The Draft Local Plan has been approved at Council level and is now up for public consultation until 22^nd January 2020 so not long now to get your views known to the powers that be!

To quote the blurb on this consultation:  The purpose of this Draft Plan consultation is to understand:-

• Do you support the Council’s preferred strategy for meeting Stroud District’s future growth and development needs?

• Are there any additional issues or constraints relating to the proposed sites? And how should specific constraints, needs and opportunities be reflected in the final site allocation policies?

• Are any further changes to the proposed policies necessary? Are there specific things that should be included in supporting text?

We want people to engage fully in this process so that responses can be fed into the next stage (the pre-submission draft, next year).

So the perfect moment to both hear about what is changing and to offer your very own pearly words of wisdom to the process!

The Draft Local Plan has been approved at Council level and is now up for public consultation until 22^nd January 2020 so not long now to get your views known to the powers that be!

To quote the blurb on this consultation:  The purpose of this Draft Plan consultation is to understand:-

• Do you support the Council’s preferred strategy for meeting Stroud District’s future growth and development needs?

• Are there any additional issues or constraints relating to the proposed sites? And how should specific constraints, needs and opportunities be reflected in the final site allocation policies?

• Are any further changes to the proposed policies necessary? Are there specific things that should be included in supporting text?

We want people to engage fully in this process so that responses can be fed into the next stage (the pre-submission draft, next year).

So the perfect moment to both hear about what is changing and to offer your very own pearly words of wisdom to the process!

Sharpen up your skittles skills, they will be useful

Everything you need to turn your designs in to 3D reality

The ability to handle an accurate physical model in the midst of design development is a huge step forward in realising the design. Turning your designs into accurate physical models, we incorporate 3D models into the design process – allowing both the design team and client to see the project develop in real space.

Using our ProJet CJP 460 and 660 printers, we can print monochrome and colour 3D models at our Cadventure South West print studio.

We can print models that are up to 381mm x 254mm x 203mm in size, and the cost of printing is calculated according to print volume (with a minimum cost per build).

Reasonable turnaround is 24 to 48 hours, although this depends on printer availability, size and the complexity of the model. Sometimes same-day delivery can be arranged.

3D Printing Service

BS 8458 fire sprinkler performance, rapid approval, less water, less installation disruption

https://plumis.co.uk/Residential-fire-suppression

Stroud Brewery, last year relocated to a brand new crinkly tin shed at Kingfisher Business Park, Thrupp. We arranged a conducted tour of the new building and its vital brewing equipment, meeting at the brewery 5.45pm for a 6.00pm start.

fGone are the days of rolls of heavy and messy multiple layers of bitumen felt and sticky adhesive for bigger flat roof areas. In are the modern longer lasting single ply membranes.

Courtesy of our own Gary Lawes who has the use of the scanner technology and brought it along for an informal session. He gave a quick overview, then BDA members had an opportunity of some hands on experience. Then a Q&A session on benefits and implications of this methodology.

Jon talked to us explaining some of the terminology involved before discussing the legal requirements associated with protecting the natural environment and when consideration of ecology and biodiversity needs to be included in the development process. His presentation included working examples of the benefits of undertaking ecological studies and potential risks of not doing these.

We’ve walked several sections including the Wallbridge length last summer and heard or read about the excitement generated from the award of more Heritage Lottery money towards another major part of the project. Yes we are indeed referring to the regeneration of the Stroud Valleys very own canal. You may have stood near the Eastington lock looking westwards towards the Severn and wondered at the apparent ditch running east to west through several fields with a somewhat incongruous brick bridge at one spot and cattle gently grazing below.

Well wonder no more as Dave Marshall, from Stroud District Council the lead partner in the canal regeneration project, is coming along to tell us more on this essential component for linking the existing landlocked sections of the Stroudwater Canal to the Gloucester Sharpness canal at Saul Junction from Eastington. He will be updating us on progress so far and planned. This is probably the most technically challenging part of the overall project given much of the original canal is now part of the road system near the Fromebridge Mill (the roundabout for the A38 junction with the A419) and also that the M5 motorway is now in the way!

