News and Views

CIH South West Housing Conference – will you be there?

Looking forward to meeting other housing experts at the CIH SW Conference in Bristol

Say hello (again) to… Edward Nash

As our 30th anniversary year comes to a close, we catch up again with our senior and founding partner Edward Nash to talk about the future.

Green light for transformation of historic brewery site in Southville, Bristol

Planning consent has been granted for the transformation of a disused brewery site in Southville, Bristol, into new homes, co-working space and retail units.

Say hello to our two newest architects!

Laura Mitchell and Nick Shaw have just become fully qualified architects.

Nash Partnership named a national Planning Awards finalist

Our planning team has been shortlisted in the ‘Planning Consultancy of the Year’ category at this year’s annual awards.

A new future for north Taunton

Resident-led plans to build up to 230 new homes and replace Woolaway houses in north Taunton were approved yesterday (Wednesday 27 March) by councillors.

Viewpoint: Repairing a historic town centre

Development of Norton Radstock railway lands, near Bath, has brought housing and business opportunities, but could have created a more pedestrian friendly environment, finds Neil Harvie.

Framework to revitalise Bedminster Green supported by Bristol City Council Cabinet

A new development framework drawn up by Nash Partnership for creating a new community at Bedminster Green was supported by the Bristol City Council Cabinet on Tuesday.

Director of Regeneration to speak at Future High Street Fund event in London

Mel Clinton will focus on using local assets and energy to create diverse and thriving high streets at this London event.

Planning approval secured for new five-bed home on River Thames, Goring

We’ve gained planning consent for proposals to create a new five-bed home fronting the River Thames in Goring.

Nash Partnership Director to speak on estate regeneration at Westminster Briefing

Urban Design Director Amanda Taylor is set to share good practice for ‘Developing your Estate Regeneration Strategy’.

Nash project is ‘highly commended’ at RTPI SW awards

Our Planners Mike Fox and Alice Nunn have received a ‘highly commended’ award for McArthur’s Yard scheme.

A question of heritage

Our Design Director Kevin Balch talks about the challenges of working with old buildings.

Residents of Frome have their say on development of Saxonvale site

We enjoyed talking to residents at the weekend about the future of this 10-acre site in Frome.

By the people, for the people: the rising force of community development trusts

Mike Fox says something is stirring in the suburbs. As more traditional development methods fail to deliver for communities, once passive local communities have begun to take matters into their own hands.

Regeneration of Saxonvale in Frome

A two-day event is being held for members of the public to share their views and guide proposals for the site.

Viewpoint: The Timpson Report on reviving town centres

Our Director of Planning and Regeneration Mel Clinton shares his views on the recent Timpson Report and looks at parallels with one of our own projects.

Developers’ framework for Bedminster Green goes out to public view

A new draft Placemaking Framework is going on public display in December.

An improving outlook for housing development?

Mel Clinton explores the Government measures to improve housing prospects.

How can strategy be turned into delivery?

Amanda Taylor discusses the key elements that can make regenerative housing projects a success.

Urban Living Supplementary Planning Document adopted

Bristol City Council’s Urban Living SPD has now been adopted. Senior Urban Designer Neil Harvie gives his views.

Nash Partnership’s planning work is Highly Commended

Our McArthur’s Yard project has been Highly Commended at the RTPI SW Awards for Planning Excellence.

Nash is ‘Highly Commended’ at SW Property Awards

Our architecture team is ‘Highly Commended’ at this year’s awards event

In the news: South West Business Insider

Design Director John Everett talks about the mood of the sector in this year’s architecture review.

Nash Partnership shortlisted for architecture award

Our architecture team has been named as a finalist in the first ever Bath Property Awards.

New rules on the imposition of pre-commencement conditions

An update on recent new legislation concerning planning permission and pre-commencement conditions

How Cities Change: BRLSI keynote lecture by Edward Nash

Our Senior Partner will address how cities evolve and what has caused them to change over time.

Half Marathon ‘Business Challenge’ success for Nash team

Team of six ‘Nash Dashers’ named overall Business Challenge winners in the small business category.

New American Garden at Bath’s rebranded American Museum & Gardens

The American Museum & Gardens, formerly the American Museum in Britain, recently celebrated the opening of its £2m New American Garden.

