Tuesday 25th June 2013, 5.30pm – 9.30pm, The Hub, Portland Street, Manchester

For just £10.00 per head, you too could unlock Manchester’s Architectural Past, Present and Future. Provided you can decipher the cryptic clues of course…

Organised by the Architects Solo Practitioners Group as part of the region’s RIBA Love Architectural festival, the tour promises to be both fascinating and fun – with drinks, nibbles and networking along the way.

As it's the Housing Conference there may be some housing surprises too!

Individuals and teams of 6 are welcome. Prebook your place and join us in this challenge to discover the city´s architectural treasures.

My grandpa has been one of my strongest influences. As the eldest grandchild, I was  responsible for the younger ones, always the first to be asked to sing songs, ask the four questions and speak at family events.

Grandpa was a prolific builder and built a large quantity of housing after the war under the name of Bower Moffatt.

So when he was building his second house in the Isle of Man, he got me involved at the tender age of 5, explaining the model to me and even getting me to help with foundations!

As I pursued my architectural education, Grandpa was a sounding board. And he watched me, always testing me, as I developed my career 

Now, nearing 90, with early dementia, his memory is fading, and physically less able. I was delighted last week to take him on a trip to my projects that are on site, to deliver RIBA signboards to residential sites in Sale, Didsbury and Heaton Mersey and to a commercial project in Irlam.

Seeing the joy and pride in his face almost makes it worthwhile being an architect ;)

by Chris Sinton, How Planning

An Overview
Last week, new Permitted Development rules, set out in the Town and Country
Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2013, come
into effect which will enable, amongst other provisions, the change of use from
offices B1(a) to residential (C3) without the need to obtain planning
permission. 

The purpose of the changes is to allow the conversion of ‘underused’ and
‘outdated’ office buildings to create houses for local residents. The Government
also hopes that the changes will create new jobs, regenerate town centres and
former commercial areas, and increase the vitality of town centres.
Requirements

In order to be classified as Permitted Development under Class J of the Order, the office building must have been in B1 (a) use before 30th May 2013 or if immediately vacant it must have been used for offices as its last use. The permitted development also only applies to internal works undertaken within 3 years.

All proposed changes will be subject to a ‘tightly drawn’ prior approval
process covering:

a) Transport and highways impacts;
b) Contamination risks; and
c) Flooding risks.

This process will require the developer to submit a ‘prior approval’
application, together with any fee required to be paid, comprising a written
description of the proposed development, a site plan, and the developers contact
details.

Should the LPA consider that the proposed change of use would have a
material impact on highways or flood risk they can consult with the appropriate
statutory consultee (i.e. Local Highways Authority/ Environment Agency). The LPA
can also request that additional information is submitted regarding highways,
contamination and flood impacts “as may be reasonably required” in order to
determine the application.  Additional information required may include
impact statements, including mitigation measures, as appropriate.


Timescales
In terms of timescales the LPA must provide notification as to whether prior
approval is given or refused within a period of 56 days following which time the
developer may commence works regardless.


Exemptions
The Permitted Development changes will not apply to Listed Buildings or
buildings located within Local Authority areas exempt from the changes.

On 9th May the Government published a list of 17 Local Authorities which had
secured an exemption from the changes having demonstrated that the Permitted
Development rights would lead to “loss of nationally significant areas of
economic activity” or “substantial adverse economic consequences at the Local
Authority Level which are not offset by the positive benefits the new rights
would bring”.

Manchester City Council secured the only exemption outside of the south for
two separate areas within the City Centre Core with a combined area of
1.19ha.


Commentary
On the face of it the Permitted Development amendments appear to be a
positive step aimed at reducing planning ‘red tape’ and encouraging the reuse of
redundant office buildings.


Indeed, for developers needing to make only minor internal alterations to
existing buildings the new permitted development should be positively welcomed
as the financial implications of conversion will be greatly reduced. Of
particular note is that the permitted change of use would not be subject to
Development Plan Policies and no conditions can be imposed by the LPA. Moreover
there would be no requirement for s106 obligations, namely affordable housing
contributions, although conversions may still be liable to pay Community
Infrastructure Levy. The changes could therefore facilitate developments which
were not previously viable. 

