Stephenson Halliday

2011-06-16T15:16:00.001+01:00

We are delighted to announce the recent appointment of Mary Campbell BA (hons) BTP MRTPI who joined us on 1 February as a Technical Director (Planning). Previously, she has worked with Entec UK Ltd, Northumberland and Derbyshire County Councils, and the University of Newcastle. Mary has worked on a wide range of complex EIA developments including surface mines, aggregates quarries and waste management facilities as well as various infrastructure and regeneration projects. Most recently she was part of the advisor team guiding the South Tyne and Wear Waste Management Partnership through the procurement of waste management facilities in the sub-region for the next 25 years.

Mary’s appointment represents an expansion in our EIA coordination and minerals and waste planning capability to meet our growing workload in these sectors.

2011-02-14T15:24:00.005Z

Planning Consent for Mars Petcare Single Turbine Scheme

Planning Permission was granted on appeal on the 6th September 2010 for a single wind turbine (126.5m to blade tip) at the Mars Complementary Petcare Factory. The turbine will be located adjacent to the M62 near Batley within the Oakwell Industrial Park and it is envisaged that construction will commence in Summer 2011. Stephenson Halliday carried out the Landscape and Visual Appraisal for the proposed development which formed part of the Environmental Report and planning application co-ordinated by Wind Direct.

The main issues and focus of the appeal concentrated on ‘the effect of the proposal on (1) the character and appearance of the surrounding area and (2) the living conditions of local residents as a result of visual impact and any noise and disturbance.’ In addition driver distraction and shadow flicker were also addressed.

In summary the Planning Inspector recognised that the proposed turbine would be much taller than anything in its immediate context and would affect the way the site and surroundings would be perceived from close range and more distant locations. The Inspector did not consider the turbine harmful and concluded that it would appear as ‘a functional piece of infrastructure which would relate to the nature and size of the buildings and uses surrounding it’. The Planning Inspector also concluded that the visual impact of the proposal would not be overbearing or dominant as a result of the relatively significant degree of separation from residential areas and the nature of the visual effects, experienced in the context of other elements including buildings and pylons.

Please click the link below to view the Appeal Decision in full:

Mars Petcare Birstall Appeal Decision

2011-02-14T15:04:00.008Z

Planning Consent for Eye Airfield Wind Energy Scheme

Planning Permission has been granted by Mid Suffolk District Council for two 2.5MW wind turbines on the Airfield Industrial Estate, near Eye. The project was developed by Wind Direct and the Roy Humphrey Group. Stephenson Halliday prepared the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment for the Environmental Statement submitted as part of the planning application.

The planning application was presented to the Development Committee with recommendation for approval. The Committee concurred with the planning officers’ opinion that the majority of impacts would not be unacceptable adverse and any adverse impacts would be outweighed by the sustainability benefits of the development. On this basis, the proposed development was compatible with the requirements of PPS22: Renewable Energy and broadly accorded with the requirements of other policies and the Development Plan. It is envisaged that construction will commence in Spring 2011.

Please click the link below to view the Decision Notice in full:

Eye Airfield Wind Energy Scheme Decision Notice

2011-02-14T13:50:00.004Z

New Appointment - Technical Director

We are delighted to announce the recent appointment of Mary Campbell BA (hons) BTP MRTPI who joined us on 1 February as a Technical Director (Planning). Previously, she has worked with Entec UK Ltd, Northumberland and Derbyshire County Councils, and the University of Newcastle. Mary has worked on a wide range of complex EIA developments including surface mines, aggregates quarries and waste management facilities as well as various infrastructure and regeneration projects. Most recently she was part of the advisor team guiding the South Tyne and Wear Waste Management Partnership through the procurement of waste management facilities in the sub-region for the next 25 years.

Mary’s appointment represents an expansion in our EIA coordination and minerals and waste planning capability to meet our growing workload in these sectors.

2011-02-04T14:00:00.001Z

Westnewton Wind Farm Planning Consent

The Planning Inspectorate have announced today that planning permission has been granted for the Westnewton wind farm proposal in Cumbria. Stephenson Halliday were pleased to assist Broadview Energy Limited with preparation of the Landscape and Visual Assessment as part of the submitted Environmental Statement with supporting expert evidence at the Public Inquiry held in December 2010. A copy of the Decision notice is available at the following
link:

Westnewton Wind Farm Decision Notice

2010-10-29T09:00:00.000+01:00

Enforcement Notices found to be nullities at Sea View Farm

Stephenson Halliday Ltd has been supporting Anthony Crean QC in opposing three enforcement notices served upon our clients D Morgan plc. The Enforcement Notices alleged that our clients had deposited waste on areas outside that with planning permission and had exceeded the approved levels within the area with planning permission. Our planning team has been working with Anthony Crean QC of No.5 Chambers on the issues of nullity and invalidity of the enforcement notices. A preliminary hearing on these issues was held earlier this month. A letter from the Planning Inspectorate, issued yesterday, indicates that the Inspector concurs with our view that the notices are nullities and so have no effect. The formal decision and costs decision are expected shortly.

2010-08-31T11:57:00.001+01:00

Extension to Waste Transfer Facility at Kingmoor Works: Application Submitted

Stephenson Halliday Ltd has submitted a planning application to extend the Waste Transfer Facility at Kingmoor Works on behalf of Cumbria Waste Recycling. The site at Kingmoor has been operating since the early 1990’s and its throughput has grown reflecting both Government’s aims for waste management and the public’s enthusiasm for recycling. The extension is needed to provide a much more efficient layout which should reduce traffic manoeuvring within the site, increase the speed of delivery of loads and improve safety on the site. Looking to the future, the extension would also help the facility cater for the anticipated further increase in throughput as additional recycling initiatives come into effect. We look forward to assisting Cumbria Waste Recycling in this post submission phase to secure planning permission for this development. A decision on the planning application is expected later this year.

