News - March / November 2011

 

  • Green Apple Awards

    Wigan Dam has been chosen as Winner in the International Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practice – awards are due to be presented to the contractors Galliford Try Infrastructure and Axis, at the House of Commons, Palace of Westminster on 14th November 2011.

  • Wigan Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 2 completion

    The construction of the Wigan Dam was completed in August 2011, almost 2 years after work on site commenced.  The EA client has used Jacobs as the engineering consultant and Axis as its planning and landscape consultant.  Axis prepared all planning submissions including environmental statements for this major new infrastructure in the Douglas Valley which will provide Wigan with a 1:100 year standard of flood protection.  Axis also managed the public consultation process and helped the design of the dam to fit in to its green belt location.  Axis landscape team continue to be involved in the project, responsible for the design and management of the landscape reinstatement contract.

  • Akzo Nobel, Stafford

    Axis has been instrumental in the recent successful planning application for a 400+ residential development located in Stafford on Akzo Nobel’s land to the north of the County town.  The dominant constraint for the development proposals had been the capacity of the highway network; through innovative solutions, Axis has developed the concept of an Urban Boulevard (a first in Staffordshire) to increase flow but maximize permeability.  Coupled with a complex circulatory system, Axis has not only unlocked the Akzo Nobel land but created a starting block from which to achieve the Borough Council’s growth point status.

  • Colomendy Footpaths finally diverted

    Colomendy footpath diversions – Axis has been assisting Kingswood/ Liverpool City Council in the diversion of 2 definitive footpaths which ran across the Kingswood Colomendy Site at Loggerheads, Denbighshire.  The original application to divert footpaths was submitted in May 2005 under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 - objections were received to the order, a public inquiry was held in October & December 2009, and the Inspector approved the permanent diversion of 1 of the footpaths in February 2010.  The 2nd footpath was then finally diverted under the Highways Act 1980 in June 2011, some 6 years after the original application was submitted.

  • Mynydd y Gwair Decision Overturned

    Following the refusal of planning permission by the Welsh Government for a 19 turbine wind farm in South Wales, RWE Npower Renewables has successfully challenged the decision in the High Court.  Axis provided landscape evidence to the public inquiry held in July 2010.  The High Court decision recognised that the inspector’s report concluded that turbines could be ‘accommodated without unacceptable harm to the landscape’.  It went on to confirm that the single reason used to refuse the application, (unacceptable impacts on peat) was not consistent with the only evidence before the inquiry in respect of this issue. 

Planning Pemissions Secured:

  • Airbus UK consents

    Planning consent has been secured from Flintshire County Council for an improved vehicle access at Airbus UK “Gate 3”, providing a new (replacement) access to the North Factory Complex.  The scheme will improve the existing poor standard of access to the site via Copse Lane, allow the transfer of main site HGV access to this location and provide additional site flexibility to accommodate operations associated with the A350 wing manufacturing facility and other potential future site improvements.
  • Approval has also been given for a number of enhancements to Building 86 (the existing visitor centre), and its immediate environs in order to create a ‘sense of arrival’ to the Airbus facility, improve the overall visitor experience and enhance its corporate image.

  • Planning consents secured at three Kingswood outdoor education centres

  • Kingswood Dearne Valley – Axis has helped to secure planning permission for Kingswood to develop a new outdoor education centre at the former Earth Centre site, Doncaster.  The Earth Centre, a millennium project demonstrating sustainable ways of living, failed to attract sufficient visitor numbers and closed to the visiting public in 2004 and has lain dormant for over 6 years.  Axis has contributed to initial feasibility studies, undertook all liaison with Doncaster Council, prepared site masterplans, and coordinated a pre-application public consultation exercise.  Axis prepared the planning application, the Design & Access statement and supporting justification statement including specialist ecology surveys, Landscape & Visual assessment, and transportation assessment.   The planning consent will allow Kingswood to develop 22 residential units capable of accommodating 800 visitors and 150 site based staff, a comprehensive range of activity equipment (climbing towers, zip lines, caving equipment, shelters and equipment stores) and a change of use on this green belt site.  Subject to discharge of conditions, work will commence on site shortly with a view to completion of the first phase and opening the site by spring 2012

  • Peak Venture Centre, Penistone, Barnsley – Axis has submitted planning applications on behalf of Kingswood at this outdoor education centre in the Peak District.  Consent has been secured for the replacement of a boiler room by a modern oil fired unit; and the extension of time on temporary buildings

  • Grosvenor Centre, Ashford – Axis has secured planning approval for a new team challenge course to complement other outdoor education facilities at its centre in Ashford, Kent.    

  • Veolia Waste Management Facility

    A planning application for the construction and operation of an Integrated Waste Management Facility (IWMF) at the Faraday Drive Industrial Estate in Bridgnorth, submitted to Shropshire Council, has been approved at Committee.  The client  is now commencing work on discharging the conditions precedent in order that construction of the IWMF can commence in the near future.

  • Kids Allowed

    Axis has been responsible for all highways aspects for a proposed “Kids Allowed” nursery on the A6 Buxton Road which recently gained full planning consent.  The proposals include for nearly 200 children and 45 staff, future provision for 6 private dwellings, with access directly onto Buxton Road.  Axis worked closely with Kids Allowed, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council’s Highways Department and the project design team to provide a detailed and robust application.  This was a challenging site, located and accessed as it is on one of the key strategic highway routes within Stockport

  • Todmorden Moor Wind Farm [Coronation Power]

    Following refusal of planning permission due technical issues following a public inquiry in 2009, a revised planning application was submitted in 2010 and Calderdale Council resolved to grant planning permission in January 2011.  Axis provided updated LVIA for inclusion in the EIA and successfully presented landscape and visual evidence at the subsequent Common Land Inquiry held in May 2011.

  • Crook Hill Wind Farm [Coronation Power]

    Following successful Planning and Common Land Appeals, Axis has provided landscape and visual advice in respect of revised access proposals.  This has involved updates to the landscape and visual impact assessment in the EIA and landscape design advice. This has included close liaison with the engineering designers Donaldson Associates.  Rochdale Borough Council has approved the revised access proposals and a decision is currently awaited from Rossendale Borough Council.

 

New Commissions:

Renewable Energy

 

  • Axis secures major Scottish wind farm EIA

    Axis has been appointed by E.On Climate & Renewables as lead planning and EIA consultant for a large wind farm development in Scotland.  The project will generate in excess of 50MW and so will be submitted to the Energy Consents Unit of the Scottish Executive

  • Strategic Landscape advice – Scotland

    Axis has been appointed to undertake a strategic review of a large portfolio of potential wind energy sites across large areas of the north and west of Scotland.   The project was secured on the basis of the quality of advice Axis provides on landscape and visual matters in a competitive tender.

  • Feed in Tariff planning commission

    Axis has been appointed to prepare planning applications for a series of Feed in Tariff wind turbine developments across the UK.  The client is a joint venture between the large landowner and a wind turbine manufacturer

  • Eneco feasibility study

    Axis is providing landscape and visual advice to Eneco Wind UK in relation to a proposed wind farm site in England.  Eneco are a Dutch utility provider with ambitious plans to develop a portfolio of renewable energy sites across the UK.

