Views on proposed changes to the current building control system can be submitted until Tuesday 10 June 2008.
To download a copy of the consultation paper and to respond, please visit www.communities.gov.uk/futurebuildingcontrol.
From 6 April 2008 most council’s will have on their web sites a Local Validation Criteria Manual which applies to all planning applications. It explains what information is needed at the start of the planning process to help register an application, (different applications require different kinds of information) and this document should be referred to in order to make sure all the necessary information is complete before submitting a planning application.
Additional Fees with regard to discharging of Planning Conditions.
The Local Authorities now have the power to charge £85.00 for each Condition to be discharged. See link below (Page 30) for details. http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/10.pdf
P+HS Architects have announced the completion of one of the most significant and sustainable office developments in York, Heworth Green.
Situated on Heworth Green and fronting onto the new Heworth Green/James St Link Road, the £12 million development offers a total of 60,000 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation with open plan floor plates of 9540 sq ft, some of the largest in the city.
Benefiting from being only a seven minute walk from the main pedestrianised retail and restaurant core of York city centre, and with underground parking, it is no surprise that 20,000 sq ft has already been pre-sold to Hunters Estate Agents. Holiday Break Plc, trading as Superbreak Holidays, has taken a pre-let, leaving just the ground and first floors available.
The design by P+HS Architects exceeds the standards set within the latest part ‘L’ building regulations in terms of sustainability and thermal efficiency, and has a BREEAM rating of ‘very good’. Many sustainable features were incorporated into the design including a combined heating and cooling system with an integrated heat recovery system to reduce running costs. In addition, the off site construction method utilised by Tolent Construction for the external walling aims to reduce the CO2 emissions and speed up the erection process. This also allowed for a highly insulated shell, further reducing energy consumption.
The completed building benefits from a striking frontage as the design incorporates materials in different planes to emphasise the individual components, provide shadow, modulation and interest. Key elements and entrances are particularly emphasised using projecting bays or full height glazed slots. The external cladding system also reduces lifetime maintenance and operating costs with lower energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
Whilst we’re on the subject of student work…
The Leeds School of Architecture, Landscape and Design has invited P+HS to the guest preview the end of year exhibition, on Thurs 5th June 6pm-9pm.
The exhibition is open to the public from Fri 6th to Fri 13th between 10am-4pm (Saturday 7th June 10am-2pm).
The exhibition will be held in Hepworth Point, Leeds Metropolitan University, Claypit Lane, Leeds, LS2 8BQ.
Displays will include work from:
Architecture
Landscape Architecture
Garden Art and Design
Interior Architecture and Design
Design
Graduate Certificate Landscape Architecture
PG Dip Architecture
PG Dip/MA Landscape Architecture
It seems that garden design is actually a separate course to landscape architecture, who knew? By this point, the exhibition consists of refined selection, hand-picked by the tutors, and so should only contain the good stuff (i.e. can’t guarantee us P+HSers will have any work on display, but some or all of us might do).
I am handing in my university work tomorrow. For those of you that may be interested here is an image of my design. My scheme is a sports centre aimed at encouraging children to partake in regular exercise.
Currently executive director of Hambleton District Council, Quartermain will spearhead the government’s aim to reform the country’s ailing planning system.
One of his primary roles will be helping local councils to address the current skills and workforce shortage.
Quartermain said: ‘I am delighted to take up this role. It is a challenging and exciting time for planners in government, councils and throughout the profession.
‘My aim as chief planner is to make a positive contribution toward ensuring that planning promotes the development of prosperous and vibrant communities.’
Housing minister Caroline Flint added: ‘This is an important appointment. The new chief planner will play a vital role shaping the future of planning.
‘Steve will also help drive forward our ambitions to improve the skills and capacity of planners across the profession,’ she added.
Week 40 of the programme, due for completion in June 2008. Scaffold down the photograph shows the rear of the building. This will be the main staff and out of hours entrance. The galvanised pipes running parallel up the gable end are the supply and air extract for the fuel to the biomass bolier. The pellets are pumped upto the hopper room on the first floor, and then gravity feed the boiler on the ground floor.
Photograph shows the curtain wall bays, which will be the main pedestrian entrance to the Centre. There are some additional finishing works to be carried out to the externals, including a perimeter powder coated steel channel.
Photograph shows a sample of the palette of materials utilised at Royston, Sandtoft interlocking clay Cassius tiles, Weber Pral H system through coloured render and Finforest thermowood.
Photograph shows the first floor main corridor. The natural light is being provided through the Xtralite triple skin barrel vault skylights.
Photograph shows the CellWeb Tree Root Protection System, This was a requirement of the planning approval from the Arbicultural officer for protecting the trees roots during the excavations for the new drainage. It is permeable and can offer a permenant ‘no dig’ solution for new access roads, however in this case it is providing temporary protection for the duration of the works.