‘Nash Dashers’ all set for Great Bristol Half Marathon

Six runners from Nash Partnership are ready to tackle the 13.1-mile course on Sunday

Scrapbook: American Museum in Britain

An insight into the latest chapter of development at the American Museum in Britain – a new American Garden.

Nash Partnership shortlisted for two regional awards

Our architecture and planning teams have reached the finals of two awards

Plans submitted to redevelop former brewery site in Bristol

Nash Partnership has submitted proposals for 94 new homes, co-working and commercial space in the heart of Southville

Nash Partnership and team appointed to one of the UK’s largest community-led development projects, in Southmead

Nash Partnership, working alongside Streets Reimagined, has been appointed as architect/urban designer for the ‘Southmead Regeneration – working for the community’ project.

Government launches the Revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

After a period of consultation earlier this year, the revised NPPF has been published and is now in force. Leigh Dennis outlines some notable changes since the revised framework’s first draft.

‘Permission in Principle’: a new route to planning permission for housing-led developments

‘Permission in Principle’ has been around for some time, but recent amendments now allow developers of smaller housing-led sites to apply directly.

Scrapbook: designs for riverside living in Goring

By blurring the boundaries between building and river, the owners of this raised property will be able to enjoy its idyllic surroundings.

Anniversary celebrations in the sun

Nash team members and their families celebrated the practice’s 30th anniversary with some fun in the sun.

Viewpoint: Re-use of model factory as new neighbourhood

With its mix of uses, redevelopment of Cadbury’s Keynsham factory site has the ingredients of a successful neighbourhood, but it needs a central space, finds Neil Harvie.

Nash Partnership boosts planning team in Bristol with Senior Urban Designer

Senior Urban Designer Neil Harvie joins our planning team in Bristol.

Viewpoint: the architecture sector in Bristol

John Everett talks about the architecture sector in Bristol

Say hello to… Renata

This week, we meet Architectural Assistant Renata Oberda-Bocon to talk about art, architecture and urbanism.

In the news: Bath Life

Two of our team members talk all things architecture in Bath Life

Say hello to… Georgia

Georgia Ball is one of our architectural assistants. Find out how her love of art, maths and the sciences combine in this week’s ‘meet the team’ feature.

Say hello to… Adam

Adam De-Long’s interest in construction goes way back. Find out how it helps him as a Part I Architect in this week’s ‘meet the team’ feature

In the news: South West Business Insider

Design Director John Everett talks about the role of architects in designing developments that reference their local context.

Development Viability – a postscript

Mel Clinton follows up his review of viability in the planning system by taking look at an important High Court decision.

Say hello to… Edward

To mark the 30th anniversary of Nash Partnership, our team was invited to put questions to our senior and founding partner Edward Nash. Find out about his inspiration, favourite designs – and octopuses!

Say hello to… Ben

Ben Griffiths is one of our Architectural Assistants. Find out what sparked his interest in architecture in this week’s ‘meet the team’ feature.

Development Viability – proposed changes to planning guidance with big consequences?

Mel Clinton reviews the proposed changes in the Draft Planning Practice Guidance to the National Planning Policy Framework.

Say hello to… Giulio

Giulio Tonelli is one of our Bristol-based Architects. In Italy he was taught to follow the idea of “everything is landscape”. Find out more about his passion in our ‘meet the team’ feature.

Say hello to… Bruce

Bruce Clark is a Conservation Architect, passionate about bringing derelict buildings or buildings in bad condition, back into use.

“A particular type or kind of something”

Dan Lugsden talks about brand.

Say hello to… Richard

As an Architect, Richard Mather-Jones spends his time working on projects at all stages of design and all the way through to construction. We ask him what he enjoys most about his work in our regular ‘meet the team’ feature.

Celebrating International Women’s Day

Jane Jacobs, Women in Property and Falafel.
By Alice Nunn.

The National Planning Policy Framework: five things you need to know

On 5th March 2018, the Government released draft revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework. Our planning team highlights five things you need to know.

Say hello to… Catherine

Catherine Armstrong is our Business Development Manager. She loves the diversity and social element of her role and Monday mornings! Find out why…

Say hello to… Leigh

Leigh Dennis is our Planning and Regeneration Research Manager based in Bristol. He carries out the social, economic and planning policy research used by our planners and design teams, to inform and deliver sustainable, socially responsive development.

