Newcastle International Airport Masterplan 2040 entered by Newcastle International Airport
The Airport Masterplan 2040 provides a visionary, evidence-led framework guiding the airport’s growth to 9 million passengers by 2040. It sets out deliverable policies including runway and apron expansions, car park enhancements, and renewable energy initiatives such as solar farms and wind turbines. The plan maximises regional economic benefits, doubling the airport’s contribution to £2 billion GVA annually and supporting thousands of jobs within the north-east, while embedding environmental sustainability and community priorities. Developed through proactive stakeholder engagement with over 600 formal responses, the Masterplan is a leading example of ambitious aviation growth for a key asset in the region.
Blythe Market Pavilion enterered by DPP Planning
Market Pavilion was designed and built with a holistic sustainability philosophy to support the wider ‘Energising Blyth’ regeneration programme, integrating environmental, social, and economic priorities into its architecture, interiors, and public realm; embracing inclusivity, community identity, and resilience. By combining low-carbon technologies, durable materials, and people-centred design, it has provided Blyth with a lasting cultural and economic asset that supports commercial growth and environmental goals, whilst enriching community life. By attracting visitors for culture, events, and hospitality, the Pavilion acts as an anchor institution; stimulating investment, supporting market traders, bolstering Blyth’s commercial, leisure and visitor economy, creating job opportunities.
(Credit image: Soul2Sand)
Hartlepool Artificial Nesting Structures for Kittiwakes entered by LDA Design
The black-legged kittiwake is on the UK Red list for Conservation Status. Global offshore wind-power lead, Ørsted, commissioned artificial nesting structures (ANS) to conserve kittiwake colonies and to compensate for potential impacts of Hornsea 3, the UK’s largest offshore windfarm.
The ANS at Hartlepool is one of 4 delivered for Hornsea 3 and is the only onshore ANS. In total the ANS on site can accommodate approximately 1,000 breeding pairs. LDA Design led on the design of the ANS and planning. This work was based on a thorough understanding of kittiwake behaviour and consultation with an ornithology engagement group.
Whitburn Coastal Conservation Centre entered by National Trust
Conservation Centre is a collaboration between National Trust and Seascapes adjacent to Souter Lighthouse at Whitburn, South Tyneside. The centre acts as a gateway to the coastline and serves as a community hub for nature conservation, coastal landscape and wildlife activities, helping to raise awareness of North East coastal conservation issues.
The building sits ‘lightly on the earth’, it is energy-efficient and blends sensitively with the surroundings. With a low carbon footprint and cladding using 100% recycled plastic tiles from construction waste, it illustrates how materials can be reused and not end up polluting our coasts and seas.
(Credit image: Greame Peacock)
Seaton Valley High School (‘SVHS’) and Whytrig Middle School (‘VMS') entered by DPP Planning
Astley Community High School and Whytrig Community Middle School have been relocated and rebuilt to create modern, high-quality educational facilities; establishing Northumberland’s first operational Net Zero Carbon school. The SVHS and WMS campus provides a future-ready learning environment for 1,020 students and 177 staff, supporting contemporary teaching methods. Extensive indoor/outdoor sports facilities (including a swimming pool, all-weather pitches, and MUGAs) are accessible and well-used by the community, encouraging better health, sport participation, and social cohesion. Sensitive landscaping enhances biodiversity, while sustainable design and energy-efficient features minimise environmental impact, ensuring the campus delivers lasting and tangible educational, environmental, and community benefits.
Excellence in Planning for Homes and Communities (small schemes under 50 homes)
Northumberland Estates and Wynyard Homes, The Fairways
The Fairways is a design-led development demonstrating how planning can deliver high-quality housing while strengthening local identity and community assets. The scheme uses locally quarried Northumberland stone, reducing embodied carbon by around 70% compared with traditional brick construction while reflecting the region’s historic architecture. Located sustainably on the edge of the town, the development provides energy-efficient homes with air source heat pumps, private gardens and sustainable drainage. A key achievement was the successful relocation and enhancement of the town’s golf club, delivering modern clubhouse facilities and a popular eatery that has become a valued social destination and strengthened community hub.
Laurel Cove entered by IDPartnership Northern
Laurel Cove is a £6.6 million regeneration project transforming the former Unicorn House office site into 28 new homes in the heart of North Shields town centre. Vacant for several years, it has been redeveloped to provide high-quality, affordable housing in a sustainable, central location, helping to boost footfall in the town centre.
Excellence in planning for Homes and Communities (mid- sized schemes of 50 - 250 homes)
Union Village entered by IDPartnership Northern
Union Village is a £30m regeneration scheme, which aimed to transform a former Housing Market Renewal site in Gresham, Middlesbrough. Following decades of industrial decline and high levels of crime and anti-social behaviour, the development sought to deliver high quality, affordable homes and create a safe and inclusive community.
The 145no. development delivered tenure-blind, design-led, 2, 3 and 4 bed homes arranged around secure perimeter block streets and shared communal gardens. The physical regeneration was purposefully aligned with social investment, resident engagement and a desire to build long-lasting communities that would provide a foundation for sustainable economic and social growth.