LUC

🗺️ Ever wondered what a GIS Consultant does? Join Izzy Grace, a GIS Consultant at LUC, as she takes you through a typical (and colourful!) day at work. See how GIS skills are used to create a better future for people and places, all illustrated by Izzy herself! 🎨 From environmental assessments to lunch by the harbour, every day is an opportunity to be creative and make a difference. #GIS #GISConsultant #DayInTheLife #Geospatial #Cartography #EnvironmentalConsulting

Our summer newsletter has arrived! 🌞 This edition departs from our usual format, as we explore the impact of the new government’s ambitious reforms on housing, planning, energy, and infrastructure. Six of our technical specialists share their expert insights on these transformative changes. We're pleased to see our sectors making headlines and the opportunities these reforms will bring for us and our clients. While the devil may be in the details, there's no doubt that exciting times are ahead. 🏡 Philip Smith comments on a new dawn for planning and LUC’s aspirations for the government’s reforms. 🌎 Sophie Nioche asks what now for onshore wind developments. 🌳 Josh Allen considers what’s on the horizon for Green Belt policy. 📖 Kate Nicholls contemplates the direction of Environmental Outcomes Reports. 🌱 Owen B. examines the future of placemaking. 🏠 Mark Fisk asks how high-quality landscape design can help solve the housing crisis. Just a note - we have approached this newsletter in a non-partisan manner. Our comments focus on the actions of the new government, not on any political affiliations. We hope you enjoy reading about what we do. https://ow.ly/lJKs50SJiqB #planning #placemaking #housing #development #greenbelt #onshorewind

Central Bedfordshire Council has appointed LUC to conduct the Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) for its emerging Local Plan and Local Transport Plan. 🏡 This appointment follows our successful collaboration with the Council in 2020-2021, where we undertook significant work on the SA of their now-adopted Local Plan. ⏪ In our previous commission, Central Bedfordshire Council enlisted LUC to provide essential support during the Examination of their Local Plan. The original SA work, conducted by a different consultant, had been scrutinised by the Inspector. LUC stepped in to deliver a robust and compliant SA, which was crucial in enabling the Local Plan to be found sound and adopted. Our work involved preparing a Supplementary SA to robustly revisit key plan options and decisions regarding the spatial strategy. We provided expert guidance on SA matters during the second phase of Examination hearings, prepared the SA Report for the Main Modifications to the Local Plan, and drafted the SA Adoption Statement. 🤝 We are delighted to have been appointed to work with the Council again on the new Local Plan from the outset of its preparation, as well as undertake HRA for the Local Plan and both SA and HRA for the new Local Transport Plan. This latest commission is a testament to LUC's expertise in navigating the complexities of local planning and development. We are committed to ensuring Central Bedfordshire's new Local Plan and Local Transport Plan both foster a future that harmonises growth with environmental protection and community well-being. #RuralDevelopment #CentralBedfordshire #LocalPlan #SustainabilityAppraisal #HabitatsRegulationsAssessment #UrbanPlanning #SustainableDevelopment

Our latest thought piece by Iain Mackenzie considers why #OrnithologySurveys are essential for #DevelopmentProjects 🦅 The seasonal movements of #birds mean year-round monitoring is crucial to understanding environmental impacts. Our dedicated team at LUC conducts comprehensive surveys, from breeding season studies to winter migration analysis. Learn how these efforts support #SustainableDevelopment and help to support #biodiversity 🌿 #ornithology #BirdSurveys #ecology https://lnkd.in/dm4d6pPK

We're pleased to join Regen, an independent group for energy expertise and market insight, focused on accelerating the transition to a zero-carbon energy future. Being a member of Regen, LUC can support the organisation's aims of delivering a holistic industry-wide approach to addressing key strategic challenges to transform the world’s energy systems to create a more sustainable future. Membership will grant LUC valuable industry insights, a strong market voice, increased access to opportunities in the renewable energy sector and networking opportunities. "Joining Regen aligns with our commitment to delivering sustainable solutions and supporting the transition to a low-carbon future", said Michael Downes, Associate Planner and LUC Regen representative. "We are excited to join Regen and leverage their expertise and network to further our impact in the renewable energy sector." This membership is an exciting step for LUC, demonstrating our dedication to the renewable energy sector and our commitment to working collaboratively to achieve a sustainable future. #Renewables #Sustainability #ZeroCarbon

