Greenham Business Park were delighted to be invited to the 2019 Planning Awards this week following the announcement that its Greenham Park Local Development Order (LDO) project had been shortlisted as a one of four finalists in the Promoting Economic Growth category.
Hosted at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in London, the awards recognise excellence in both planning and placemaking and reward quality in planning-related activities such as placemaking, urban design, economic development, housing, regeneration, legal advice and environmental consulting.
The shortlisted LDO project is a collaboration between West Berkshire Council and town planning consultants, Pro Vision. It aims to boost the regeneration of the former military airbase and unlock development potential whilst ensuring that the neighbouring common and the local historic interest remains protected.
Passed by the council in December 2018, the LDO provides a framework for a permitted development, drastically reducing the risk, time and cost involved in a traditional planning application, attracting new investors wishing to build or extend their offices. Major key players already reside on the business park including Sovereign Housing and The English Provender Company with Roc Technologies and James Cowper Kreston soon to move in once the construction of their bespoke offices are complete.
North Tyneside Council were announced as winners of the award which was judged by a panel consisting of Local Government Association, EDF and the Planning Advisory Service, as well as other industry professionals. The panel commended the positive impact the LDO has made on West Berkshire’s local economy.
Estates Manager at Greenham Business Park, Rupert Holtby said “It was great to be shortlisted for an award that recognises outstanding professional planning work and we were delighted to be commended on our positive impact on the local economy. As we continue to develop the business park as a great place work, we look forward to re-entering this award in a few years’ time to show the impact of the LDO and its effect on the community”.