News

Planning approval secured for three major projects at Wiltshire College

We are part of the project team that has secured approval for three key redevelopment projects on the Salisbury and Lackham campuses at Wiltshire College & University Centre.

We provided expert Planning and Strategic Communications services for the redevelopment of both campuses which secured funding through the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership in 2017.

Salisbury

The funding enabled the college to develop a new Construction, Life Sciences and Engineering Centre which we have been working on since 2017, co-ordinating all stages of the planning process from initial planning appraisal to discharge of conditions. The works included demolishing two educational buildings and erecting new modern teaching facilities.

We secured planning approval in 2018, alongside discharge of conditions, which allowed work to commence on the site, enabling delivery of the improved campus later in 2020.

The enhanced facilities will allow for the introduction of new advanced engineering courses, improved life sciences and higher education teaching facilities, as well as improvements to the existing courses offered at the campus. Access and facilities for staff, students and the public will be developed which will contribute to retaining crucial skills within Salisbury; this includes relocation of the existing restaurant and catering department to the ground floor to encourage use of the restaurant by the local community.

The modern and sustainable design of the new building promotes the site’s location as a landmark building and enhances the education offer and quality of facilities at the campus.

Lackham

The Local Enterprise Partnership funding enabled the college to boost Land based and Agricultural education on the Lackham campus through plans for a new Agricultural Technology centre and higher education centre, improved animal care facilities and the provision of a new robotic milking dairy unit at Home Farm.

We have acted as the college’s trusted advisor since 2018, providing strategic planning advice on the delivery of the Lackham campus masterplan. We have undertaken extensive informal and formal pre-application discussions with Wiltshire Council on the planning approach, ensuring a development which is fit for purpose for the college and delivered in a timely manner. Over the last two years, major successes have included:

Agricultural Technology Centre

Securing full planning permission for the new Agricultural Technology Centre and the creation of an arrival plaza and entrance space for the campus. This permission also included new animal care facilities and enclosures at the campus.

The modern, energy efficient Agricultural Technology centre will provide a new hub for the campus. The centre will include laboratory facilities to upgrade the student experience and utilise technology to display news and information from around the campus. This will include live data from the robotic milking unit.

Lackham House

Securing listed building consent for works to upgrade teaching facilities at Lackham House, facilitating its sensitive use as a higher education centre with high specification classrooms and conference facilities.

Robotic milking unit at Home Farm

Securing full planning permission for the new robotic milking unit at Home Farm which will provide modern and enhanced agricultural teaching facilities. Our involvement ensured the approval of a scheme which met the needs of the college and future students, as well as responding to the sensitivity of the location and nearby heritage assets.

The project will deliver high quality, low carbon teaching facilities and opportunities for an expanded curriculum, as well as an enhanced arrival experience, pedestrian access and public realm. Up to date technology will provide new and improved teaching opportunities for staff and students, promoting skills and employability in Wiltshire’s rural agricultural and farming sectors.

For more information on our work with Wiltshire College & University Centre please contact Jadine Havill.

20 April 2020