Earlier this month, Diana Manson and Heather Simeonov from LUC presented at the Landscape Institute's Digital Practice & Technology for Landscape conference. Their talk focused on Dark Skies mapping and Night/Dusk visuals in Assessment work. The conference was a great opportunity to connect with other professionals and explore how technology is transforming the landscape sector. Thanks to Jill Bullen Hulse (Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru / Natural Resources Wales) for contributing to our slides! #LandscapePlanning #GIS #LandscapeArchitecture #DarkSkies #Sustainability #DigitalInnovation

Our team has been busy bringing life and vibrancy to the entrance of the Bristol Royal Infirmary. This timelapse captures the transformation as we planted a carefully curated selection of drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly blooms. 🌸🐝 A year in the making, this project is a testament to our commitment to creating healing environments for our community. 💚 #LandscapeArchitecture #Timelapse #HealingGardens #Pollinators #Bristol #CSER #LandscapeDesign

We've teamed up with the Forestry Commission to visualise the importance of forest resilience. 🌳 Our project 'Resilience' uses bespoke landscape models to illustrate the risks associated with poor tree species diversification. The visuals show how this can lead to vulnerable landscapes, susceptible to wind blow and disease. We've created striking visuals to demonstrate the positive impact of forest management. By transitioning to a diverse range of tree species, we can achieve a resilient landscape with increased biodiversity. 🌱 Our detailed 3D base model, created as part of this project, will pave the way for future landscape iterations and help inform sustainable forest management practices. #landscape #forestry #resilience #3Dmodelling #biodiversity

Read our latest piece by Steve Jackson-Matthews to help you understand the impact of recent changes to bat surveys 🦇 From the use of night vision aids to increasing emphasis on dusk surveys, both ecologists and developers will see benefits. Learn how these updates will impact ecological assessments and development projects. #batsurvey #ecology https://lnkd.in/dwBM-WM2

We're thrilled to announce that our restoration project at Stanmer Park, in collaboration with Brighton & Hove City Council and Plumpton College, has been shortlisted for the South Downs Design Awards. This recognition highlights our commitment to landscape-led design, conservation, and community engagement. 🗳 Public vote opens for People's Choice Award! The project is not only in the running for the Conversation category award but is also eligible for the "People's Choice" award. We encourage everyone to cast their vote for Stanmer Park and show their support for this extraordinary transformation. Voting closes on 6 September. Cast your vote 👉 https://ow.ly/VuSi50SzsA1 Stanmer Park, a 485-hectare Grade II Listed Park, is a beloved community space, a vital green lung on the edge of Brighton, and a gateway to the South Downs. Our project focused on restoring 20 hectares of the park's historic core, breathing new life into its landscape, buildings, and gardens. Key elements of the restoration include: ✔ Revitalised walled garden: Now a thriving hub with a café, farm shop, and educational facilities managed by Plumpton College as One Garden Brighton. ✔ Improved access: Restored Lower Lodges entrance, new car parks, and a recreated Green Drive offer better access for all visitors. ✔ Enhanced visitor experience: New trails, signage, and interpretation tell the park's rich history and ecology. Our landscape-led approach prioritised sustainability, preserving the park's 18th-century design intent, enhancing ecological value, and promoting biodiversity. We also worked closely with the local community throughout the project, ensuring their needs and aspirations were reflected in the design and execution. Vote for Stanmer Park 🙌🤞 We're immensely proud of the Stanmer Park restoration project and the positive impact it has had on the community and environment. We invite you to learn more about the project and cast your vote for the "People's Choice" award. Your support will help us continue our mission to create inspiring and sustainable landscapes for everyone to enjoy. Cast your vote 👉 https://ow.ly/VuSi50SzsA1 #StanmerPark #Landscape #LandscapeArchitecture #Restoration #Brighton #Biodiversity #Ecology #SouthDowns South Downs National Park Authority