Candidates should have experience of successfully contributing to substantial masterplanning projects from inception to completion. A post-graduate qualification in Urban Design is required, combined with evidence of high quality graphical communication. Proficiency in AutoCad, Adobe Creative Suite and 3d modelling skills will be essential.

All candidates should demonstrate: an ability to work proactively and in teams; strong presentation and communication skills, and a commitment to delivering excellent client service. We are an employee-owned business and one of the largest planning and urban design consultancies in the UK. We offer an excellent remuneration and flexible benefits package including a travel allowance, non-contributory pension, ownership dividend and performance.

Please send your CV with a covering letter in confidence to: Clare Bolton cbolton@turleyassociates.co.uk by 31 May 2013.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

Based in Manchester, and working on predominantly north west projects, you will be part of a national heritage team.

You should demonstrate an ability to work proactively and in teams; strong communication skills and a commitment to deliver excellent client service.

We are an employee owned business and one of the largest planning and urban design consultancies in the UK. We offer an excellent remuneration and flexible benefits package including a travel allowance, non-contributory pension, ownership dividend and performance related bonus.

Please send your CV with a covering letter in confidence to: Clare Bolton cbolton@turleyassociates.co.uk by 14 June 2013. NO AGENCIES PLEASE

The Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has granted planning permission for Peel Energy’s proposed 20MW Barton Renewable Energy Plant in Trafford. The decision follows a recommendation by a planning inspector that the plant should be granted planning permission following a Public Inquiry held in Trafford in November 2012 and the granting of an Environmental Permit in October 2012.

The Barton Renewable Energy Plant is a £70m proposal that would generate renewable electricity for at least 25 years. The plant will be capable of generating enough low carbon electricity to meet the needs of up to 37,000 homes. It will utilise approximately 200,000 tonnes of biomass annually, with much of the fuel comprising reclaimed wood, potentially diverting this material from going into landfill.

David Diggle, Associate Director from the Manchester office who advised on the project said: “We are delighted with the Secretary of State’s decision to agree with his planning inspector and grant planning permission for this much needed scheme. The Government has afforded the highest priority to the challenge of tackling climate change and improving energy security and sees the dramatic increase in generating capacity for renewable energy as a critical component in meeting these challenges. Biomass is recognised as a significant source of renewable energy and provides specific advantages in terms of the reliability and resilience of energy supply. The proposal is therefore very much aligned with planning policy.”

Contact
David Diggle
Director
0161 233 7676
ddiggle@turleyassociates.co.uk

The following press release has been issued.

Acting on behalf of the Alchemi Group, planning and urban design consultancy Turley Associates and architects Tate Hindle, have secured planning permission and listed building consent for the conversion of a listed hotel in Bayswater, London, to provide four townhouses and seven apartments.

The 3,340 sq m scheme will restore a dilapidated grade II listed terrace of buildings to their former grandeur. Permission was granted on 14 May by Westminster City Council, with its Planning Committee giving a clear signal that they wish to see poorly run hotels in the area coming forward for conversion.

Will Lingard, a Director in Turley Associates’ London office said: “The return of these former grand town houses to residential use will secure their restoration, whilst providing significant benefits to local residents who have had to suffer the challenges of living adjacent to a badly managed low grade hotel.

“The Council’s officers appreciated the need for reasonable compromises in order to deliver contemporary living spaces. Their willingness to listen to a considered and well-argued affordable housing case has meant that the long term risks to these listed buildings will be removed and the scheme will encourage others to invest in the area.”

Contact
Will Lingard
Director
020 7851 4042
wlingard@turleyassociates.co.uk

This is an exciting role and part of a growing graphic design team which delivers an exceptional quality service to support our planning and urban design work.  Working within corporate guidelines, and working closely with the Graphic Design Manager and other members of the graphic design team across the office network, it involves preparing graphics for planning and design concepts; presentational drawings; reports; brochures; and materials for master planning projects.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• Conceptual thinking and creative awareness
• An excellent command of typography
• A strong ability to produce final artwork
• A thorough understanding of print production techniques
• An understanding of digital design relating to websites and digital presentations
• A promising level of professional competence. Ability to free hand draw, use graphic software packages, including InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop and CAD
• Clear and concise analytical and communication skills, verbal and written
• Ability to manage own workload and provide sound support to senior colleagues, including timely feedback/updates on pieces of work
• Ability to act as a good team player and relate well to all colleagues
• Initiative, willingness to take on tasks, ability to learn new skills and willingness to seek guidance from line manager
• Developing awareness of the commercial realities of the business, the need to deliver results and satisfy clients.

