Spatial planning
Southgates Masterplan, Kings Lynn, UK
The Good CityBDP’s planning teams work to create great places that embody the principles of the Good City.
The team undertakes spatial planning at all scales from national and regional plans to local and neighbourhood plans. We undertake this work across the world and often work in partnership with other professions within BDP. This spatial planning work is collaborative and imaginative but also evidence-based and data driven. We are expert in resolving complex needs and understanding different sectors.
We work securing planning consent for developers and public bodies such as hospitals and universities. Our planners work with the nuts and bolts of the planning system to secure planning permission and enable delivery through the approval of planning conditions, planning obligations and design changes. We act as intermediaries between design teams, stakeholders and decision makers to guide projects from the initial concept to high quality place.
How we can help
Spatial development strategies
We work on city wide strategies co-ordinating growth with transport investment. These plans synthesise multiple data layers with qualitative evidence covering social, environmental and economic factors to create a holistic vision.
Statutory plans and design guidance
We work with city and regional municipalities to develop statutory plans and other policy documents like design codes that help developers, officers and applicants deliver high quality developments. These guides aim to retain the context and character of a place whilst evolving to meet the future needs of their communities in sustainable way.
Planning applications
We prepare planning applications for all types of development promoted by the public and private sector. We prepare applications, manage the application process, negotiate conditions and ensure the smooth implementation of projects to create the great places.
Neighbourhood and estate strategies
We develop long-term estate strategies for developers and institutions to ensure efficient and sustainable use of buildings and land assets and improve the quality and management of spaces. We have particular experience in healthcare, education and cultural sectors bringing about change through phased development and strategies to ensure planning consent for new buildings.
Public engagement
We facilitate meaningful participation with communities and stakeholders as part of all of our planning work We have a toolbox of techniques and approaches that help achieve consensus even when there are diverse opinions.
Our work
Teaching, Trauma and Tertiary Care Centre (3Ts)
Two new hospital buildings modernise key wards and establish the region's Major Trauma Centre.
Whitechapel Elizabeth Line Station
The redevelopment of Whitechapel Station has transformed it into a vital interchange for the London Underground, Overground, and the Elizabeth line.
Lowfield Green
Lowfield Green is a new flagship housing scheme for the City of York Council on a former school site in Acomb.
Key contacts
Tessa O'Neill
Director, Head of Town Planning
Kuniomi Hirano
Urban Planning, Nippon Koei Co., Ltd.
Related themes
Bringing people together
The Good City thrives on connection. Even in a digital world, real human interaction remains vital to urban life.
Well designed
Every layer of the Good City – from plans to details – is carefully designed to shape a functional, beautiful, connected place.
Quality of life
The Good City fosters safe, diverse, supportive communities – where people thrive in healthy, connected places.