Week 4: The Planning System

From this seminar, I realised that there are many rules and regulations. Mr Sam had lead us to consider about the site location, zone and planning permission by using the local plan of Sheffield City Council. I had found out that the land is under the conservation area and it is categorised under 'flexible use area'(figure1) which there are certain restrictions of the site. The industry building, warehouse and storage building are not acceptable. (figure 2)

I realised there are a lot of restrictions that we should be future considering to our propose development.

Figure 1 conservation area (source from Sheffield City Council)

Figure 2 flexible use area (source from Sheffield City Council)

This table show that we cannot simply choose type of development but refer to relevant policy. Core Strategy and CIQ also influence the choice of development with further detail description.

References:

National Planning Policy Framework. (n.d.). Retrieved June 26, 2014, from Communities and Local Goverment: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/6077/2116950.pdf

Sheffield City Council, 2014. ‘Conservation area’ viewed 27 June 2014’ https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/SCC-Home/planning-and-city-development/urban-design--conservation/conservation/conservationareas

Week 3: Site Analysis and Construction Technical Issues

After survey and data collected from the site visit on Matilda street, we had sit in a group and discuss what the development proposal suitable is. We had some idea on develop a restaurant, office and student accommodation. However, we do not have a conclusion because we do not have sufficient information and the knowledge of the local authority’s requirements of that piece of land. This is because the construction law and regulations are depending on the country as we are not common with it.

Therefore, it is important to have a future analysis on the site location and also the construction technical issues in order to achieve the success for the proposal development. 

In this seminar, Sir Tim Jones has discussed about the site analysis and the relevant construction technical issues that we have discovered from the site visit. Tim has taught us a different thinking to review the project. we can come out with a development idea and brainstorming after regarding for the potential issue and problem.

From this, I should focus on not only the existing defects of the building but also the problems that I might face in the redevelopment or refurbishment process. Flood potential is an important issue in Sheffield since serious flood had occurred in the past few years. Site analysis should include risk assessment to reduce the risk impact. After all, I have a clearer view and thinking about how to complete my assignment. This has expanded my way of thinking whether in my career or my life.  

Week 2: Matilda Street Site Visit

This week we had conducted a site visit of an existing building located in Matilda Street. The property is owned by Sheffield Hallam University and used as storage currently. Our assessment is to prepare a development proposal of this site to increase the property value.Site investigation is carried out as I work in a team with my group members.

Figure 1: Existing building

Figure 2: Site Layout

We were given a laser distance measure and fiberglass measurement tape to do indoor and outdoor measurement. However, I have faced problem to get accurate dimensions and lacking time to do measurement because I was not familiar with the device, hence we cooperate with other groups to double check and share our information.

Several building defects were detected during site visit and repair actions should be taken to recover the work if refurbishment development is decided later on.

 Figure 3: minor defect (cracking on the wall)

We have been assigned to do inspection the internal building and also the conditions of the site for further redevelopment or refurbishment. I have visited to a construction site during my internship by checking on the progress of the construction work. But it is different from this site visited which the concern on the building and the environment around as well.

From this, I noticed that is important to do research of survey templates and prepare an investigation list. I should have well prepared by list down all important information for data collection during the site visit to avoid time wasting. 

Week 1 Assessment Brief

Mr.Weatherall, Dave whom one of the leader module give out some guideline about the Integrated Project Assessment in this first lecture. The assessment will be distributed into two parts as Part A and Part B, it is carry 60% and 40% of marks respectively. We were asked to maximize the investment potential of a development and prepare a proposal by consideration of design, property market, legal and financial issues in relation to the Matilda Street development.

From the seminar, I had learned a useful online presentation that I never use before called Padlet. We asked to develop our assessment by Padlet Wall to present a client brief which enables us to post assessment to the web, in the same time; it can help us gather feedback from a wider audience. I found that Padlet is the great way to express my ideas and information.

It is my first time to use Padlet and Blog for academic purpose as a way of communication and Padlet wall is totally a brand new thing for me. After study from the video, I realised it is an effective platform where i can share information, brainstorm ideas. This module enables me to get better at making my future proposals compelling by this real life case study.

how to use padlet.