ATLAS case studies
The original national ATLAS programme ran from 2004 to 2017 and assisted various Councils across the UK. The national ATLAS programme has recently been re-established and has been working on various sites across the country. Case study examples include the following.
2,000-home urban extension, Surrey
A new residential community of up to 2,000 homes with outline planning permission determined via appeal in May 2024. National ATLAS assisted the borough in the following ways:
Speeding up the process: ATLAS offered support to the LPA on an achievable project plan for the Reserved Matters / condition discharge.
Building capability: ATLAS provided advice on S106 monitoring and evidencing delivery of community benefit.
Improving relationships: Support provided to facilitate dialogue with the Environment Agency, working jointly with the New Homes Accelerator, over contamination sign-off which generated positive feedback from the developer.
Resolving critical blockages: ATLAS provided advice on sustainability and energy performance to meet environmental compliance and targets.
Improving quality of proposals and place: ATLAS shared good practice examples of sustainable long term stewardship models.
Garden Town, Oxfordshire
A Garden Town with potential to deliver up to 9,000 homes. Challenges include issues with power capacity, strategic link road delivery and viability. National ATLAS assisted the borough in the following ways:
Speeding up the process: Assisting the council to identify gaps in resources at both district and county level across development management, placemaking and project delivery/enabling.
Building capability: Supporting the LPA to assess the legitimacy of viability challenges for each site and helping to secure the best outcome for the new community in terms of S106 contributions.
Improving relationships: Facilitating discussion between the LPA and other parties on options for the phased delivery of the Strategic Link Road to de-risk the funding bid.
Resolving critical blockages: Brokering role in resolving power supply issue with key stakeholders, while exploring means of delivering council's carbon reduction policies..
Improving quality of proposals and place: Supporting the LPA in delivering its long-standing aspiration for exemplary development through reviewing town wide vision and policy.
Nottinghamshire, urban extension up to 3,850 homes
An urban extension of up to 3,850 homes within an adopted Local Plan allocation for 4,000 homes. Two major planning applications (outline and hybrid) were submitted and pending determination. National ATLAS assisted the borough in the following ways:
Speeding up the process: ATLAS provided programme management support, helping the Council prepare for and agree a Planning Performance Agreement with landowner and developer, and supporting the authority to build a realistic programme for SPD adoption / application determination.
Building capability: ATLAS offered practical guidance, templates and advice through PPA workshops and officer engagement.
Improving relationships: ATLAS acted as a critical friend to both the LPA and applicants, supporting stakeholder management and helping rebuild constructive working relationships, generating renewed commitment to progressing the site.
Resolving critical blockages: ATLAS supported the LPA in coordinating and distilling responses from key consultees (including Active Travel England, National Highways and County Council), particularly around transport and access issues.
Improving quality of proposals and place: ATLAS undertook a light-touch peer review of the emerging SPD, focusing on access, transport and renewable energy, helping to improve the robustness and clarity of the policy framework supporting long-term delivery.
Warwickshire urban extension up to 2,500 homes
A strategic residential-led development of up to 2,500 homes with outline planning permission for mixed-use floorspace, schools, open space and associated infrastructure. The site forms part of a wider Local Plan allocation for 4,000 homes, but progress was delayed. National ATLAS assisted the borough in the following ways:
Speeding up the process: ATLAS supported the Council to establish clear project roles and responsibilities, helped set up a delivery group with the land promoter and partners, and provided guidance to prioritise the site and bring forward reserved matters submissions.
Building capability: ATLAS delivered PPA workshops, practical advice, templates, and guidance on technical approvals, allowing the LPA to manage and coordinate multiple stakeholders effectively.
Improving relationships: ATLAS facilitated collaboration between the the Councils, , and maintained strong engagement with the land promoter and partner organisations to resolve key issues.
Resolving critical blockages: ATLAS helped address highway and transport issues, assisted with technical approvals and agreements, and supported the LPA in coordinating input from the Homes England regional team.
Improving quality of proposals and place: ATLAS advised on the development brief, masterplan and design code for reserved matters, and provided ongoing support on affordable housing through Registered Provider engagement.
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