Summary
Acclaro Advisory submitted evidence in objection to an application for phase two of the development of Sprucefield Park on behalf of House of Fraser, Leaside, SVM and other Belfast City Centre investors. Our role included carrying out a sustainability assessment, accessibility review, carbon footprint calculation, and responding to application rebuttals and other objectors. We were successful in providing a comprehensive objection to the proposal on the basis that environmental harm would be caused.
Client: House of Fraser, Leaside, Corbo
Location: UK
Date: 2010-2013
Project Info
Background
Acclaro Advisory submitted evidence in objection to an application for phase two of Sprucefield Park, Northern Ireland, on behalf of House of Fraser, Leaside, SVM and other Belfast City Centre investors.
The application comprises proposals for 49,434 sq m gross retail floor space, 1,580 sq m gross restaurant floor space and a 22,038 sq m gross department store, with John Lewis as the named tenant.
Our Role
Sustainability assessment of the scheme including increased carbon emissions impact, safety, John Lewis corporate responsibility approach and comparison with alternative sites;
- Accessibility review of the site for a range of staff and customers including provision of public transport and access for low income customers;
- Responding to rebuttals from applicants
- Carbon footprint calculation of the customer travel options to and from the development; and
- Liaison with other objectors including Lisburn City Centre.
Project Benefits
Acclaro Advisory provided a comprehensive objection to the proposal on the basis that environmental harm would be caused when compared to alternative site in Belfast. This addressed the issues of increased transport, potential safety implications, accessibility for staff and customers and the sustainability standard of the building design.
The carbon footprint of the predominantly car borne development has been raised in conflict with the overarching Government approach set in the Climate Change Act. This led to a revision in the approach of the applicants to consider and reduce the carbon footprint of the development, particularly from car-born sources.
Acclaro Advisory continued to liaise with other objectors and appeared as expert witness at the public inquiry. The developers withdrew the application in February 2013.