Sarah Arrowsmith, Head of Schools and Family Learning of Hereford Cathedral gave a talk all about the Mappa Mundi.  This was a map created around 1300AD of the known world but incorporating geography, biblical events and scenes from classical mythology.

Conrad Moore, Principal Planner Planning Strategy from Stroud District Council will be updated us on the Local Plan review.  

A little bit different to our usual speakers – this month we will be showing a documentary about how what we throw away, tells us about the way we live our lives. With unprecedented access to one of the UK’s largest landfill sites, the team of experts spend three days carrying out tests all over the site, revealing the secret world of rubbish.

With the Javelin Park incinerator still looming ever larger on the Vale horizon, miss this meeting and you’ll never know what happens to the contents of your bin after leaving your home – truly fascinating!

http://fabricarchitecture.com

Fabric Architecture are based in Gloucester but provide designs for canopies throughout the world for offices, sports stadia and shopping areas amongst others.

Bexmedia extensively use drones for video capture and measurements. Their state-of-the-art drones can be used for building inspections and assessments of large areas of land producing three-dimensional data that could be presented in video format or can be used to create drawings.

Drones are everywhere, Come and find out how they could be useful as part of the building design process as well as building inspection.

http://bexmedia.net/

Bexmedia are also involved in a wide variety of video production including promotional videos and have worked with housebuilders promoting new sites.

There is our evening meal at The Bear of Rodborough to enjoy and we also booked the Funky Farmer to entertain us with one of his talks about his dairy farm in Tytherington. Richard Cornock as well as farming has also had a book published called “A Year on a Dairy Farm” showing life on the farm through the seasons. He is the resident farmer on BBC Radio Bristol where he has a regular feature talking about life on the farm on the Ben Prater Drive Time show. He also has a YouTube channel all about farming in general and his dairy farm in particular.

If you would like to find out more about him here are his social media links

https://www.richardcornock.co.uk/

(1) The funky farmer – Home

(35) thefunkyfarmer – YouTube

He is apparently expert at delivering the phrase ‘Get off my Laaand!’ A useful skill in these parts.

Conrad Moore, Stroud District Council Planning Officer,  updated us on the Local Plan review. 

The current current local plan was adopted on 19 November 2015 and provide a planning policy framework for the district for the period up to 2031. That plan is now under review,for the next 20 years, up to 2037.

The current version can be found on this link

https://www.stroud.gov.uk/environment/planning-and-building-control/planning-strategy/stroud-district-local-plan

Useful information for all members.

Click below to download the presentation

Stroud BDA Handout 13.09.17.pdf

Stroud BDA Presentation 13.09.17.pdf

Woodchester Mansion – an unfinished masterpiece

Most people will have been to Woodchester Mansion before but this is a special tour by our very own Chris Gill who has been volunteering at Woodchester for quite a while now. You think you know the place but Chris will know it better.

Timing is to be confirmed and fingers crossed for the weather!

For more information have a look at their website

http://www.woodchestermansion.org.uk/HomePage.aspx

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodchester_Mansion

Promap supply all sorts of mapping and GIS data

Current Mapping, Planning Application Maps, 3D Models, Aerial Photography, Historical Mapping, Height Data, Flood Data, Transport
Administrative, Local & Planning Data, Reports & Licences, BIM Essentials

Come and learn about all these services and how to use them. Full of CPD goodness.

What was covered in the CPD session

Our courses are endorsed by top names within the industry e.g. RIBA. We also attend industry CPD events like Professional Conferences – counting as both time and self-assessed learning points towards your annual pot of CPD totals! (You may also be interested to know that RIBA approved courses count as double points, always a nice bonus).

Course Outline:

• Locating and displaying a map
• Introduction to mapping layers
• Customising your map
• Printing your map
• Saving your map
• Exporting data
• Promap products
• Expenditure details, charging and invoicing
• Account administration

Centreline Architectural Sculpture was established in the Cotswolds in 1999 by Mark Hancock. He trained as a stonemason with Historic Scotland then took a second apprenticeship in stone and wood carving while working at York Minster. As part of his training he studied sculpture and life drawing at York College of Art.

Mark is regularly asked to act as a stone consultant for both new build and historic buildings having a thorough understanding of vernacular building practices together with an expert knowledge of current building conservation techniques.