The position will be based in the company’s Manchester office. Turley Associates operates from a network of ten offices and some UK travel can be expected.

Turley Associates is an employee-owned business and one of the largest planning and urban design consultancies in the UK. We offer an excellent remuneration and flexible benefits package including a non-contributory pension, ownership dividend and performance-related bonus.

Please send your CV and portfolio examples with a covering letter in confidence to: Clare Bolton at cbolton@turleyassociates.co.uk by 5 June 2013. NO AGENCIES PLEASE.

This is an important and dynamic new role to support the company’s operations. Based in the Chief Executive’s Unit, it will involve the ongoing development of the company website to ensure it successfully maintains and promotes the company’s brand, services, expertise and employment opportunities. It will also involve development of the company’s intranet to ensure it is a successful internal communication and knowledge source for the company’s employees, promoting engagement, internal communication and knowledge transfer. As such, innovation and a keen interest in communication are essential.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• Relevant experience in managing web and intranet sites, preferably within a professional services environment
• An understanding of planning, property and the built environment
• Digital and IT aptitude
• A desire to learn and develop
• Excellent visual and presentational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships.

Applications are sought from suitably qualified candidates from a range of disciplines including, but not limited to, planning or the built environment, law, engineering, communication or business.

The position will be based in the company’s Manchester or London office. Turley Associates operates from a network of ten offices and some UK travel can be expected.

Turley Associates is an employee-owned business and one of the largest planning and urban design consultancies in the UK. We offer an excellent remuneration and flexible benefits package including a travel allowance, non-contributory pension, ownership dividend and performance-related bonus.

Please send your CV with a covering letter in confidence to: Clare Bolton cbolton@turleyassociates.co.uk by 29 May 2013. NO AGENCIES PLEASE.

 The successful candidate will be a professional with around ten years’ post qualification experience and with a knowledge of professional service companies. Applicants should have a minimum of 2:1 degree and a track record of successful contribution in a similar role, demonstrating high analytical and research skills, innovative and resourceful thinking. Excellent communication skills – verbal, written and presentational – are a prerequisite. Some experience of managing others will be of benefit as the role may also involve the recruitment and development of a graduate intern.

Applications are sought from suitably qualified candidates from a range of disciplines including, but not limited to, planning or the built environment, law, engineering, communication or business.

 The position will be based in the company’s Manchester office. Turley Associates operates from a network of ten offices and some UK travel can be expected.

Turley Associates is an employee-owned business and one of the largest planning and urban design consultancies in the UK. We offer an excellent remuneration and flexible benefits package including a travel allowance, non-contributory pension, ownership dividend and performance-related bonus.

Please send your CV with a covering letter in confidence to: Clare Bolton cbolton@turleyassociates.co.uk by 29 May 2013. NO AGENCIES PLEASE

Turley Associates, a leading independent planning and urban design consultancy, is seeking to appoint a dynamic individual with flair and enthusiasm to manage the company’s Knowledge and Information Services. Amongst a wide range of tasks and responsibilities, the role will involve:

• The ongoing management and development of the company’s knowledge service
• The delivery of knowledge sharing throughout the company’s office network
• Regular liaison with Office Directors and the Company’s Boards and Executive to identify knowledge priorities
• Acting as a key member of internal working groups formulated to deliver the knowledge strategy
• Managing the company’s programme of external publications
• Presenting knowledge updates to Board and team members as required
• The dissemination of information and knowledge throughout the company and the promotion of ‘good practice’.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the service but will also be expected to contribute at a strategic level working alongside senior Directors.

Applications are sought from suitably qualified candidates from a range of disciplines including, but not limited to, knowledge management, information management, business administration, and town planning and development. Applicants should preferably be qualified to degree level and have experience of working in a similar position within an organisation. Excellent communication skills – verbal and written – are a prerequisite.

It is anticipated that the appointment will be made at Associate Director level.

The position will be based in the company’s Bristol office. Turley Associates operates from a network often offices and extensive UK travel on a regular basis can be expected.

Turley Associates is an employee-owned business and one of the largest planning and urban design consultancies in the UK. We offer an excellent remuneration and flexible benefits package including a travel allowance, non-contributory pension, ownership dividend and performance-related bonus.

Please send your CV with a covering letter in confidence to: Clare Bolton cbolton@turleyassociates.co.uk by 24 May 2013.

Claire Cope
Head of Local Engagement
0117 989 7000
ccope@turleyassociates.co.uk

The Government’s localism agenda requires that developers lead community consultation programmes before any planning application is submitted. But what does a good community engagement programme look like? Claire Cope of Turley Associates explains.

