Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners
Encyclopedia
Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners (NLP) is an independent British
town planning consultancy originally founded in 1962 to provide specialist advice on all aspects of the planning process. Over more than four decades the practice has built up extensive planning and development experience. Today it is the oldest and one of the UK’s largest independent firms specialising in development planning.
The practice employs staff in various disciplines including planning consultants, urban designers, masterplanners, heritage specialists and economics consultants.
Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners operates in a variety of roles on projects. This ranges from examples of acting as team leader managing a large consultancy team or providing specialist inputs to established projects.
NLP has advised on the following notable projects and developments and many more: The London Eye
and Wembley Stadium
.
Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners is listed by the Best Companies Guide and achieved a Best Companies Index (BCI) Score of 698 in 2009.
as Nathaniel Lichfield Associates in 1962.
During the 1960s the Company became a near indispensable part of many professional planning teams in the period of British planning covering the construction of the second wave of new towns. Nathaniel Lichfield Associates was involved in the development planning of both Milton Keynes and Peterborough, in the late 1960s.
The Trust assists in the long term retention of these benefits and the Company has no financial or other obligations to external shareholders. The Company believes this provides advantages which enable it to recruit and retain high quality staff and provide stability that assist it in building long term relationships with the individuals, companies, institutions, local authorities and government organisations it works with.
to reflect the levels of housing need identified by the NHPAU. The NLP study, which was prepared with engagement of many stakeholders from local authorities, government agencies, and infrastructure providers, formed a key part of the evidence supplied to the Examination in Public process.
The study outlined that the West Midlands could potentially see 80,000 additional housing units built by 2026 above a previously-announced target of 365,600, bringing the total to 445,600, While attempting to maximisise sustainable housing delivery in the options examined, this target was viewed by some lobbying organisations such as the Campaign to Protect Rural England as unrealistic.
bids from Wembley
, Manchester
, Birmingham
, Bradford
and Sheffield
. NLP examined the planning and locational aspects of each bid. NLP was retained to examine additional information produced by the short-listed bidders, Manchester and Wembley. During subsequent stages of the evaluation process, Wembley was selected as the preferred site. NLP advised the Sports Council about the general site/stadia planning issues and the general environmental improvements required at Wembley to create an acceptable setting for the new stadium. NLP was then appointed to assist Wembley National Stadium Limited in preparing a scheme for a new stadium and to obtain planning and listed building permission. Tasks included preparing reports and documents on the heritage aspects of the existing stadium, co-ordinating the Environmental Statement and the highway impact assessment, preparing a planning support statement and assisting with S106 agreement negotiations following the grant of planning permission and listed buildings consent. The stadium opened in March 2007.
NLP co-ordinated the submission of information to discharge numerous planning conditions and is currently advising WNSL about applications in the vicinity of the stadium.
, the Tussauds Group, in obtaining planning and listed building consent to alter the Wheel on the South Bank
of the Thames. NLP also examined and reported on the implications of a S106 attached to the original contract.
NLP also prepared planning and listed building consent applications for the permanent retention of the attraction on behalf of the London Eye Company. This has involved the co-ordination of an Environmental Statement and the production of a planning supporting statement detailing the reasons for its retention.
for the following Conservation Areas:
Each of these projects involved historical background research into the development of the area followed by extensive fieldwork. The studies included audits of listed buildings, buildings and streetscape features that contribute and detract from the character and appearance of the area.
The documents provided an overview of the historic development of the areas, a detailed description of the character and appearance of the areas, an audit of the features of interest, a summary of the main issues impacting on the areas and development control guidelines.
, to examine the operation of various Conservation Area Advisory Committees (CAACs) in the Borough, in other parts of London and elsewhere in England. Its purpose was to identify the key factors important to the effectiveness of such groups in providing support for the local authority planning service.
The study involved a series of interviews with local planning authority conservation officers, members, CAAC members and other heritage organisations. Recommendations were made on levels of Council support for CAACs, structures and membership of such groups as well as the benefits of a single district-wide group against individual groups for each conservation area. Findings of this study were used to inform the LB Haringey in considering the reorganisation of its own structure of CAACs.
on planning and economic matters at every stage of its growth from its original construction in 1986, including its expansion to accommodate jet aircraft in 1991, its doubling of air traffic movements in 1996 and substantial air-side improvements in 2001. Planning permission was achieved for each of these developments.
