Awards Review 2021

The Awards for Planning Excellence a Review A look back at regional awards for the best in North West planning policy and practice

1 Introduction

With the Covid-19 Pandemic preventing so many of the RTPI North West’s social activities in 2020, it was decided to look at other options for giving the RTPI NW Membership new and interesting content. Thus, alongside the usual Annual Review of the year the Region has also decided to look back at the Awards for different categories of Awards. We look at what Planning Excellence which have done so much those projects achieved, why they won and to showcase the best in physical and policy what best practice they demonstrated. We also based planning, both Regionally and Nationally look at how those Award winning projects have for 43 years now. developed in the years since their win, what RTPI Awards began with the Queen’s Silver further success has been achieved or, in some Jubilee in 1977 when the RTPI introduced the cases, where a project might have failed to live Silver Jubilee Cup as its top award for planning up to its initial promise, and why. In the case achievement. The Silver Jubilee Cup continues of Award winning plans, we look at how those to be awarded at the national level but in the Plans have gone on to influence the world early 1980s it was replaced in the NW Region around them. with the John Coaker Cup, named after a Finally, there is an article from our 2020 Awards secretary of the RTPI North West who died Team, looking at the past 10 years of Regional while in office. The John Coaker Cup would Awards, what makes a winner and what the continue to the early 2000’s, with winners next decade might hold for best practice in the including the East Lancashire Railway (1992) planning profession. and the Duke St/Bold St Action Plan, Liverpool (1999). It was then replaced by the current Christopher Wilson Awards for Planning Excellence. RTPI North West Promotion of Planning Task Group Leader In the following pages we review some exemplar Case Studies of Award-winning projects and plans from the last 15 years of Awards, from each part of the Region and from

2 Awards for Planning Excellence

CONTENTS

Introdcution ...... 2

Case Studies Cumbria ...... 4 K Village, Kendal ...... 5 Upper Eden Neighbourhood Plan and Community Interest Group ...... 8

Lancashire ...... 10 New Market Facilities, Preston ...... 11 Spinning Point Phase I, Rawtenstall ...... 13 East Lancashire Railway 2020 Development Strategy ...... 15

Greater Manchester ...... 17 Airport Infrastructure through Planning ...... 18 Ketso ...... 22 Stockport Plaza ...... 24

Liverpool City Region ...... 26 Titanic Hotel Liverpool ...... 27 The Mersey Forest ...... 29 The Liverpool City Region Joint Waste Local Plan ...... 31

Cheshire and Warrington ...... 33 Chester Characterisation Study ...... 34 Alderley Park ...... 36

Awards, then and now ...... 39

3 Cumbria The projects for Cumbria show excellence in both physical design and plan making, but also how changing circumstances can make converting that initial excellence into long term sustainability, challenging.

