On 21st June 2016, Whitfire Shavings experienced what every business fears. A substantial fire caused significant damage to the site, rendering buildings unable to be used and in need to urgent demolition and replacement. Having operated from the Site since the mid-1930s, the fire had the potential to cause not only local job loss, but loss of a local business which had operated within the Borough for over 85 years.

There was a legitimate, immediate requirement to replace these buildings with modern, purpose-built replacement structures as soon as practically possible within the requirements of the planning system. The Site is an established B2 (General Industrial) Use, being the refining, compressing, packaging and bagging of wood shavings and sawdust.

Acland Bracewell’s instructions comprised a fully comprehensive planning service, from the commencement of the planning process, including strategic advice, engagement with the Local Planning Authority during pre-application advice, management of the planning application, through to submission. This comprised co-ordination and management of technical consultants, including flood risk and drainage, contamination, highways, noise and landscape and visual impact, which informed the overall design scheme, preparation of Design and Access Statement, Planning Supporting Statement and associated documentation.

Working with the client and approved contractor, Acland Bracewell successfully obtained full planning permission.

We have continued to work closely with the client since 2016, discharging conditions, obtaining variations to the initial plans and helping support their recovery from the fire.

Attention to detail and precision planning has been outstanding, and it has been a privilege to attend group meetings alongside you and witness the expert knowledge you hold.

_{Alan Bond, Whitfire Shavings Limited}