Excellence promoted
News
by
Bridget O’Connell
Panel vision Bridget O’Connell asked the area’s property professionals about the East of England Development Agency’s CABE-style initiative
The East of England Development Agency is setting up two panels to promote excellence in design and regeneration throughout the region.
The panels will look at development and design, and offer advice to developers in a similar way to the Commission for Architecture & the Built Environment. While CABE advises on developments of national importance, the panels will focus on regional schemes. Gwyn Jones, executive director with Inspire East – a regional partnership supported by EEDA – says: “We are trying to focus on projects that can be reproduced to some degree in the region so other people can learn from previous projects. We don’t have the resources to look at every project in the region, but can share the lessons learnt.”
Although the panels do not have any legal powers, and consulting them is voluntary, their advice will identify problems that could arise in the planning process and, Jones believes, ensure a higher quality of development.
EG asked professionals what they thought of the initiative and its implications.
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Jonathan Goodman,
Lambert Smith Hampton, Cambridge
“It’s going to come down to the architects. As long as it fits in with the character of Cambridge, then there is no harm in a building being modern, as long as it doesn’t become dated, as they did in the 1960s. There are buildings such as Terrington House which are very modern looking, and they still look good.”
Will Mooney,
Jeffersons Commercial, Cambridge
“Excellence in design and quality of regeneration projects is obviously desirable, but often the reality doesn’t meet the promise. Hopefully, by bringing in outside expertise and opinion from those with experience in this area, EEDA can help avoid pitfalls for all future regeneration and development projects in the region.”
Philip Woolner,
Cheffins, Cambridge
“It’s got to be a good thing. There is so much very tedious, boring design coming through the planning process. Possibly tighter planning control and design will improve this. The problem is, it will cost money. It is a good thing to promote, although I’m not sure what EEDA can do to influencethe process.”
David Potter,
regional director, RICS East of EnglandJohn Spice, Bidwells, Ipswich
“EEDA’s role in regeneration is key because is enables the private sector to deliver quality, innovative schemes where, without EEDA’s involvement, market dynamics may lead to land remaining undeveloped for long periods of time. So, the panels are key catalysts.”
Garth Hanlon,
Savills, Cambridge
“The EEDA initiative is part of an ongoing programme of enhanced design initiatives throughout the property industry. Perhaps this is not a bad thing in terms of creating a better environment for both the industry and the wider population. If better design means enhanced occupation levels and business opportunities, that’s got to be good.”
Emma Fletcher,
Bidwells, Cambridge
“It’s a good idea in theory, but implementing it in practice may actually slow the delivery of regeneration projects if the guidelines aren’t clear enough.”
John Grainger,
Carter Jonas, Cambridge
“Our planning authorities seem more sensitive to good design than most. But we cannot be proud of all of our new buildings, or the way they respond to the built environment. There are some real disasters. If a regional CABE, advised by interested and engaged local professionals, can prevent this, it is all to the good.”
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Panel vision Bridget O’Connell asked the area’s property professionals about the East of England Development Agency’s CABE-style initiative
The East of England Development Agency is setting up two panels to promote excellence in design and regeneration throughout the region.
The panels will look at development and design, and offer advice to developers in a similar way to the Commission for Architecture & the Built Environment. While CABE advises on developments of national importance, the panels will focus on regional schemes. Gwyn Jones, executive director with Inspire East – a regional partnership supported by EEDA – says: “We are trying to focus on projects that can be reproduced to some degree in the region so other people can learn from previous projects. We don’t have the resources to look at every project in the region, but can share the lessons learnt.”
Although the panels do not have any legal powers, and consulting them is voluntary, their advice will identify problems that could arise in the planning process and, Jones believes, ensure a higher quality of development.
EG asked professionals what they thought of the initiative and its implications.
Jonathan Goodman,
Lambert Smith Hampton, Cambridge
“It’s going to come down to the architects. As long as it fits in with the character of Cambridge, then there is no harm in a building being modern, as long as it doesn’t become dated, as they did in the 1960s. There are buildings such as Terrington House which are very modern looking, and they still look good.”
Will Mooney,
Jeffersons Commercial, Cambridge
“Excellence in design and quality of regeneration projects is obviously desirable, but often the reality doesn’t meet the promise. Hopefully, by bringing in outside expertise and opinion from those with experience in this area, EEDA can help avoid pitfalls for all future regeneration and development projects in the region.”
Philip Woolner,
Cheffins, Cambridge
“It’s got to be a good thing. There is so much very tedious, boring design coming through the planning process. Possibly tighter planning control and design will improve this. The problem is, it will cost money. It is a good thing to promote, although I’m not sure what EEDA can do to influencethe process.”
David Potter,
regional director, RICS East of EnglandJohn Spice, Bidwells, Ipswich
“EEDA’s role in regeneration is key because is enables the private sector to deliver quality, innovative schemes where, without EEDA’s involvement, market dynamics may lead to land remaining undeveloped for long periods of time. So, the panels are key catalysts.”
Garth Hanlon,
Savills, Cambridge
“The EEDA initiative is part of an ongoing programme of enhanced design initiatives throughout the property industry. Perhaps this is not a bad thing in terms of creating a better environment for both the industry and the wider population. If better design means enhanced occupation levels and business opportunities, that’s got to be good.”
Emma Fletcher,
Bidwells, Cambridge
“It’s a good idea in theory, but implementing it in practice may actually slow the delivery of regeneration projects if the guidelines aren’t clear enough.”
John Grainger,
Carter Jonas, Cambridge
“Our planning authorities seem more sensitive to good design than most. But we cannot be proud of all of our new buildings, or the way they respond to the built environment. There are some real disasters. If a regional CABE, advised by interested and engaged local professionals, can prevent this, it is all to the good.”