This involvement has included economic impact studies examining direct and indirect employment generation of the Airport’s growth, effects on the local labour market, its attraction to inward investment, its role on supporting the City of London financial centre, its contribution to tourism in London and its wider regeneration effects in east London and the Thames Gateway. NLP gave planning and economic evidence at two major public inquiries, where the economic and regeneration benefits of the Airport were instrumental in winning planning permission.
NLP has worked at both large international airports and smaller regional airports, including:
Learning Partner.
Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners was shortlisted for the RTPI's Planning Consultancy of the Year Award 2009.
Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners have established links with a number of leading university town planning departments, including:
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
town planning consultancy originally founded in 1962 to provide specialist advice on all aspects of the planning process. Over more than four decades the practice has built up extensive planning and development experience. Today it is the oldest and one of the UK’s largest independent firms specialising in development planning.
The practice employs staff in various disciplines including planning consultants, urban designers, masterplanners, heritage specialists and economics consultants.
Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners operates in a variety of roles on projects. This ranges from examples of acting as team leader managing a large consultancy team or providing specialist inputs to established projects.
NLP has advised on the following notable projects and developments and many more: The London Eye
London Eye
The London Eye is a tall giant Ferris wheel situated on the banks of the River Thames, in London, England.It is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe, and the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, visited by over 3.5 million people annually...
and Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium
The original Wembley Stadium, officially known as the Empire Stadium, was a football stadium in Wembley, a suburb of north-west London, standing on the site now occupied by the new Wembley Stadium that opened in 2007...
.
Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners is listed by the Best Companies Guide and achieved a Best Companies Index (BCI) Score of 698 in 2009.
History
The business was established by Professor Nathaniel LichfieldNathaniel Lichfield
Nathaniel Lichfield was a British urban and environmental planner who played a key role in the development of the 1960s new towns. His contributions extended over more than 60 years, continuing long after his retirement from University College London in 1978...
as Nathaniel Lichfield Associates in 1962.
During the 1960s the Company became a near indispensable part of many professional planning teams in the period of British planning covering the construction of the second wave of new towns. Nathaniel Lichfield Associates was involved in the development planning of both Milton Keynes and Peterborough, in the late 1960s.
Company Ownership
The Company is entirely owned by an Employee Benefit Trust. The Directors believe that that clients’ and employees’ objectives can most effectively be met in a Company that is independent and focused on town planning. Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners aims to provide advice which is unfettered by business interests from other disciplines within the Company. The strategic direction of the Company is planned for the long term based upon the opportunities in the town planning discipline.The Trust assists in the long term retention of these benefits and the Company has no financial or other obligations to external shareholders. The Company believes this provides advantages which enable it to recruit and retain high quality staff and provide stability that assist it in building long term relationships with the individuals, companies, institutions, local authorities and government organisations it works with.
Government Review of Permitted Development Rights
NLP carried out a 12 month research study for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to review the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) and the operation of permitted development rights in practice. The purpose was to ensure that these rights supported Government policy aims, remained relevant to current conditions and were easy to understand and interpret by users. The study involved a review of previous research and studies on this topic, and surveys of all English local planning authorities as well as County Councils, education authorities, heritage bodies, environmental interest groups, Government departments, private sector organisations and a range of other organisations. This was followed by detailed interviews of a number of key stakeholders, and examination of various development case studies. Analysis of all the issues raised led to the preparation of carefully justified recommendations for changes to certain areas of permitted development. The study found no need for major change to the GPDO, but identified ways in which it could be simplified and made easier to use through providing proper definitions and a more consistent approach across different rights.Housing Options for the West Midlands (2008)
NLP was appointed by Government Office for the West Midlands to prepare housing options for the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) in light of the National Housing and Planning Advice Unit (NHPAU) Report. The NLP study explored whether and how it might be possible to increase the supply of housing in the West MidlandsWest Midlands (region)
The West Midlands is an official region of England, covering the western half of the area traditionally known as the Midlands. It contains the second most populous British city, Birmingham, and the larger West Midlands conurbation, which includes the city of Wolverhampton and large towns of Dudley,...
to reflect the levels of housing need identified by the NHPAU. The NLP study, which was prepared with engagement of many stakeholders from local authorities, government agencies, and infrastructure providers, formed a key part of the evidence supplied to the Examination in Public process.