  • Corsbie Moor Wind Farm

    Axis has been appointed by E.On Climate & Renewables to provide independent landscape & visual assessment advice in respect of consultation responses to the proposed Corsbie Moor wind farm development in the Scottish Borders.

Other Sectors

  • Environment Agency

    Leigh East Flood Risk Management – upgrades to embankment spillway.  The flood storage basin at Leigh East requires improvements to be made to comply with best engineering practice and current standards.  The required engineering works will be disruptive to the nearby Lilford Park, valued by the local community.  Working alongside Black & Veatch as engineering consultants, Axis have been asked to develop the landscape design of the modified spillway incorporating mitigation measures to help restore the appearance of Lilford Park.  Axis have also been asked to advise on planning and the communication of the scheme proposals to relevant council officers and the public.

  • Sankey Bridges, Warrington – Axis has been commissioned by EA to develop a design vision and provide landscape design services in respect of the Sankey Bridges flood defence improvements as the next phase of the works resulting from the wider Warrington Flood Risk Strategy. 

  • Manchester Airport

    Manchester Airport – Axis is providing advice on mitigating the landscape and visual impacts of a proposed extension of car parking adjacent to the main runway at the airport. 

  • Bet 365

    Axis has been commissioned to provide transport planning services to Bet 365 in support of their expansion programme.  Employing over 1,000 people, Bet 365 have been a fast growing success story.  Expanding across Festival Park in Stoke on Trent has led to specific design issues related to car park provision.  Axis is working with Bet 365 to develop sustainable travel strategies to ease car parking pressures and facilitate building extensions to accommodate new employees.

Planning Submissions :

  • SITA UK change of use application

    Axis has submitted an application to Birmingham City Council on behalf of SITA UK for the change of use of an existing industrial site to permit the operation of an Integrated Resource Recovery Centre (IRRC). Broadly speaking, the IRRC would comprise a Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) facility, a Materials Recycling Facility (MRF), a Waste Transfer Station (WTS), a Vehicle Maintenance Building (VMB), and associated, more general, development.  The facility would manage up to 200,000 tonnes per annum of primarily Commercial and Industrial (C&I) waste

  • WRG Eastcroft

    Two applications have been submitted of behalf of WRG to Nottingham City Council in order to; make non-material amendments under Section 96A of the Town and Country Planning Act to the design and layout of the approved Energy from Waste facility at Eastcroft; and to discharge a number of planning conditions attached to the approved consent (as amended by the Section 96A application).      

 

 

News - September 2010 / February 2011

 

  • Breaking News - At the time of this update the Axis planning team is well poised to secure consent on two of the UK’s longest running and highest profile waste developments. These relate to residual waste treatment facilities in Worcestershire and Surrey forming part of 1998 and 1999 waste PFI contracts respectively. In both cases failure at planning this time around will result in Defra being pressurised to withdraw the authorities’ PFI credits. 

  • Worcestershire (Mercia EnviRecover Facility) – A planning application for a 200,000 tpa Energy from Waste (EfW) went to planning committee on 1st March 2011 with an officer recommendation for a resolution to grant planning permission, for what would be England’s first EfW consent in the Green Belt. Members voted 14 – 0 in favour and the application has now been referred to DCLG Secretary of State Eric Pickles to determine whether to call it in for his own determination. Full details of the proposal can be viewed on: http://www.envirecover.co.uk/ AXIS was appointed in 2008 to find a site for the EfW, and subsequently secure planning permission, following the failure of an earlier EfW application at Kidderminster with which AXIS was not involved.
  • Charlton Lane Eco Park– In February 2011 Surrey County Council issued two committee reports, both recommending resolutions to grant planning permission, relating to major waste development at Charlton Lane, Shepperton.  The first was for the permanent retention of the existing waste facilities at the site, which are time limited owing to the land falling within the Green Belt. The second is for a new Eco Park including a Gasification facility and Anaerobic Digestion plant (see Applications Submitted below). The former was resolved to grant and subsequently approved following referral to DCLG. The Eco Park application goes to committee in early March.  Approval of this second application will resolve one of the UK’s longest running waste planning sagas which has seen several EfW applications in Surrey either withdrawn, refused or have consent quashed by successful judicial review.
  • A further twist in the Mitcham Eco Park Application?

     

    In October 2008 AXIS prepared on behalf of SITA a planning application for the redevelopment of the existing waste management facility at Benedict Wharf in Mitcham into a modern ‘Eco Park’ development comprising of an extended MRF (80,000tpa), Waste Bulking / Transfer Facility (40,000tpa) a combined AD/IVC facility (100,000tpa) and a visitor / education centre.

    The planning application was recommended for approval by the planning case officer and was heard at Merton Council’s Planning Committee on the 7th October 2010. However, despite the officer’s recommendation, the committee voted in favour of refusing the planning application.

    Following the outcome of the planning committee, SITA made a formal inquiry to the Greater London Authority (GLA) as to whether this was a case where the Mayor of London would be willing to use his powers of direction and take on the role of local planning authority for the purposes of determining the application. On 30th November 2010 SITA received a letter confirming that the Mayor considers that the proposal supports the provisions of the London Plan and that he would be willing to use his powers of direction in this instance.

    The Mayor of London very rarely uses these powers and the application AXIS has prepared for SITA is only the third to have ever been ‘called-in’ for determination by the Mayor.

  • Waste PFI Update – Axis has been responsible for the preparation for all planning related submissions and advice on WRG’s successful bid for the Lincolnshire Residual Waste Management Contract.  The company is currently providing WRG with general planning advice on the project, in addition to preparing a number of planning applications for waste management infrastructure proposed as part of the Company’s bid.

  • BUPA Great North Run and Wilmslow Half Marathon– Martin Pollard competed in the Great North Run in September 2010 and in the process raised nearly £600 in sponsorship for The Christie Cancer Hospital.  Martin will also be competing in the Wilmslow Half marathon for the Charity In March 2011.