4 Cumbria 5

However, following this approval a number of subsequent a number of this approval following However, 2007 and 2010 to in approved were applications and layout also the range of floorspaces reconfigure provided. to be allowing office space at the time of the awards, was Village The commended K the former K Shoes of an attractive redevelopment the site since 1844. from Factory which had operated the heritage to retaining went some way The proposals of the K Shoes the incorporation value of the site through was expected to create and the outlet heritage centre the exception of the heritage almost 200 jobs. With onto River Kent facing the western frontage centre, Submitted by WDR & R Taggart, WYG, The Ballyrogan Group of Companies Group The Ballyrogan WYG, by WDR & R Taggart, Submitted The K Village development was complete in 2010 on was complete development The K Village K Shoes Factory and is an edge the site of the former comprising retail, mixed use development of centre was uses. The development and leisure residential offer to that an alternative retail aimed at providing market town of Kendal. The within the nearby attractive planning consent in 2006 for scheme originally gained centre and factory outlet leisure a mixed residential, apartments, 4182sqm factory outlet development of 120 & 511sqm floorspace 1733sqm of restaurant centre, internal with an courtyard. K Shoes heritage centre Background Background K Village, Kendal K Village, 2011. in Scheme Community Sustainable & Regeneration for Best Commendation Cumbria 6 office space on the ground floor was predominantly predominantly was floor ground on the space office by operated a new gym into and converted empty viable as a more which was seen Anytime Fitness use was another retail after this in 2018, use. Shortly application This planning this time to an office. converted, vision that the long-term position the Council’s confirmed its success to change after is likely for the K Village questionable and they considered had been somewhat were unviable and floor uses were ground that the retail due the income generated being sustained primarily and less so by the accommodation by the residential recently commented that Officers office uses. Council may have element of the outlet of the retail the failure and the mix of location of centre been due to its out offer to draw shoppers. the tenants not quite providing Development Since the Award the Award Development Since 2010 paints a following K Village The evolution of the industry for the retail of uncertainty rather familiar picture retail and crash. In 2017 the since the 2008 financial provided a well-connected and attractive riverside walk walk riverside and attractive a well-connected provided ground on the uses with commercial River Kent along function as a retail Its mall. an internalfloor and covered by complimentary considered was centre factory outlet the abundance of by others given controversial some and and in Kendal town centre traders operating independent The scheme would have. the redevelopment the impacts of constraints for a number also successfully catered its Flood Zone 3 designated on the site such as southernand its location on the limits of the Kendal Conservation Area. Cumbria 7 Outcomes Outcomes and comprehensive the commendable Despite account the notably took into which redevelopment of the site, ultimately technical constraints heritage and the outlet failed. As anchored offer which the retail and office of the retail by the Council, much highlighted was since the building in fact been vacant space has has evidently had no appeal to complete in 2010 and further space retail of this traders. The re-purposing high of how do we plan resilient emphasises the question needs? to meet our changing for the future streets In November 2018, planning permission was granted was permission planning 2018, In November the to convert of the outlet part redevelopment for the hotel, Travelodge a 69 bedroom into existing premises flexible office space and apartments, further 88 one bed only were 2018, there As of November space. retail/office outlet: at the entire units still trading commercial three Outlet. The and Clarks Factory Terrazzo Anytime Fitness, outlet is now underway of the consented redevelopment have moved occupants commercial and the remaining of Anytime Fitness. the site with the exception from Cumbria 8 The Neighbourhood Plan contained seven policies and The Neighbourhood Plan contained seven part of the development plan for Eden District remains who acted the planning consultant Woof- Council. Tom commented on behalf of the Neighbourhood Group effectively is that the only policy that has been used policy allowed Policy UENDP2 (Housing on Farms). This businesses to established farming enterprises or rural additional dwellings that can be used by family provide to local people. It is members, holiday letting or renting 20 planning applications have been understood circa to this policy. reference submitted with direct Development Since the Award Development Since the Award The Upper Eden Neighbourhood Plan was the first to beThe Upper Eden Neighbourhood following a successful referendum ‘made’ in the country it the first to be made, it 2013. Not only was in March to whom each agreed council’s combined 17 parish within their parish to matchcontribute £2 per dwelling the government. from This was a path- funding received at theof many put forward and was one finding project was the only one to materialise.time by the DCLG but that one of its key agreed Plan Group The Neighbourhood to boost economic housing in order aims was to increase development plan adopted byinvestment as the current constrained this type of growth. Eden District Council largely to be made in This Neighbourhood Plan was the first achievement in its the country which is an impressive in 2013, however equally as own and merited its award was the manner in which the Neighbourhood impressive gaining the support of 17 formed through Plan Group a common individual parishes in an attempt to resolve new these concern amongst the community through planning powers. Background Background Upper Eden Neighbourhood Plan and Community Interest Group Interest Community and Plan Neighbourhood Eden Upper Rural Catalytic for winning award then in 2012, preparation in plan practice for good Commendation by 2013 (submitted Act 2011 in NW under the Localism Plan in the and Neighbourhood Community Councils). Consortium of Parish Ltd and the Planning Solutions Development Cumbria 9 rendered the conversion unviable. The Council initially The Council unviable. conversion the rendered the within this policy to include agreed but later refused to threatened residents plan after the local draft local Plan to address to draft a Neighbourhood seek funding of the introduction since However, the issue themselves. planning the evolution of the Plans in 2012 Neighbourhood rights development as the NPPF or permitted system such amount of Neighbourhood in a considerable has resulted the Therefore, outdated quickly. Plan policies becoming with a number of other this case along key outcome from cases indicates that this is aNeighbourhood Planning in existing is a omission there good mechanism where at any time this loophole may be corrected however policy, Plan to be out of date. in the Neighbourhood resulting Photo: Billy Wilson/Flickr Outcomes Outcomes in planning success had limited Plan The Neighbourhood planning policies largely the majority of the terms with will of Policy UENDP2 the success However, underused. a number of rural some way to supporting have gone of lessons that in terms commented Woof Tom businesses. Plans only Neighbourhood this case study, learned from is a gap within existing there where have a role really is a local issue policy and there local or national planning such example of this is Another that needs addressing. planning asked a local of local residents a group where of their out a review whilst carrying authority to address were B&B’s common issue where development plan, a (C3 Use Class) without dwellings converted to residential which in some case housing contribution an affordable Lancashire The projects for Lancashire again show how delivering commercial success can be challenging but given the right location, offer and private sector buy-in, achievable. Also, how a strong and well designed plan can drive successful commercial endeavours, over the long term, with the right commitment from those implementing it.

