- Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners
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Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners Type Private Industry Town Planning Founded 1962 Headquarters Regent's Wharf, London, UK Key people Dr Malcolm Hockaday, Chairman
James Fennell, Managing DirectorProducts Planning Design Economics Employees 148 (June 2010) Website www.nlpplanning.com Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners (NLP) is an independent British town planning consultancy originally founded in 1962 to provide specialist advice on all aspects of the planning process. Over more than four decades the practice has built up extensive planning and development experience. Today it is the oldest and one of the UK’s largest independent firms specialising in development planning.
The practice employs staff in various disciplines including planning consultants, urban designers, masterplanners, heritage specialists and economics consultants.
Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners operates in a variety of roles on projects. This ranges from examples of acting as team leader managing a large consultancy team or providing specialist inputs to established projects.
NLP has advised on the following notable projects and developments and many more: The London Eye and Wembley Stadium.
Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners is listed by the Best Companies Guide and achieved a Best Companies Index (BCI) Score of 698 in 2009.[1]
Contents
History
The business was established by Professor Nathaniel Lichfield as Nathaniel Lichfield Associates in 1962.[2]
During the 1960s the Company became a near indispensable part of many professional planning teams in the period of British planning covering the construction of the second wave of new towns. Nathaniel Lichfield Associates was involved in the development planning of both Milton Keynes and Peterborough, in the late 1960s.[3]
Company Ownership
The Company is entirely owned by an Employee Benefit Trust. The Directors believe that that clients’ and employees’ objectives can most effectively be met in a Company that is independent and focused on town planning. Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners aims to provide advice which is unfettered by business interests from other disciplines within the Company. The strategic direction of the Company is planned for the long term based upon the opportunities in the town planning discipline.
The Trust assists in the long term retention of these benefits and the Company has no financial or other obligations to external shareholders. The Company believes this provides advantages which enable it to recruit and retain high quality staff and provide stability that assist it in building long term relationships with the individuals, companies, institutions, local authorities and government organisations it works with.
Operations
The Company has four UK offices in London, Newcastle, Manchester and Cardiff.
Recent major projects
National Government Projects
Government Review of Permitted Development Rights
NLP carried out a 12 month research study for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to review the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) and the operation of permitted development rights in practice. The purpose was to ensure that these rights supported Government policy aims, remained relevant to current conditions and were easy to understand and interpret by users. The study involved a review of previous research and studies on this topic, and surveys of all English local planning authorities as well as County Councils, education authorities, heritage bodies, environmental interest groups, Government departments, private sector organisations and a range of other organisations. This was followed by detailed interviews of a number of key stakeholders, and examination of various development case studies. Analysis of all the issues raised led to the preparation of carefully justified recommendations for changes to certain areas of permitted development. The study found no need for major change to the GPDO, but identified ways in which it could be simplified and made easier to use through providing proper definitions and a more consistent approach across different rights.[4]
Housing Options for the West Midlands (2008)
NLP was appointed by Government Office for the West Midlands to prepare housing options for the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) in light of the National Housing and Planning Advice Unit (NHPAU) Report. The NLP study explored whether and how it might be possible to increase the supply of housing in the West Midlands to reflect the levels of housing need identified by the NHPAU. The NLP study, which was prepared with engagement of many stakeholders from local authorities, government agencies, and infrastructure providers, formed a key part of the evidence supplied to the Examination in Public process.[5]
The study outlined that the West Midlands could potentially see 80,000 additional housing units built by 2026 above a previously-announced target of 365,600, bringing the total to 445,600,[6] While attempting to maximisise sustainable housing delivery in the options examined, this target was viewed by some lobbying organisations such as the Campaign to Protect Rural England as unrealistic.[7]
Tourism, Leisure and Sport
National Stadium - Wembley
In 1995 NLP was appointed by the Sports Council to join a team of consultants to evaluate the five National Stadium bids from Wembley, Manchester, Birmingham, Bradford and Sheffield. NLP examined the planning and locational aspects of each bid. NLP was retained to examine additional information produced by the short-listed bidders, Manchester and Wembley. During subsequent stages of the evaluation process, Wembley was selected as the preferred site. NLP advised the Sports Council about the general site/stadia planning issues and the general environmental improvements required at Wembley to create an acceptable setting for the new stadium. NLP was then appointed to assist Wembley National Stadium Limited in preparing a scheme for a new stadium and to obtain planning and listed building permission. Tasks included preparing reports and documents on the heritage aspects of the existing stadium, co-ordinating the Environmental Statement and the highway impact assessment, preparing a planning support statement and assisting with S106 agreement negotiations following the grant of planning permission and listed buildings consent. The stadium opened in March 2007.[8]
NLP co-ordinated the submission of information to discharge numerous planning conditions and is currently advising WNSL about applications in the vicinity of the stadium.
The London Eye
NLP assisted the operators of the London Eye, the Tussauds Group, in obtaining planning and listed building consent to alter the Wheel on the South Bank of the Thames. NLP also examined and reported on the implications of a S106 attached to the original contract.
NLP also prepared planning and listed building consent applications for the permanent retention of the attraction on behalf of the London Eye Company. This has involved the co-ordination of an Environmental Statement and the production of a planning supporting statement detailing the reasons for its retention.[9]
Heritage and Conservation
Conservation Area Statements
NLP has produced a draft Conservation Area Statements on behalf of the London Borough of Camden for the following Conservation Areas:
- Belsize Conservation Area - Belsize
- Bloomsbury Conservation Area - Bloomsbury
- Elsworthy Conservation Area - Elsworthy
- Fitzroy Conservation Area - Fitzroy Square
- St. John's Wood Conservation Area - St. John's Wood
Each of these projects involved historical background research into the development of the area followed by extensive fieldwork. The studies included audits of listed buildings, buildings and streetscape features that contribute and detract from the character and appearance of the area.