Viewpoint: Design Management

Kevin Balch talks about the role of the Architect in championing design quality.

Bristol Lantern Parade

Last Tuesday on 6th February, Alice Nunn joined hundreds of people from across Bristol in a fantastic lantern parade from Berkeley Square, down Park Street and onto College Green, to mark 100 years since the first women were allowed to vote in Britain.

Say hello to… Sean

With a keen interest in architectural conservation, Sean Knight brings a design focus to his work. Find out what is different about his role.

Say hello to… Paul

Architect Paul Miller explains why it’s important to keep asking questions in our regular ‘meet the team’ feature.

Viewpoint: Maintaining a thriving Bristol

Mike Fox, Associate Planning Director at Nash Partnership believes that it will be more than a numbers game.

Say hello to… Laura

With an interest in both Urban Design and Conservation, Architectural Assistant Laura Mitchell tells us what she enjoys most about her work.

Say hello to… Chris

This week, we talk to Architect Chris Beale as part of our weekly feature where we introduce you to members of our team.

Viewpoint: Paul Miller talks about offsite manufacturing

Offsite manufacture is the future, but local character of a place must not be lost.

Say hello to… Kin

Second in our new weekly feature is Architecture Assistant Kin Chung Chu. We started 2018 by introducing you to someone new here every week. Come back again next week to get to know us better.

Say hello to… Alice

We’re kicking off 2018 with a new feature series to introduce you to members of our team. Every week, we ask someone what they’re passionate about and what they enjoy about their work. Our Bristol-based Planner Alice Nunn is first up!

Viewpoint: How often does a map change the world?

Laura Mitchell explains how we’re taking our GIS skills one step further.

McArthur’s Yard to be developed by The Guinness Partnership       

The Guinness Partnership was yesterday given conditional planning consent by Bristol City Council to develop the McArthur’s Yard site on Bristol’s waterfront. Located next to the historic SS Great Brittan, the site has been derelict for more than 20 years.

Viewpoint: Bristol’s capacity for future urban change

Where can the opportunity for change and investment focus next? Edward Nash looks at the challenges and opportunities.

Nash Partnership boosts senior management team in Bristol

John Everett promotion reflects continued growth in the city.

In the news: South West Business Insider

Partner Dan Lugsden talks about the key skills needed to be successful as an architect, in today’s fast-paced environment.

Nash Partnership brings heritage expertise to Redland High School renovation

Nash Partnership has been appointed by Kersfield to provide architecture services for the heritage element of the proposed regeneration of Redland High School in Bristol. The plans propose a new residential development to provide 43 new homes by adapting and restoring the existing buildings along with a small element of new build development. Working in […]

Blaenau Gwent town centre strategy survey

We would like to hear your views in relation to the development of a strategy for five town centres in Blaenau Gwent. To support our one to one discussions at the workshops we are hosting in each town, we are keen to get a sense of perceptions and thoughts about the area from local people […]

Blaenau Gwent town centre workshops

We are hosting a series of workshops in relation to development of a strategy for five town centres in Blaenau Gwent (click here for more details). The first of these was last night (3 July) in Tredegar and thank you to everyone who came along and contributed. We have spoken to lots of people over the past […]

Bedminster green energy centre public consultation

Thank you to local residents who came along to the consultation on the proposed Bedminster Green Energy Centre, held at Windmill Hill Community Centre. For anybody who was unable to attend, the consultation material along with a comment form, can be found via the link below. The proposed energy centre, at Clarke Street, is intended […]

Public consultation dates for Blaenau Gwent town centres

Nash Partnership is hosting a series of workshops to support our work on developing a strategy for the town centres in Blaenau Gwent. An important part of our approach is to involve people in each of the towns to share information and generate discussion so that we can work together on enhancing the roles of […]

Planning application submitted for McArthur’s Yard

A formal planning application for the redevelopment of McArthur’s Yard on the historic Bristol harbourside has now been submitted to Bristol City Council, following a series of consultations. Plans for the site, which has been vacant for over 20 years, include the development of 147 residential homes, mixed commercial workspace, and a café. The proposals […]

