Lichfields shortlisted twice at 2021 Planning Awards

Lichfields is delighted to be shortlisted in two categories at the 2021 Planning Awards. The awards, run by Planning and PlacemakingResource, are in their eighth year and reward excellence in professional planning work and related activities.

Elements Edinburgh has been shortlisted for the Award for stakeholder engagement in planning (planning applications). This Crosswind Developments Ltd mixed-use project on a 30ha brownfield site at Edinburgh Airport will comprise 2,500 homes and 1million square feet of commercial space within a Digital Quarter, creating a destination for established digital & technology businesses, growing companies and ambitious start-ups. The consultation conducted through the preparation of the application, demonstrated the community focus of the scheme and involved an integrated engagement campaign that combined online and offline activities to engage the community. The project is key example of how the engagement has been embedded at the heart of the application process to create a well-connected, sustainable environment that encourages the integration of living and working.

Secondly, Lichfields’ Business as (un)unusual COVID-19 tracker has been nominated for the Award for use of digital technology in planning. The tool – hosted on our website – was a one-stop-shop for the sector where users of the planning system could find the latest position on the planning system’s response to the pandemic. At its centrepiece was an interactive map, tracking how LPAs across England, Wales and Scotland were delivering planning functions amidst the first lockdown. It held data for 95% of Councils, in a consistent format and could be live updated as LPA circumstances changed. The LPA tracker was complemented with a Lichfields summary and commentary on all the changes to legislation and policy from MHCLG and the devolved administrations. During the first lockdown, the tool was accessed 14,000 times.

In addition to Lichfields submitted projects, we are also pleased to see other jobs we have worked on also up for awards - The Horlicks Quarter (Berkeley Homes) and Ealing Filmworks (St George) shortlisted for Award for best use of heritage in placemaking and Award for mixed use development, respectively.   

The winners will be announced virtually on 9 and 10 June. To register to watch the ceremony free of charge click here, and for further information about the awards, visit planningawards.com