2010-07-27T17:04:00.014+01:00

Waste Transfer and Materials Recycling Facilities on Land Adjacent to Distington Landfill Site: Permission Granted

Today, planning permission has been granted for the proposed Waste Transfer and Materials Recycling Facilities on land adjacent to the Distington Landfill Site in West Cumbria. The principal purpose of this project is to allow Cumbria Waste Management to meet their contractual obligations to transfer municipal waste from the Workington/Whitehaven area to the new Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) plant at the Hespin Wood site for the next 22 years. The development also provides the opportunity for considerable commercial and industrial waste materials recycling.

The planning team at Stephenson Halliday Ltd worked closely with Cumbria Waste Management Ltd (CWM) to develop a scheme to address ecological issues on the proposal site. The team also provided evidence to the Planning Authority to satisfy the sequential test applied to new development and to demonstrate that there were no other options but to release this Greenfield site for development. Stephenson Halliday Ltd also provided a landscape assessment of the proposals including the preparation of photomontages to illustrate the appearance of these facilities. We wish CWM every success in this new venture.

View photomontages

2010-05-24T15:15:00.010+01:00

Nutberry Wind Farm Consent

The Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals has today issued a Notice of Intention stating that conditional planning permission will be granted for Nutberry Wind Farm following completion of Agreements under S75 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. The scheme comprises 6 wind turbines with an overall maximum height of 115m to blade tip. A copy of the Notice of Intention issued by the Reporter is available to download at the following link:

Nutberry Wind Farm Notice of Intention

2010-04-09T10:49:00.000+01:00

Ray Wind Farm, Northumberland: Consent Granted

We are pleased to report it was announced last night that Ed Milliband of the Department of Energy and Climate Change is minded to consent Ray Wind Farm (Vattenfall). The consented scheme has a capacity of 60MW comprising 20 turbines with an overall height of 125m to blade tip.

Stephenson Halliday assisted with the Landscape and Visual Assessment forming part of the submitted Environmental Statement and supporting material for the Public Inquiry held in 2008.

2010-03-29T17:54:00.001+01:00

Low Spinney Wind Farm, Leicestershire: Consent Granted

We are pleased to announce consent was granted today by PINS for Low Spinney Wind Farm in Harborough District. It was a pleasure to assist Broadview Energy Limited with landscape and visual amenity evidence at the Low Spinney Public Inquiry held in February 2010. A copy of the decision notice is available to download at the following link:

Low Spinney Decision Notice

2010-03-19T15:03:00.002Z

Further New Staff Appointed

Our team of landscape architects continues to grow with the recent appointment of a further three new members of staff. Tom Charrier BA (Hons) MLA LMLI has joined us as Senior Landscape Architect. Tom has worked with a number of leading multidisciplinary practices including Taylor Young and Mouchel and has international experience in New York and Sydney where, prior to joining Stephenson Halliday, he was Senior Landscape Architect with Clouston Associates. Landscape and visual assessment has been a mainstay of Tom’s career where he has worked on a range of schemes from energy and waste to complex urban redevelopment schemes.

Elaina Carmichael BA (Hons) MLA LMLI joined us at the beginning of the year as Graduate Landscape Architect. Elaina graduated with a master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Sheffield University in 2009. She spent a year working at Wardell Armstrong LLP gaining experience in a wide range of landscape projects including quarry restoration, LVIA work, public realm improvement projects, design development and implementation work and planting scheme projects. Since joining Stephenson Halliday Elaina has been involved in a number of renewable energy projects and LVIA work and hopes to embark on the Pathway to Chartership.

Our Visualisation Department has also been further strengthened with the appointment of David Bryson BA (Hons) Dip as Landscape Architect. David recently returned to the UK following a period of 9 years working as an Associate Landscape Architect at SLA Studioland, a multinational firm with offices in Houston, Tokyo and Beijing. David led the development of 3D visualisation at SLA and has extensive experience across a broad range of projects including commercial retail, community development, airports, military bases, public spaces, city parks, streetscapes and housing.

2010-02-18T12:30:00.003Z

Appeal Success at Grange-over-Sands
At the end of last year we submitted an appeal on behalf of a client in Grange-over-Sands against the decision of South Lakeland District Council to refuse planning permission for a new dwelling within the town’s conservation area. Today we were notified by the Planning Inspectorate that our appeal has been successful and planning permission has been granted for this new, innovatively designed, dwelling.

2009-11-30T11:19:00.007Z

New Staff Appointed
We are pleased to announce the recent appointment of Gary Stodart Dip. Hort MLD CMLI to further strengthen the team of landscape architects at Stephenson Halliday. Gary previously worked at Entec in Glasgow and has over fifteen years experience in landscape and visual assessment, landscape design and landscape planning.

This follows the appointment of Neil Furber and Ian Ibbotson who joined Stephenson Halliday earlier this year. Neil is a Principal Landscape Architect and has worked with a number of leading multidisciplinary environmental practices, including Barton Willmore and RPS Plc. Prior to joining Stephenson Halliday in May 2009, Neil was an Associate and Landscape Team Leader at the Environmental Dimension Partnership, a multidisciplinary consultancy based in the Cotswolds.

Ian Ibbotson also joined us in May 2009 as Principal Landscape Architect (Visualisation and Digital Media). He has supported many multi-disciplinary practices throughout the UK with visualisation and digital media work in his own company, New Visual Solutions Ltd, founded in 2000. Ian manages the practice’s visualisation and digital media capability supporting the minerals, waste, energy, landscape and visual assessment programmes of work. Ian’s remit is to continually develop this capability to offer clients the most up to date visualisation and digital media services.