10 LANCASHIRE 11

The judging panel commented that: “When the panel panel commented The judging style’, vibrant, well attractive ‘European visited we found an food on a much-improved used facility which concentrates traditional market some of the more offer but also contains scheme particularly effective isstalls. What makes this of some glazed enclosure of a contemporary the creation portion of the main building.” 1,200 sqm in the central City by Preston was led Markets project The Preston getting Department. Prior to the project Planning Council’s to establish a clear and robust underway it was important for the development proposals. planning policy platform priority lie at the heart of the city’s Markets Preston that the Council’s and it was recognised area regeneration Submitted by Preston City Council and Frank Whittle Partnership Ltd Whittle Partnership Council and Frank City by Preston Submitted Background Background contemporary Market Hall new City Council’s Preston by FWP in collaboration withand Box Market, designed a much-needed provided & Stephenson Architects, Greig market and aging indoor of the previous replacement facilities canopies. Creating of the existing refurbishment The traders’. market local Lancashire of ‘best the offer that the to consisted of the restoration project Award-winning the Old Fish Market constructedexisting market canopies; constructed in 1875. Both Market in 1924 and the Covered in desperate need of were Grade II listed and canopies are and decoration. maintenance, repair New Market Facilities, Preston Facilities, Market New 2018. Overall Winner and Places Successful Economically NW Creating RTPI LANCASHIRE 12 Outcomes scheme. is effectively Phase I of a larger The new Market Hall it will comprise a £50 million leisure Known as ‘Animate’ restaurants floor ground cinema, complex of a multi-screen the former Indoor Market site. Theand bowling alley on scheme will be City Council ownedsite and the completed developments. Maple Grove and developed by partners planning application Construction, following a revised the 2020/21is expected later in 2021, with no sign that the project. Covid-19 Pandemic is delaying or harming Working alongside the scheme architects, Preston’s Preston’s scheme architects, the alongside Working the local England and Historic closely with liaised planners and use of materials to develop a design group conservation canopy. to the listed wholly sympathetic that are another was environment in a tight city centre Developing the impact to minimise the planners. In order challenge for project, redevelopment caused by a major of the disruption closely with neighbouring businessesCouncil planners liaised issues arising. to avoid any significant in order and residents investment in its own Markets would act as a significant act as a would own Markets in its investment benefits regeneration wider forward for bringing catalyst for the maximum Hence centre. the city throughout the linkage to be capitalised, benefits regeneration and the adjacent Markets development between the cinema and such as a long-awaited schemes, proposed clearly articulated to needed to be development, restaurant being located in sub-optimalavoid the other developments in the city. locations elsewhere platform for the Markets QuarterThis vision and policy Plan, Action Area Centre City was crafted in the Preston adoption paved the way for theadopted in 2016. This consent applications thatplanning and listed building consent in August 2016. received followed, and which challenges that was faced during theOne of the planning of the planning and in the determination design process the potential conservation application was overcoming concerns under a of siting a modern market hall structure sensitive listed canopy. LANCASHIRE 13 Background Background full submitted a 2015, NJL Consulting In November Partnership of the RTB on behalf planning application Partnership Point. The RTB for Phase 1 of Spinning between Barnfield Investment was a joint venture and Together Council Rossendale Borough Properties, was the comprehensive Spinning Point Housing Group. site within Rawtenstall of a 1.38 ha redevelopment The site and Conservation Area. boundary Centre Town shopping derelict a Centre, the Valley formerly comprised for a number of years and that had been vacant centre town. It was demolished in in the had become an eyesore before a temporary public square 2012 to make way for finalised. of the site were the plans for the redevelopment comprehensive The application sought consent for the for a bus station and ancillary retail/ redevelopment development café units, car parking, landscaping. The of also included partial-demolition and refurbishment Hall, a locally listed building. Planning Rawtenstall Town 2016 and the scheme permission was obtained in March was constructed over 2017/18. a significant investment in The development represented site to the benefit a prominent Rawtenstall, regenerating site had been The application of the local community. for a long time by Rossendale earmarked for regeneration Council and the development of a new bus Borough Centre of the former Valley station and the redevelopment Strategy. key objectives of the Core were area Growth the LEP’s won £1.9 million from The project £3.5 million County Council’s Fund to add to Lancashire eight lane bus funding. The funding was solely for a new station in Rawtenstall. Spinning Point Phase I, Rawtenstall Phase Point Spinning Consulting by NJL 2017 Submitted Winner Category NW Regeneration RTPI LANCASHIRE 14 follow up a public sector led investment in infrastructure in infrastructure led investment sector up a public follow million Spinning The £9.4 options. with commercial to comprise was intended II redevelopment Point Phase (29 one and two- complex residential a hotel, retail, By 2019, it was and luxury spa. apartments) bedroom and not support the hotel market demand did clear that town. small Pennine Lancashire options in this retail and public realm more The alternative is likely to provide to be finalised as of 2020. plans remain parking, but detailed Outcomes Outcomes intended to be the first phase of This development was in Rawtenstall. However, at a key site the regeneration show that it can often be difficult to subsequent events Work involved extensive public consultation, with input with input consultation, public extensive involved Work redesigns significant leading to groups local heritage from Rawtenstall Town attractive parts of the most to protect and retains of the new bus station the height Hall, reduce open space. and a public square LANCASHIRE 15 within the operating company (ELLRCo) which up to this within the operating company (ELLRCo) a volunteer organisation point had been almost entirely key areas. and needed to make a step change in these in June 2008 Locum Consulting were Accordingly, since its appointed to assess the impact of the railway opening in 1987 and to determine its potential to attract visitor numbers and further enhance the local increased economy. Background Background runs for 13 heritage Railway (ELR) The East Lancashire and Manchester to Bury in Greater Heywood miles from The ELR opened in Lancashire. then on to Rawtenstall and restored was progressively in stages as the line support, wider partnership to also build up volunteer expertise between the Trust solidarity and marketing after the Heywood its full length partners. It reached in 2003. The Heywood section section was opened of the because of the introduction became necessary to Altrincham line and the first stage Bury Metrolink’s have the vision to maintain a heavy need for the ELR to out on the main line and Metrolink rail connection over It was at the time via Heywood and Castleton Junction. partnership took this bold decision to progress the Trust restoration the Heywood section in addition to its other ambitions that in 1992 commitments and regeneration John Coker Cup in recognition the ELR won the RTPI achieving extensive as an agent for change - already and backed by of the Upper Irwell Valley regeneration potential a sound supporting wider vision now bringing of influence. By sphere Valley’s benefits also to the Roch to more visitor figures 2010 the ELR had built up its direct visitors and than 100,000 visitors/year with many more countryside, its villages enjoying the improving residents and towns within the heritage railway corridor. railway raised The success of the first 20 years of the it partners to a level where aspirations amongst the Trust been achieved was necessary to take stock of what had funding applications but to also to to support future so projects put a focus on the next ten years of priority could develop individual all partners within the Trust structures. initiatives within their own organisational to Partners also sought guidance on issues relating and marketing development business, organisational East Lancashire Railway 2020 Development Strategy Development 2020 Railway Lancashire East Trust. Railway Lancashire by East Submitted 2010 Winner Award Initiative Regeneration NW Best RTPI LANCASHIRE 16 Ongoing investment into Rawtenstall Station Rawtenstall into investment Ongoing Park Country halt at Burrs A new Station. carriage café on Heywood A railway and activities. family friendly facilities A variety of 1. 2. 3. 4. In winning the RTPI award twice the ELR has done so the ELR has done twice award the RTPI In winning its reassess to critically based on its determination largely path that to chart a future and at the same time progress its 2016 up to. Shortly after reaching partners will all sign its visitors/year and in approaching milestone of 200,000 of publishing its 2010 Development 10 year anniversary again commissioned an partnership Strategy the ELR Trust Study together with a Development Impact and Assessment the partnership up to 2030. Strategy that will take Strengthening the Company Structure the Company Strengthening Museum Commercial Transport Castlecroft Development Services and Visitor Business Performance Improvements Marketing Plan Burrs Countryside Halt Family Facilities Rawtenstall Station Destination Plan Ramsbottom Visitor / National Railway Museum Satellite Buckley Wells Heywood Development Castleton Development 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Outcomes of 200,000 visitors/ By 2016 the ELR had met its target visitors outside of in core with notable growth year, in the events. Key achieved investments, proposed Development Strategy include: The Development Strategy was not just adopted by The Development Strategy was not just as abstract guidance, but the format the ELR Trust means Trust’s of the Action Plan was adopted as the Board at Trust of monitoring and measuring progress appointed in 2009/10 meetings. Several new staff were change and by the time of the to deliver organisational Transport Castlecroft one of the 11 projects, Award, been completed. Museum, had already Development Since the Award Development Since the Award A number of commercial and developmental issues and developmental of commercial A number the events fact that the including also identified, were three for almost accounting strong, is very programme general non-event day seat sales, whilst quarters of heritage than most other equivalent lower are seat sales for significant marketing signposting the need railways – efforts. and promotional per year was of achieving 200,000 visits A target reliant but achievable by 2020, identified as an ambitious 11 developmental and organisational upon the delivery of the Action Plan which formed part of priorities outlined in the Strategy: Greater Manchester The projects for Greater Manchester show how excellence can be delivered at both the largest and smallest of scales. This section looks at the major changes at Manchester Airport, but also how a comparatively simple planning tool, Ketso, developed at Manchester University has gone on to deliver change internationally.