Mark will be giving us an overview of his companies work and the services they offer.

http://www.centrelinestone.co.uk/about.html

Promap supply all sorts of mapping and GIS data

Current Mapping, Planning Application Maps, 3D Models, Aerial Photography, Historical Mapping, Height Data, Flood Data, Transport
Administrative, Local & Planning Data, Reports & Licences, BIM Essentials

Come and learn about all these services and how to use them. Full of CPD goodness.

Below is the text from their training page for CPD.

What is covered in CPDs

Our courses are endorsed by top names within the industry e.g. RIBA. We also attend industry CPD events like Professional Conferences – counting as both time and self-assessed learning points towards your annual pot of CPD totals! (You may also be interested to know that RIBA approved courses count as double points, always a nice bonus).

Course Outline:

• Locating and displaying a map
• Introduction to mapping layers
• Customising your map
• Printing your map
• Saving your map
• Exporting data
• Promap products
• Expenditure details, charging and invoicing
• Account administration

Mark is regularly asked to act as a stone consultant for both new build and historic buildings having a thorough understanding of vernacular building practices together with an expert knowledge of current building conservation techniques.

Mark will be giving us an overview of his companies work and the services they offer.

http://www.centrelinestone.co.uk/about.html

Carlos Novoth is Public Spaces Manager at Stroud District Council, His deputy Mark Graham gave the presentation.

Mark told us how successful the new coloured waste collection bins have been and how poorly designed many waste collection areas for apartment blocks.

Here a are a few statistics

Since changes were introduced in the Stroud District:-

• The total amount of waste decreased
• Dry recycling has increased
• Three quarters of food waste captured
• Landfill has almost halved

(2150T/month to 1100 T/month).

Stroud are now recycling over 500 tonnes of food waste per month (equivalent to 6,000T per year) which is being sent for anaerobic digestion.

Part Q, a little note about Part R and an introduction to Partnerships.

“I will be presenting on the Nave Ceiling and Roof at St David’s Cathedral. This is a unique and spectacular 16th Century timber structure with a lot of fascinating detail. With a carpenter’s eye, I was able to find and interpret hitherto unrecorded evidence to reveal the story of its construction and installation.”

http://www.oakframecarpentry.co.uk/

Essentially this is a steel frame installation that allows even trussed rafter roof constructions to be adapted easily to accommodate usable space in the roof void. With an increasing trend towards expanding existing homes in preference to moving this is a very useful system. See also http://www.telebeam.co.uk/

What do they all mean?

The BDA Christmas meal was enjoyed by all who attended and Angela delivered a polished presentation increasing our knowledge of the derivation of many pub signs and names.

For example

A very relevant topic in these modern times when the construction industry is looking backwards at the traditional methods used to deal with some of the issues arising both in new build as well as older properties needing modernisation. 

Ian Middleton from Limetec was our speaker and will cover the following in his presentation:

Limetec RIBA CPD presentation on the Benefits of lime mortar is interactive seminar with samples of our lime mortar materials and the benefits of use for building renovation, restoration and sustainability. 

Subjects covered
• To appreciate the properties of lime for renovation, restoration and sustainability.
• The advantages and disadvantages using cement and lime
• To understand the benefits of specifying lime over cement
• Suitable applications for lime mortar, render and plaster

IG Lintels is a division of Europe’s largest manufacturer of steel lintels and masonry support systems. Harriet speed will present one of their CPD presentations on innovative products in the construction industry. The products covered are listed below.

1.       Keystone & IG Lintels- http://iglintels.com/lintels/standard-lintels/hi-therm-lintels/  We are UK’s largest manufacturer of steel lintels, special arch & corner lintels. 

The Hi-therm Lintel is a patented sustainable solution that is extremely thermally efficient. It is the only one piece lintel that conforms to Part L 2013 Appendix R, with a Psi value of 0.05.

