NORTOFT
STRATEGIC PLANNING
FOR SPORT AND OPEN SPACE
Welcome to NORTOFT PLANNING
2000-2024: We are celebrating 24 years of providing clients with successful planning advice.
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We support the planning of Sport, Recreation, Open Space and Community Facilities that you need to achieve, whether this is for commercial and housing land development, new community or club facilities, or public planning strategy work.
We are deeply experienced, imaginative, determined, and great
partners to have on your side.
CONTACT:
01604 586 526
The Old Barn, Nortoft Cottage, Nortoft, Guilsborough NN6 8QB
ABOUT NORTOFT
Need to masterplan a major housing development involving sport and open space?
Need to develop or protect a playing field?
Need a new stadium, clubhouse or community hall?
Need to negotiate or secure s106 payments?
Need an expert witness?
We can help.
Nortoft was founded in 2000 by Sue O'Neil MRTPI and David O'Neil MRTPI with the key aim of approaching each of our clients with fresh eyes to develop customised and unique strategies.
Nationally recognised as one of the leading specialist sports and open space planning consultancy firms, we have expert, experienced MRTPI professionals that will partner with you to deliver tailor-made practical solutions.
From planning applications to Appeals, from feasibility studies to detailed masterplanning, we work on:
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Housing developments of all sizes on the provision, protection, relocation or development of sports facilities and open spaces.
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Local authorities on complex facility changes, policies, s106 negotiations, SPDs.
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Parish councils on community buildings and recreation grounds.
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Sports clubs and organisations on facility enhancement and change.
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Development in the Green Belt.
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Local Plans and Appeals expert witness.
We work for a wide range of clients (see the 'Clients' page).
Registered Address: Nortoft Partnerships Ltd, Nortoft Cottage, Guilsborough, NN6 8QB.
01604 586 526 Company Registered in England: 3903741
PROJECT EXAMPLES
Since Nortoft began in 2000, we’ve provided our services to a wide variety of projects. On every project we undertake, we always focus on our clients' goals and provide a practical way forward.
Below are some examples of the work we’ve done ...
... and do get in touch to learn more.
CAVALRY BARRACKS, HOUNSLOW
Creating new public sports pitches and open space, and renovation of adjacent public park,
securing consent for 1,565 new homes. Nortoft helped Sport England remove its objection.
DEVELOPING NEW SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY SPORTS FACILITIES ON A PLAYING FIELD
Epsom & Ewell High School, Bellway (2019) - 161 new homes on unused school playing field
enabled major new school and community sports faculties (see plan above)
NEW £1.3M KIBWORTH COMMUNITY HUB
Secured planning consent for new extensions and internal remodelling to bring in
additional health & wellbeing and community development functions.
In a Conservation Area and next to a Listed Building.
DERELICT SPORTS GROUND BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE BY HOUSING
The Secretary of State agreed that LB of Merton's decision to support Nortoft's case should stand, despite a Sport England objection and request for a 'call-in'.
This allowed nearly £2m investment to go to community sport (on-site and off-site) at this
partly developed, long-derelict private works sports ground (LESSA site, Raynes Park, Merton, Dec 2023).
HOUSING ON FORMER PLAYING FIELD
Nortoft's strategic planning advice supported changes to an allocated site in the Local Plan and subsequent planning approval. (Danescroft Homes, Willingdon).
Close work with Sport England ensured no objection (2022)
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORTS MAJOR RETAIL DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT
Rushden Lakes Retail Destination (2014-2018) New visitor centre, boat hire centre and nature trails
PROTECTING OPEN SPACE FROM HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
The landowner sought to fence off and develop housing on this local park with playing field. Nortoft provided expert witness. Rugby Borough Council Successful Appeal (2019)
SPORTS HUB FOR MAJOR URBAN EXTENSION
Nortoft's sports masterplanning and negotiation with the Local Council, and partnership work
with the NGBs and Sport England lead to the successful planning of a new sports hub for up to 20,000 people (Treasbeare Garden Village, part of Cranbrook, East Devon, 2022)
Meet the Team
SUE O'NEIL BSc (HONS), MRTPI
Sue is a highly experienced sports planner, and MRTPI with extensive track record in sports planning and strategies – many successfully tested at EIPs, Appeal and s106 negotiations.
Sue has strong active contacts across the sports sector at national and local levels, and liaises regularly with Sport England at national and regional level on many technical sports planning matters.
When not working, Sue will be off-road cycling, running or swimming
or being Chair of the Village Hall.
DAVID O'NEIL BSc (HONS), MRTPI
David has over 30 years of experience with a good success rate in planning and development including major sports stadia, large scale housing developments, and other commercial land, working for the private and public sectors. He has won national recognition for his sports planning and appeal work.
When not working, David will be mountaineering, cycling, or vice-chairing the parish council.
SOME OF OUR CLIENTS