17 GREATER MANCHESTER 18 In discussions for this article, Andrew Murray, Planning Murray, Andrew for this article, In discussions explained [MAG] Group Manchester Airport Manager for project successes of this attributes and the core were collaborative and a provide this is the ability to lie. Key to stakeholder engagement along with plan led approach, Engagement on the project. in to instil trust and credibility community level, including political and a professional, local authorities, has meetings with the affected regular and to the ongoing process, transparency greater provided with little objection. to progress allowed the project Background Background Airport and the of Manchester The transformation still is, a key strategic was, and area surrounding as city of Manchester and the region development for the schemes such as this can a whole. Major infrastructure risks, and often times contentious.be challenging, full of cohesive Masterplan for the deliveryIt was evident that a Airport Manchester required. of this gateway was and were team duly delivered, in-house planning Group’s as work with an Innovation Award, commended for their at the RTPI as Overall Winner, well as being announced in 2016. Region Awards North West Airport Infrastructure through Planning through Infrastructure Airport Group Airport Manchester by Submitted 2016. winner Award Innovation GREATER MANCHESTER 19 participation in plan making, MAG’s planning team planning MAG’s plan making, in participation and potentially for a huge consent to deliver was able practically scheme £1bn infrastructure contentious uncontested.” Development Since the Award Since the Award Development of the new in the development resulted this has So far, the first phase anticipated to be complete 2, with Terminal 2021. At the peak of its constructionand opened in early on-site and £1 million over 2,000 contractors were there Once again day. every being spent on the project passengers and with retailers, key, engagement has been government bodies utilising the new space, its capacity was a clear strategy crucial. There and design has being In order to inform Manchester City Council’s Core Strategy Core Council’s City Manchester to inform In order MAG’s designation, site a strategic and achieve (2012) engagement, created alongside early planning team, sufficient base to provide evidence a comprehensive of land from hectares the exclusion of 500 support for a clear This provided the airport. Belt around the Green to translate thefor the planning team and strategy route into Programme and Transformation Masterplan Airport’s application in 2016. As has beena successful planning a sustained commitment “through by Andrew, reiterated and growth of the airport’s to the clear articulation to the active engagement of anddevelopment objectives, local communities, to the positivecommunication with GREATER MANCHESTER 20 that the new infrastructure affords their main immediate their main affords new infrastructure that the capacity access the surface overcome is to challenge, heavy congestion led to which have recently constraints will be of the site. Whilst this access into and out affecting for Transport also continue alongside work will considered, Manchester the Greater through and Manchester, Greater of the Metrolink for the extension Spatial Framework, Davenport Green, through HS2 station via the proposed link Metrolink/tram-train of a direct and the construction is still a lot more and Stockport. There between the airport airport the around is clearly evident to do, but progress the best platform has provided today and the masterplan to achieve this. Group for Manchester Airport Outcomes some normality returns, when hopefully For the near future, will be looking to start work on theirMAGs planning team securing the capacity uplift of the masterplan. After review to prevent the airport from becoming too generic and the and too generic becoming airport from the to prevent with its locality, on internalcentred primarily design is the represent lighting to such as honeycomb features will be 50 there bee. In terms of capacity, Manchester internally seating available than currently more percent well as anand 2 combined, as 1 Terminal available in offering. This and restaurant retail in the improvement the airport’s one of the steps towards development is just million passengers a year. ambition to handle 55 GREATER MANCHESTER 21 GREATER MANCHESTER 22 RTPI North West for Contribution to Positive Community to Positive for Contribution North West RTPI at that being used in 20 countries From Engagement. in variety of organisations used in 77, by a time, it is now health, and planning, environment, fields including different community development. asked participants are ‘leaves’, reusable Utilising coloured, them on a subject, then to share to write down their ideas thoughts can then be felt workspace. These on a shared identifying further, into themes and discussed structured points. Joanne has been amazedpriorities and clear action Ketso has developed and diversifiedat the way in which has a long tradition years, stating that “Planning in recent Background Background a hands- for ‘action’ is also Ketso, a southern word African Joanne Tippett by Dr. engagement, invented on tool for regeneration experiences in rural based on her first-hand not always getting that women were in Lesotho. Noticing Joanne looked during engagement, their views across every that would provide into developing a framework to voice their opinions.participant with an opportunity during her PhD in planningFollowing further development Ketso was launched as Manchester, at The University of in the growth toolkit has seen great a social business. The achieving a commendation from last seven years since Ketso University by Manchester 2013. Submitted Engagement Community to Positive for Contribution Commendation GREATER MANCHESTER 23 £3.2million landscape-scale restoration project working project restoration landscape-scale £3.2million ecosystema connected achieve to communities alongside used on Ketso has been area. in this post-industrial engagement initial stakeholder from various