2.       Keylite Roof Windows- Our unique integrated thermal collar aids in the elimination of condensation and prevents cold bridging. https://www.keyliteroofwindows.com/

3.       IG Masonry Support-  For the Commercial & Domestic Construction Industry we have a range of Windposts, patented Brick Soffit & Brick Slip Panels and Titan System Masonry Support. http://igmasonrysupport.com/ 

4.       IG-GRP-  Fully finished Glass Reinforced Plastic building components, providing off-site alternatives to intricate building elements. http://iggrp.co.uk/

5.       Smartroof- Pre-insulated roof panel system, fit an entire insulated room in roof in one day.http://smartroof.co.uk/

The BDA annual general meeting was well attended and all committee members for the year were appointed.

Telebeam were to give a CPD presentation on their loft conversion and flooring system. Unfortunately due to illness the speaker cancelled at short notice. We hope to rearrange the session for another month.

Description

TeleBeam’s multi-award winning technology breaks the mould, allowing post 1960’s trussed roof houses to be converted with a minimum of disruption. Telebeam can also be used for traditional roofs.

• Incorporates roof and floor support in one LABC approved system, minimising loss of headroom. Now with new, wider, spans of 5.8, 6.2, 7.0, 7.8 & 8.4m internal spans
• No timber floor joists required
• Beams slide into roof space by removing just three rows of tiles on one side of the house
• Extendable beams fit most buildings & roof pitches

http://www.telebeam.co.uk/

We visited this interesting local building.  We were guided round by Charles Darby the architect responsible from MEB Ltd

For more information on the building click the link below.

http://www.mebdesign.co.uk/projects/beaudesert-park-school/

An introduction to flat roofs, the pro’s and con’s against pitched roofs,  the basics, various membranes etc.

RIBA approved CPD on Flat Roofing which looks at Flat and Tapered roofs and the benefit in cut to falls, highlighting the benefits of tapered insulation over timber furrings or concrete. The single layer system provides a safer and more cost effective method of a highly insulated roof, over a multi-layer applied on site.

Popular on the continent, but with a mixed reception in blighty is it leave or remain for flat roofing systems? 

http://www.recticelinsulation.co.uk/applications/roofs

Heritage and planning: Richard Morton, Principal Heritage Consultant, Cotswold Archaeology

A discussion of the constraints and opportunities presented by heritage in the development process. The talk will look at heritage policy and its requirements, and the different issues raised by different types of heritage assets. It will cover archaeological remains, historic buildings and designations such as Conservation Areas. Useful ways of addressing heritage issues for developers in the planning process will be looked at. Richard will be happy to answer any questions on heritage, and to take part in a discussion on people’s experiences of the heritage arena – good or bad!

Richard maybe returning with move useful insight to heritage and related planning issues in the future.

Victoria Tarrant of The Rooflight Company made a presentation of the companies products and history with project examples. Their “Conservation Rooflight^®” is widely accepted by Planning and Building regs for use on older buildings.

Links       Company website     –     PDF installation drawings

Note to members – Victoria’s email after the CPD presentation gave the following product summary and attachments including a PDF brochure and production images.

We have a wide range of standard sizes and glazing options as well as a bespoke design service to create tailor made rooflights to suit specific project needs. The 3mm mild steel frames give a long low-maintenance service life. All of our products contain a unique Thermoliner(r) controlling condensation by collecting the condensation that forms on the rooflight frame and channelling it to two drainage slots at the cill and acting as a thermal barrier. The valchromat lining is an integral lining, sitting flush with the plasterboard to create frameless appearance. The concealed motors and motorised blinds can provide an uncluttered view. Our flush fitting means our roof windows are outstanding and do not stand out.

Founded by an Architect, we have a unique understanding of the wants and needs of Architects alongside an appreciation of the importance of aesthetics. This is why our ranges are designed to complement the overall building design providing an unobtrusive finish both internally and externally. We have a team of in house designers who work in close collaboration with our clients to create skylight designs to suit both aesthetic and performance criteria.

Our products are designed and assembled in the UK and are hand finished in our factory in West Oxfordshire where we also manufacture our double glazed units and all products go through strict quality control checking prior to dispatch. The company is ISO9001 accredited and all of our roof window ranges are CE Marked in accordance with the harmonised standard EN 14351-1:2006+A1:2010.