Further Representations on the Cumbria Minerals and Waste Development Framework

2009-10-14T17:07:00.000+01:00

Earlier this year we made a number of representations to Cumbria County Council on behalf of a number of clients all seeking the inclusion of sites within the emerging Site Allocations Polices and Proposals Map. On the whole the sites we have promoted have been included within the site allocations documents. There have been a couple of sites, however, which have not been included. We have submitted further representations to the planning authority today, which have supported the County Council's decision to include the sites we have sought. We have also provided a detailed case for the inclusion of the sites that were previously not included. The Site Allocations Policies and Proposals Map will be subject to a further round of consultation in December.

Planning Permissions Granted at Hespin Wood

2009-10-01T17:04:00.000+01:00

At the end of 2008 and in early 2009 we submitted two planning applications on behalf of Cumbria Waste Management Ltd for two developments at their Hespin Wood site. The first of these applications sought planning permission for a Materials Recovery Facility aimed at diverting waste away from the waste stream going for disposal by landfill by providing an opportunity for further sorting waste to remove recyclable materials. It was anticipated that this facility could process up to 40,000 tonnes per annum. The second application was for the relocation of the Secondary Aggregates Production Facility. The relocation of this facility is required to vacate the site for the development of one of a new Mechanical Biological Treatment Plant. The planning applications for both the Materials Recovery Facility and the Secondary Aggregates Production Facility were approved today.

Stephenson Halliday Exhibiting at BWEA Conference

2009-07-23T11:04:00.001+01:00

Stephenson Halliday will be exhibiting at the BWEA's 31st annual conference, the UK's leading renewable energy event. The conference and exhibition will take place over 20-22 October 2009 at ACC Liverpool. Three days of conference sessions will address policy, development and technical aspects of UK onshore and offshore wind energy, wave and tidal energy and small wind systems. Over 180 companies will exhibit at the event and Stephenson Halliday can be found at Stand 87.

Bishopwood and Woodlane Wind Farms

2009-07-15T11:54:00.001+01:00

Two planning applications have been submitted to Selby District Council for two wind farms east of Selby. The District Council will now proceed to further public consultation and determination of these applications over the next few months. We prepared the Landscape and Visual chapters of the Environmental Statements, with the proposals having been coordinated by North Energy Associates.

Withernwick Wind Farm Public Inquiry: Consent Granted

2009-04-20T15:47:00.001+01:00

We are delighted to announce that planning permission has been granted for the proposed 9 No. turbine development at Withernwick in the East Riding of Yorkshire following the recent Public Inquiry. It was a pleasure to assist EnergieKontor with both the Landscape and Visual Amenity and Planning evidence and be part of such a strong team effort at the Inquiry.

Withernwick Appeal Decision Letter

Further Planning Permissions Granted at Overby

2009-04-16T14:25:00.001+01:00

At the end of 2008 we secured planning permissions for two extensions to Overby Quarry, operated by Thomas Armstrong Ltd, giving combined additional reserves of 4.5 million tonnes. The permissions were subject to conditions requiring the completion of off-site road works in advance of the commencement of sand extraction operations within these extension areas. In January this year we submitted two planning applications to allow the commencement of sand extraction operation in advance of completing all of the off-site road works. Those applications were approved today.

Submission of Planning Application and Minerals and Waste Development Framework Representation for Cardewmires Quarry on behalf of Tarmac Ltd

2009-03-02T16:25:00.001Z

The application for the continued operation of Cardewmires Quarry to 2026 was submitted today. The current planning permission for the operation of the quarry expires at the end of this year, but some 1.7 million tonnes of reserve have yet to be extracted. Tarmac Ltd appointed Stephenson Halliday last year to prepare a planning application and accompanying Environmental Statement to secure the continued operation of the site to allow extraction of all the remaining reserves. We now look forward to working with Cumbria County Council to secure the expeditious handling of the application.

Earlier this year we made representations to Cumbria County Council to include within the site allocations of the Cumbria Minerals and Waste Development Framework an area to the south of the existing quarry. The submission seeks the allocation of this 23 Ha area as a preferred site for future sand and gravel extraction.

Litter Cage and Temporary Transfer Station at Distington Landfill: Permission Granted

2009-02-25T16:28:00.001Z

Planning permission has been granted for the proposed Litter Cage and Temporary Transfer Station at the Distington Landfill Site in West Cumbria. The planning team at Stephenson Halliday Ltd worked closely with Cumbria Waste Management Ltd to develop an acceptable scheme. The facility will allow higher operating standards over the remaining life of the landfill and provide a temporary facility for waste transfer whilst a long term transfer facility is being developed. Stephenson Halliday Ltd is assisting CWM Ltd in its search for suitable sites for this facility.

Kiln Pit Hill Public Inquiry: Consent Granted

2009-02-12T09:57:00.001Z

We are delighted to announce that consent has been granted for the proposed 6 No. turbine development at Kiln Pit Hill in Northumberland following the recent Public Inquiry. It was a pleasure to assist Npower Renewables with Landscape and Visual Amenity evidence and be part of such a strong team effort at the Inquiry.

Bishopwood and Woodlane Wind Farms

2009-01-09T12:22:00.001Z

A Public Exhibition will be held for the Woodlane Wind Farm on Wednesday 14th January at Haddlesey Church Community Hall in Chapel Haddlesey and for the Bishopwood Wind Farm on Friday 16th at The Owl Hotel, Hambleton. There will be representatives from North Energy and Prowind on hand at the exhibitions open between 1.30 to 8pm. A brief description of the proposal along with photomontages from several local viewpoints will be illustrated.

Kiln Pit Hill Wind Farm Public Inquiry

2009-01-08T12:51:00.001Z

Ken Halliday, Landscape Planning Director, Stephenson Halliday was pleased to assist Npower Renewables Limited with the preparation and presentation of expert evidence on Landscape and Visual Amenity at the Kiln Pit Hill Wind Farm Public Inquiry. The proposed scheme comprises 6 wind turbines, with an overall height of 100m to blade tip, on a site 5km north west of Consett, within Tynedale District, Northumberland. The Public Inquiry commenced on 6 January 2009 and is scheduled to last 8 days.