occasions, well as with community the funding bid, as to support localperspectives on their to understand their members is trialling the project During the pandemic, landscape. engaging with community membersanother innovation, having an individual, hands-ononline with each participant hopeful that this work is will contributeKetso kit. Joanne is being designated as the Wigan Flashes potentially towards reserve. a national nature and in the range increase has been a great Whilst there wishes to see the toolkit of use of Ketso, Joanne spread and development. She in planning being used more to mobilise dialogue around to see it being utilised aspires change the pandemic and climate from recovery green on us forced planning. Joanne stated how the ‘pause’ a window of opportunity to by the pandemic provides and would like to see Ketso our urban areas” “reimagine and inclusive dialogue in this “creative used to promote global rethink”. Outcomes of Ketso has been put the growth One key element to Joanne and the Ketso teamdown to the way in which into on effective engagement embedded her research As a consequence, it enablesthe design of the toolkit. workshops, an important shiftanyone to run effective project seemingly placed on requirements with greater communitiesofficers and practitioners to engage with flexibility meansand stakeholders on limited budgets. Its in any field. More it can be used by anyone, anywhere, Manchester Great Ketso has been used by the locally, - a Partnership on the Carbon Landscape Project Wetlands of innovation in participation practice. It is exciting to It is exciting practice. participation in of innovation intoplanning context a from evolve innovation see this Some voice to be heard”. helping everyone’s new fields, and Scotland Health Improvement such as organisations, now and Migrant Network, Refugee Asylum the Glasgow engagement, into their ongoing rooted have the toolkit together community its success in bringing highlighting and social groups, marginalised members, including challenging topics. to grapple with service providers GREATER MANCHESTER 24 Development Since the Award Development Since the Award has been involved the Trust As a charitable organisation, to the award since receiving in various fundraising projects This has included the sale of assist the ongoing restoration. as well as to other seats in 2013 to individuals, the venue’s This has in turn supportedvenues and charitable groups. of the of new auditorium seating reminiscent the purchase work on the original 1932 seats. In the same year restoration its original gradient, thereby on restoring concentrated Circle work that The amount of integrity. its architectural improving is well documented on their has gone into the restoration of the dedicated and website and is clearly extensive. A result as well as the continued work of individuals within the Trust the Conservation Paul Hartley, support of the local authority. Officer at Stockport Council highlighted how the authority has publicity and marketing, financial “through supported the Trust Background Background II* Blossoms, the Grade to local band and Hardy Laurel From and a variety of characters Plaza has seen listed Stockport its doors. A clear indication and at performers on its screen and national position as a regional of the Stockport Plaza’s taken work that has of the hard but also a reflection treasure, this ‘super of the century to restore place since the beginning glory. 1930s architectural cinema’ to its original and for Conservation award the RTPI As well as receiving alongside Stockport Plaza Trust, Planning in 2011, The also received Council, Borough Stockport Metropolitan The Trust in the same year. RICS and IHBC accolades from with the council to develop the buildinghas worked closely and re-instating as a multi-function space whilst retaining Manager of Doan, the General Ted its original features. on their continued progress Stockport Plaza, has credited they have with the local authority and the open relationship alongside localtheir continued effort to work as a collective the plaza as thebusinesses and the community to sustain “beating heart of the town centre.” Stockport Plaza Stockport Trust by the Plaza 2011. Submitted Award and Planning Conservation GREATER MANCHESTER 25 Outcomes a long interval, Doan stated “it’s As Ted but the curtains will rise again.” Since the the plaza has gone from in 2011, award with the relationship to strength strength between the building, volunteers, and the local authority community groups and progress being key to the project’s to the Plaza many will be looking forward glamour re- 1930s with its restored opening its doors once again in the not too distant future. In 2019, the Plaza served as a locationIn 2019, the Plaza served rally during thefor a 1930s political drama winning Award National Television of local bandsPeaky Blinders. A number and artists have used the location as a identity. town’s the to represent backdrop The Plaza continues to be a significant and iconic building in Stockport town year has been a considerable This centre. but work has challenge to the restoration continued. Internal murals by local artist, and the Bridgid Brind has progressed, by carpet in the café has been replaced of the a local contractor with the refitting diamond carpet. Britons deco styled green assistance” as well as the “provision of “provision well as the as assistance” guiding advice conservation specialist of the interior restoration the ongoing is aIt is clear that The Plaza building.” area, to the Council and the key asset of supporting Stockport’s with the aim The night time economy. visitor and Council of by the planned redevelopment bus interchange the adjacent Stockport The Plaza will place and Mersey Square modernisingat its heart while also the accessibility. to improve area Liverpool City Region For many years Liverpool has had a leading role in urban regeneration, but here we look at some of the less well known regeneration projects, from the glamorous Titanic Hotel to the somewhat more functional City Region Waste Plan, as well as the regionally important work of the Mersey Forest.