The study outlined that the West Midlands could potentially see 80,000 additional housing units built by 2026 above a previously-announced target of 365,600, bringing the total to 445,600, While attempting to maximisise sustainable housing delivery in the options examined, this target was viewed by some lobbying organisations such as the Campaign to Protect Rural England as unrealistic.
National Stadium - Wembley
In 1995 NLP was appointed by the Sports Council to join a team of consultants to evaluate the five National StadiumWembley Stadium
The original Wembley Stadium, officially known as the Empire Stadium, was a football stadium in Wembley, a suburb of north-west London, standing on the site now occupied by the new Wembley Stadium that opened in 2007...
bids from Wembley
Wembley
Wembley is an area of northwest London, England, and part of the London Borough of Brent. It is home to the famous Wembley Stadium and Wembley Arena...
, Manchester
Manchester
Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater...
, Birmingham
Birmingham
Birmingham is a city and metropolitan borough in the West Midlands of England. It is the most populous British city outside the capital London, with a population of 1,036,900 , and lies at the heart of the West Midlands conurbation, the second most populous urban area in the United Kingdom with a...
, Bradford
Bradford
Bradford lies at the heart of the City of Bradford, a metropolitan borough of West Yorkshire, in Northern England. It is situated in the foothills of the Pennines, west of Leeds, and northwest of Wakefield. Bradford became a municipal borough in 1847, and received its charter as a city in 1897...
and Sheffield
Sheffield
Sheffield is a city and metropolitan borough of South Yorkshire, England. Its name derives from the River Sheaf, which runs through the city. Historically a part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, and with some of its southern suburbs annexed from Derbyshire, the city has grown from its largely...
. NLP examined the planning and locational aspects of each bid. NLP was retained to examine additional information produced by the short-listed bidders, Manchester and Wembley. During subsequent stages of the evaluation process, Wembley was selected as the preferred site. NLP advised the Sports Council about the general site/stadia planning issues and the general environmental improvements required at Wembley to create an acceptable setting for the new stadium. NLP was then appointed to assist Wembley National Stadium Limited in preparing a scheme for a new stadium and to obtain planning and listed building permission. Tasks included preparing reports and documents on the heritage aspects of the existing stadium, co-ordinating the Environmental Statement and the highway impact assessment, preparing a planning support statement and assisting with S106 agreement negotiations following the grant of planning permission and listed buildings consent. The stadium opened in March 2007.
NLP co-ordinated the submission of information to discharge numerous planning conditions and is currently advising WNSL about applications in the vicinity of the stadium.
The London Eye
NLP assisted the operators of the London EyeLondon Eye
The London Eye is a tall giant Ferris wheel situated on the banks of the River Thames, in London, England.It is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe, and the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, visited by over 3.5 million people annually...
, the Tussauds Group, in obtaining planning and listed building consent to alter the Wheel on the South Bank
South Bank
South Bank is an area of London, England located immediately adjacent to the south side of the River Thames. It forms a long and narrow section of riverside development that is within the London Borough of Lambeth to the border with the London Borough of Southwark and was formerly simply known as...
of the Thames. NLP also examined and reported on the implications of a S106 attached to the original contract.
NLP also prepared planning and listed building consent applications for the permanent retention of the attraction on behalf of the London Eye Company. This has involved the co-ordination of an Environmental Statement and the production of a planning supporting statement detailing the reasons for its retention.
Conservation Area Statements
NLP has produced a draft Conservation Area Statements on behalf of the London Borough of CamdenLondon Borough of Camden
In 1801, the civil parishes that form the modern borough were already developed and had a total population of 96,795. This continued to rise swiftly throughout the 19th century, as the district became built up; reaching 270,197 in the middle of the century...
for the following Conservation Areas:
- Belsize Conservation Area - BelsizeBelsizeBelsize is a hamlet in Hertfordshire, England, situated between the villages of Sarratt and Chipperfield. It was given the award of Hertfordshire's best kept hamlet in 1989 and 1996....
