Ascott-Under-Wychwood – Construction Underway

Ascott-Under-Wychwood – Construction Underway

Works are well underway on our site in Ascott-Under-Wychwood for the construction of two dwellings on Land to the North-East of 51 High Street.

In association with Sobry Beak, BPA secured planning permission for two large detached dwellings with garages, which are now being built out on site.

We’re incredibly excited to see how this site progresses and to see the final result once works are complete.

We will keep you updated on this sites progress as we move rapidly towards completion.

If you have any questions about the development at Ascott-Under-Wychwood or have a similar scheme in mind, please get in touch today using the form below to see how we can help you.

Updates to NPPF – September 2023

NPPF Updates
5 September 2023

On the 5th September, the government is making new changes that will empower communities to advance onshore wind projects, leading to quicker generation of renewable energy and reduced energy bills for supportive residents.

The government has streamlined planning regulations, granting local communities a more influential role in determining the fate of onshore wind projects. This move aims to foster electricity cost savings and bolster national energy security.

These measures encompass a broader range of methods for identifying suitable locations, including community-driven initiatives, and expediting the site allocation process through alternatives to the local planning process. This approach ensures that the entire community has a voice, shifting the focus from a minority of objectors to a majority of supporters, thereby opening the door to more community-supported onshore wind projects.

Importantly, local policies regarding onshore wind will continue to be decided by elected local councillors, who are accountable to their constituents. Projects will move forward when they can demonstrate local support and address planning concerns raised by the community.

Furthermore, communities endorsing local wind farms could stand to benefit from reduced energy costs, thanks to proposals designed to incentivize more projects. The government has sought input on measures to enhance the benefits and rewards for communities supporting onshore wind farms and will unveil the next steps in this process later this Autumn.

In a post on Gov.UK on the 5th September, the Government confirmed that:

  • Communities are able to bring forward proposals for onshore wind – planning policy will be changed to make clear onshore wind developments can be identified in several ways rather than through local plans. This includes through Local Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders.
  • Councils should consider the views of the whole community, rather than a small minority, when considering a planning application. This includes addressing the planning impact of onshore wind projects as identified by local communities.

If you have any queries regarding the updated NPPF, or any other planning matters, please use the form below to contact our team today.

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Building Abroad in the Andes – Uyuni Bolivia

Building Abroad in the Andes – Uyuni Bolivia

Building Abroad

Nestled amongst the Andes in South West Bolivia, this small town appeals to a worldwide audience. Its salt lake and lithium deposits bring people from North America, Europe and Asia. As such this was an exciting opportunity for us.

The small town is undergoing rapid development including gentrification of the centre. Our client purchased a corner plot in an ideal location close to the central promenade. Her ambition was to create a hotel with a restaurant and shops.

After an initial meeting with her we were clear on what she wanted. However, firstly we had to be mindful of the local situation. Architectural laws and building requirements; building materials and construction methods; extremes of temperature, local flooding and so on. Could we feasible achieve her dream within budget?

We worked with a local builder, contractors and the local government to ensure we complied with the regulations and could source the necessary materials. Once we understood what was possible we had the important task of designing the building. It would require a fundamentally different approach from us.

The client wanted something simple but elegant which would be functional and stand out from the competition. Rather than simply designing a generic glassed building we used architectural elements we knew would work well combined with local features and colours to create a building with a South American feel. With the passion our team has for the built environment and a lot of hard work we drafted a number of schemes to show to the client. She settled on one for which the builder said was achievable and could be made to budget.

The project is currently in the development phase and set for competition in the following year. It showed us that we were flexible enough to deal with different requirements that initially put us out of our comfort zone. But the hard work and dedication shown by the team meant that we were able to deliver a high end project to budget over 6000 miles away from our head offices. The sense of achievement and pride felt by the team was enormous.

We deal with developments of various sizes and types across the UK (normally). Why not come to us about your project? Contact us today so we can help with your vision.

Building Abroad in the Andes

getting planning permission abroad Brodie Planning

Personal note to Kevin McCloud: A great project for Grand Designs don’t you think?

Low carbon ’roundhouse’ classroom for Chipping Campden School

Low carbon ’roundhouse’ classroom for Chipping Campden School

Planning – Planning Permission Granted Chipping Campden

Case Type: Erection of low-carbon ’roundhouse’ classroom for craft and education

Council: Chipping Campden Borough Council

Site challenges: The green credentials of this building are a key design principle in this project. The building will be a low-carbon construction with high insulation values

BPA are pleased to have secured planning permission for the erection of a low-carbon ‘roundhouse’ classroom for craft education at Chipping Campden School.
In September 2017 Chipping Campden School launched a new course called V.Cert Craft. This course enables students to gain hands-on experience in a range of rural and creative crafts. The skills and experience gained will link directly to and build upon the long tradition and renowned rural crafts found in the local area, the Cotswolds. Crafts will include working with green wood, ceramics, leather, carving, enamel work etc.

The course will support and encourage students to pursue futures in craft fields, either through apprenticeship, further study, direct employment or self-employment. It will also enable others to appreciate craftsmanship and perhaps to take up a craft as an interest or hobby.The green credentials of this building are a key design principle in this project. The building will be a low-carbon construction with high insulation values. Locally available and recycled materials will be used and will include – stone for the base and straw for the walls from nearby farms; larch poles from local estates for the roof timbers; clay for the wall coatings from the local brickworks; and recycled timber and windows. The roof will be cedar shingle which will be sourced from a nearby tree located a couple of hundred yards away. Heating will be from a wood-fired stove. Electricity will be from a small solar PV array with mains connection for back-up.

If you have a project you would like to discuss get in contact with us today