Since 2009 Stroud District Council has developed the new Stroud District Local Plan. It was formally adopted on 19^th November 2015 and replaced in its entirety the saved policies in the 2005 Stroud District Local Plan. It is a very different Plan in terms of approach and content. It is now the statutory Development Plan for the District. It sets growth requirements for at least 11,400 dwellings and 58ha of employment land for the Plan period 2006-2031. The NPPF (Paragraph 12) states ““Proposed development that accords with an up-to-date Local Plan should be approved and proposed development that conflicts should be refused unless other material considerations indicate otherwise”.

Here is a link to the Stroud District Council webpage dealing with the plan

http://www.stroud.gov.uk/docs/planning/planning_strategy.asp

The speaker was Tom Jarman of R4C

Have a look at the links below for more information

CommunityR4C website

A short animation narrated by Kevin McCloud describing an alternative solution to the proposed Incinerator at Javelin Park in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire.

Chris works for Stroud District Council and is pioneering a way of managing flood risk in a river system by building many leaky dams of felled trees. This technique in in contrast to the national policy of land owners being required to keep watercourses clear of obstructions. He has show this leads to excessive river bed erosion and higher levels of flood in lower reaches of a river system.

To find out more go to this link – http://www.stroud.gov.uk/docs/environment/rsuds/index.asp

Also a film has been made about the process – » Watch our film We have produced a film (in partnership with the Countryside and Community Research Institute at the University of Gloucestershire) to show what we have been doing and who we have been working with to implement natural flood management.

Xtratherm | More Than Insulation

How low can you go towards Zero Carbon building fabric?

The six current committee members will be meeting again to plan future events and talk about all things BDA.

For our next year of operation there will be two vacant posts, secretary and treasurer. So here is a call to all members to step up to the play and help run the BDA.

29-07-2015 Hot news – Garry Lawes maybe joining the committee.

The AGM will confirm the officers of the group for our 20th year. Following the formalities there will be a presentation on building components.

Sika is a multinational company with a wide product portfolio. One of their divisions deals with building components, Windows, doors, Facades and building panels. See more on this link Building Component Products | Sika UK

Here is your chance to get up to speed with the latest and greatest.

Following a short introduction to the concept of ‘heritage assets’, the presentation will aim to provide the background to the legislative and policy framework in which we, as designers, builders and occupiers operate in England. The presentation will look at archaeology and the (art and) science of prospecting for buried remains. The various techniques adopted by the profession will be explored, utilising real project examples to examine what is often required by Local Planning Authorities to allow for applications to be determined. The final element of the presentation will look at the way important buried remains influence the very shape of development proposals.

Robert Sutton
Head of Heritage Consultancy & Milton Keynes Office Head
Tel: 01908 556002
Email: robert.sutton@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
Web: www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
41 Burners Lane South, Kiln Farm, Milton Keynes MK11 3HA

A café serving home cooked, locally sourced food and a locally sources food hall, a fish monger, interesting building, light and airy. Now compare that in your mind to the standard motorway services offering, what is not to like?

We hope to organise a return visit to get some more technical insight to the building and its services.

Here are some links

Gloucester Motorway Services Area

http://motorwayservicesonline.co.uk/Gloucester

Fascinating fact: Motorway service stations are not allowed to advertise their services off the motorway network.

• Domestic Air Source Heat Pumps CPD Guide – they have been used in commercial comfort cooling systems for decades and now in use in domestic systems. Heat pumps can either be used as the only source of heating or in combination with other sources for example PV panels or gas boilers.
• Part L & European Legislation Affecting Use of Heat Pumps CPD Guide – This is useful information but will be revised after what should be imminent changes in Part L regulations.

This and other CPD information can be downloaded on the link below

Mitsubishi CPD guides

Mark Green
Sales Manager – Renewable Heating
Telephone: 01454 202 050
Email: Mark.Green@meuk.mee.com
Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V.
Unit 7-8 Vantage Court Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, BS16 1FX

It will include, amongst other things, crack stitching, remedial wall ties, reinforced masonary and new build wall ties for timber frame and thin joint construction, plus, as they say, much, much more.

The subject covered will be related to the mysteries of regulation surrounding the installation of sanitary ware generally.

Obviously an absolute essential for those of you involved in the commercial sectors, and no doubt revealing  the finer points of superior bathroom provision.

The speaker was Terry Robinson

UK Renewable Development – Can we do better?

A PDF of the powerpoint is available.