In addition the benefit of these changes may also be felt in rural areas
where a proportion of offices are housed in converted former agricultural
buildings. Within these areas there is a marked difference between commercial
and residential property values which could provide opportunities for higher
value development.

However it is considered that these benefits could be of limited benefit for
two principal reasons.

The prior approval process may prove to be challenging to negotiate despite
the Government stating its intention to limit opportunities for LPA’s to slow
the process. This may be especially true in areas where there is strong
opposition to the conversion of office buildings.

The second key issue is that the majority of residential conversions will
require some degree of external alterations to meet Building Regulation
standards which would require a planning application to be submitted.

In any event given these challenges it is likely that the uptake of the
amended permitted development rights may be limited although for developers who
are in a position to implement the changes the financial gains could be
significant.

For further information, please contact Chris Sinton or your usual HOW
contact.

Chris Sinton
T: 0161 831 5872
E: Christopher.sinton@howplanning.com

Racing against the clock and following a series of cryptic clues, participants will once again pit their wits against each other to uncover Manchester’s hidden architectural gems during Treasure Hunt 2013.

Organised by independent architects Lisa Raynes and Jane Leach, the event is part of the Architects Solo Practitioner’s Group (SPG)’s contribution to this year’s RIBA Love Architecture Festival and ties in with the Housing Conference.  It takes place on the evening of 25th June and is designed to raise awareness of the city’s proud architectural history and legacy for the future.

“We first ran the SPG Treasure Hunt in 2011 and were delighted with the response,” explains Lisa, “82 people, 14 teams discovering our city anew – there was a wonderful atmosphere.  Our hunters were pretty happy with the prizes too!  The event is open to everyone, so we hope that lots of non-architects will enter and find out for themselves just how rich Manchester is in architectural heritage and innovation.”

“What we’re really saying to the business community,” adds Jane, “is ‘So, you think you know Manchester?  Then it’s time to step up to the plate and test that knowledge against your peers.’ With half of the teams already committed to taking part, it looks like this may be one of the Festival’s most popular events. We would encourage anyone with an interest in architecture and a secret passion for hidden treasures to register as soon as possible!”

The SPG Treasure Hunt begins at 5.30 pm on 25th June with drinks and introductions at The Hub, Portland Street.

Expected to take around two hours, the hunt itself will be followed by an informal reception and prize-giving back at the Hub at about 8.00 pm.  

Participants can choose to register as individuals or in teams and the registration fee of £15.00 per head is being used to finance ‘prizes, surprises and pitstops’ along the way

Those interested in registering should contact Lisa at lisa@raynesarchitecture.co.uk to book a place. or book through eventbrite

Here at Raynes Architecture, we've just had some of our completed schemes photographed. Click the pictures in the slideshow for more information.

We've also won a handful of planning consents, including this one off new build house in Northenden.

We've just completed a minor adaptation at a local nursery to allow a wheelchair bound infant to start his education! Click the picture for more information...

And we're on site with a number of projects including a 2 storey office extension in Salford.

We visited Copenhagen in May 2013 for a weekend without kids. Here are our top tips...

1. We stayed at the Hotel Alexandra. Crammed full of mid Century Furniture.

2. We took a canal trip to orientate ourselves

3. And saw the Little Mermaid. (She's tiny) and the recently completed Opera House

4. Ate at Geist. Über cool contemporary Danish food. (With interiors far too dark to photograph on the iPhone)

5. Saturday took us to the Danish Design Museum. Mid century design heaven.

Even the toilets and the lockers were a masterpiece

6. Then we headed to Normann Copenhagen for some retail therapy, and then on to Norrebro, where we ate at Galven

More Copenhagen observations:

You're more likely to get run over by a push bike than a car.
People wait very patiently for a green light before they cross the road, and I'm not sure why. Is jaywalking illegal? Push bikes stop at lights too.

On Friday night we ran into several sound systems. The first was cycling round the city with a band of followers. The second was a very heavy baltic Dj set in a public square. Both were promoting upcoming festivals. The city seemed to take a very liberal attitude towards its youth.

Good design is adopted throughout the city, there's not a pastiche building in sight.

