uncompromising forms of development in sensitive settings, he is adept at promoting schemes of significant height and scale, and working closely with designers on Data Centre envelope design and layout.
Aisling Merriman Senior Planner, Planning
T: amerriman@iceniprojects.com
M: 07765 766 991
Aisling has worked on a range of projects and sites, at all stages of the planning process from site promotion to project completion.
She has been actively working on a number of recent and current industrial schemes including Click Aylesford and Burnt Mills, Basildon.
Stuart Mills Associate Director, Planning
E: smills@iceniprojects.com M: 07771 394 497
Stuart is a leading member of Iceni’s Industrial & Logistics Sector.
He is working on a range of commercial and mixeduse developments, from smaller redevelopment schemes to major urban extensions.
A significant portion of his experience and current work involves industrial development, including planning applications and the promotion of strategic sites through the Local Plan process, including representing clients at Examination. He also takes a keen interest in policy and legal aspects of planning, and has acted for appellants at Inquiry and prepared evidence for a successful Judicial Review against a Local Authority.
Matt Kinghan Director, Planning
E: mkinghan@iceniprojects.com
M: 07753 222 920
In recent years much of Matt’s work has focused on the industrial and logistics sector covering sub regional employment and logistics strategies, justifying needs and benefits for major schemes and thought leadership around the evaluation of the sector.
Work of note includes the West Midlands Strategic Employment Sites Study 2023/24, input to the Future of Freight consultation and expert witness at numerous inquiries and examinations on employment need.
Introduction Our Experience
Our People Added Value
Added Value Sustainable Development Scorecards
Irrespective of the scale, complexity or societal benefits of a development proposal, it will always attract local opposition, which makes decision taking harder.
Iceni prides itself on formulating new, distinct and innovative tools and techniques for demonstrating why new development should be supported and why it will have positive transformational effects on communities.
We have developed our own techniques for formulating development proposals, operating at the local level within communities to identify how developments can have the greatest effect on peoples lives, and be delivered in a highly successful and sustainable way.
Sustainable Development Scorecardwww.thescorecard.org.uk
Added Value Iceni Intelligence
Whilst Iceni is a national consultancy, we pride ourselves on having a thorough local understanding of the communities we are seeking to change. We therefore have a suite of area based experts to understand, monitor and identify planning and political change across geographic areas.
This work extends beyond monitoring of Local Plans and considers issues such as the political composition and priorities of an area. Objectively Assessed Need and signs of market failure across the full use spectrum from housing, through employment to social and transport infrastructure. We also monitor significant planning decisions and the ways in which planning policies are applied in practice through casework decisions at Planning Committees and the Planning Inspectorate. This work greatly enhances the quality of the commercial advice we provide.
SURREY
HAMPSHIRE BERKSHIRE
DORSET SOMERSET WILTSHIRE
DEVON
CORNWALL AVON
HERTFORDSHIRE BEDFORDSHIRE
SHIRE BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
SHIRE WORCESTERSHIRE WARWICKSHIRE NORTHAMPTONSHIRE WEST MIDLANDS
SHROPSHIRE STAFFORDSHIRE
DERBYSHIRE NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
SHIRE
NORFOLK
SUFFOLK
LINCOLNSHIRE
Added Value
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, pre-application 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.
Added Value Place
Sites don’t start with, and aren’t defined by, planning policy. They’re defined by people. And people bring a melting pot of ideas and opinions.
Not everyone will necessarily share the view that a site needs developing, regenerating or renewal, especially in areas undergoing massive amounts of change or those where nothing has happened despite the will to see it happen.
They are sites that often mean more to people than an abstract red line on an OS plan, where physical and social barriers override site boundaries. Where people have a connection to their incidental bit of city they call home.
They have a past, they have a present and a future. Just like people.
Iceni Place delivers an approach that welcomes all of these views, fears, hopes and dreams into a collaborative process built on listening. It starts with people, asking “What does success look like to you?” and ends with a legacy of better places.
Added Value
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.
Added Value Vu.City
Vi.City is the largest and most truly accurate 3D interactive model development to date. Testing initial draft proposals or sites within this software can significantly optimise feasibility and preapplication stages leading directly to better decision making through the process. It is beneficial for the client and the planning process to be able to collaborate in this way, optimising strategy brought forward and cutting down on unnecessary delays in programme, scoping, etc.
This is a 3D modelling tool which covers many parts of the UK but its particularly detailed in relation to the area of London. More and more Councils and consultee bodies, such as Historic England, are adopting this licensing to have their own facility in-house. Iceni Projects can consult more effectively with the relevant public bodies to achieve the best outcomes for a project through the use of Vu.City software.
Archaeology | Built Heritage & Townscape | Design | Economics | Engagement | Impact Management
Landscape | Place | Planning | Transport
Birmingham: 20 Colmore Circus Queensway, Birmingham, B4 6AT
Edinburgh : 14 -18 Hill Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3JZ
Glasgow : 201 West George Street, Glasgow, G2 2LW
London : Da Vinci House, 44 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8FH
Manchester : WeWork, Dalton Place, 29 John Dalton Street, Manchester, M2 6FW www.iceniprojects.com | iceni-projects | iceniprojects | iceniprojects