Planning Refused for Stanstead Expansion…

Expansion plans for a second runway at Stansted Airport which could boost the number of passengers to over 35million a year have been rejected.

Planning officers turned down BAA’s planning application for growth of the existing runway. Their reasons for recommending refusal included the impact it would have on noise, air quality, and local quality of life. Councillors said they were concerned about the impact expansion would have on the local environment.

Campaign director for the “Stop Stansted Expansion” Carol Barbone said she was “absolutely delighted” by the decision.

BAA is likely to appeal against the decision, although unless they plan to make the second runway for Gliders only then we think it is unlikely to effect the outcome.

Space for Caravan

 An advert in the Eastern Daily Press has appeared for the rent of a bungalow in Norfolk.

‘..travelling families, large extended families, multiple occupancy, DSS and East Europeans, with all pets most welcome.’

The advert appeared after the owner of the property in the quiet village in Hunworth , North Norfolk was refused planning permission by the local council to repair cars at home.

In an act of revenge, Mr Massingham placed the advert following objections from his neighbours. The application was officially rejected as the local roads could not take the increase in traffic.

As an extra incentive the bungalow, worth approximately £600 per month, is being advertsised at £100 per month.

A statement from a workinproperty Director assured staff that there will be sufficient parking for all staff in our new accommodation.

Site Safety Tips

Spinnaker Tower

The RICS  presented the Oscar’s of the Built and Natural Environment at a recent event in London.

The RICS’s 2006 Project of the Year was awarded to The Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.

The Tower was initially conceived in 1995, with construction not starting till 2001. The project was due to be  completed in1999 to coincide with the Millenium celebrations. However, due to repeated delays by the main contractor, Mowlem, the project was finally completed in  2005,  six years later than planned at a cost of over £35m.

The funding for the project was meant to be solely from the National Lottery. Due to the overspend, the local taxpayers had to contribute a massive £11.1m. The failures of the Local Authority lead to the resignation of the Council Leader and the suspension of the project’s legal advisor – (on full pay of course).

On the day of the actual opening, the Project Manager and representatives from Mowlem were stuck in the lift for over an hour and half. They had to be rescued by abseiling engineers.

Since the tower has opened there have been numerous security concerns – highlighted by both base jumpers and Fathers 4 Justice.

Cracks have already started to develop within the structure.

Just to remind ourselves -  this was the winner of the RICS’s oscars! Imagine what the other 216 entries where like?

Stirling Award

Barajas Airport in Madrid won the RIBA Stirling Prize last night in a glitzy ceremony at the Roundhouse in London. Richard Rogers Partnership, which designed the building, collected a well deserved cheque for £20,ooo. Very nice.

Interestingly enough, the Guardian ran an article on Saturday listing the previous winners of the prestigious award.

The article focused on the problems encountered with the new buildings. As one architect reported, some of the previous winners are not even fit for their purpose.

Take for example the Lord’s Media Centre -  the BBC correspondent, Christopher Martin – Jenkins claims it is so bright you can’t see your laptop.

Perhaps Richard Rogers Partnership should hand the £20,000 to their client to help pay for the cleaning of the glass.

Stirling Work

The RIBA is proud to announce the forthcoming Stirling Prize  presented to ‘the architects of the building which has been the most significant for the evolution of architecture in the past year’.

Whilst clearly the work of the shortlist of architects is worthy of distinction, just spare a few thoughts before you vote.

These are invariably the top architects at the top of their profession, in the enviable position of receiveing great briefs from accepting clients. None of these projects seem to be small. Iam sure that their respective fees would have reflected their skills.

Whilst their work should no doubt be rewarded, is a £20k prize really appropriate? 

Imagine how the client feels after funding the project, including all the variations, pays the architect, only to hear that the architect receives an extra £20k bonus!

Channel 4 will showcase the buildings on Saturday 14th Oct.