The Localism Act 2011 establishes a clear requirement for pre-application consultation to be carried out. The Act sets out that you must:

• Publicise the proposed application to bring it to the attention of the people who live in, or have an interest in, the affected area;
• Consult with those people to gain their feedback; and
• Acknowledge and incorporate the response to the consultation within the resulting proposals and provide feedback.

Failure to comply with the regulations could result in legal challenges on planning permissions through judicial review, adding significant cost and delay to a scheme.

It is important that each engagement strategy is planned carefully to help achieve a successful result. Each strategy must be bespoke and flexible; there is no one-size-fits-all engagement programme as the issues and complexities of a site and locality will vary each time.

Better engagement and working in partnership with local communities is vital in overcoming challenges and unlocking opportunities. Many clients reflect that, in the long run, good consultation saves them time and money, as well as creating better, more successful and sustainable developments.

Successful engagement requires the building of relationships with local people whose lives are going to be affected by a scheme. This demands honesty, integrity, commitment and patience on the part of the promoter and their team. Feedback is essential at all stages of this iterative process.

Engagement strategy

The engagement process should be considered at the earliest possible stage in the project and must be pre-application. A good engagement strategy should include the following:

• The role and objectives of community engagement
• Engagement methodology
• Stakeholder audit
• The engagement toolkit
• Timescale of engagement
• Reporting process.

Many local authorities have formal Statements of Community Involvement (SCI) and these should be consulted to inform the engagement strategy. SCIs were established as part of the Planning and Compulsory Act 2004 and are produced by Local Planning Authorities to explain to the general public how they will be involved in the preparation of Local Development Documents and the determination of planning applications. A key outcome of SCIs has been to encourage ‘front-loading’, meaning that consultation with the public should begin at the earliest possible stage. The approach to the preparation of an SCI, particularly in terms of the guidance related to how developers and landowners should engage with stakeholders and the community, tends to vary widely between each local authority.

Many Local Planning Authorities also have Community Umbrella Groups that connect and provide strong links with all local resident and community groups, including those that are considered ‘hard to reach’. Hard to reach groups will include young people, people with disabilities, certain ethnic groups and those living within rural communities. Early contact with such groups and the Local Planning Authority (LPA) will ensure that all of the relevant stakeholders are identified and included in the engagement process.

Audiences in a community engagement programme tend to be those directly affected by the proposals, for example, those residents living immediately adjacent to a development site boundary, or local residents’ groups and Parish or Town Councils that are well versed on the development and local plan processes. In terms of stakeholders, a good working definition is ‘those who are affected by, or significantly affect, an issue and those who possess information, resources and expertise’. It is worthwhile agreeing with the Local Planning Authority the list of stakeholders with whom you intend to engage and to record this within the Statement of Community Involvement.

Often, many people will consider themselves to be stakeholders in the process because they are interested in or have a view on the propose development. It is, therefore, important to be open and transparent about the overall approach to engagement and provide opportunities for the general public to obtain information and provide feedback. Public exhibitions or drop-in sessions and project websites and social media are good ways to engage the wider community.

Engagement toolkit

An engagement programme should be appropriate and proportionate to the nature and scale of the proposals. For a major development where there is likely to be a lot of interest, or where there are buildings of significance on or close to the site, or ecological concerns, a number of stages within the programme are recommended to provide an opportunity to consult, receive feedback and then report after each stage.

In these circumstances focus groups or design workshops are a good way of discussing a particular issue and obtaining feedback and ideas from people who know the site and the area first-hand. Place-check or walk-and-talk events held on site and within the locality can also result in useful information and ideas and are highly interactive. These types of events ensure inclusion in the project from the outset often resulting in buy-in and support later on.

Public exhibitions still have a role and are useful in ensuring inclusivity as they are open to all. They can also form a good starting point in making contacts and facilitating smaller workshops on a one-to-one basis.

Websites and social media certainly have a very strong role in an engagement programme, providing up-to-date and live information about a proposal. They allow anyone, and particularly younger people, to get involved. Social media is responsive and constantly adapting to its environment ensuring that the information that appears is up-to-date and accurate. It allows engagement in proactive discussion which has the potential to spread the right message and influence discussions. It provides developers and landowners with the ability to quickly address misconceptions circulating within the community. In addition, it is a powerful listening tool presenting an opportunity to clearly understand the thoughts and desires of local residents and interested parties.

