With offices in the midlands EN-PLAN provide Planning and Architectural Consultancy assistance to clients in Sutton Coldfield. From inception of the scheme, including drawings and planning/building control applications, through to completion we work on a range of schemes including; barn conversions, office refurbishment, agricultural buildings, new builds and listed buildings, and we pride ourselves on our dynamic and practical approach to planing and development. 

​

We have an excellent working relationship with local Councils and a full working knowledge of the Planning Policy that covers the planning application process, and adopt a collaborative approach when working with the Council and client to achieve a successful outcome.  Our close working relationships with local authority planning and conservation and building control officers enables us to adapt to fast changing regulations and complete projects in line with clients’ objectives.  We offer a complete range of  planning consultancy and architectural design services. This means we are one of the few companies that can offer a ‘one stop shop’ service from inception to completion in Sutton Coldfield. At present the planning policy relevant to Sutton Coldfield is as follows:nt the

​

●● The Birmingham Development Plan 2031 (adopted 2017) - which identifies Sutton Coldfield Town
Centre for “significant growth and diversification of the town centre to improve the limited retail and leisure offer” (Policy GA4) and also states that as a sub-regional centre, Sutton Coldfield “is capable of accommodating significant additional comparison retail floorspace and some office space” (Policy TP21).
●● GBSLEP Towns and Local Centres Framework (March 2019) - which sets out guidance and criteria for investment into town and local centre regeneration within the region (providing the avenue for funding this masterplan).
●● The Urban Centres Framework (adopted 2020) - which provides the strategy for identified urban centres within Birmingham, including Sutton Coldfield, to transform into diverse, well- connected and unique hubs at the heart of local communities.
●● Birmingham Connected Green (2013) and White Papers (2014), Birmingham’s 20-year Mobility Action Plan, and the Birmingham Transport Plan (draft issued January 2020) - an ambitious document that sets out the future direction of transport investment and design for the city region, focusing on a sustainable transport system for all.
●● Birmingham Walking and Cycling Strategy (January 2020) - which focuses on increasing walking and cycling in Birmingham for transport, leisure and health and subsequently reduce traffic congestion, overall carbon emissions, and improve air quality.

 

We aslo have a thorough understanding of the spatial conext of Sutton Coldfield today which has a bearing on development in the area. The town is perceived as having a good quality of
life and an attractive natural environment, reflected in its leafy residential streets, higher house prices and relatively more affluent social groups. Despite this Sutton Coldfield has some pockets of relative poverty.
Overall, its resident community is outward looking, creative and aspirational. Unlike many of the larger towns in the conurbation, Sutton Coldfield does not have large areas of industrial land and is overwhelmingly residential in nature.

The town is well connected by road and publicDespite a long list of positive qualities, Sutton Coldfield Town Centre is currently in crisis. It needs swift and firm action and attention to address structural problems in its offer and environment. The problems within the retail sector are well documented, and Sutton Coldfield’s reliance on retail and, to a large extent, past glories is no longer providing a broad range of choices for the catchment population. The people who live within easy reach of Sutton Coldfield Town Centre are broadly a mobile and affluent catchment group, able to access a broad range of shops and services in a number of alternative locations, including nearby local centres such as Boldmere and Mere Green.

Sutton Coldfield Town Centre needs to be updated and reinvented for the entire community to be a strong destination for a unique shopping and leisure experience. Improving its relationship with Sutton Park and providing a variety of high quality, centrally- located homes and workplaces would also help to increase overall footfall and subsequently its general vibrancy and ongoing viability as a town centre.
The public realm has the potential to be upgraded and made into an attractive, inviting and green environment making it pleasant to move through and spend time.

In terms of connectivity with the M6 Toll Motorway and other main routes close by with direct links to Birmingham City Centre. The main railway station is on the (Cross-City) Lichfield to Birmingham line and is a busy commuter service with services into Birmingham New Street typically every 10 minutes. The second ‘Sutton Park’ railway line, running roughly east-west, is currently used by freight only. Birmingham City Council continues to work with partners to promote the reinstatement of passenger services on the line.
Langley Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE) and the associated Peddimore employment site are within the boundary of the town, in former green belt land, and are set to provide 6,000 new homes and 6,500 new jobs in the local area. Close by, and as a result of its good accessibility, are the major attractions of
Drayton Manor theme park and The Belfry Hotel and Resort.

​

EN-PLAN routinely prepare and submit planning applications for a variety of proposals, ranging from small to medium sized redevelopments to larger development proposals and unique one-off projects for local developers and individuals. With a background in Local Authority Development Control, we have an excellent and up-to-date understanding of planning law and legislation. We also prepare listed building applications and Certificates of Lawfulness and can discuss any planning issues that may be affecting you as a third party.

​

Initial work often involves a planning appraisal, which will involve making an assessment of the physical aspects of the site and the relevant planning policies that apply. This background information allows us to develop a set of parameters that assist in the design process. Initially this may often be in sketch form in order to obtain pre-application advice from the local authority. Once we have established agreement relating to principles such as development, design, layout, scale, mass, density and form, we then progress with a formal planning application.

​

As part of our service we offer a free no obligation consultation to discuss your proposal as not  all development requires planning permission as some development is allowed, this is called permitted development.  You can find out if you need planning permission on the Government’s Planning Portal website.

 

Our role is to take responsibility. We see securing planning permission as much more than just complying with the relevant planning regulations. We believe in providing clear and concise recommendations, which identifies planning risk and opportunities and is part of a comprehensive analysis of all options for the site in question.

​

We have an excellent track record in achieving planning consent and provide our own in house architectural design service.  We can also provide your  with the additional specialist reports required alongside a formal planning application whether that be a Flood Risk Assessment or a Heritage Statement.

​

Post planning approval we can assist in discharging planning conditions attached to your permission and thereby speed up the delivery of your development, and we can manage your Building Regulations Application and provide the technical detail required for this, thereby giving you the approved technical specification to build from.

​

Please CONTACT us for a FREE initial consultation. We will be happy to assist with any planning and/or architecture related query to progress your project.  Please see our "PROJECTS" page for more examples of the work we have been involved in.