Bidwells secured reserved matters consent for the first development parcel of Phase 2 at Northstowe, Cambridgeshire. The scheme comprised 406 modular dwellings, including 40% starter homes.
What we did
- Developed and implemented the planning strategy to:
a) secure reserved matters consent;
b) secure separate permissions for sustainable show homes and a sales pavilion
c) discharge numerous conditions from the outline consent; and
d) vary the outline consent to allow for commercial floorspace within the sub-phase.
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Co-ordinated extensive pre-application consultation with the Local Planning Authority, statutory consultees, interest groups and members of the public
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Provided on-going strategy and design advice to develop a policy and outline compliant scheme, advising on Local Plan, AAP, SPD, Design Code, s106 and condition requirements
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Advised on the planning strategy to demonstrate that modular dwellings, with customisable internal layouts, delivered on housing mix requirements
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Co-ordinated a large, multidisciplinary consultant team, including on-going liaison with the master developer, Homes England.
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Provided specialist EIA and heritage expertise.
Result
- Secured the delivery of the UK’s largest modular housing development and one of the first scheme’s in the country to deliver Starter Homes.
- The development achieves high levels of design and sustainability, in line with the LPA’s and Homes England’s vision for Northstowe to be an exemplar new town.
- Prepared and submitted a comprehensive reserved matters application, including several other minor applications, within six months
- Developed strong relationships with officers during pre-application discussions and the determination period, ultimately securing an officer recommendation for approval and resolution to grant at planning committee within four months