Westnewton Wind Farm

2008-12-23T12:49:00.001Z

We were pleased to assist Broadview Energy with preparation of a detailed Landscape and Visual Assessment as part of the Westnewton Wind Farm Environmental Statement. The proposed scheme comprising 3 wind turbines is located in Allerdale District, Cumbria. Further information regarding the proposed scheme is available at the following link: http://www.westnewtonwind.com/

Overby Quarry Planning Permissions Issued

2008-10-20T16:59:00.001+01:00

Stephenson Halliday is delighted to announce that the planning permissions for the lateral extensions to, and continued operation of, Overby Quarry have been issued today. These permissions secure the long term future of the quarry with permitted reserves of 4.5 million tonnes.

The planning and landscape teams at Stephenson Halliday have been working closely with our clients Thomas Armstrong (Aggregates) Ltd, Burnetts Solicitors and Cumbria County Council to expedite the completion of the legal agreements on which the issue of the permissions was dependant.

The legal agreements required the development of an innovative strategy for the long term management of six mineral sites owned by Thomas Armstrong to create a habitat network within West Cumbria. The strategy considers the restoration of the sites in a holistic manner, focusing upon enhancing the connectivity between habitats, increasing biodiversity and strengthening links to localised wildlife sites. Further habitat creation and improved land management form part of the network proposals which respond the Cumbria and UK Biodiversity Action Plans. The legal agreement also provides for road improvements on the route to Overby Quarry and the creation of additional footpaths in the surrounding area.

Newbiggin Mine, Kirkby Thore

2008-09-18T15:31:00.001+01:00

The major earthworks on site have started in earnest today. Metcalfs have won the contract and will be filling in the former mine entrance with soils stored on site. We will be progressing with the landscape restoration this autumn including nearly 1km of hedge planting and 3 hectares of agricultural grassland.

Sillfield Wind Cluster, Near Kendal

2008-08-06T16:57:00.001+01:00

We have been appointed by Whirlwind Renewables Ltd and Novera Energy to undertake a Landscape and Visual Assessment for a wind cluster near Sillfield Farm, Endmoor, near Kendal. We will be working alongside ECUS at the University of Sheffield to produce the Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposal. The Public Exhibition was held in June 2008 and since then we have been working on finalising the layout following public comments, environmental and design considerations.

New Landscape Architect Appointed

2008-07-29T09:29:00.001+01:00

We are pleased to announce the recent appointment of Derek Howlin Dip. Hort, MALA to strengthen the team of landscape architects at Stephenson Halliday. Derek has past experience as a landscape architect in New York and in recent years has been based in Dublin working with Cunnane Stratton Reynolds and Mullin Design on a broad range of landscape planning and design projects.

Hespin Wood Materials Recovery Facility

2008-07-16T14:06:00.001+01:00

On behalf of Cumbria Waste Management Ltd, Stephenson Halliday has submitted a planning application to Cumbria County Council for a Materials Recovery Facility at CWM's Hespin Wood Waste Management Park near Todhills north of Carlisle. Loads delivered to the waste management park with significant proportions of recyclable material would be diverted to the facility where recyclable material would be removed from the waste stream. The facility would allow for the diversion of wastes delivered to the park which are currently disposed of by landfill. The development would involve the construction of a large building to house equipment to process up to 30,000 tonnes of material per annum. It is anticipated the development could lead to the diversion from landfill of around 15,000 tonnes of waste a year.

Flusco Materials Recovery Facility

2008-06-19T14:03:00.001+01:00

Stephenson Halliday has been assisting Cumbria Waste Management Ltd in their planning application for a Materials Recovery Facility at Flusco Landfill Site. The planning application was considered by the Development Control and Regulation Committee on 19th June 2008. We are delighted to be able to announce that the application was approved by the committee with little debate.

Once constructed, the facility will allow CWM Ltd to increase recycling of wastes collected at the adjacent Household Waste Recycling Centre and provide for more efficient haulage of recyclable waste collected in the Penrith area.

Runshaw College

2008-06-02T15:00:00.001+01:00

Stephenson Halliday has been commissioned by Runshaw College in Leyland to develop an outdoor social space for students within the sixth form college campus. The project will provide a multi purpose space for meeting and socialising which can also be used for informal outdoor music and drama. The site is defined by a narrow wooded valley and the existing college buildings and will use the attractive mature woodland framework as a backcloth to the social interaction within the space.

Flusco Materials Recovery Facility

2008-05-30T09:56:00.001+01:00

Stephenson Halliday has been engaged by Cumbria Waste Management Ltd to assist in securing planning permission for a Materials Recovery Facility at Flusco Landfill Site. The facility would allow for increased recycling of wastes collected at the adjacent Household Waste Recycling Centre and more efficient haulage of recyclable waste collected in the Penrith area. It is anticipated that the application will be considered by Cumbria County Council later in June.

Quarry Products Association/RTPI Minerals Planning Conference

2008-05-22T10:39:00.001+01:00

Stephenson Halliday attended the Quarry Products Association/RTPI Minerals Planning Conference on the 22 May at Dunstall Park, Wolverhampton Race Course. The practice was one of the key sponsors for the annual conference which brings together key planning professionals from across the UK. Stephenson Halliday also exhibited at the event which was attended by over 300 professionals. The management and supply of aggregates was the key focus of the conference with a variety of guest speakers providing an up to date review and a comprehensive assessment of the future of aggregates supply.

open the file here

Stephenson Halliday cycle team

2008-05-12T16:58:00.001+01:00

Over the last weekend of April the Stephenson Halliday cycle team completed the Coast to Coast bike ride setting off from Workington and finishing 140 miles and 3 days later in Tynemouth! Here is a photograph of the motley crew taken at the start of the ride.