Women and girls are very natural looking, wear trousers and don't flash the flesh. They seem to age more honestly and better. There's no make up or fake tan anywhere.
Older women tend to wear their hair short and undyed. And everyone is slimmer- much less obesity.

Baby's are in rather large pram systems rather than umbrella pushchairs- I guess that's because people tend to walk more or take the car. Although Saturday did seem to be daddy day!

The public transport is ok, but we had trouble with the ticket machines every time- screens not working, printers not working and old daisy wheel printers

On sunday we visited Christiania. a crazy place. It's a rather green part of the city surrounded by water was overtaken by a commune and people live outside the law. There are 3 rules, no photos no guns and no running- it panics people.
The buildings have fallen into disrepair and ramshackle shanti structures have appeared. It's easy to see here, what happens if planning rules don't exist. It's a cross between Camden and a permanent Glastonbury. With a couple of earthships scattered around. Kevin McCloud would be quite happy here. Here's what Wikipedia says... http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freetown_Christiania

I sneakily took some Photos as you ca see below.

A sound system on a bicycle!

We spotted a car charging (first time I've seen one)

Date 10th April 2013 
We've found this comprehensive guide to the Community Infrastructure Levy around the country (not including London) 
Extracted from CIL Watch 
http://cilwatch.planningresource.co.uk/

I headed down to London last month for the Architects Journal Women in Architecture Awards, where I got to meet Eva Jiricna!

Christine Murray at the helm of the AJ, is raising the profile of Women in Architecture with the AJs Women in Architecture survey, now in it's second year. 

We began with a video address from Denise Scott Brown who dared to mention the F word twice- feminism.

She said 'The Glass ceiling really hits as you climb up the ladder. You need Feminism as you climb...
How do you get training in working drawings when the body clock ticks? When you come out of training it's quite late?
Answer need training earlier- it's too expensive to learn working drawings later'

'I don't believe the women's movement is outmoded. Work hard to build your own self respect.'

Yvonne Farnell of Grafton Architects spoke
'We are earning our living from the business of architecture and the art of architecture...Women understand the contextual of conversation. Life is a complex weave- women tend to live long life'

The emerging woman architect of the year went to Olga Felip, with Maria Smith in her amazing dress, picking up the runner up prize and Alison Brooks winning the main prize.

Eva Jiřičná, was the recipient of the Jane Drew prize and spoke of her training, 
Refering to naughty boys Archigram, and saying she didn't think Foster or Rogers would amount to much!

We are running a follow up event in Manchester with the winners in the Summer.

Wednesday 24th April 1.30-4pm
The Hub, 113-115 Portland Street, Manchester M1 6DW

Thinking of growing your architectural practice or want to improve your real estate knowledge? Join the RIBA NW Solo Practitioner’s Group whose industry insiders will share their tips for success.

The workshop aims to: provide best practice in development for architects and property professionals. As green shoots appear in the market, how can we position ourselves to take advantage of opportunities?

During this SPG Guide to Success for Architects we will hear from not one but two development experts: Linda Wright, PlanitWright Planning Consultancy will giver her guide to profits and pitfalls  of development, and Nigel Moss from Flourish Capital will share his insights into how development is funded.

The seminars will be followed by a Q+A and a proceeded with a bite to eat.

Local architecture practice Raynes Architecture has signed up to take part in Architect in the House - the joint charitable initiative by Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Shelter.

Homeowners can receive an hour consultation with a RIBA chartered architect (such as Lisa Raynes) for a suggested donation of £45 to Shelter. Whether it’s inspiration for a study, an extra bedroom, or just better living space you need, a chartered RIBA architect can offer creativity and professional advice that will help bring your ideas to life – there is no project too small that an architect can’t tackle.  

Lisa Raynes said: “New research from  has shown that nearly two-thirds of homeowners have lived in the same home for at least ten years. With more of us staying put while our families grow, home improvements can be the best option in making sure our homes fit our changing needs.

“I urge anyone in South Manchester who is thinking of undertaking work on their home to use an architect who has signed up for Architect in the House. We can help people unleash the potential of their homes while helping those with more significant housing problems.”

Homeowners can register for their consultation by visiting www.architectinthehouse.org.uk and will be matched to a local RIBA chartered architect best suited to meet their requirements.  

We ran the scheme last year and here's what our clients said!