Planning Consents Secured:

  • Robin Hood Airport Country Park - Axis submitted three linked planning applications on behalf of Peel Holdings to vary extant conditions on a part restored quarry/landfill adjacent to Robin Hood Airport, Doncaster.  Extensive pre-application consultation resulted in Local Authority Officers being able to progress this extensive scheme under delegated powers and planning consent has been granted.  Considerable ecological survey work was undertaken and innovative solutions proposed as mitigation for potential adverse impacts upon the protected and rare species recorded, including Grass snake and solitary wasps and bees.  The final restoration will incorporate an aircraft shaped 'earth sculpture' and aviation viewing platform and will create a 40 hectare country park linking in to the local footpath network. 
  • United Mines Household Waste Recycling Centre, Cornwall – AXIS has secured planning permission for the retention of the existing Household Waste Recycling Centre at United Mines in Cornwall until 31 December 2014.
  • North Lincolnshire Waste Treatment and Recycling Facility (MBT), Normanby Enterprise Park, Scunthorpe - Axis has secured planning permission for the development of a 69,000tpa MBT facility on land at Normanby Enterprise Park in Scunthorpe.  The Facility will ensure a greater portion of residual waste is recycled and produce a solid recovered fuel (SRF) for use in the kilns at Cemex’s North Ferriby Cement works.  The SRF will be a replacement for the use of imported fossil fuels at the plant.
  • Fibre Recovery Facility, Templeborough, Rotherham - AXIS has secured planning permission for the development of a Fibre Recovery Facility (FRF) at Sterecycle's existing Integrated Waste Management Facility at Templeborough, Rotherham.  The Energy from Waste facility is designed to thermally treat selected waste fractions that would result from the existing on-site autoclave facility. The FRF would have installed generating capacity of circa 9 Megawatts (MW) and a thermal generating capacity of 53 MW thermal.  It would generate electricity and heat by way of a steam turbine powered by the combustion of 120,000 tonnes per annum of waste material. 
  • JD William’s Mail Order Centre, Shaw, Oldham - AXIS Transport were part of the multi-disciplinary team that successfully secured planning permission for this £23million new ‘pick face’ warehouse scheme. The project secures the continued future use of the Beal Lane site and its 1000 employees and is anticipated will create a further 120 new permanent job opportunities. AXIS input to the project included a full review of the transport logistics to the site, the carrying out of highway network operational assessment and the appraisal of traffic related environmental issues, including preparation of a dedicated transport section to the formal Environmental Statement. AXIS also attended public consultation exercises and prepared additional information in response to queries from resident’s groups and local consultees.
  • Biddulph Primary Care Centre - AXIS Transport carried out transport planning duties as part of the multi-disciplinary team commissioned by Prime (UK) Developments to deliver planning permission for a new Primary Care Centre development scheme in Biddulph, North Staffordshire. This project seeks to bring together three local GP practices and other primary care services to a new purpose built medical centre, located in the heart of the town centre. The project gained planning approval in late 2010 and AXIS are now working with Staffordshire Moorlands Council to discharge transport related planning conditions, to allow construction of the project to begin in mid 2011.
  • Ragley Sand & Gravel Quarry Northern Extension - AXIS Transport were part of the CEMEX (UK) development team working to secure a northern extension of the sand and gravel workings at Ragley Quarry, Warwickshire.  Planning permission for the scheme was confirmed in Autumn 2010 and AXIS has since been working on a detailed S278 highway design package to deliver a temporary highway crossing for safe and appropriate quarry vehicle access for the life of the extension works. The legal agreement for the S278 works was completed in late 2010, allowing the quarry extension works to begin in early 2011.
  • Health Care Travel Plans / BREEAM excellent - AXIS Transport has recently completed detailed Travel Plan reports to support two new health care facilities at Hodgehill and Sparkbrook in the West Midlands. AXIS has worked with officers of the relevant local PCTs and the Birmingham City Council Travelwise team to provide a tailored package of measures appropriate for the locational characteristics at each site. The final Travel Plan documents represented a key component to both buildings achieving BREEAM excellent designation. 

 

New Commissions:

  

  • Creamery Business Parc – after securing planning permission for the first phase of development last year, AXIS has submitted a planning application for the second phase of development at the Parc, on behalf of Site Quest Developments.
  • Peterborough Waste Management Contract – Axis have been appointed as Peterborough City Councils planning advisors on the bidding process that they are currently undertaking for their waste management contract.
  • One Vision Housing - Axis has been awarded a position on the four year consultant framework for One Vision Housing to provide Environmental Engineering and Transport Planning services. 
  • Rieter Scragg industrial works, East Cheshire - AXIS is continuing to work with the John & Andrew Downes Partnership with respect to the re-development of this site at Langley, East Cheshire. The site is a major developed site in the green belt, with the development team working closely with Cheshire East Council and village residents to identify a suitable re-development scheme. Recent AXIS input has included the preparation of a review of the traffic generation implications of different re-development options and attendance at public consultation events to present findings.  The development team are currently refining the final preferred masterplan option, with a view to submitting a formal planning application for a comprehensive mixed use re-development scheme in early 2011. AXIS have been retained to prepare formal transport related planning documentation (Transport Assessment & Travel Plan) as well as providing detailed highway design input and advice on car parking.   
  • South Staffordshire PCT - AXIS has been commissioned by Prime (UK) Developments and South Staffordshire PCT to provide highways and transport advice to proposals to deliver a new Primary Care Centre at Burntwood, South Staffordshire. The scheme represents the coming together of five local GP practices and other local services in the town to provide a new central ‘state of the art’ primary care centre facility. AXIS are undertaking staff and patient travel surveys and associated traffic and car parking surveys. Planning submissions are programmed for Spring 2011, with AXIS providing Transport Assessment and Travel Plan documents, as well as input to car park design, site access layout and a sustainable transport / accessibility audit.
  • Touring Caravan sites at sites in Shropshire - AXIS has been commissioned by Morris Leisure to provide highways and transport advice with respect to emerging proposals for two new sites in Shropshire. Both projects have already involved detailed discussions with the Highways Agency and Shropshire CC highways and will include the design of junction improvement schemes to accommodate additional caravan traffic volumes and to ensure highway safety. Planning applications for both schemes are anticipated to be submitted during 2011.
  • Housing at Northop Hall, Flintshire - AXIS has been commissioned by Anwyl Homes Ltd to prepare transport submissions to support a forthcoming planning application for approximately 90 dwellings on an allocated housing site in Northop Hall, Flintshire. AXIS will be working with officers to identify suitable site access junction arrangements for the scheme.

Applications Submitted

  • Holyhead Regeneration Scheme - AXIS has submitted what is potentially its largest ever planning application, seeking authority approval for a scheme designed to regenerate Holyhead’s waterfront area.  Submitted on behalf of Conygar Stenaline Ltd., the planning application was supported by an Environmental Statement presented in 3 volumes, one volume of which had to be compiled in 3 parts, such was its size.  When stacked, the application documentation towered at just over a metre in height!

The Regeneration Scheme proposes the development of:

 

  • A 500 berth marina;
  • 300 new dwellings (a mix of 1 and 2 bed apartments, and 2, 3, 4 and 5 bed houses);
  • Circa 280 visitor parking spaces;
  • Circa 380 private parking spaces;
  • 4,040m2 of commercial/leisure uses;
  • An 80 bed leisure/business hotel; 300m2 Sail Training/Youth Centre;
  • A Public Beach area with community changing/welfare facilities;
  • A new 900m2 maritime museum with a new 1,050m2 visitor centre (within the existing Soldier’s Point House); New maritime workshops;
  • Circa 250 space overflow car park.

 

The application has been confirmed as valid by Anglesey County Council and, unless an extension of time is requested, will be determined over a 16 week period.

