Alison Bembenek

Planning consultant @LichfieldsUK. My own views on #planning, #retail, #policy and #otherbitsandbobs.

[Lichfields @LichfieldsUK]

Mangling the mutant: change to the #StandardMethod for local housing need

The launch of the proposed new standard method for local housing need on 6th August 2020 unleashed a media and political storm.

See @mspry_ & Bethan Haynes' full blog: https://t.co/rLXtobQLbg

[Alison Bembenek @AlisonBembenek]

Here is my blog on the recent changes to the Use Class Order: getting to grips with new Class E flexibilities.

My early reflections on how the changes are starting to work in practice...

https://t.co/wX7Lfvuudp

[Lichfields @LichfieldsUK]

England planning news, August 2020

Huge changes to the Use Classes Order and permitted development on the way and cases on interpretation of Green Wedge policy and whether extra care living dwellings can fall within use class C2.

See full news: https://t.co/vU1HNHrO6W

[Edward Clarke @edclarke85]

Great to see @theplanner_rtpi coverage of our latest on young people and town centres - what attracts them to the high street, and when there, how do they spend their time and money - some useful and surprising insights. https://t.co/3u8jM69vR8

[Lichfields @LichfieldsUK]

The next generation: The future of our town centres

In this insight @LichfieldsTT consider the future of our #towncentres, with specific focus on young people, how they engage with centres and what this means for #highstreets of the future.

https://t.co/j3NdIYMND0

[Alison Bembenek @AlisonBembenek]

Worth checking out @CentreforCities high street recovery footfall figures highlighting shop local trends. Thanks for sharing @juliehpears

[Julie Pears @juliehpears]

A tale of two high streets as reported in Sunday times today - Chatham footfall recovery since March up 15%, compared with London down 69%. #shoplocal ⁦@ellandiplaces⁩ ⁦@ellandi_Ruth⁩ ⁦@ellandi_mark⁩ ⁦@pentagoncentre⁩

[Lichfields @LichfieldsUK]

Updated guide to the Use Classes Order in England

Lichfields’ guide summarises, in an easy-to-use chart, all the use classes in England and how it is possible to change from one use to another without having to apply for planning permission.

View guide: https://t.co/A7wKv1f5Rl

[Jennie Baker @1jenniebaker]

Changes to the Use Classes Order came into force today, introducing Classes E, F1 and F2, among other things. The link to the updated @LichfieldsUK guide to the UCO is here:
https://t.co/YOpgoGt7yK

[Lichfields @LichfieldsUK]

Supporting the recovery of High Streets and Town Centres

@LichfieldsTT examine the transformational trends & pressures that have been placed on our high streets as well as providing expertise to assist in navigating a route to recovery.

https://t.co/hUQUYDKjey

[Lichfields @LichfieldsUK]

Locate:Solar

@LichfieldsTT Lichfields, in collaboration with specialist renewable energy consultancy @ITPEnergised, has created a bespoke methodology for assessing the suitability of sites for #solarfarm developments.

More information: https://t.co/iusiYfxfF2

[Lichfields @LichfieldsUK]

Guide to changes to the #UseClassesOrder in England

@LichfieldsTT has prepared a table that gives an overview of the new and retained use classes.

See Peter Wilks' full blog for details: https://t.co/fFQOCSm2a5

[Lichfields @LichfieldsUK]

Webinar: Rethink Towns and Cities
July 23, 16:30

Jonathan Wallace will join Chris Holmes (@SpaceArchUK) to explore how the recent #COVID19 pandemic may influence how we design and adapt thinking for living and working within towns and cities.

Register: https://t.co/1jHZhghY6s

[Alison Bembenek @AlisonBembenek]

A great round up of all the planning news as always, but especially this month with so much change.

[Lichfields @LichfieldsUK]

England planning news, July 2020

Town centre recovery and adaption legislation, PD for upwards extensions and change of use, planning reform, extending permissions

See full planning news: https://t.co/sQZUysIkUi

[Alison Bembenek @AlisonBembenek]

New blog for @mattpochin89 is a must read. Ahead of pubs and restaurants reopening at the weekend: how might active travel and optimised outdoor spaces breath new life into high streets?

[Lichfields @LichfieldsUK]

Repurposing the #HighStreet for Alfresco Summer Dining

@mattpochin89 discusses whether the longer-term repurposing of our high streets to support active travel is unavoidable? And will this (weather permitting!) usher in a new wave of #alfresco dining?

https://t.co/W9pSU2Lcw5

[Jim Fennell @JimFennell1]

Just ‘stepped out’ of my second committee this week. Thumbs up for a mixed use scheme at Hackney Wick on Tuesday. And another big scheme granted by @thurrockcouncil for @intuLakeside tonight. Meetings not without a few IT glitches - to be expected. Great effort all round

[Jim Fennell @JimFennell1]

An interesting read from Steven Butterworth @LichfieldsUK about our reawakening high streets, citing some of his experiences in London and his view of what the future might hold. Its very difficult out there but there are positives too.

https://t.co/KSuXWzzPjb

[Alison Bembenek @AlisonBembenek]

New @LichfieldsUK blog looking at the reopening of high streets. Senior Director Steven Butterworth discusses how it feels on the ground and how high streets might transform after the pandemic

[Lichfields @LichfieldsUK]

High streets start to bounce back: the long road #3

Steven Butterworth looks at what are the signs of how high streets might transform after the COVID-19 pandemic?

https://t.co/qHDdhwZ1fA

[Alison Bembenek @AlisonBembenek]

Check out @lichfieldstt analysis on latest ons retail sales. A glimmer of hope...? #retail #recovery @lichfieldsuk

[Lichfields ThinkTank @LichfieldsTT]

Today's retail sales data shows cause for cautious optimism, after a historic drop in April, May saw a partial bounce back. This data covers the period before shops re-opened and sales remain around 14% lower than for the same period last year.

[Lichfields @LichfieldsUK]

Rising to the #COVID19UK challenge

Practical advice from Lichfields on how to keep momentum in the planning system and seize new opportunities.

View all resources including tools, insights and how-to-guides covering various services and processes: https://t.co/WjUarHbFMw

[Alison Bembenek @AlisonBembenek]

@IanStronge @LichfieldsUK @JimFennell1 We hope high streets and town centres will continue to be a focus for Govt. Much wider planning reform is going to be needed to help high streets/ town centres and UK on path to recovery.

[Alison Bembenek @AlisonBembenek]

@IanStronge @LichfieldsUK @JimFennell1 This is part of a series of blogs. This one focuses on the retail and town centre industry asks of Government in the planning response to covid-19 which mirrors the property industry