Feedback from engagement activities should be reviewed, considered and reported. Feedback should be able to be given in person, at events, on-line, via email and by post. This reporting process is formalised through the Statement of Community Engagement that is submitted as part of the planning application – a document that is required on the LPAs validation checklist. This document must demonstrate how comments received have been considered and, where appropriate and viable, incorporated into the scheme.

Urban design and community engagement

Urban design and community engagement disciplines are intrinsically linked by their defining purpose – to help create well-considered, new places that improve or extend an existing community, whilst remain economically and cultural immersed in what may already exist.

Urban design can help to turn around negative perceptions by explaining the key principles and exploring all options before any proposed development is ‘fixed’. Coupled with an engagement strategy that involves a local community in the development process at this early stage can allow the design process to be fully transparent and help secure ‘buy-in’ from a local community.

Community engagement has to now be seen as more than just another box to tick – local planning authorities require it and local communities deserve it.

Turley Associates delivers bespoke engagement strategies through its dedicated Plan to Engage service. For further information contact Claire Cope, Associate Director and Head of Local Engagement at www.turleyassociates.co.uk.

Case study: MHPA – Milford Dock Master Plan, Pembrokeshire

Kevin Hobbs and Jeff Teague, Milford Haven Port Authority

Turley Associates provides strategy, general planning and stakeholder and community engagement advice to Milford Haven Port Authority (MHPA) on its proposals to regenerate and redevelop Milford Dock, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire.

MHPA have commissioned a masterplan of Milford Dock to regenerate and improve the existing facilities as the port seeks to diversify and enhance its leisure and tourism offer. The planned regeneration will create a range of jobs and opportunities within the local community.

The Dock is thriving and the project seeks to build on that and help MHPA, one of the largest local employers, rationalise its operation. Traditionally a fishing port, Milford Dock has developed in recent years to incorporate a series of independent retail and leisure facilities and services. Its popular marina houses a range of leisure vessels that want to take advantage of the scenery around the Haven Waterway and the Pembrokeshire coastline.

MHPA is now looking for make further significant improvements to Milford Dock to create a ‘destination’ within Milford Haven. Turley Associates have been leading the masterplanning process which has encompassed a series of different design development stages. A key part of this process has been a four stage stakeholder and community engagement programme to ensure that the views of the local business and resident community are captured and incorporated into the masterplan.

The objective of the strategy for the Milford Dock masterplan has been to ensure active engagement with the local community (residents and businesses), Pembrokeshire County Council, and other key stakeholders and statutory consultees.

The key objectives for the engagement strategy are to:

• Understand the aspirations and concerns of the local community, general public, stakeholders, and officers;
• Identify clear lines of communication;
• Provide information and high quality material at the right time and as early as possible to enable meaningful engagement; and to
• Ensure effective consultation, a planning policy requirement.

As part of the ongoing process of engagement Turley Associates and MHPA have followed a comprehensive programme which has included:

• The creation of a project website and a social media programme;
• Information and exhibition invites to the local catchment – approximately 6,000 letters distributed;
• Workshops, focus groups, public drop-in sessions and public exhibitions were advertised within the local press;
• Public exhibitions were held in accessible locations to enable the emerging proposals to be viewed easily and for attendees to provide feedback at the exhibition, online or by post; and
• Meetings with individuals, local groups, local politicians.

Each of the four stages of the engagement programme encompassed a ‘visioning exercise’ where attendees were welcomed to post comments and suggestions on the visioning plan. After each session the plan was updated to incorporate the comments received. The visioning exercise was a key part of the evolution and development of the masterplan.

The public drop-in and exhibitions were well attended attracting 220 people in total. They showed that:

• 85% of people supported the MHPA proposals;
• 83% would use the new facilities; and
• 78% of attendees agreed that the proposals would be of benefit to the community.

All comments received at the consultation/engagement exercises and via the website are collated and reviewed by Turley Associates and MHPA and been fed into summary reports and a draft Statement of Community Involvement.

The consultation process will not stop once the application has been submitted. It continues in earnest until the decision has been made by Pembrokeshire County Council.

Kevin Hobbs is Short Sea Director and Jeff Teague is Director of Estates at Milford Haven Port Authority.

All candidates should demonstrate: an ability to work proactively and in teams; strong presentation and communication skills, ambition and a commitment to delivering excellent client service. We are an employee-owned business and one of the largest planning and urban design consultancies in the UK. We offer an excellent remuneration and flexible benefits package including a travel allowance, non-contributory pension, ownership dividend and performance-related bonus.

Please send your CV with a covering letter in confidence to: Clare Bolton cbolton@turleyassociates.co.uk by 17 May 2013