26 LIVERPOOL CITY REGION 27 Stanley Dock is part of Liverpool’s remarkable maritime remarkable is part of Liverpool’s Stanley Dock Heritage Site World is within the Liverpool heritage. It Conservation of the Stanley Dock centrepiece (WHS), the However, of listed buildings. and an ensemble Area laid empty and slowly warehouses Stanley Dock and its 30 years. Their poor condition anddecaying for almost concern: the fabric was a cause of great vacancy were stolen; English materials were decaying; original building on its Buildings At Risk RegisterHeritage placed them some emergency enforced and; Liverpool City Council huge scale meant major collapse. Their to prevent repairs doubt. The was in grave costs. Their future huge repair Background Background listed Stanley Dock of the grade II* The conversion hotel and into the Titanic in Liverpool warehouse for NW Overall Award won the RTPI centre conference 2015. The scheme is owned byPlanning Excellence of Dublin-based Harcourt part Stanley Dock Properties, the planning process led through Developments and was The conservation and conversion ofby Hinchliffe Heritage. at Stanley Dock rum warehouse and the North Warehouse exhibition Rum Warehouse the Titanic Hotel and to create in projects biggest adaptive re-use space was one of the the country Titanic Hotel Liverpool Liverpool Hotel Titanic Heritage by Hinchliffe 2015. Submitted Winner Overall and Award NW Heritage RTPI LIVERPOOL CITY REGION 28 The Titanic Hotel has gone from strength to strength since to strength strength The Titanic Hotel has gone from in 2016 they won the UK NW Award, winning the RTPI and the Best Day Spa Award Luxury Hotel of the Year, a commendation in the Best Newcomer to the Visitor Awards. Economy at the Liverpool City Tourism Outcomes surrounding area suffers from industrial obsolescence, isobsolescence, industrial from suffers area surrounding the from is isolated WHS and part of the visited the least for their a huge challenge created These factors city centre. adaptive re-use. 2010 by Stanley in Dock site was acquired The Stanley the process who immediately began Ltd Dock Properties began in place. They permissions and finance of getting 2013 with the conversion of thework on site in January II* Listed Building) and the rum (a Grade North Warehouse which centre, conference into an hotel and warehouse of in June 2014. The restoration opened for business Dock is the first urban at Stanley the North Warehouse of Liverpool in this part to be delivered project regeneration restoration and visitors into it. The and the first to bring Stanley Dock ensemble is on- of the conversion of the rest ) with occupation of part going (see www.stanleydock.com expected in 2021. Warehouse of the monumental Tobacco represented The judges thought that this project ledan exemplar model of best practice in heritage The judging panel said ‘The whole project regeneration. difficult building in a team had taken on an incredibly a destination that should challenging location to create in this part of Liverpool. act as a catalyst for regeneration has led to anThe attention to detail and quality of finish as a that should be recognised project award-winning elementstemplate for best practice. The conservation and the project throughout have not been compromised inception have been a consistent running theme from that implementation’. The judges considered to through determinationthe whole team should be praised for their scheme took placein ensuring that such a vast conversion and its warehouse without losing the essence of the historic context. LIVERPOOL CITY REGION 29 Sub-Regional Woodland cover has doubled from 4 from cover has doubled Woodland Sub-Regional today in 1991 to 8 percent percent the England times planted, three Nine million trees average planted trees 8,000 plus urban street have brought of woodlands of sub-regional third Two that since 1991. time into management, three population live the sub-regional Almost a quarter of woodland of at least of an accessible within 500 metres 2 ha 4 km of an accessible quarters live within Over three woodland of at least 20 ha of people visit their local woods. thirds Two routes Over 200km of good quality walking or cycling or reopened. have been created Value was £2.60 of Gross For every £1 invested, there Added and £10.20 of total economic benefits. • • • • • • • • • Development Since the Award Since the Award Development the following: has achieved the Mersey Forest Since 1991, Background Background and strategic Plan is the long-term Forest The Mersey Merseyand partnership. The work of the team guide to the and was Forests, Community is one of England’s Forest It covers 1,370 sq km of Merseysideestablished in 1991. comprising currently It is a partnership and North Cheshire. authorities (Cheshire partners of seven local the core Liverpool, Sefton, Halton, Knowsley, and Chester, West Natural England, the Forestry St. Helens, Warrington), along with a Agency, Environment Commission, and the landowners, businesses and localwider partnership of is supported by a dedicatedcommunities. The partnership team. Mersey Forest the The 2014 Plan had been designed to provide achievement, butframework for a continued high level of emphasis being placed on the planning with a greater Framework,context set by the National Planning Policy Inunder which it can be a material consideration. planting spatial guidance for tree it provided particular, consistent with partner statutory plans, boundary working, and demonstrates cross of process was underpinned by a robust community consultation. The judging panel felt the scheme demonstrated both innovation and local authority collaboration across to boundaries and sectors. The approach such diverse community engagement across was particularly communities and areas welcomed. The Mersey Forest Forest Mersey The Forest by The Mersey 2014. Submitted Winner Award NW Innovation RTPI LIVERPOOL CITY REGION 30 The achievements to date are due to a strong due to a strong to date are The achievements levels. Working to community national from partnership, between policyenables a short chain levels at different vice versa and and delivery, is vital to demonstrate theMonitoring and evaluation achievements and promote investments outcomes from to therelevant are and woodlands The benefits of trees private and community public, agenda of many groups, or beneficiaries are the funders focused. However, benefits of the in buying particular usually interested necessarily all of the and woodlands, but not trees challenge to pull together is an ongoing benefits. There to be able to fund in order funding sources the different that truly deliver multiple benefits. projects a more planning has provided infrastructure Green space and to planning for green strategic approach bringing together different the natural environment, under a common organisations environmental language to framework and speaking in an appropriate sectors. non-environmental • • • • Outcomes Outcomes learned, and lessons Practice of Best In terms the be said: following can LIVERPOOL CITY REGION 31 shared service organisation – Merseyside Environmental Environmental – Merseyside service organisation shared was recruited a specialist team where Advisory Service, its consultation it through the Plan and guide to prepare at the active especially Members were phases. Council when the Plan was scrutinised by consultation phases or Full Councils, depending on the Committees, Cabinets of the particular Authority. requirements during Council area held each were Consultation events period. A total of preparation the 6 stages of the Plan on the consulted were organisations 6000 individuals and the Plan as it was being developed. sites and Policies in published, making were Reports on these consultations taken into being were received clear how comments account at the next stage of Plan preparation. comprising (TAG) Advisory Groups Specialist Technical NGOs were statutory agencies, waste industry and such as areas convened to discuss various technical landfill capacity and the waste industry site requirements, Disposal Authority. needs of Merseyside Waste ranging from The adopted Plan contains 17 policies, in favour the very general WM0 covering a presumption challenging of Sustainable Development to detailed, such as WM8: Waste requirements and forward-looking Management and WM10: Design of Waste Prevention Developments. ‘an excellent The judges commented that the Plan was policy making for for cross-boundary flagship project and a proud which those involved can be justifiably This was worthy winner for our collaboration award’. on behalf of a a clearly exceptional collaborative effort from officers and elected members number of different over a considerable Council’s a number of different important, and period. The plan, which is an extremely often overlooked element of planning, was delivered over an eight-year period and demonstrates a strength Background Background Waste and Halton on the Joint Merseyside Co-operation Halton, Knowsley, at the outset by was agreed Local Plan Helens and Wirral Councils Liverpool, Sefton, St. challenges controversial the strategic and recognising management. A Joint Local Plan, of sustainable waste through can only be