Planning matters

Graded ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, Lichfields recently prepared and managed a planning application for a new Kids Allowed nursery in Altrincham. Overcoming constraints caused by a relatively tight and irregularly-shaped site, planning permission was granted earlier this year. Near the tram, on a popular route into the city centre and surrounded by a large residential area, the new nursery is located in an accessible and ‘future-proofed’ location. It will create skilled job opportunities, provide local families with quality childcare in a conveniently located, purpose-built nursery building that has been designed to ensure an exceptional work and play environment for all children and staff. We look forward to the nursery opening its doors in 2018.

Children love books for the magic they create for the imagination. Parents love books for the peace and quiet that results! The Manchester Central Library is a landmark, Grade II* listed building which was recently subject to an imaginative redesign based on a high quality planning strategy and a coherent vision for what makes places great.  Lichfields submitted applications for planning permission and listed building consent for the transformation of the library as part of the wider refurbishment of Manchester’s town hall complex, which is widely regarded as one of the finest groups of civic buildings in the country. Previously, only 30% of the building was open to the public. After the redesign, in consultation with English Heritage, 70% is now open. This reconfiguration of floorspace has enabled the provision of new digital features including a media lounge, alongside a café and children’s library. The proposals introduced modern design and materials, whilst retaining the heritage value of the asset. Planning permission and listed building consent for the proposals were granted in 2010 and the works were completed in March 2014. Thanks to a fantastic scheme of improvement, this development epitomises the importance of planning for helping meet the needs of future generations (click here to read more).

Keeping with my baby/toddler theme and for when the door bouncer no longer cuts it, Lichfields has been involved in securing planning permission for some ambitious and lively indoor environments for future generations. Projects include a proposal for an indoor trampoline park in Aintree with the aim of utilising a vacant building and repurposing it for future generations. Lichfields preparing a robust sequential assessment helped secure planning permission in 2016.

These very different projects all highlight Lichfields’ varied and UK-wide experience and expertise in helping to realise all manner of fun spaces, for all ages, creatively – whether for learning and play spaces in new buildings,  re-using redundant or under-utilised spaces or providing for the enhanced use of historic buildings and their environs, for now and for the benefit of future generations.

Whether you share our passion for creating places for future generations, are interested in getting your hands on an inspiring mug or would just like to get in touch to discuss how Lichfields may be able to assist you with progressing your projects, please do not hesitate to contact us.

#Lichfields #FutureGenerations #Planning #GreatPlaces