Overby Ridge Habitat Network

2008-04-11T11:00:00.001+01:00

Stephenson Halliday is currently developing an innovative strategy for the long term management of six mineral sites to create a habitat network within West Cumbria. The strategy considers the restoration of the sites in a holistic manner, focusing upon enhancing the connectivity between habitats, increasing biodiversity and strengthening links to localised wildlife sites. Further habitat creation and improved land management form part of the network proposals which respond the Cumbria and UK Biodiversity Action Plans.
When completed the habitat strategy will form part of a legal agreement between Cumbria County Council and Thomas Armstrong Ltd. The legal agreement also provides for road improvements on the route to Overby Quarry and additional footpaths in the surrounding area. The completion of the agreement will allow the planning permission for the extensions to the quarry to be issued. Two lateral extensions to the quarry have been approved which will secure the long term future for the quarry with combined permitted reserves of 4.5 million tonnes.

Time and Tide Project, Grange-over-Sands

2008-04-07T10:59:00.001+01:00

The practice has been commissioned to provide landscape design and management services for the Time and Tide project in Grange over Sands, Cumbria. We will be working with John Coward Architects, Archaeo-Environment archaeologists, local project group 3Ps and South Lakeland District Council to prepare a Stage 1 Heritage Lottery Fund bid for the restoration of the Promenade, Ornamental Gardens and Park Road Gardens. These areas form the estuary frontage of this elegant seaside town and contribute to its distinctive character. Their restoration will play an important part in driving the regeneration of the town as an attractive leisure and holiday destination.

Bishopwood and Woodlane Wind Farms, near Selby

2008-03-21T10:59:00.001Z

Stephenson Halliday are assisting North Energy and Prowind with the landscape and visual assessment in connection with two potential sites undergoing detailed Environmental Assessment. Initial consultation is taking place and at this stage the number and size of turbines has yet to be determined and we will be assisting with the design and mitigation of the proposal.

Kirkby Thore Gypsum Plant, Appleby

2008-03-05T10:58:00.001Z

Due to a significant increase in the amount of recycling carried out at the British Gypsum Plant at Kirkby Thore near Appleby, Stephenson Halliday have been commissioned to assist with planning and landscape services in connection with the surrender of their landfill license.

Presentation to the Institute of Quarries, Lancashire Branch

2008-02-27T10:56:00.001Z

Peter Stephenson (Director) and David Forsythe (Landscape Architect) gave a presentation to the Institute of Quarries Lancashire Branch on Quarry Restoration and Planning. The presentation focused upon planning policy in relation to restoration, as well as the role of restoration within the quarry development process. Other key topics included the design of quarry restoration schemes and the implementation of restoration and aftercare. Please follow this link to access the presentation.

The Firs Caravan Site, Derbyshire

2008-02-15T10:03:00.000Z

Stephenson Halliday assisted The Caravan Club in obtaining planning consent for the redevelopment of this site, which will provide new reception and toilet block facilities and 82 caravan pitches, opening in August 2008. Proposals for the replacement and management of extensive areas of existing tree cover within the site were an essential aspect of the application.

Elterwater Quarry Visitor Centre

2008-02-04T10:07:00.000Z

Burlington Slate Ltd have commissioned the practice to design visitor facilities adjoining the active working areas of Elterwater Quarry in the Lake District National Park, working with local architects Hanson Marston Mellor. "The Slate Story" project will provide access to historic underground quarry workings, outdoor seating, education and display areas, as well as outlook points for visitors to observe the active quarry workings.

Griffin Wind Farm Consented by Scottish Government

2008-01-31T17:07:00.000Z

We are delighted to announce consent of the Griffin Wind Farm, near Aberfeldy in Perthshire, comprising 68 no 3MW turbines giving a total generating capacity of 204 Megawatts (MW), the third largest wind farm in Scotland to have been consented. We have enjoyed working closely with Green Power assisting in Landscape and Visual Assessment (LVIA) including presentation of LVIA evidence at the public inquiry in October 2006. In announcing the decision earlier today the Scottish Government Energy Minister Jim Mather said:

"The decision to approve Griffin windfarm is an important milestone in the Government's energy strategy for Scotland -which will include the whole renewable mix - from biomass to the energywe can generate from wave and tide. This wind farm will have the capacity to meet electricity demand for more than 100,000 homes - further demonstration of Scotland's vast renewable energy potential. There is no doubt that this country can become the green energy capital of Europe."

Visit this project in our portfolio - Griffin

Auchtermuchty Wind Farm

2008-01-22T09:37:00.000Z

Closing statements at the Public Inquiry for the wind farm near Auchtermuchty in Fife will be heard today. Ken Halliday appeared as the Expert Witness for Landscape and Visual Amenity and Nick Edwards appeared as the Planning Expert Witness on behalf of Energiekontor UK, the developer for the site.

Clochnahill Wind Farm Granted Permission

2008-01-18T17:14:00.000Z

Permission has been granted for a 4 turbine wind farm in Aberdeenshire south of Stonehaven. Nick Edwards appeared at the Public Inquiry in December as the Planning Expert Witness on behalf of the Firm of Hugh Gordon which will develop the scheme.

Fairburn Wind Farm Permission Granted

2008-01-15T17:18:00.000Z

Permission has been granted for this site of 20 turbines capable of producing 35-40MW in Ross-shire near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, subject to final legal agreements. We assisted Scottish and Southern Energy with the design, mitigation and landscape and visual assessment within the ES submitted in May 2005 and we have been involved in extensive consultation to date. Visit this project in our portfolio – Fairburn.

Bradleys Sand Pit, Preston

2007-12-20T17:20:00.000Z

Stephenson Halliday has coordinated and submitted on behalf of J A Jackson a planning application and accompanying Environmental Statement to extend the existing sand quarry, located near Preston, Lancashire westwards over some 10.2ha, amend the restoration scheme and continue the recycling and waste transfer activities for a period of 12 years. In tandem with developing the extension proposals we were asked to consider the long term after uses for the site after restoration complete. This provided an opportunity to develop a detailed masterplan incorporating formal and informal recreation facilities as well as enhance the nature conservation interests of the site. It is anticipated the application will be determined early 2008.

