Best Project
The Milton Park (2024) Local Development Order entered by Vale of White Horse District Council and MEPC
The Milton Park (2024) LDO is a new generation of simplified planning, showcasing public and private sector collaboration to foster economic growth whilst embracing sustainable design, biodiversity and green travel.
Underpinned by Vale of White Horse District Council and MEPC’s shared ambition for greener growth, the LDO features a bespoke ten-day planning approval which streamlines the planning process significantly, providing certainty and confidence for Milton Park’s science and innovation community.
Featuring what is thought to be the UK’s first real-time, data-driven, green travel-focused s106 agreement, demonstrating that proactive development management can provide the conditions for ambitious, sustainable economic growth.
Winchester EV Superhub entered by Lone Wolf Planning Ltd is submitting on behalf of the collaborating developers; Enviromena and InstaVolt
The Winchester Superhub is the largest and first EV charging station of its kind in the country and is a brilliant example of collaborative planning. The site benefits from its own on-site solar farm and battery energy storage system. The site has been subject to planning consent and two rounds of amendments and the credit for the project remaining to its construction timeline goes to the local planning authority (planning committee and officers). The Superhub will play a keystone role in driving the country's transport system to its decarbonised future with the economic benefits that will accrue from that.
Fortis House, Henwood entered by DHA Planning
Fortis House is a development of 23 new homes, which are used as temporary accommodation for homeless people or individuals and families needing respite prior to finding more permanent accommodation in the borough of Ashford.
The new modular, zero-carbon development provides much needed temporary accommodation for the borough, supplementing two other similar accommodations.
The development utilises previously-developed land within a short distance of Ashford town centre, providing residents with access to shops, cafés and other amenities within a 10-minute walking radius, and less than 1km from Ashford International Station.
Foy House, Margate entered by Thanet District Council
Keeping residents safe is a key priority for Thanet District Council. Supporting those without secure accommodation is just one part of the council’s strategy to support residents’ housing needs and most importantly, vulnerable people in crisis.
Foy House was a long-term empty building on Margate High Street, in one of the most deprived wards in the area. The Council purchased the building, and managed a complex project to redevelop it to provide flexible, secure and well-planned temporary accommodation for residents in urgent need of housing.
Foy House has been a catalyst in Council's advancement of the Accelerated Temporary Accommodation Programme.
KMMS Medical Student Accommodation, Tunbridge Wells Hospital, Kent entered by DHA Planning
DHA led the team which secured planning permission for a major health education and residential project of regional importance. It successfully argued the case for the development on the site of a major NHS hospital despite it being in the Green Belt and adjacent to Ancient Woodland.
The new facility, which is now complete, will boost the provision of medical training in a region struggling to recruit and retain doctors.
The delivery of the new student accommodation presented a number of complex development issues which were overseen and addressed by DHA.
Reuben College entered by Savills
The project involved the refurbishment of Grade II Listed Buildings, including the Radcliffe Science Library, Abbot’s Kitchen and Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory in Oxford, to create a new graduate college, museums’ collections teaching and research centre and library. The proposals sought to make better use of the existing buildings which were no longer fit for purpose, whilst respecting the high heritage significance of the buildings and improving their environmental performance.
Worthing Integrated Care Centre entered by Worthing Borough Council / ArchitecturePLB
Worthing Integrated Care Centre exemplifies innovative healthcare design, seamlessly integrating multiple services within a sustainable facility. This pioneering project creates a vital community asset, housing GP surgeries, mental health services, and community care. The four-storey building’s elegant linear form arranged around a central 'vertical street', responds to its historic context while prioritizing sustainability through natural ventilation and low-carbon materials. Extensive stakeholder engagement ensured a design that fosters collaborative care and enhances the public realm. The Centre not only meets high environmental standards but also sets a new benchmark for integrated healthcare delivery, demonstrating ArchitecturePLB's expertise in creating innovative, community-focused architecture.
Sea Lanes entered by Lewis and Co Planning SE Ltd
Sea Lanes Brighton is the UK’s first national open water swimming centre, offering a 50m, 6-lane, heated outdoor pool located on the beachfront. Open year-round, it caters to both recreational and competitive swimmers, with flexible membership options and pay-per-swim. The site promotes community health by offering a space for local events, fitness, and wellness. Accessibility is a priority, with features like ramps, hoists, and Changing Places facilities. The development enhances Brighton’s coastal experience while encouraging a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Ightham Mote Visitor Reception and Shop entered by DHA Planning
Following the grant of planning permission and listed building consent in August 2021 the new visitor reception and shop building at Igtham Mote has been completed and is now open to the public.
The design of the new visitor centre incorporates sustainable features, including hempcrete walling, air source heat pumps, a green roof, natural ventilation, passive shading and a sustainable surface water management system, all crafted to respect the site’s natural beauty and heritage.
With these improvements, visitors can now enjoy an enriched experience while exploring one of Kent’s most significant heritage sites.
Lancing Fives Court entered by Lewis and Co Planning SE Ltd
This project exemplifies excellence in planning, combining heritage conservation, sustainability, and community benefits. By transforming Lancing College’s underused Fives Courts into a vibrant café and enhancing the Seconds Quad, the design respects the historic character while introducing modern functionality. Key features include a fully glazed café façade, biodiverse outdoor space, and energy-efficient upgrades, such as air source heat pumps and passive design strategies. The project supports the college’s Sixth Form needs, fosters student wellbeing, and promotes biodiversity through native planting and habitat creation. It sets a benchmark for heritage-led regeneration, balancing historic preservation with contemporary needs and sustainable practices.
Lower Darent Riverside Strategy entered by Dartford Borough Council and Arup
In response to the Thames Estuary 2100 Plan, the Lower Darent Riverside Strategy employs Nature-based Solutions to tackle flooding from the River Darent and River Thames, intensified by climate change. This strategy promotes consistent local flood defence planning for Dartford town centre, park, and marshes, maximising environmental, social, cultural, and economic benefits. It envisions a sustainable riverside, enhancing active travel connections and rejuvenating Dartford’s communities through improved connectivity between the river and town centre. This pioneering strategy offers a comprehensive approach, including a baseline, design principles, toolkit, methodology, and funding opportunities, setting a new standard for resilience and sustainability.
Winchester Nutrient Mitigation Strategy entered by Winchester City Council and the Partnership for South Hampshire
The approach towards phosphorus mitigation demonstrates how Council owned assets can be used in a positive way to unlock housing and improve water quality across the district. The Council engaged with internal departments, undertook a number of technical studies and proactively engaged with Natural England to positively drive the project forward. The Council owned wastewater treatment works have generated strategic phosphorus mitigation whilst also generating nitrogen mitigation. The outcome of the project has helped to meet housing targets, achieve climate change goals, improve the natural environment and provide an example, of best practice that can be replicated by others.
Wealden District Council- Southern Water LPA Stakeholder Group entered by Wealden District Council
Wealden District Council took the lead in establishing the Southern Water Stakeholder Group in response to significant issues including flooding and sewage pollution affecting residents and businesses. This Group unites over 20 councils across the southeast, creating a platform for local authorities to collectively hold Southern Water and their regulators accountable for the poor quality of waterways and the coastline. Led by planners, the Group has undertaken various actions, such as lobbying at a national level, utilising Grampian planning conditions to prevent development without adequate infrastructure and pursuing legal advice and a test case appeal.