delivered involving six Councils and excellent working genuine close collaboration and Members. In Officers between relevant relationships Local City Region (LCR) Waste the case of the Liverpool through Officer level was delivered Plan, collaboration at Officers overseeing a of Senior Planning a Steering Group The Liverpool City Region Joint Waste Local Plan Plan Local Waste Joint City Region Liverpool The (MEAS) Service Advisory Environmental the Merseyside by Submitted 2015. Winner Award NW Collaboration RTPI LIVERPOOL CITY REGION 32 such as WM8 and WM9 are regularly used to guide regularly such as WM8 and WM9 are to site waste major development sites with regards is put infrastructure management and ensuring sufficient Overall, MEAS in place for waste storage and collection. useful particularly think that the Plan has been considered to dealing with waste a consistent approach in providing Merseyside and Halton. MEAS are applications across working on further documents to support the currently Management Plans Plan such as guidance on Site Waste in the document in near future and expect to be reviewing line with requirements. The Plan is still used as part of the Development The Plan is still used as part of the Development through monitored and it is carefully Plan for the area It is commonly used to annually. prepared reports of the policies determine waste applications, and some Outcomes of collective vision and determination to ‘get it right’. of collective vision and determination to cross- and considered involved careful The project at a sub-regional boundary working to deal with problems in an equitable manner. the burden level and to share could resources that The collaborative effort ensured and a long-term management and also be shared, overall resources. monitoring systems set up sharing the policy for cross-boundary An excellent flagship project justifiably proud making for which those involved can be award. and a worthy winner for our collaboration Cheshire and Warrington Cheshire is home to both significant economic facilities and a rich heritage. This section looks at Case Studies of both how urban heritage is being protected and how the key regional facility of Alderley Park is being developed 33 Cheshire and Warrington 34 The Study provides a record, as objectively as possible, as objectively a record, provides The Study and natural and of the built environment of the character its heritage and as derived from designed landscape, was based on extensive fieldwork The Study history. 4,000 photographs of over 100analysis, including over of merit. The study provided and 200 buildings sub-areas of critical identifying areas a character assessment positively to the character provide importance, those that that those that are neutral and those that are of the area, The Chester Characterisation Study is intended to Characterisation The Chester and is used in Chester city centre guide development in the development planningas a material consideration within the Study made are Recommendations process. how the policy can be improved, as to how conservation can be enhanced the study areas character of each of development that would be mostand the form of new appropriate. Background Background Chester Characterisation Study Study Characterisation Chester 2011. Winner Award Document Planning NW Best RTPI and Chester Council West & Cheshire Young by Taylor Submitted Cheshire and Warrington 35 could be replicated elsewhere and therefore a significant and therefore elsewhere could be replicated practice’. contribution to professional Outcomes base for theThe Study was used as part of the evidence in the planninglocal plan and is a material consideration It is a key document that the decision making process. and Chester Conservation and Design West Cheshire use consistently when assessing applications in Team It is very successful in identifying and the Chester area. within it and allowing describing the character of the areas The area. a clear understanding to be gained of each to the Study often refer Conservation and Design Team colleagues inin application comments and encourage to utilise it. The Study also provides the Planning Team stage a useful tool when giving advice at pre-application consider its still encouraged to carefully and applicants are Council believecontents prior to design development. The the Study has overall had a positive influence on the conservation of Chester. negative and detract from the character of the area. negative and detract from area an emerging Assessments were In 2011, Historic Area Characterisation with the Chester of conservation study, guidanceStudy being one of the first to follow the (now Historic England) by English Heritage’s provided of the‘Understanding Place’. Following the completion as Chester project study English Heritage asked to use the guidance ona case study in further forthcoming detailed Assessments. undertaking Historic Area stakeholdersAt the time of submitting the work, all of and including Chester Civic Trust on the project, on theChester Renaissance, commented positively and final outputs. With John Herson from progression a ‘produced Young stating that Taylor Chester Civic Trust I study which valuable and very interesting comprehensive, and developers tohope will help to guide decision-makers in Chester in the future’. better results produce NW judges said that it was ‘a very professional The RTPI piece of work which goes above and beyond statutory example of good practice which A fine requirements. Cheshire and Warrington 36 Manchester Science Partnerships (MSP) acquired the site (MSP) acquired Science Partnerships Manchester appointed 2014 and subsequently in March unconditionally HOW adviser. environmental lead planning and HOW as its in partnership with Cheshire Young) Planning (now Avison an effective and innovative planningEast Council devised their client. MSP’s for the right result solution to provide over the next decade is intendedcommitted investment an internationally important bioscience campus;to create new homes up to 275 c.7,000 jobs; provide secure shop, hotel and pub; a village (including some retirement); local community uses for the new sport and recreation to the Northern Powerhouse and- all adding strength Background Background in the dismay of many (AZ), to the In 2013 AstraZeneca its research to relocate its decision announced North West, large the company’s from and development function at Alderley Park to Cambridge. AZcampus development than 40 years; for more Alderley Park had operated from research cancer for the firm’s centre it was the global lead than 7000 highly skilled staff more activity and employed life major blow to the North West’s at its height. It was a disinvestment massive science sector and represented regional on the sub effects likely to have far reaching East. focussed on Cheshire mainly economy, Alderley Park Alderley Planning by HOW Submitted 2016. Award NW Regeneration RTPI Cheshire and Warrington 37 the development and ensuring the massive potential of this of massive potential the and ensuring the development fulfilled’. site is Development Since the Award Since the Award Development developed, by is now owned, being Alderley Park between Bruntwood joint venture a SciTech, Bruntwood is seeing £247 SciTech and General. Bruntwood and Legal Bioscience including the Mereside million in investment, than 1 million sqft of offers more Campus. The Park now space, a range of scientific serviceshigh specification lab business support for start- and an accelerator delivering It is home to over 60 established andups and scale-ups. up companies. 150 pre-start has included the 15,000 sqmRecent development opened in February 2020, and offersGlasshouse’, which collaborative workspace to techhigh specification, businesses. innovative companies and related element of the In the last couple of years, the residential schemes by PH with residential moved forward has project Homes, PJ Livesey and Bellway Homes. supporting the Science Corridor. This was considered considered This was Science Corridor. the supporting have key doubt will without which scheme an exemplar to the North and social benefits environmental economic, and beyond. West piqued which project ‘this is a very interesting Judges said political the economic and attention given the judge’s the Northerncontext, including This is an Powerhouse. team, who planning by the project example of good solid the planning system and thesought to work alongside a successful to bring forward local authority planners The judges were development. framework for future sought to offer a viable with how the framework impressed important) site and how for this big (and future and realistic of the city the wider economic growth it could contribute to region’. of Alderley Park, said Managing Director Dr Chris Doherty, this acknowledgement from to receive delighted ‘we are submitting the planning application, the Institute. Before pleased were we undertook extensive consultation and for Alderleyto be able to outline our vision and ambition asset for thePark, which we believe is a hugely important job and theNorth. Our partners at HOW did a first-class now firmly focused on delivering Alderley Park team are Awards, Then and Now