The documents provided an overview of the historic development of the areas, a detailed description of the character and appearance of the areas, an audit of the features of interest, a summary of the main issues impacting on the areas and development control guidelines.[10]
Research Study of Conservation Area Advisory Committees
NLP carried out a study, for the London Borough of Haringey, to examine the operation of various Conservation Area Advisory Committees (CAACs) in the Borough, in other parts of London and elsewhere in England. Its purpose was to identify the key factors important to the effectiveness of such groups in providing support for the local authority planning service.
The study involved a series of interviews with local planning authority conservation officers, members, CAAC members and other heritage organisations. Recommendations were made on levels of Council support for CAACs, structures and membership of such groups as well as the benefits of a single district-wide group against individual groups for each conservation area. Findings of this study were used to inform the LB Haringey in considering the reorganisation of its own structure of CAACs.[11]
Other Heritage and Conservation Projects
NLP has assisted with heritage and conservation planning related issues for the following projects:
- The Economist Building, London on behalf of Ryder Street Properties
- Wynyard Estate, Stockton on behalf of Wynyard Estate
- King’s Waterfront, Liverpool on behalf of Liverpool City Council
- Grange Park Opera, Winchester on behalf of Grange Park Opera
- National Maritime Museum, Greenwich on behalf of the National Maritime Museum
- Kew Gardens, London on behalf of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
- Knebworth House, Hertfordshire on behalf of Knebworth House Education and Preservation Trust and Knebworth Estates
Aviation
London City Airport
NLP advised London City Airport on planning and economic matters at every stage of its growth from its original construction in 1986, including its expansion to accommodate jet aircraft in 1991, its doubling of air traffic movements in 1996 and substantial air-side improvements in 2001. Planning permission was achieved for each of these developments.
This involvement has included economic impact studies examining direct and indirect employment generation of the Airport’s growth, effects on the local labour market, its attraction to inward investment, its role on supporting the City of London financial centre, its contribution to tourism in London and its wider regeneration effects in east London and the Thames Gateway. NLP gave planning and economic evidence at two major public inquiries, where the economic and regeneration benefits of the Airport were instrumental in winning planning permission.[12] NLP has worked at both large international airports and smaller regional airports, including:
RTPI
Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners is an RTPI Learning Partner.[13]
Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners was shortlisted for the RTPI's Planning Consultancy of the Year Award 2009.[14]
Links to External Organisations
Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners participates in the activities of the planning and surveying professional bodies as well as a large number of trade organisations. These include:
- British Council of Shopping Centres
- British Property Federation
- Chartered Management Institute
- Garden History Society
- Georgian Group
- Historic Towns Forum
- Institution of Economic Development
- Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment
- Pro-Manchester
- Royal Town Planning Institute
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
- Society for the Preservation of Redundant Churches
- Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings
- Urban Design Group
- Victorian Society
- Women in Property
- 20th Century Society
Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners have established links with a number of leading university town planning departments, including:
- Manchester University
- Newcastle University
- Oxford Brookes University
- South Bank University
- University College London
- University of Cardiff
References
- ^ http://www.bestcompaniesguide.co.uk/company_profile.aspx?CompanySurveyID=41414
- ^ Hall, Peter (2009-03-19). "Nathaniel Lichfield". The Guardian (London). http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/mar/19/obituary-nathaniel-lichfield. Retrieved 2010-05-19.
- ^ Hall, Peter (2009-03-19). "Nathaniel Lichfield". The Guardian (London). http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/mar/19/obituary-nathaniel-lichfield. Retrieved 2010-05-19.
- ^ http://www.nlpplanning.com/projects.php?id=13
- ^ http://www.nlpplanning.com/projects.php?id=62
- ^ Thorp, Samantha (10 October 2008). "West Midlands could host 80,000 more homes". Regeneration & Renewal. http://www.regen.net/news/852371/West-Midlands-host-80000-homes/. Retrieved 2009-11-09.
- ^ Dale, Paul (November 3, 2008). "Article: New homes targets unrealistic - CPRE.(News)". The Birmingham Post (England). http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-188259693.html. Retrieved 2009-11-09.
- ^ http://www.nlpplanning.com/projects.php?id=4
- ^ http://www.nlpplanning.com/projects.php?id=3
- ^ http://www.nlpplanning.com/projects.php?id=44
- ^ http://www.nlpplanning.com/projects.php?id=14
- ^ http://www.nlpplanning.com/projects.php?id=11
- ^ http://www.rtpi.org.uk/item/982
- ^ http://www.rtpi.org.uk/item/1095
- "Business Briefs: NLP retained to Welsh Development Agency.(Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners)(Brief Article)". Planning (UK). August 8, 2003. http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-106393186/business-briefs-nlp-retained.html. Retrieved 2009-11-09.
- "A study completed by Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners.(Brief Article)". Planning (UK). February 17, 2006. http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-142183064/study-completed-nathaniel-lichfield.html. Retrieved 2009-11-09. Harborough in Leicestershire
- "Appointment at Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners". Planning (UK). May 12, 2006. http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-145656689/appointment-nathaniel-lichfield-and.html. Retrieved 2009-11-09. Jacqui Deans appointed.
- "BUSINESS BRIEFS: NLP retained to Welsh Development Agency.(Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners)(Brief Article)". Planning. 2003-08-08. http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-106393186/business-briefs-nlp-retained.html.
- "Business Briefs: Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners to conduct study for Breckland District Council.(Brief Article)". Planning (UK). July 23, 2004. http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-119608509/business-briefs-nathaniel-lichfield.html. Retrieved 2009-11-09.
External links
Categories:- Town and country planning in the United Kingdom
- Companies based in London
- Companies established in 1962
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