  • Binn Farm Gasification Facility – on behalf of SITA AXIS submitted a planning application and Environmental Statement to Perth and Kinross Council for the development of a 60,000tpa Gasification Plant on land at Binn Farm in Perthshire. It is on the same site that the company had previously (2007) secured planning permission for the development of a 60,000tpa EFW facility and 16,000tpa MRF. The application is due to be determined in late February 2011.
  • North Lincolnshire Waste Treatment and Recycling Facility (MBT) – on behalf of WRG -Axis has submitted a Section 73 application for a series of minor material amendments to the consented scheme.
  • Fishguard Truck Stop – on behalf of Conygar Investment Company - Axis has submitted an outline planning application to Pembrokeshire County Council for the development of a truck stop on land off the A4219 in Fishguard. The purpose of the truck stop is to serve Fishguard Port.
  • Charlton Lane Eco Park – on behalf of SITA Surrey Ltd – Axis has prepared and submitted a major planning application for the development of an Eco Park near Shepperton in Surrey. The proposal, comprising  an advanced thermal treatment gasification plant, anaerobic digestion facility, MRF and Civic Amenity site, will form the centrepiece of Surrey’s 25 year municipal waste PFI contract.
  • Bridgenorth IWMF – AXIS has submitted a planning application to Shropshire Council on behalf of Veolia ES Shropshire Ltd. for the construction and operation of an integrated waste management facility comprising a Waste Transfer Station, Household Recycling Centre, a Waste Collection Depot (consisting of Refuse Collection Vehicle Parking, Warehousing and Offices/Welfare Facilities) and associated infrastructure. The application was not supported by an environmental statement; however, as a major planning application, it is subject to a 13 week determination period.
  • Seaton Meadows Landfill Extension – AXIS has submitted a planning application for the vertical extension of an existing landfill site with revised restoration scheme to create a series of wildlife habitats with aspiration for future designation as a nature reserve.  Activities comprised planning, environmental and landscape design services including preparation of restoration scheme, Planning Application Supporting Statement; Design and Access Statement; and Environmental Statement

 

News - March 10 / August 10

 

  • Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm Public Inquiry – Axis has presented landscape and visual evidence on behalf of RWE Npower at the public inquiry into the non-determination by Swansea Council of the application for the Mynydd-y-Gwair wind farm.  The outcome of the inquiry is expected later this year.
  • Profile of Wigan Dam raised – Axis director David Clough contributed to an EA/Jacobs presentation to the British Dam Society’s 16th Biennial Conference at Strathclyde University, Glasgow.  The presentation to this auspicious gathering focused on the challenges of designing and securing planning consent for a new flood attenuation structure to provide Wigan with a 1:100 year standard of protection.
  • Wilmslow office move – reflecting the growing size of the Wilmslow team, the planning and transportation teams have now successfully relocated to a larger office within the same building.  Staff are now enjoying the more spacious conditions with planners and transport on a common floor level.  Contact details remain the same.
  • Appointments – Jon Wilkinson joined Axis in early July at senior consultant level to further strengthen the transportation planning team.
  • Wilmslow Half Marathon and BUPA Great Manchester Run – Axis staff, Martin Pollard and Andrew Barton, competed in these events in March and May.  Neither of these fine athletes challenged the front of the field but both returned respectable times.  Over £500 in sponsorship was raised for the Christie charity.  Excuses presented by Al Yates for not participating included a ‘Texas Hangover’ and ‘Clinical Apathy’. Al was quoted as saying ‘I’ll definitely do the next one!’

New commissions:

  • North Yorkshire and the City of York Waste PFI - North Yorkshire County Council and the City of York Council announced on 29 June 2010 that AmeyCespa, supported by Axis as planning advisors, has been selected for the PFI funded waste treatment contract.  Axis will prepare and submit the planning application and accompanying ES for the facility comprising an Energy from Waste, Mechanical Biological Treatment, Anaerobic Digester at Allerton Park Quarry near Knaresborough.  The planning application will be submitted towards the end of 2010.
  • AstraZeneca Design Guide – Axis has been commissioned by AstraZeneca to prepare design guidance for its Macclesfield site, focussing on providing short term improvements for sites pending future development.  The design guide will apply some of the principles and standards of design quality established at AZ’s headquarters at Alderley Park.
  • Consultancy support to NEAS – the environmental arm of EA Wales, National Environmental Advisory Service (NEAS) has appointed AXIS to provide support on a range of projects across Wales.  Axis extensive experience of assisting the Agency in the planning and design of flood defence schemes, has enabled staff to support NEAS officers on managing several flood alleviation schemes in north and south Wales.  These include the scheme at Porthmadog, which also seeks to accommodate the Assembly Government's A487 bypass project.
  • Bennett Bank - Waste Recycling Group commissioned Axis to prepare and submit a planning application and accompanying ES for increased landfill capacity and revised restoration at Bennett Bank Landfill Site, Cumbria. Following the refusal of planning permission by Cumbria County Council (against officer recommendation) in May 2009 Axis provided expert witnesses on planning and landscape matters at a Public Inquiry in January 2010.  In March the Government Inspector granted planning permission stating that the evidence at the Inquiry did not demonstrate unacceptable or insuperable harm.
  • Scunthorpe Integrated Iron and Steelworks site - Axis, with support from TerraConsult, was commissioned in March 2010 to prepare proposals to arrest particulate emissions for the Corus owned Scunthorpe Integrated Iron and Steelworks site.  Corus had concerns over airborne dust (PM10) particulate levels on the site and was working closely with the Environment Agency to reduce these.  Axis proposals include a series of large planted embankments formed from site-won slag and other inert material incorporating compost.  The proposals will reduce the areas of dust exposed to the prevailing wind and help to reduce emissions.  Axis has been retained by Corus to obtain necessary planning consents and oversee phase 1 implementation.

Planning consents secured:

  • Scrap Metal Recovery Facility - on behalf S Norton and Axion Recycling, Axis has secured permission on 21 April 2010, for the amendment to conditions attached to recently secured planning permission for an advanced scrap metal recovery facility. This will enable the company to comply with new waste recycling targets arising from the EU Directives on end of life vehicles and waste electrical and electronic equipment.
  • North Derbyshire In-Vessel Composting Facility, Arkwright, near Chesterfield - on behalf of SITA UK Ltd, Axis has successfully secured planning permission for a 40,000 tonnes per annum, state-of-the art composting facility, on part of the former Arkwright Opencast colliery site, near Chesterfield. Comprising part of the North Derbyshire Green Waste contract, this facility would treat incoming green and kitchen waste to produce a PAS100 compost product. The scheme includes comprehensive groundwork and landscaping proposals which serve to integrate the development into the wider restoration of the former minerals site.
  • New Facilities Building at Mayfields Woodland Burial and Remembrance Park, Eastham – on behalf of Cooperative Funeralcare, Axis has successfully secured planning permission in July 2010 for this new 209m2 building on a designated green belt site at Eastham overlooking the Mersey Estuary.  The new building will provide Cooperative Funeralcare with a base from which to hold services and operate the Remembrance Park.
  • Parc Cybi, Holyhead – on behalf of Conygar Investment Company PLC, Axis has recently secured planning permission for the development of 3 office units (4180m2) and 4 industrial warehouse units (8,800m2) at Parc Cybi, Holyhead, Anglesey.  The proposed offices and industrial units have both been designed to achieve an 'excellent' BREEAM rating.  Parc Cybi will be an important introduction to Wales for visitors from Ireland.  Axis, with Fletcher Architects, had to overcome a number of complex planning and design issues, specifically the presence of buried archaeology and stringent design requirements set out in the Parc Cybi Design Guide.
  • Barlockhart Moor Windfarm – West Coast Energy‘s proposals for a wind farm comprising 4 no. 112m high wind turbines at Barlockhart Moor were refused planning permission by Dumfries and Galloway Council solely on landscape and visual grounds.  Axis provided evidence at the public inquiry earlier this year and the Inspector has subsequently found in its favour. 