Dusty Drum Wind Farm

2007-12-20T17:19:00.000Z

The practice has been commissioned by A7 Energy to prepare a detailed landscape and visual assessment for the proposed wind farm at Dusty Drum comprising 3 No. turbines with an overall height of 110m to blade tip. The site is located in Angus District, to the west of Arbroath.

Achany Wind Farm Permission Granted

2007-12-17T17:25:00.000Z

Permission has been granted for this site of 40MW (23 turbines) outside Lairg in the Scottish Highlands following a Public Inquiry earlier this year. We assisted Scottish and Southern Energy with the design, consultation and landscape and visual assessment within the ES submitted in October 2005. Construction is due to start in 2008 and should be fully commissioned in 2010.

Brightenber Wind Farm

2007-08-06T17:39:00.000+01:00

Stephenson Halliday have recently been commissioned to prepare an Environmental Statement for a proposed wind farm at Brightenber in Craven District.

Newbiggin Mine, Long Marton, Appleby, Cumbria

2007-08-06T17:34:00.000+01:00

Stephenson Halliday have been producing draft restoration schemes for the recently closed mine in consultation with the British Gypsum, the Church Commissioners, Cumbria County Council, local land agent and tenant farmer. Once the restoration scheme has been agreed, the final earthworks and landscaping will begin.

Peel Place Sand and Gravel Quarry, Gosforth, West Cumbria

2007-08-06T17:30:00.000+01:00

Significant areas of restoration have been progressing with tonnes of soil being moved to achieve the first phases of restoration. 4ha of the quarry is being returned to agriculture and nearly 800m of hedges will be planted in the winter of 2007/8.

Logiealmond Wind Farm, Perthshire

2007-07-16T17:44:00.000+01:00

The practice has completed the Landscape and Visual assessment as well as cumulative assessment for a proposed wind farm in Perthshire for fourteen 2.5MW turbines on behalf of Amec Wind Energy. The submission of the Environmental Statement will follow the recent public exhibitions held this month. The practice has worked closely with Amec, Perth and Kinross Council and Scottish Natural Heritage to design a sensitive layout which fits well into the landscape.

Somervell Steps, Kendal

2007-07-09T17:46:00.000+01:00

The practice has been commissioned by Kendal Civic Society and Kendal Town Council to design and implement a prominent town centre riverside public open space. Somervell Steps will form a small but important link in the sequence of parks and open green spaces along the River Kent and provide much needed disabled access to the riverside walk. Local dressed limestone will be used for steps and walls with swathes of bulbs and wild flower planting providing seasonal interest and colour. Work will be financed by the Somervell Trust, which has strong connections with the industrial history of Kendal’s K Shoes Factory.

The Caravan Club

2007-07-04T09:44:00.000+01:00

Stephenson Halliday has assisted The Caravan Club with planning issues on sites in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park and Derbyshire. Sensitive planting proposals have resolved overlooking problems and integrated the sites within the wider landscape.

Auchtermuchty Wind Farm Planning Appeal

2007-07-02T09:46:00.000+01:00

Stephenson Halliday has been engaged to assist Energiekontor in fighting their appeal against the failure of Fife council to determine their application at Auchtermuchty. The proposal at Auchtermuchty was for five wind turbines and was submitted in July 2006. By March 2007 there had still been no decision on the application and Energiekontor decided to appeal against non-determination. The appeal will be dealt with by public inquiry later this year and Stephenson Halliday will be presenting landscape and planning evidence.

Landfill Restoration Assessment Report

2007-06-07T18:09:00.000+01:00

Regulations came into force last year to allow local authorities to charge for making visits to sites to monitor their progress and ensure compliance with conditions attached to planning permissions. As a means of examining their own compliance with planning conditions, Cumbria Waste Management engaged Stephenson Halliday to assess the restoration progress at the Distington, Flusco and Hespin Wood landfill sites. The report summarising this assessment was completed in June 2007.

Snowhill Farm Quarry Planning Approval

2007-05-31T18:11:00.000+01:00

The practice submitted an application for an extension to this building stone quarry in March 2007. The extension was designed to provide an additional 120 000 tonnes of reserve whilst minimising the visual impact of the proposals given the site location close to the boundary of the Lake District National Park. The proposals received planning permission on 31st May 2007.

Gathercauld Wind Farm Environmental Statement Submission

2007-05-30T18:22:00.000+01:00

Extensive design work following consultation on landscape and visual issues as well as radar, hydrogeological and technical matters has been carried out, resulting in a compact, cohesive layout of five turbines for this site in Fife. The scale of this settled and cultivated landscape has been reflected in the choice of turbine size, and the potential visual effects experienced from a number of sensitive locations have influenced the proposal which was submitted to Fife Council in May 2007.

Withernwick Wind Farm Environmental Statement Submission

2007-04-11T18:24:00.000+01:00

The practice has co-ordinated and submitted the Environmental Impact Assessment for another wind farm in the East Riding of Yorkshire Borough Council on behalf of EnergieKontor. This proposal is for nine 2.0/2.5 MW turbines near the village of Withernwick near Aldbrough, south of Hornsea near the East Yorkshire coast. We prepared the planning case as well as the landscape and visual assessment and all of the visualisations including photomontages. This proposal would save over 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions over the 25 year life of the wind farm.

High House Sand and Gravel Quarry Planning Approval

2007-04-02T18:05:00.000+01:00

Following submission of a planning application and Environmental Statement in 2006 for a large extension, planning permission was granted by Cumbria County Council in March 2007 for some 1.4 million tonnes of sand to allow the quarry to continue to 2021. For our clients, D A Harrison, it was important to obtain further reserves for a significant period, which will ensure the security of their concrete business, the supply of aggregate materials and employment in West Cumbria.

