More Than the Sum of its Parts: Lessons to Learn from a Region That Works
Greater Manchester is a city region that punches above its weight. But while the headlines might focus on the success of the regional city centre, the full story is more interesting: 10 boroughs with distinct identities, working together to drive shared ambition.
How to Solve a Problem Like an Under Resourced Planning System? The Manpower Conundrum
To those outside the built environment sector, a career in town planning is probably something of a mystery. At least, that’s according to the many blank looks I’ve received over the years when making small talk with acquaintances.
But it does highlight an inherent problem with this relatively niche career path. If people haven’t heard of it, how can they choose to work in the field?
Unlocking the Planning System’s Potential: A Call for Pragmatic Planning Reform
Whatever its shortcomings, the planning system plays a crucial role in unlocking places. But rather than wholesale sweeping changes, it is tweaks here and there, that are really needed.
Reform doesn’t have to mean overhaul. Meaningful small changes can accelerate delivery.
Charting 40 Years of Transformation: Salford is Showing Us How it’s Done
Salford has shown itself to be the chameleon of cities – transforming itself from an industrial heartland to a cultural hub. We take a step back in time to chart the last 40 years of transformation.
From Suburban Flight to Urban Revival: The Evolution of City Centre Living
Manchester city centre has seen phenomenal growth: almost 85,000 people now live within one mile of Piccadilly Gardens, compared to around 11,300 in 1991.
When and why did people start choosing the city centre as their home? And what can we learn as we look to the future about how we provide for its inhabitants?
From Post-War Boom to Today's Bust: Exploring the Roots of the UK Housing Crisis
The Centre for Cities think tank found, in its report published last year, that Britain has a backlog of 4.3 million homes. They’re missing from the national housing market because they simply were never built.
What happened?
What Stockport Did Next: A Closer Look at What Happened After Stockport Pulled Out of GMSF
It’s hard to talk about forward planning in Greater Manchester without talking about the Places for Everyone spatial plan.
And it’s hard to talk about that without referencing when Stockport Council pulled out six years after work on it (when it was called the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework) began.
Planning for Impact: How Development Frameworks Punch Above Their Weight
I’ve worked as a town planner in Manchester for more than 21 years and have seen the city region transform at an astonishing rate.
It’s not just the city that has changed: the nation’s approach to planning has too.
Lifting the Lid on the Places for Everyone Plan
After nearly 10 years in the making, Greater Manchester’s spatial plan was adopted in March.
Much of the focus has been on strategic development.
But what does the plan mean for land outside these strategic allocations?
The Changing of the Guard: a Closer Look at Labour’s Promises for Planning and Development
We’re waking up to a new, Labour-led government, the first in 14 years. So what, if anything, can we expect will change for the built environment?
There have been promises-a-plenty and lots of encouraging statements indicating a pro-growth approach. If we are to believe this Times article, we should expect to hear at least three different housing announcements in the next fortnight, giving an indication of the new government’s focus and commitment to the sector.
Women Taking Up Space and Predictions for East Manchester
Prior to my first foray to MIPIM, I didn’t have any set expectations about what it would be like. With all the enthusiasm of a Swiftie groupie, I went with an open mind and a determination to get the most out of it.
That being said, it was hard to dismiss the reports from veteran MIPIM delegates that the conference has historically been heavily dominated by men.
House or Home? Use Class Confusion for Inclusive Community-Based Housing
Recent headlines reveal a concerning trend: the prolonged detention of adults and children with Special Educational Needs in mental health units as a result of a shortage of suitable housing in the community. While the broader housing crisis dominates news, addressing this acute shortage must become a priority.
Rising Up: The Role of Tall Buildings in our Cities
In December, we received the decision notice for ‘One Heritage Tower’, following completion of a legal agreement. At 55-storeys in height, this flagship scheme, designed by OMI Architects, will be the tallest building in Salford.
In our latest blog, James Ketley looks closer at the role of tall buildings in our cities.
Reflections from Both Sides of the Table
Six months on from my move from Salford City Council, I’m reflecting on how life in the private sector differs from my 14 years in local government.
Planning Application Fees are Increasing on 6 December 2023!
On Wednesday 26 July 2023 the Government announced that fees for major planning applications will increase by 35%, with all other application fees increasing by 25%.
Recent changes to options for amending planning permissions
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities has recently updated its Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) in relation to the options for amending planning permissions, and further changes may soon be on the way.
Will Design Codes bring about change?
The National Model Design Code (‘NMDC’) was published by the Government in 2021, alongside some accompanying changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (‘NPPF’) and seeks to develop a greater role for design coding within the planning system.
What’s next for Places for Everyone?
Last week (Friday 11 August 2023), inspectors appointed by the Secretary of State (Levelling Up, Housing and Communities) confirmed that the Places for Everyone plan was to move to the next stage of the process.
EKPS is attending MIPIM 2024
EKPS is pleased to announce they will be attending MIPIM in March 2024, and will be partnering with Place North. It is hoped that this partnership will mean that with Place North’s expertise and services we can increase our exposure at the international property conference.
Planning Application Fees are Increasing!
Please refer to the blog published on 14 November 2023 with updated information.
On Wednesday 26 July 2023 the Government announced that fees for major planning applications will increase by 35% on Monday 1 April 2024, with all other application fees increasing by 25%.