Detailed designs approved for 17 new homes in West Harptree

Detailed designs for 17 new homes and the renovation of Leacroft House in West Harptree have been approved by B&NES Council. The Reserved Matters application, produced by built environment consultancy Nash Partnership for Whitecroft Developments, builds on outline planning consent secured for the site in November 2015. The approval includes extending and improving Leacroft House, […]

Go ahead granted to redevelop building in Bath’s Walcot Yard

Planning permission to redevelop the North Range building in Walcot Yard has been granted by Bath and North East Somerset Council. Walcot Yard, a site off Walcot Street in the centre of Bath, comprises three main components: The North Range, the Riverside Buildings (North and South) and Upper Yard. The site is within the City of […]

Applying small sites exemption policy – a degree of clarification

In February, we considered how the Government’s small sites exemption policy in respect of affordable housing was working out in practice. In this, we highlighted some inconsistencies in recent appeal decisions in terms of whether the national guidance or local policy takes precedence. This matter was taken up by the London Borough of Richmond in […]

Brownfield land register and permission in principle

The Brownfield Land Register Regulations 2017 and Permission in Principle Order 2017 came into force last week on 16 April 2017 and 15 April 2017 respectively. In short, these offer new routes to securing planning permission. ‘Permission in Principle’ (PiP) is a mechanism for establishing the principle of development for a specific quantum of housing-led development on brownfield land. […]

Building capacity in housing

Edward Nash says there is huge scope to diversify housing stock in under-performing suburban areas while justifying new investment in place-making. For those of us in the business of designing and supplying housing, the supply story is often presented as the reluctant release of green fields to demonstrate a ‘five year land supply’. Little is said […]

Hope house: fortune favours the brave

Mike Fox recalls some of the challenges posed by a site which will house one of the most distinctive new developments in Bath. Delivering development in a World Heritage City is rarely straightforward. There can be no doubt that Bath offers a tranquil living environment for most of its 84,000 residents. However, it is rarely so […]

Kick-starting self- and custom-build in the UK

Amanda Taylor talks about our work on a national government-led pilot scheme for ZeroC in Basingstoke. Custom- and self-build housing has long been a central source of housing delivery in other parts of the world, particularly continental Europe. Until recently, self- and custom-build has been largely overlooked as a mainstream (or in some cases, viable) source […]

Small sites exemption policy: how is it playing out in practice?

The path followed by the Government’s ‘small sites exemption policy’ in relation to affordable housing obligations has not been a smooth one. However, once endorsed by the courts, many took that to signal that any local requirements for affordable housing below the stated threshold would be trumped by the national guidance. Nash Partnership’s Graduate Planner, […]

Nash partnership boosts number of chartered town planners

Alice Nunn from built environment consultancy Nash Partnership has been elected as a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), increasing the practice’s complement of Chartered Town Planners to four. To gain membership, Alice had to undertake an assessment, which included submitting a portfolio across a variety of planning work and a proposed […]

Successful second consultation on Mcarthur’s Yard proposals

Last weekend, members of the public shared their views on the emerging plans for the development at McArthur’s Yard in Bristol. Proposals for the site, which has been vacant for more than 20 years, have been developed by The Guinness Partnership and Nash Partnership.

Why is the UK not building more homes?

Mel Clinton and Mike Fox discuss reasons for the lack of new homes in the UK. First published in Business Leader magazine (issue 17: Jan-March 2017). Housing meets a basic need. Done well, it helps places, communities and economies to thrive. However, it has become inaccessible to many. From the early 1950s to the early 1980s the UK built between […]

Planning permission secured for mixed use conversion of Bradford On Avon’s building V

Planning  permission and listed building consent have been granted for our scheme to convert Building V in Bradford in Avon to provide a mix of new apartments, office space and a ground floor retail, deli and dog grooming use. It represents one of the final steps in completing our award winning regeneration of the Kingston […]

Government housing white paper: worth the wait?

The prospect of the housing white paper has been tantalising at least some of us involved in shaping and developing the built environment for some months now. Was it worth the wait, asks our Director of Planning and Economic Regeneration Mel Clinton? The white paper acknowledges that we have a housing crisis, a term that […]