Planning submissions:

  • Green waste open air composting facility - Axis has submitted a planning application to Cheshire West and Chester Council for the relocation of existing composting operations in order to comply with emerging environmental permitting regulations.  The client has contracts with Cheshire West and Chester Council and Cheshire East Council to provide a green waste composting service.
  • Maw Green Extension of Life - Axis has prepared a planning application and EIA on behalf of 3C Waste Ltd, a subsidiary of Waste Recycling Group, for an extension of life of the Maw Green Landfill facility in Crewe to enable c1million m3 of remaining void to be fully utilised for the disposal of non-hazardous wastes over an extended 7 year period. The scheme also seeks to vary the sequence of phasing for landfilling and restoration. The application is currently before Cheshire East Council for determination.
  • Fibre Recovery Facility, Templeborough, Rotherham - AXIS has submitted a planning application, supported by EIA, for a Fibre Recovery Facility (FRF) at Sterecycle's existing Integrated Waste Management Facility at Templeborough, Rotherham.  The Energy from Waste facility is designed to thermally treat selected waste fractions that would result from the existing on-site autoclave facility. The FRF would have installed generating capacity of circa 9 Megawatts (MW) and a thermal generating capacity of 53 MW thermal.  It would generate electricity and heat by way of a steam turbine powered by the combustion of 12,000 tonnes per annum of waste material. 
  • Deepstore - Axis are planning advisors to Compass Minerals UK, covering their operations at the Winsford Rock Salt Mine, the most significant producer of rock salt in the country. The voids created by mineral extraction are used by Deepstore Records Management, a Compass Mineral Company, for the storage of archive material. The demand for storage of archive materials continues to grow, with permitted storage capacity set to be fully exhausted in 2010. Axis has prepared a planning application to provide for an additional c36,000 m2 of storage space to enable Deepstore to further develop their document storage business. The application is currently before Cheshire West and Chester Council for determination.
  • 24 hour drilling operations - Axis has submitted a planning application to Cheshire East Council to allow the continuous drilling of boreholes during the construction phase of a gas storage development in Warmingham, Cheshire, which Axis secured planning permission for in early 2009.
  • EnviRecover planning application submitted – Mercia Waste Management has submitted a planning application for EnviRecover, a proposed energy-from-waste facility. Prior to submission, Mercia has undertaken extensive public consultation and community engagement activities.  If approved EnviRecover will treat residual municipal waste which cannot be recycled or composted and has been designed to treat only waste that is produced in the two counties. The plant will generate over 15 MW and be able to produce heat for use by local businesses. 

Projects completed:

  • Primary Healthcare Facilities - AXIS has recently completed the preparation and submission of detailed Travel Plans for two new primary care healthcare facilities at Sparkbrook, Birmingham and at Hanley, Stoke on Trent.

News - October 09 / February 10

  • Landscape Institute Commendation and Project Excellence Award, AXIS is delighted to announce that the Environment Agency's Caldew and Carlisle City Flood Alleviation Scheme received a Commendation in the 'Urban Design and Masterplanning' category at the 2009 Landscape Institute Awards. The Judges commented that AXIS involvement resulted in this being 'a thorough and rigorous project which understands the site's constraints and addresses them'. Furthermore, the same scheme was awarded the Project Management Award and Overall Winner at the Environment Agency's prestigious Project Excellence Awards 2009
  • Archaeological discovery, During the course of a site walkover to brief contractors on the clearance of trees for the A470 road improvements near Llanrwst, Alex Radley of AXIS identified some unusual surface features part buried within the woodland. Subsequent inspection by Cambrian Archaeological Projects Ltd. confirmed that the features were World War II "sangers" (a type of concealed observation posts) thought to be unique to North Wales, which were part of UK response to a potential German sea invasion after Dunkirk
  • Appointments, AXIS is pleased to continue to buck the economic trend by welcoming two new members of staff. Lee Ellis is a specialist in wind farm visualisation and will be further extending AXIS' capability in delivering a comprehensive EIA service to wind farm developers. Andrew Russell is a specialist in EIA coordination who is joining AXIS from Gifford. Andrew brings extensive experience and consolidates our already strong team in delivery of EIA for infrastructure across a variety of sectors
  • K Club success, AXIS Directors David Jones and Nick Roberts reached the semi final of the annual Zeus Land golf competition in September 2009. The pair battled through the first three rounds to the two day 'finals' (semi final and final) held at Dublin's K Club, venue of the 2006 Ryder Cup. Unfortunately their progress was abruptly halted in the semis with a heavy defeat at the hands of the Elan Homes pairing. David and Nick would like to thank all at Zeus Land for their fantastic hospitality in Dublin

New commissions:

  • River Mersey Flood Alleviation Scheme, Warrington, following on from its success on the Carlisle flood alleviation scheme, the team comprising AXIS, Jacobs, Halcrow and Volker Stevin, has been commissioned by the Environment Agency to develop proposals for the first phase of this comprehensive scheme for Warrington. AXIS will be preparing the EIA scoping and screening request and the subsequent Environmental Statement, coordinating all planning submissions and setting the design parameters for the scheme proposals
  • Consultancy Framework, AXIS has continued its successful collaboration with Gifford through the appointment onto the North Wales Trunk Road Agency (NWTRA), Engineering Consultancy Framework. Axis has partnered with Gifford on this commission and will provide landscape design and environmental assessment services for the period of the framework. Axis has enjoyed a successful working relationship with NWTRA in recent years and looks forward to further strengthening these links through the framework
  • Wind Farm EIA, AXIS has secured a commission with Waste Recycling Group to undertake an environmental impact assessment for a 4 turbine wind energy development in North Lincolnshire. The project was secured following a competitive tender process
  • Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm Public Inquiry, AXIS has been appointed to prepare landscape and visual evidence for a public inquiry following the non determination by The City and County of Swansea Council of a planning application by RWE Npower. Mynydd y Gwair lies within one of the areas (Area E) identified by the Welsh Assembly Government in its draft Technical Advice Note 8 (TAN 8), considered most suitable at a strategic level for large-scale wind farms. The proposal would comprise 19 turbines, each with a height of 127 metres to the blade tip
  • Community Health Centre, Axis Transport Planning have been commissioned by Prima 200 to manage the production and technical approval of S278 detailed highway design drawings for supporting highway works to the Cobridge Community Health Centre. This process will include for the carrying out of a public consultation event involving local residents and business owners during January / February 2010
  • Mixed Use Development, Macclesfield, Axis Transport Planning have been commissioned to provide highways and transportation advice as part of the consultant team working on the re-development of the former Rieter Scragg Industrial Site, Langley, Macclesfield. The site currently provides over 15,000sqm of industrial development and is to be promoted for comprehensive mixed use development, including new residential development, an elderly care centre, village community facilities, live / work units and an enterprise centre. Axis staff attended a public 'planning for real' consultation day in December 2009 in support of the scheme, which was attended by over 200 local residents
  • Housing Proposal, Wigan, Axis Transport Planning have been commissioned by Russell Homes to provide highway design and transport assessment input for proposals for up to 100 new dwellings in Pemberton, Wigan. The scheme proposals include for the design of new access works and the re-alignment of a proposed strategic relief road
  • SITA Vehicle Depot, Hounslow, Axis Transport Planning have been commissioned by SITA to provide highways and site design services to support a new vehicle park and recycling store at Hanworth, Hounslow. The proposals would provide a new base for the kerbside recycling collection fleet serving the London Borough of Hounslow
  • Waste PFI Projects, AXIS continues to be heavily committed on providing planning services in respect of many of the UK's major long term waste management contracts. At present the company is advising the successful bidders on contracts in: Worcestershire & Herefordshire; Cornwall; Surrey; Shropshire; Derbyshire; Wrexham; and Nottinghamshire. In addition AXIS has an ongoing a role advising bidders in respect of future contracts in: North London; Milton Keynes, Gloucestershire; Lincolnshire; North Lincolnshire; Norfolk; North Yorkshire; BDR; South East Wales and Project Transform (Coventry, Solihull & Warwickshire)
  • A494 Record of Determination, AXIS has been commissioned to prepare a Record of Determination for proposed junction improvements on the A494 Maesgamedd Road at Gwyddelwern in Denbighshire. The proposed works include cutting back the adjacent landform to provide visibility splays, carriageway realignment and creation of new embankments. Axis is coordinating all surveys and desk-based study to a very short timescale in order to meet a tight Welsh Assembly Government/ NWTRA programme

Planning Consents secured:

  • Peterborough EfW Facility, following AXIS was responsible for the submission of a planning application for a new 65,000 tpa Energy from Waste plant to serve Peterborough. On 24 November 2009 the City Council resolved to grant planning permission. AXIS is presently working on legal agreements and discussion of conditions in order that the consent can be issued
  • British Land plc, AXIS has secured planning permission for the change of use of two units at Broughton Shopping Park, near Chester. This permits the development of two new food outlets (A1 to A3 conversion)
  • Section 96A / Non-material amendments, in January 2010 AXIS secured it's first ever consent under the new Section 96A of the Planning Act for a non-material amendment to the planning permission for a 40MW straw fired power station at Sleaford in Lincolnshire. This was submitted on behalf of Eco 2 Ltd, for whom AXIS secured the full planning permission
  • Scrap Metal Recovery Facility, on 22 January 2010, AXIS secured planning permission for the development of an advanced scrap metal recovery facility on behalf S Norton (and Axion Recycling), one of the UK's leading scrap metal processors. This will enable the company to comply with new waste recycling targets arising from the EU Directives on end of life vehicles and waste electrical and electronic equipment
  • Woolston Deposit Grounds, AXIS has secured planning permission on behalf of W Maher & Son's for site facilities associated with their operations at the Woolston Deposit Grounds, an aggregate recovery and processing facility located within a SSSI and in the green belt alongside the Thelwall Viaduct in Warrington
  • Colomendy Centre, Denbighshire, following objections received to the proposed permanent diversion of 2 lengths of footpath under S257 of the T&CP Act 1990, AXIS provided evidence at Public Inquiry in December 09. The inspector determined that 1 of the 2 paths can be diverted, agreeing that there remained development for which planning permission had been granted that required the footpath to be diverted. Kingswood as operator and Liverpool City Council as freeholder are reviewing their position in respect of the remaining footpath
  • Niramax Waste Management Facility upgrade, In February 2010 AXIS secured planning consent for the change of use from industrial to sui-generis (waste management) of an existing building and construction of higher level conveyor to provide for the installation of mechanical waste treatment and briquetting plant at an existing waste management facility at Longhill near Hartlepool. Whilst the application received considerable local opposition, primarily targeted at the client's adjacent landfilling operations, no objections were received from statutory consultees including the Environment Agency and the Council's own Environmental Health Officer. AXIS were responsible for the preparation of the planning application and supporting planning and transport statements, as well as liaison with the Local Planning Authority
  • Morpeth Pumping Station, AXIS secured planning and listed building consent with the subsequent discharge of planning conditions for the infilling of the former Environment Agency pumping station and adjacent dry dock. The walls of the dry dock are listed structures, forming the eastern extremity of the former Morpeth Branch Dock, and therefore it was required that the materials and working method be specified to ensure that the walls could be exposed at a later date, supported by detailed recording prior to infilling. AXIS prepared the planning application and supporting statement, coordinated both archaeological and ecological surveys, and undertook liaison with the Local Planning Authority

News - June 09 / September 09

  • Landscape Institute Awards 09 The Caldew and Carlisle City Flood Alleviation Scheme, a project that AXIS has been involved with since its inception, has been short listed for an award in the Urban Design and Masterplanning category of the 2009 Landscape Institute Awards. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony hosted by Jonathan Porritt on 19 November 2009 at the Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane, London. The Awards are presented to encourage and recognise outstanding examples of work by the landscape profession
  • Urban Design Award The news of the Landscape Institute Awards nomination builds on the success already achieved by the same project in gaining a Highly Commended award in the recent Institute of Highways and Transportation Awards at the RAF Museum, Hendon

  • AXIS is going to be exhibiting at BWEA31 in Liverpool, 20-22 October 2009.  BWEA31 is the UK's leading three day renewable energy conference and exhibition. There will be a lot to see and do, and the exhibition is free to attend on Day 3. Come and see us at stand 5. You can find out all about it at www.bwea31.com

  • Appointments AXIS continues to grow despite the difficult economic conditions and is pleased to welcome two new members of staff this summer. Andrew Barton joins the planning team in Wilmslow from RPS and Catherine Larmouth, formerly of Knight Frank has joined the planning team in Chester

New commissions:

  • A477 St Clears to Red Roses Highway Improvement, Roadbridge Sisk Joint Venture has been awarded the contract to construct this £30m ECI road scheme in South Wales. AXIS is a key part of the consultancy team and will work closely with Gifford to provide design advice and inputs to the EIA process and any subsequent public inquiry
  • Meir Primary Care Centre, AXIS has started work on the preparation of detailed Transport Assessment and Travel Plan reports to support the development of this development in Stoke on Trent. The project will consolidate seven GP practices and other supporting PCT services within a new state of the art public health building. AXIS will undertake staff and patient travel surveys and a detailed staff diary exercise.
  • Country Park Visitor Study, AXIS has been commissioned jointly by Denbighshire County Council Countryside Services and Cadwyn Clwyd to undertake a visitor flow feasibility study for the Clwydian Range AONB focussing on Loggerheads Country Park. The study seeks to address parking problems along the A494(T) by considering the underlying reasons, exploring where additional parking capacity can be provided adjacent to SSSI/SAC boundaries and measures to prevent parking along verges to enhance the appearance of the AONB.
  • Cae Ddol Park Ruthin, AXIS has been commissioned by Denbighshire County Council to prepare proposals for Cae Ddol, the main public park in Ruthin. Plans will be prepared showing an analysis of the existing strengths and weaknesses of the park and options for future improvements to be used in a forthcoming public consultation exercise.
  • Wind Farm EIA, AXIS has secured a commission with E.ON Climate and Renewables to undertake an environmental impact assessment for a 9 turbine development. The project was secured following a competitive tender process.
  • Gloucestershire PFI, AXIS has been appointed to provide planning advice to leading European waste management company Urbaser in its bid to secure the waste disposal contract in Gloucestershire. AXIS will undertake a planning policy review and site appraisals to inform the competitive dialogue process
  • Traffic and Highway Assessment Work, the AXIS transportation team has been instructed on several projects including:
    - a new residential development on Middle Hillgate, Stockport.
    - conversion of existing commercial garage sales buildings and associated land for residential land use at Bosley, East Cheshire;
    - new residential development in Woodley, Stockport.
  • Castle Hill Farm, AXIS has been commissioned to carry out a transport appraisal for a project to convert Castle Hill Farm and associated outbuildings into upto eight new residential units. The project involves the sensitive re-development of this landmark rural site, which includes a castle moat feature designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. AXIS will design the internal access layout, parking areas and a new connection to the local highway network
  • Cherry Hill Waste, AXIS has been appointed to provide traffic and transportation engineering services for the development of an existing skip hire business to provide a 150,000 tonne waste transfer station, new household waste site and Energy from Waste plant at Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire.

Planning Consents secured

  • Mynydd y Betwys Windfarm - Appeal allowed, On 10 June 2009, the Welsh Assembly Government approved the Mynydd y Betwys Windfarm following a call-in inquiry in September 2008. AXIS reviewed the L&VIA submitted with the planning application and prepared expert witness evidence in respect of landscape and visual effects of this 16 turbine, 36.8MW scheme to address objections from CCW and a number of other third parties
  • Aldi Knutsford, Aldi Stores has been successful with their planning application to construct a new store at their site in Knutsford. Knutsford suffers from significant traffic congestion during the peak periods and a new food store would potentially create further problems with the highway network left in its current form. Axis has designed and modelled an improvement scheme that not only mitigates increases in traffic movement as a result of the new food store but will also allow the Local Highway Authority to deliver an Urban Traffic Control system in the future. Through complex signal programming and connectivity Axis have demonstrated how movement of traffic can be improved and pedestrian crossings accommodated without detriment to vehicle delay times and queuing.
  • Durham Gate Spennymoor, Following confirmation from Government Office that the application will not be called in, Carillion Arlington real Estate Partnership have been successful in securing planning permission for the vibrant Durham Gate development. The development, which is set to revitalize 60 acres of former industrial land, is underpinned by an innovative highway improvement scheme. The scheme, which was designed and tested by Axis, will provide increased highway capacity to accommodate 400,000sqft of office space, 400 new homes, a hotel and a local centre. Axis' staff have been responsible for the preparation and derivation of the innovative highway scheme and for ensuring that the development is not dominated by highway infrastructure to ensure urban realm initiatives can be realized.
  • Danes Moss Landfill Extension of Life, AXIS has successfully secured planning permission on behalf of Waste Recycling Group for a three year extension of life at the Danes Moss landfill facility in East Cheshire, enabling 200,000m3 of remaining void to be utilised. The application also provided for re-phasing of the consented operations. Permission is granted subject to the signing of a legal agreement.
  • Caldew and Carlisle City FAS, AXIS secured planning approval for a suit of amended proposals for the flood alleviation scheme including alterations to a habitat enhancement area on the banks of the River Eden, modifications to a Showman's Site and changes to the alignment of sections of walls
  • Wigan FAS Phase 2, Wigan Council Planning Committee resolved to grant planning permission for the Wigan Dam, an Environment Agency promoted scheme to provide a 1:100 year standard of protection for the town centre by storing flood water in the Douglas Valley. Whilst a resolution has been taken, any decision will be subject to further consultation on 1 aspect, compliance with a set of conditions and entering into a legal agreement.
  • Derbyshire Recycling Facilities, AXIS has secured planning permission for two new Household Waste Recycling Centres that will serve the residents of Derbyshire and assist in improving recycling rates in the County. The sites are located at Clay Cross and on the outskirts of Rowsley

Projects completed

  • Primary Healthcare Facilities, AXIS has recently completed the preparation and submission of detailed Travel Plans for two new primary care healthcare facilities at Sparkbrook, Birmingham and at Hanley, Stoke on Trent.

Planning Submissions

  • Meteorological mast application, AXIS has submitted a planning application to Eden District Council for a 60m meteorological mast at Lazonby Fell, Cumbria. The mast will be used to collect detailed wind speed data at the site, for which AXIS is currently preparing an environmental impact assessment for a 12.5MW windfarm

News - Feb 09 / April 09

Eastcroft EfW Third Line Appeal Allowed. On 12 February AXIS received notification from the Secretary of State that the appeal (for non-determination) by Waste Recycling Group of their expansion of Nottingham's Eastcroft Energy from Waste facility had been allowed. The Inspector recommended both approval and a partial award of costs (in favour of WRG), both of which were supported by the S of S. AXIS submitted the planning application on behalf of WRG and provided expert witnesses in respect of planning & need, landscape & visual impacts and traffic & transportation. This major Inquiry (led for the appellants by Rhodri Price Lewis QC) was the first modern planning examination of the plant. The plant was originally granted planning permission in the early 1970s with Nottingham City Council being both applicant and determining authority.

Urban Design Award. The Caldew and Carlisle City Flood Alleviation Scheme - a project that AXIS has been involved with since its inception - has been short listed to receive an Urban Design Award at the forthcoming Institute of Highways and Transportation Awards at the RAF Museum, Hendon in June 09. In further recognition of the plaudits that the project is receiving, the president of the ICE visited the works during March.


Flood defence plaque unveiling photo

Carlisle Flood Defences - Final Phase. Detailed design of the final, downstream phase of the Carlisle flood defences has now commenced, incorporating environmental enhancement works alongside the River Eden. Opportunities are being taken to introduce extensive areas of wet woodland, ponds and reed beds

Wilmslow Half Marathon. Three AXIS runners - Oliver Meek and Alistair Yates from the Wilmslow office and Alistair McNay from the Chester office - competed in the Wilmslow Half Marathon on the 29th of March. The event contained a high calibre field as it hosted the English Half Marathon Championships. In what turned out to be a warm day, none of our athletes challenged the front of the field but all returned respectable times.