Ironbridge to Halesfield 132KV Transmission Line

2007-03-07T18:29:00.001Z

The identification of preferred corridors and routes for this proposed new transmission line has been carried out by assessing the landscape, visual, ecological and archaeological effects of the alternatives on behalf of Central Networks. Stephenson Halliday are working with Erinaceous Planning (formerly Dunlop Haywards), ecologists ERA Partnership and archaeologists Map Archaeological Consultancy on the Environmental Impact Assessment of this project, preparing an Environmental Statement for submission by the end of 2007. The identification and mitigation of landscape and visual effects within a study area which includes the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site forms the major part of the work, including the preparation of detailed visualisations in the form of photomontages to aid decision makers and inform the general public.

Monkwith Wind Farm Environmental Statement Submission

2007-02-19T09:48:00.001Z

The practice has co-ordinated and submitted the Environmental Impact Assessment which accompanies the planning application submitted by EnergieKontor to East Riding of Yorkshire Borough Council for seven, 2.0/2.5 MW turbines on the coast near Tunstall, north of Withernsea. The seven turbines would generate enough electricity in a year for around 8,000-10,000 homes, saving between 600k – 800k tonnes of CO2 over the 20 year lifespan.

Newbiggin Mine Restoration

2007-02-02T09:50:00.000Z

We have been commission by British Gypsum Ltd to prepare restoration proposals for an Anhydrite Mine near Newbiggin. Our work will include balancing the cut and fill requirements and a full landscape restoration scheme for approval by Cumbria County Council. We will then prepare contract documents to implement the restoration and oversee the 5 year maintenance contract.

Ochil Hills Wind Farm Conjoined Public Inquiry

2007-01-23T09:51:00.000Z

The public Inquiry held in Glenfarg, Perthshire for a proposed wind farm at Little Law, where Ken Halliday is appearing as an expert Landscape Witness on behalf of Green Power (International) Ltd. The Inquiry will be re-convened in Perth for the second part where the cumulative issues will be heard regarding the 4 proposed wind farms within the Ochil Hills. Ken Halliday will appear for the Little Law Wind Farm Proposal regarding the potential cumulative effects of the operational, consented and all other proposals in the vicinity. We also prepared the Landscape and Visual Assessment as part of the Environmental Statement, submitted in 2004.

Work in progress

2006-11-13T09:59:00.000Z

The practice has been engaged by EnergieKontor to prepare the Environmental Impact Assessment for their latest wind energy scheme in Fife. The project at Gathercauld involves the development of up to 13 wind turbines on land to the east of the village of Ceres. Stephenson Halliday are lead consultants providing detailed landscape and visual assessment, a planning statement and overall coordination of the preparation of the Environmental Statement.

Griffin Forest Wind Farm Public Inquiry

2006-11-03T10:01:00.000Z

The Public Inquiry held at Amulree, Perthshire into a proposed wind farm of 204MW has concluded and the result is expected in the next few months. Ken Halliday appeared as the Landscape Expert Witness on behalf of Green Power (International) Ltd, the developers of the proposed scheme comprising 68 no. turbines up to 124m high located within Griffin Scotstoun and Ballinloan Forest, north west of Perth. We also prepared the Landscape and Visual Assessment as part of the Environmental Statement, submitted in 2004.

Roan Edge Planning Approval

2006-10-20T10:03:00.000+01:00

Cumbria County Planning and Development Committee have approved the application for the landfill of inert waste and recycling operations at Roan Edge Landfill Site, Killington. The Roan Edge site is an integral part of the recycling and waste management operations carried out in South Lakeland. We produced the Supporting Statement to accompany a planning application and carried out discussions with the Planning Authority. At the same time as making the application to extend the timescale the submitted Supporting Statement amends the proposals to better accommodate the increase in recycling operations which has occurred over recent years. The engineering of void space to accommodate the recycling and processing operations would provide additional landfill capacity lengthening the life of the site.

Blaze Fell Planning Approval

2006-09-28T10:04:00.000+01:00

Cumbria County Planning and Development Committee have approved the application for the opening of a quarry some 0.5 hectares as an extension to an adjacent disused quarry worked up until the 1920’s near Armathwaite, north of Penrith. We produced the supporting statement to accompany a planning application for the small sandstone quarry. The siting, design and restoration proposals for the quarry were carried out in response to the ecology of the site, which includes Great Crested Newts. The approved scheme provides enhanced woodland planting with the restoration proposals returning the site to lowland heathland.

Work in progress

2006-07-03T16:39:00.000+01:00

Wind farm assessment work continues apace; we are currently assisting Amec Border Wind with the assessment of a revised layout for Lewis Wind Farm, which at 181 turbines, remains the largest wind farm proposal in Europe. We are presently preparing Landscape and Visual Amenity evidence for presentation at forthcoming Public Inquires into wind farm proposals in Perth and Kinross, the Ochils and Ayrshire.

Auchtermuchty Planning Application Submission

2006-06-26T16:41:00.000+01:00

We have recently completed the Environmental Statement (ES) on behalf of Energiekontor UK Ltd to accompany their Planning Application for a five turbine wind farm near Auchtermuchty in Fife. We provided detailed landscape and visual analysis, planning statement as well as coordination and production of the ES and are continuing our discussions with the statutory consultees.

Scottish Renewables Annual Conference

2006-03-28T16:42:00.000+01:00

We shall be attending the Annual Conference in Glasgow this week, and hope to see you there.

New Appointment

2006-03-27T16:43:00.000+01:00

Tom Esslemont has just joined us to strengthen our graphics team. He has been lecturing at the University of Central Lancashire but has been tempted into private practice to specialise in visualisations for many of our wind farms projects. He will soon be appearing in our staff pages.