The Past 10 years – and beyond...

The RTPI awards have celebrated planning excellence across the North West Region for several years and have recognised projects and people that have created exceptional places and improved the lives of those who live and work there. These annual awards have covered the wide range of planning activity from large, high profile new developments, through to small scale conservation and community projects. They have also recognised the planning policies, local plans and other guidance produced by planning teams which have helped to create better places.

Alongside these project and spatial planning categories, the awards have celebrated the North West Young Planner of the Year. Each 2019 Overall Winner - Arnside & Silverdale year, this award has recognised the outstanding Young Planner working within the region, who has Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Development Plan Document (DPD) shown dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to town planning. The Young Planner award is highly sought after, and, looking back, many previous winners have gone on to bigger and better things within the planning world! 2019 Young Planner of the Year – Hannah Payne The North West RTPI works closely with the Education sector within the region, particularly with the two main Planning schools at The University of Manchester and the University of Liverpool. As part of this, the annual Moss Madden Student Award is presented in memory of Professor Moss Madden, a former Head of the Department of Civic Design at the University of Liverpool, former Chair of RTPI NW and world renowned figure in planning research and education. Both an undergraduate and postgraduate award has been awarded each year to recognise the student submitting the best dissertations / final projects from accredited planning courses in the region, as judged by representatives of the RTPI NW Regional Activities Committee. In recent years, these winning dissertations have covered a wide range of topics, including design-led regeneration, the impact of housing need calculations on housing delivery, and the experience of social and reconciliation urbanism from across the world!

The North West Planning Awards could not have gone ahead over the years without the generosity of its sponsors. For several years, they have been sponsored by consultants WYG – we are extremely grateful for their continued support!

38 What makes a winner?

When assessing award entries, the RTPI Judging Panels have always looked for projects that have shown exceptional quality and which demonstrated best practice and innovation. Looking back at the previous awards winners over the past 10 years and beyond has reminded us of the quality and range of projects within the region and the vital role planning has played in bringing them about.

Many of the North West RTPI award winning schemes have also won other awards from related construction and development organisations. These include the Wigan Life Centre (an RTPI Award Winner in 2012) also won a number of other awards including an RICS Regeneration Award in the same year and had previously been awarded the Best Public Service Development at the UK Property Awards. This emphasises the collaborative and diverse nature of many of our winning schemes.

Why are the awards important?

It is important that the planning profession publicises its successes, and that the people who play such a key role in creating better places are given the recognition they deserve. These awards help to dispel any negative myths around planning by emphasising the positive role planners play in supporting sustainable growth and helping to create better places for us all. The awards also help to illustrate the diversity of planning activity and the wide range of people involved. Successful schemes have ranged from multi- million city centre developments, to local community projects in suburban or rural locations. Winning projects have been submitted by large international property consultants and by local neighbourhood groups - this highlights the importance of the RTPI awards to the wide range of people involved in planning across the region.

A couple of examples of previous schemes which illustrate this real diversity of projects are: • On the Banks, Burnley – A major long-term regeneration programme based around the Weavers Triangle and Leeds-Liverpool Canal area – securing over £100 million investment in the area (Submitted by Indigo Planning - Award Winner in 2014). • Upper Eden Community Interest Company, Lancashire – a smaller scale community led initiative which co-ordinated a review of a previous community plan within the area (Submitted by the local Parish Councils – Awarded a Commendation in 2012

39 2020 – a very different year!

2020 was a year unlike any other and due to the Covid 19 restrictions, the award judges have had to do things very differently this year! Rather than the usual group site visits and meeting award entrants face to face, the entrants put together a digital presentation and were assessed following a series of online interviews. This new way of working worked very well, and the judges were all 2020 judging panel – Judging Team Screenshot impressed with the way that the applicants were able to show their passion and their pride in their projects online through their presentations and interviews. Hopefully, in 2021 the judges will once again be able to visit potential award sites and meet their fellow planners in the flesh!

In 2020, for the first time, the awards also included a new category for Local Authority Planning teams within the region. This new category recognises the exceptional work that local authority planners are continuing to do, often with limited budgets and resources. Over the past years, winning schemes typically involve successful partnerships between the public and private sectors and involve collaborative working with a range of partners – the award winners have shown that this is vital in achieving the best outcomes.

The future…

Looking forward, the awards will continue to showcase the best of planning activity across the North West. With the increasing importance of digital technology, the awards will highlight new and innovative ways of working that can help to make planning more accessible and more inclusive. As we begin to ‘Plan the World We Need’ in the future, the awards will continue to recognise excellence in planning and the key role of the profession in achieving positive change

40 Awards for Planning Excellence

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