New commissions:

  • Airport Viewing Facility. AXIS has been commissioned by Peel Holdings to take forward the development of an airport viewing facility on a former landfill site close to its Robin Hood (Finningley) Airport, near Doncaster. AXIS will first regularise existing planning consents for the site, which has been used as an inert waste landfill and skip recycling facility. The proposal is then to infill the remaining void and to complete the restoration of the site to provide an area of scrub, woodland and pasture, together with a raised airport viewing platform at the site's southern extremity.
  • Specialist Environmental Studies. Manchester Airport has commissioned AXIS to carry out a study of sites around the periphery of its operational area to determine whether these are suitable for a range of development opportunities. The output of the study will form part of Manchester Airport's evidence base for submissions to Manchester City Council and Cheshire East Council in their respective LDP documents
  • Noise impact assessment. Environment Agency has commissioned AXIS to coordinate preparation of a noise impact assessment of the proposed earth moving and sheet steel piling activities associated with the construction of the Lunt Meadows Washlands flood storage area at Sefton, Merseyside. The results of the assessment will allow discharge of a pre-commencement condition attached to an earlier consent, thereby enabling commencement of the development
  • Remembrance Park. Axis has been commissioned by Co-Operative Funeralcare, to undertake a wholesale site redesign of the Mayfield's Remembrance Park at Eastham on the Wirral peninsular. The site is set within greenbelt and commands extensive views across the River Mersey to Liverpool and John Lennon Airport. The new layout will provide areas within the site with varying character, screening and shelter while still maintaining key vistas and the overall feel of openness inherent in the surrounding greenbelt.
  • Residential development. AXIS has been commissioned to undertake a Transport Assessment for a development of 102 residential units on the fringes of Winsford, Cheshire by Anwyl Homes.
  • Central Manchester Travel Plan. AXIS has been commissioned by Eastern Green Ltd to prepare a Travel Plan for its Adelphi Square mixed use development at Piccadilly, Manchester. The development will provide a mix of offices and A3 commercial accommodation.
  • Farm Building Regeneration Scheme. AXIS has been commissioned by Hallams Commercials Ltd. to consider a scheme to provide new office accommodation within existing farm buildings at Irongates Farm, Alderley Edge, Cheshire.

Planning Consents secured

  • Gas Storage. Axis has secured planning permission, on behalf of EDF Trading Gas Storage Limited, for the conversion of 10 underground brine cavities to store natural gas, the extension of an existing gas processing plant and link to the National Gas Transmission System, electricity and manifold compounds and associated infrastructure, on a 107 hectare site at Hill Top Farm, Hole House Farm, Parkfield Farm and Spring Moss Farm, Near Warmingham, Cheshire. Cheshire County Council resolved to grant consent at their Development Regulatory Committee on the 9 March 2009, and following the completion of a Section 106 Legal Agreement providing for, amongst other things, the creation of a local liaison meeting, a green travel plan and financial contribution to a highway improvement scheme, planning permission was granted on the 31 March 2009. The permission provides for the displacement of approximately 1.9 million tonnes of brine, which will be processed at the existing British Salt factory in Middlewich, and subsequent storage and processing of up to 224,000 tonnes of natural gas.
  • Hazardous Substances Consent. Axis has secured a Hazardous Substances Consent (HSC), on behalf of EDF Trading Gas Storage Limited, for the storage and processing of 224,000 tonnes of natural gas at Hill Top and Hole House Farms, Near Warmingham, Cheshire. Cheshire County Council issued the HSC on the 30 March 2009.
  • Integrated Materials Recycling Facility. AXIS submitted a planning application for a new 100,000 tpa Integrated Materials Recycling Facility (IMRF) on behalf of Peterborough City Council earlier this year. On 14 April planning permission was granted, leaving open the way for the determination of a second application, for an Energy from Waste plant, on the existing MRF site. The EfW application was also submitted by AXIS and is scheduled for determination in June this year.
  • Green Waste Composting. On 13 March, AXIS secured planning permission for an open windrow composting facility for a 12,000 tpa green waste management facility at Moreton on Lugg in Herefordshire. This is latest of around 25 planning permissions secured by AXIS staff for Mercia Waste Management who hold the 25 year waste PFI contract for Worcestershire and Herefordshire. The application process involved extensive public consultation and was supported by several specialist studies, AXIS having established that it was not EIA development.
  • New Nursery Access. Approval has been secured for a new access layout on Green Belt land for Cronton Nurseries, at their site in Knowsley, Merseyside.
  • Recycling Facility. On 19 March AXIS secured planning permission, on behalf of Veolia Environmental Services, for the change of use of an industrial unit to a recyclables bulking facility in Hertfordshire.
  • Materials Recycling Facility / Refuse Derived Fuel and Gasification Plant. On 19 February, Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council resolved to grant plant permission, subject to a Section 106 Agreement, for a new 400,000 tpa waste management facility at Hooton. The scheme comprises: materials recycling, intermediate treatment to form a refuse derived fuel and a gasification plant (Waste Incineration Directive compliant). AXIS acted on behalf of the developers, New Earth Biossence Ltd, an SPV involving New Earth Energy, as specialist planning advisors, a role they have undertaken for over 18 months. AXIS is presently advising on planning conditions and the S 106 Agreement.
  • Green Waste Composting Facilities. Planning permissions have been secured on behalf of 3C Waste Limited to extend the life of existing Green Waste Composting Facilities located within two strategically important landfill sites (Gowy and Maw Green) in Cheshire.

Planning Submissions

  • Biomass Power Station. In March AXIS prepared a revised submission for a 40MW straw fired power station at Brigg in North Lincolnshire, on behalf of Eco 2 Ltd. The application includes extensive modifications to the flood mitigation scheme included with the previous application, bringing all mitigation measures 'on-site' in an innovative solution jointly developed by AXIS staff.
  • British Land plc. AXIS has submitted two Section 73 applications on behalf of British Land plc (on of the UK's largest development companies) to vary a number of planning conditions associated with the extension of Broughton Shopping Park, near Chester. The applications seek to facilitate the early implementation of an extension to the existing Tesco Extra, with a new 90,000 sq ft Marks & Spencer (and other retail units) following on in a second phase. AXIS secured the original extension permission for a 200,000 sq ft extension of the Park in 2007.
  • Household Waste Site. On 28 April AXIS submitted a planning application for a wholly new Household Waste Site to serve Kington in Herefordshire on behalf of Mercia Waste Management who hold the 25 year waste PFI contract for Worcestershire and Herefordshire.
  • Carlisle Flood Defence Works. A number of planning applications have been submitted on behalf of the Environment Agency for flood defence works at Parham Beck and alongside the River Eden. These are the latest in a series of planning applications relating to the £25m flood defence scheme.