16 November 2015 – Terence O'Rourke's work to plan Scotland's first Simplified Planning Zone (SPZ) in more than 20 years was recognised at the Scottish Government Quality in Planning Awards last week (10 November).
The planning, design and environmental consultancy was presented with the Delivering in Partnership award, which recognises the work achieved through public and private bodies coming together, using innovative techniques to get development moving and the planning system delivering.
Terence O'Rourke worked with Patrizia UK Ltd, Renfrewshire Council and Glasgow City Council to develop the SPZ scheme at Hillington Park, on the western edge of Glasgow. Under the SPZ, businesses based on or moving to the site will no longer have to apply for planning permission for developments as long as they fall under the parameters of the scheme. The scheme marks a significant landmark in the bid to remove red tape in planning and attract investment to the region.
As one of Scotland's largest business parks, Hillington Park is home to over 500 organisations with over 3,500 employees directly engaged in manufacturing, distribution, technology and the service sectors. It currently includes 2 million sq ft. of office and industrial buildings and now has the potential to deliver around 85,000 sq m of new commercial floor space.
Judges stated that they were impressed by Terence O'Rourke's work to promote a sustainable development using legislation that was previously rarely used in Scotland. They also commended the project for the solid partnership displayed from all the organisations involved.
James Iles, associate director at Terence O'Rourke and project lead, said:
"We are incredibly proud to have helped achieve the approval of Scotland's first SPZ, in what is thought to be more than 20 years. So, to be awarded this accolade is great recognition for this innovative way of simplifying planning. Judges said that they hope this approach will act as a model for other local authorities to follow to add competitive advantage to the Scottish economy. With the SPZ in place businesses can plan confidently for growth, which can only be good for business.
"To be recognised in the Delivering in Partnership category demonstrates that the development of the SPZ is a successful and notable public/private sector collaboration."
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