- Bloomsbury Conservation Area - BloomsburyBloomsbury-Places:* Bloomsbury is an area in central London.* Bloomsbury , related local government unit* Bloomsbury, New Jersey, New Jersey, USA* Bloomsbury , listed on the NRHP in Maryland...
- Elsworthy Conservation Area - Elsworthy
- Fitzroy Conservation Area - Fitzroy SquareFitzroy SquareFitzroy Square is one of the Georgian squares in London and is the only one found in the central London area known as in Fitzrovia.The square, nearby Fitzroy Street and the Fitzroy Tavern in Charlotte Street have the family name of Charles FitzRoy, 2nd Duke of Grafton, into whose ownership the land...
- St. John's Wood Conservation Area - St. John's Wood
Each of these projects involved historical background research into the development of the area followed by extensive fieldwork. The studies included audits of listed buildings, buildings and streetscape features that contribute and detract from the character and appearance of the area.
The documents provided an overview of the historic development of the areas, a detailed description of the character and appearance of the areas, an audit of the features of interest, a summary of the main issues impacting on the areas and development control guidelines.
Research Study of Conservation Area Advisory Committees
NLP carried out a study, for the London Borough of HaringeyLondon Borough of Haringey
The London Borough of Haringey is a London borough, in North London, classified by some definitions as part of Inner London, and by others as part of Outer London. It was created in 1965 by the amalgamation of three former boroughs. It shares borders with six other London boroughs...
, to examine the operation of various Conservation Area Advisory Committees (CAACs) in the Borough, in other parts of London and elsewhere in England. Its purpose was to identify the key factors important to the effectiveness of such groups in providing support for the local authority planning service.
The study involved a series of interviews with local planning authority conservation officers, members, CAAC members and other heritage organisations. Recommendations were made on levels of Council support for CAACs, structures and membership of such groups as well as the benefits of a single district-wide group against individual groups for each conservation area. Findings of this study were used to inform the LB Haringey in considering the reorganisation of its own structure of CAACs.
Other Heritage and Conservation Projects
NLP has assisted with heritage and conservation planning related issues for the following projects:- The Economist Building, London on behalf of Ryder Street Properties
- WynyardWynyard Park, County DurhamWynyard Park, sometimes known as Wynyard Hall is a large country house in County Durham, England. The house used to be the family seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family, Marquesses of Londonderry, an Anglo-Irish aristocratic dynasty, but it was sold in the 1980s.-The house:Designed by Philip Wyatt...
Estate, Stockton on behalf of Wynyard EstateWynyard Park, County DurhamWynyard Park, sometimes known as Wynyard Hall is a large country house in County Durham, England. The house used to be the family seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family, Marquesses of Londonderry, an Anglo-Irish aristocratic dynasty, but it was sold in the 1980s.-The house:Designed by Philip Wyatt... - King’s Waterfront, Liverpool on behalf of Liverpool City CouncilLiverpool City CouncilLiverpool City Council is the governing body for the city of Liverpool in Merseyside, England. It consists of 90 councillors, three for each of the city's 30 wards. The council is currently controlled by the Labour Party and is led by Joe Anderson.-Domain:...
- Grange Park OperaGrange Park OperaGrange Park Opera is a professional opera company whose base is The Grange in Hampshire, England. The company was founded in 1998 by Wasfi Kani OBE and Michael Moody...
, Winchester on behalf of Grange Park OperaGrange Park OperaGrange Park Opera is a professional opera company whose base is The Grange in Hampshire, England. The company was founded in 1998 by Wasfi Kani OBE and Michael Moody... - National Maritime MuseumNational Maritime MuseumThe National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, England is the leading maritime museum of the United Kingdom and may be the largest museum of its kind in the world. The historic buildings forming part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, it also incorporates the Royal Observatory, Greenwich,...
, Greenwich on behalf of the National Maritime MuseumNational Maritime MuseumThe National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, England is the leading maritime museum of the United Kingdom and may be the largest museum of its kind in the world. The historic buildings forming part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, it also incorporates the Royal Observatory, Greenwich,... - Kew Gardens, London on behalf of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
- Knebworth HouseKnebworth HouseKnebworth House is a country house in the civil parish of Knebworth in Hertfordshire, England.-History and description:The home of the Lytton family since 1490, when Thomas Bourchier sold the reversion of the manor to Sir Robert Lytton, Knebworth House was originally a genuine red-brick Late Gothic...
