Planning Success!
How can Block Nine ensure the smooth running and timely delivery
across all work stages of phased industrial / logistic real estate.
Grayshill, Cumbernauld
by Block Nine Architects
The way we live, work and shop has been gradually shifting to accommodate a more flexible and easy way of doing things. A person can all but run their entire life and business from the sofa using a phone if required. With the continuing rise in online shopping, and many vendors deciding to open their own online stores selling anything from micro computer equipment to oversized garden furniture, the market demand for industrial warehousing, off-site storage and logistics facilities has increased exponentially.
Block Nine were approached by a long-standing developer client, with the prospect of developing a newly purchased site in the hub of the functioning Westfield Industrial Estate in Cumbernauld, within close proximity to the M80 motorway. Working closely with their client and consultancy team, Block Nine researched the intent for the project through a detailed briefing process, and established the requirements for the facilities, formulating a full design brief to our client’s and the marketing agent’s ambitions for the site.
The team completed a full site analysis, reviewing all possible access routes to the site, whilst observing the potential pitfalls and areas of concern which the site held – this was critical given the precarious topography with a notable fall towards the South East of the site. The final design solution for the site consists of 8 warehouses for storage and distribution varying in size from 940sqm to 1,620sqm totalling approximately 11,065sqm with associated hardstanding areas, car parking, access roads, with the remainder of the site to be landscaped to meet the requirements of a stringent Ecological survey report.
In approaching and preparing the Stage 3 design proposal to be submitted to the Planning Department, various issues were reviewed and addressed prior to the submission.
Through a dedicated design team, public consultation events and consultation with North Lanarkshire Council Planning and other relevant departments, Block Nine has been able to resolve identified issues in order to secure full planning approval.
By designing a series of stepped plateau levels serviced by graded access roads, Block Nine maximised the efficiency of the site in spite of the changes in level and topographical challenges across its extent.
Through consultation with Transport Scotland, Block Nine and our transport consultancy team successfully designed new staggered access junctions enabling vehicular access to the site from Grayshill Road without negatively impacting on the use of the access roads around the site or to the existing industrial units.
To the South of the site, a number of existing trees, a steep embankment and a drainage swale screen the development from Westfield Road. Working with an arboriculturist and drainage consultant, Block Nine ensured these existing features were maintained, successfully retaining a visual and acoustic ‘buffer’ to the main road below, and ensuring there will be no adverse impact on the existing trees and the ecology of the natural landscape to the South of the site.
Through consultation with Scottish Power, Block Nine and our M+E consultancy team have designed a new substation on site to ensure current and future provision for each of the units with the required power for Use Classes 5 (General Industry) and 6 (Storage and Distribution).
Block Nine consulted with Police Scotland to ensure the proposals will be awarded full Secure by Design certification upon completion which promotes the development as a safe and secure place to work.
The design scheme also aims to exceed relevant sustainability requirements by achieving BREEAM certification, with the full provision for EV charging for each warehouse unit. The full planning proposal was submitted in October ’22 and the team are elated to secure full planning approval as of April ‘23!
Phase 1 and 2 secured detailed planning permission while Phase 3 has secured planning permission in principle, with a detailed planning application for Phase 3 to be submitted in the coming months. This phased application facilitated a streamlined approach to the statutory submissions and ensured the most secure and profitable means for the client’s finance packages and funding model.
The design team are now pressing ahead with the preparation of the building warrant application for Phase 1 and 2, with a view to the enabling works starting on site in mid-2023.
By fully pre-empting the potential of problematic issues of the site, as well as the impact of the development on the surrounding structures, ecology and community, Block Nine have been able to gain extensive advice from the local authorities and our expert consultancy team to fully address all anticipated concerns within the design in advance of statutory submissions.
If you would like to read more about our involvement in industrial developments, take a look at some of our other industrial projects on our website.
If you’d like to learn more about how BLOCK NINE and our consultancy team can assist in the development and delivery of Class 5 and 6 sites, or chat more about a project you have in mind, reach out and contact us at: info@block9architects.com