17.06.20
Watford Council unveils new place shaping panel
Watford Borough Council has today (June 17) announced the members of its new Place Shaping Panel as part of its commitment to enhancing quality of life for residents.
It will serve as a rigorous independent board of reviewers for any development proposals, who will use their skills and expertise to ensure Watford’s townscape represents ‘thoughtful, high quality design.’
New members are bringing to the table their experience ranging from planning and heritage to sustainability and inclusive design.
The Panel will be chaired by Peter Bishop, previous design advisor to the Mayor of London with over 25 years of senior management experience. Bishop is also a Professor of Urban Design and UCL’s The Bartlett School of Architecture, he said:
“I am very pleased to be appointed as chair of this outstanding panel of people. There is a lot of pressure on councils across the UK to get more housing and commercial projects delivered but we must create the best buildings for people that are life enhancing- we spend 80-90% of our lives in our homes, offices and other indoor spaces so it is hugely important.
“Our collective expertise will help Watford Borough Council ensure that only the highest quality design is achieved on major developments. I look forward to convening the first panel meeting”
All major planning submissions received by the Council will be assessed by the panel and a collective assessment will be made, which will then be passed to planning officers to help them make a decision.
Elected Mayor Peter Taylor said:
“Watford Borough Council is thrilled to have such a talented panel in place to help navigate our increasing development challenges and provide independent insight. With the new Place Shaping Panel, Watford is better positioned to ensure we embrace innovation while protecting our historic character, deliver our ambitious sustainability agenda, and make sure we have a thriving community with developments built to last for generations to come.”
With a population of more than 96,000, Watford is experiencing mounting development pressures and the well-connected town is growing as an economic hub.
Panel members include:
Helen Allen – Director, David Bonnett Associates
Irfan Alam – Associate Director, Pitman Tozer
Anna Bardos – Director, Tim Ronalds Architects
Maurizio Biadene – Associate, Karakusevic Carson
Thomas Bryans – Co-Founder and Director, IF-DO
Marie Burns – Consultant (Founding Director, Burns + Nice)
Joanne Cave – Partner, David Lock Associates
Laurie Handcock – Director, Iceni Projects
Rachel Hearn – Design Principal, LLDC
Bevan Jones – Associate, Greengage
Michael Popper – Founding Director, P3r Engineers
Tahera Rouf – Associate, RCKa
Nicola Rutt – Partner, Hawkins\Brown
Linda Thiel – Partner, White Arkitekter
Andrew Thornhill – Director, Churchman Thornhill Finch
Alex Wraight – Partner, Allies and Morrison
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