Ackron Wind Farm, Scottish Highlands

2006-03-14T16:43:00.000Z

We are currently assisting Scottish and Southern Energy with a wind farm proposal for around 13 turbines in Sutherland near Melvich on the north coast. The application is due to be submitted in the spring 2006.

Whinash Wind Farm, Cumbria

2006-03-02T16:45:00.000Z

We have been surprised and disappointed by the refusal of the proposed wind farm at Whinash in Cumbria on 02 March 2006. We would have liked to see England’s largest wind farm built on our doorstep. We will be studying this decision over the coming weeks on how this may affect other projects in England and the UK. For more information on the decision, see the Department of Trade and Industry website.

February 2006

2006-02-01T16:45:00.000Z

The practice has recently assisted AMEC Wind with the landscape and visual assessment for proposed 60MW wind energy project at Ray Forest in Northumberland, and the planning application was submitted in December 2005.
On 30 January 2006 Cumbria County Council granted planning permission to our client British Nuclear Group Ltd for a temporary extension in respect of the storage of containers at their low level waste facility at Drigg in Cumbria. We coordinated the information required for the Environmental Statement, prepared a detailed landscape and visual assessment of the proposal and acted as planning advisors for the project.
We are currently assisting EnergieKontor with coordination of an Environmental Statement for a proposed wind farm at Auchtermuchty in Fife.
The practice has recently been successful in obtaining planning permission for a new Liquid Waste Acceptance Facility for Cumbria Waste Management Ltd at their Distington Landfill site. The new facility will allow the direct treatment of liquid wastes through the sites leachate treatment system. This is an important asset for the site as the provisions of the landfill regulations will bite next year banning the disposal of liquid wastes to landfill.
We are currently working on two major extensions to sand and gravel quarries in north Cumbria. Both projects require full Environmental Impact Assessment. We are carrying out the project design, landscape and visual assessment and planning work, as well as coordinating all other assessment work.

Windfarm application

2005-10-01T16:49:00.001+01:00

Scottish and Southern Energy have recently submitted a planning application and ES for 23 turbines producing 40MW of electricity near Lairg, about 60km north of Inverness. We were pleased to assist with the preparation of the Landscape and Visual Assessment including photomontage visualisations.

Staff Training in LSS

2005-10-01T16:48:00.000+01:00

We have now extended our capability in LSS software by investing in training for more staff members, and have committed ourselves to using LSS in our quarry and landfill designs. This will enable us to produce accurate volume predictions along with 3-D visualisations to assist both the design and the submission of Planning Applications. These models can be passed on to clients who wish to use them for long term management and restoration of the site. For more information on LSS, see the website at http://www.mccarthytaylor.com/

Distribution Centre Expansion

2005-10-01T16:47:00.000+01:00

October 2005

2005-10-01T11:41:00.001+01:00

The practice has been commissioned to prepare landscape proposals for a major Distribution Centre expansion for Lakeland Limited on the northern fringe of Kendal, working with local architects Hanson Walford Marston and engineers R.G. Parkins. Visual issues and sustainable drainage requirements are shaping the proposals.

We have now extended our capability in LSS software by investing in training for more staff members, and have committed ourselves to using LSS in our quarry and landfill designs. This will enable us to produce accurate volume predictions along with 3-D visualisations to assist both the design and the submission of Planning Applications. These models can be passed on to clients who wish to use them for long term management and restoration of the site. For more information on LSS, see the website at http://www.mccarthytaylor.com

Scottish and Southern Energy have recently submitted a planning application and ES for 23 turbines producing 40MW of electricity near Lairg, about 60km north of Inverness. We were pleased to assist with the preparation of the Landscape and Visual Assessment including photomontage visualisations.

September 2005

2005-09-01T16:50:00.000+01:00

A new Landscape Architect and Cad Technician have joined our practice. David Forsyth has come to us from Capita’s Carlisle office, to strengthen our landscape design and assessment team and Rosie English has joined us to explore advanced visualisation techniques.
We have been watching the Whinash Windfarm Public Inquiry with great interest, since it was on our door step and look forward to a decision in the near future.
We have had good news in the last couple of months, with a grant of planning permission for the Sand and Gravel Quarry Extension at Peel Place, Gosforth, West Cumbria. We wish Tendley Quarries Ltd. a successful and smooth 6 years of operation.
We have been involved with a planning submission for a proposed wind farm near Contin, north of Inverness, on the Fairburn Estate above Orrin Reservoir. Scottish and Southern Energy have submitted an ES for Fairburn Windfarm, 20 turbines with a capacity of 35MW. For more information, follow this link for the Non Technical Summary: http://www.scottish-southern.co.uk/ssegroup/GenerationDocs/Volume%201%20Non%20Technical%20Summary.pdf
We have recently assisted BNFL with a planning submission including environmental assessment for temporary increased stacking in Vault 8 of the Low Level Waste Repository at Drigg in West Cumbria near Sellafield. We look forward to working with them in future developments.
We have recently completed a Landscape and Visual Assessment of the proposed Aire & Calder Windfarm located in the East Riding of Yorkshire on behalf of E-ON UK Ltd.

November 2004

2004-11-01T16:50:00.001Z

We moved premises on the 1 st of October into more spacious accommodation. Our new offices are adjacent to our former premises, so the move has been very smooth.

2004-02-11T11:27:00.000Z

In the last twelve months we have moved into larger premises and three new staff have joined us in both landscape and planning.
Kelly Anderson, a chartered landscape architect joined us 12 months ago to strengthen our landscape planning and design team.
Six months ago, Nick Edwards, a Principal planner, joined us from Cumbria County Council to take on waste management and minerals planning. Very recently Paul Redshaw joined us to strengthen our landscape team.
We moved premises on the 1 st of October into more spacious accommodation. Our new offices are adjacent to our former premises, so the move has been very smooth.