Southampton Centre for Cancer Immunology planning decision
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Southampton Centre for Cancer Immunology planning decision
On 11 February 2016 full planning permission was granted by Southampton City Council for a key new medical research facility known as the Centre for Cancer Immunology at Southampton, on a site forming part of the Southampton General Hospital complex at Tremona Road. This philanthropically funded development will undertake cutting edge work in the vital field of cancer immunology research and treatment. Paris Smith, instructed by Kier Construction, acted as planning consultant for the applicants, the University of Southampton and University Hospital of Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.
The development is a four storey building of striking design, providing 4,120 sq m of space for medical research, clinical trials, laboratories and supporting offices and meeting facilities. At ground level, the building is to be laid out to introduce an attractive new pedestrian route through high quality hard landscaping between the upgraded hospital entrance and the Princess Anne Hospital on the opposite side of Coxford Road.
The Centre will host world-leading immunotherapy scientists alongside technical and administrative staff. Some will transfer from outmoded accommodation elsewhere in the hospital complex to continue and enhance their work in the state of the art facility.
The Town Planning section of Paris Smith played a significant role in the process of gaining planning permission, preparing some of the key supporting reports and advising on the work of the other members of the multi-disciplinary consultant team, to ensure the relevant planning issues and concerns of the public and other stakeholders were effectively addressed. In addition, Paris Smith was at the forefront of the negotiations with the City council planning officers and consultees, both before and after the submission of the planning application.
A particular objective for Paris Smith and the development team, successfully achieved, was to secure by careful negotiation a prompt permission with the minimum of planning conditions attached that would delay the start of construction. This was not only on account of the urgency of bringing forward this key research facility with its real potential for saving lives, but also to fulfil the aspirations of the charitable funders upon whom the Centre relies.
The construction programme has been carefully planned to minimise disruption to the neighbouring area and the everyday working of the rest of the hospital and looks ahead to completion of the Centre in 2017.
Principal Paris Smith consultants for the project: Alan Sayle and Nick Hollands.