, Hertfordshire on behalf of Knebworth House Education and Preservation Trust and Knebworth Estates
London City Airport
NLP advised London City AirportLondon City Airport
London City Airport is a single-runway airport. It principally serves the financial district of London and is located on a former Docklands site, east of the City of London, opposite the London Regatta Centre, in the London Borough of Newham in east London. It was developed by the engineering...
on planning and economic matters at every stage of its growth from its original construction in 1986, including its expansion to accommodate jet aircraft in 1991, its doubling of air traffic movements in 1996 and substantial air-side improvements in 2001. Planning permission was achieved for each of these developments.
This involvement has included economic impact studies examining direct and indirect employment generation of the Airport’s growth, effects on the local labour market, its attraction to inward investment, its role on supporting the City of London financial centre, its contribution to tourism in London and its wider regeneration effects in east London and the Thames Gateway. NLP gave planning and economic evidence at two major public inquiries, where the economic and regeneration benefits of the Airport were instrumental in winning planning permission.
NLP has worked at both large international airports and smaller regional airports, including:
RTPI
Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners is an RTPIRoyal Town Planning Institute
The Royal Town Planning Institute is a body representing planning professionals in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. It was founded in 1914.-Members:...
Learning Partner.
Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners was shortlisted for the RTPI's Planning Consultancy of the Year Award 2009.
Links to External Organisations
Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners participates in the activities of the planning and surveying professional bodies as well as a large number of trade organisations. These include:- British Council of Shopping Centres
- British Property FederationBritish Property FederationBritish Property Federation is a membership organisation that promotes the interests of companies those involved in property ownership and investment. It was incorporated in 1963 as a limited company...
- Chartered Management InstituteChartered Management InstituteThe Chartered Management Institute is a professional institution for managers, based in the United Kingdom.In addition to supporting its members, the organisation encourages management development, carries out research, produces a wide variety of publications on management interests, and publishes...
- Garden History Society
- Georgian GroupGeorgian GroupThe Georgian Group is an English and Welsh conservation organisation created to campaign for the preservation of historic buildings and planned landscapes of the 18th and early 19th centuries...
- Historic Towns Forum
- Institution of Economic Development
- Institute of Environmental Management and AssessmentInstitute of Environmental Management and AssessmentThe Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment is the largest professional body for environmental practitioners in the United Kingdom and Worldwide approaching 15,000 members....
- Pro-Manchester
- Royal Town Planning InstituteRoyal Town Planning InstituteThe Royal Town Planning Institute is a body representing planning professionals in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. It was founded in 1914.-Members:...
- Royal Institution of Chartered SurveyorsRoyal Institution of Chartered SurveyorsThe Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is an independent, representative professional body which regulates property professionals and surveyors in the United Kingdom and other sovereign nations....
- Society for the Preservation of Redundant Churches
- Society for the Protection of Ancient BuildingsSociety for the Protection of Ancient BuildingsThe Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings was founded by William Morris, Philip Webb and J.J.Stevenson, and other notable members of the Pre Raphaelite brotherhood, in 1877, to oppose what they saw as the insensitive renovation of ancient buildings then occurring in Victorian...
- Urban Design GroupUrban Design GroupUrban Design Group is professional architectural, interior, planning and urban designservices firm. The firm offers services from their studios in Atlanta, Georgia, and Dallas, Texas. UDG has been recognized by over 100 magazine articles, newspaper pieces, and various design resource books,...
- Victorian Society
- Women in Property
- 20th Century Society
Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners have established links with a number of leading university town planning departments, including:
- Manchester University
- Newcastle University
- Oxford Brookes UniversityOxford Brookes UniversityOxford Brookes University is a new university in Oxford, England. It was named to honour the school's founding principal, John Brookes. It has been ranked as the best new university by the Sunday Times University Guide 10 years in a row...
- South Bank University
- University College LondonUniversity College LondonUniversity College London is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom and the oldest and largest constituent college of the federal University of London...
- University of Cardiff