Swann Edwards Architecture Ltd

11/10/2026

‼️A CHANGE TO PLANNING DECISION-MAKING‼️

From 31 October 2026, the new National Scheme of Delegation will change how planning applications are dealt with across England.

For applicants, this means understanding how your application is likely to be determined — and planning accordingly — will become increasingly important.

Click in and swipe through for a quick overview of what’s changing, including officer delegation, Planning Committee referrals and ward member call-ins.

If you’re considering a planning application, talk to us early.

08/10/2026

PLANNING COMMITTEE HATTRICK | 3 OF 3

And finally, number three of our recent planning committee approvals — bringing our hattrick to a close with a proposal for up to four new homes.

The scheme has been designed to respond to the established residential character of its surroundings in a Cambridgeshire village, taking cues from the existing pattern of development to create a natural extension of the built form.

At Committee, Members noted that there are houses all around the site, as well as other examples of ‘backland’ development within the wider area. They recognised that the proposal was therefore not out of keeping with the character of its surroundings.

And that brings our three approvals together.

What stood out most across the meeting was the level of support Members showed for the design of the proposals before them. In each case, the quality of the design was given significant weight in the decision-making process, reinforcing the importance of thoughtful, considered design in achieving successful planning outcomes.

Three approvals. Three different projects. One very satisfying Planning Committee hattrick.

07/10/2026

Take a look inside this previous Swann Edwards project ...

Light-filled spaces, beautiful views for miles and plenty of thoughtful details make this home a lovely example of considered design that really connects with its surroundings.

Now ready for its next chapter… could this be the place where yours begins?

4 bedroom detached house for sale in Frenchs Road, Walpole St. Andrew, PE14 for £700,000. Marketed by Hockeys, Wisbech

06/10/2026

PLANNING COMMITTEE HATTRICK | 2 OF 3

Number two of our three recent planning committee approvals — and this one is a great example of how sometimes a fresh approach can deliver a much better result than simply working with what is already there.

The proposal is for two new homes in March, Fenland, replacing existing agricultural buildings following an earlier Class Q approval for their conversion to residential use.

Rather than pursuing a conversion, the approved scheme takes a comprehensive approach: removing the existing structures and creating a more cohesive, farmstead-style development that responds to the rural setting. The design has been reduced in scale and carefully reconfigured to create a more natural and subordinate form of development.

The design also draws directly from its agricultural context, with barn-style forms, brickwork reflecting the existing structures and cladding elements referencing the character of the buildings already on site.

At Planning Committee, Members recognised that conversion of the existing buildings would have resulted in a substandard property, and that demolition and rebuilding would provide a much better outcome in terms of both the quality of the buildings and their appearance. They also noted that the principle of development was already established through the Class Q approval, with this scheme representing a much better alternative to the extant approval.

05/10/2026

🏅 Team Achievement Spotlight! 🏅

We’ve got two fantastic fitness achievements to celebrate!

Ian – Ironman Italy
Taking on the challenge in Cervia on the Italian Adriatic coast, Ian battled 28°C sunshine to complete:
🏊 1.2-mile swim – 40 mins
🚴 56-mile bike – 3 hrs 9 mins
🏃 Half marathon – in some seriously warm conditions!
⏱️ Total time: 6 hrs 49 mins

We bow down to you Ian! A brilliant result — especially with that heat!

🏃 Matt – Sandringham Half Marathon
Matt also took on the half marathon challenge at Sandringham, completing the 13.1 miles in an impressive 2 hrs 9 mins. 👏

Two very different challenges, but both showing the same thing: commitment, determination and a willingness to push yourself.

A huge congratulations to Ian and Matt — fantastic achievements and a great example of the team spirit we love to see!

04/10/2026

PLANNING COMMITTEE HATTRICK | 1 OF 3

We’re celebrating three recent planning approvals — three projects, three different stories, and a very satisfying hattrick at Planning Committee.

First up: a new home in March, Fenland, designed alongside the continued growth of an established local horticultural business.

The proposal provides a substantial five-bedroom family home, positioned at the entrance to the business to provide additional security and allow the family to be close at hand to oversee its operation. The wider scheme also incorporates an agricultural building, rainwater harvesting and PV panels, helping to support the continued growth of the business while reducing unnecessary journeys and its carbon footprint.

The design was carefully developed to sit comfortably within its setting, using facing brickwork and roof tiles sympathetic to the neighbouring homes, while retaining existing boundary landscaping and introducing additional planting.

At committee, Members described it as a “nice looking development”, noting that the dwelling’s connection to the business was something they wanted to support. They also recognised that, while generous in scale, it was an interesting piece of design — with one Member suggesting it “would win a design award if FDC still had them.”

And perhaps the best description of all: “a nice house which sets the scene for the approach into town.”

A great start to our committee hattrick... two more to follow!

02/10/2026

Advance notice | Office closure

Please note that all offices across Built Environment Collective will be closed on Tuesday 6th October while our teams come together for a company away day.

We’ll be open as usual on the days either side, but our teams will not be contactable on 6th October.

If you have an enquiry, please get in touch before or after the closure and we’ll respond as soon as possible.

Thank you for your understanding.

01/10/2026

‼️The Building Safety Levy is now in force.‼️

Missed our Building Safety Levy eNewsletter edition?

Scroll through to see the key points and what the new Levy could mean for your development project.
Its aimed at larger developments of 10 dwellings up, but if your projects approach this limit, it pays to be in the know!

Not on our mailing list yet? Sign up over at be-collective.co.uk to make sure you don’t miss future updates.

30/09/2026

Planning approved — a new chapter for this former agricultural site.

Having initially secured Class Q approval for the conversion of a derelict barn, the rural Lincolnshire site was subsequently sold to new clients, who chose to pursue a new-build home in its place.

The approved design takes its cues from the agricultural character of the site, with varied building heights, individual eaves details, asymmetrical openings and a palette of farmyard brick, timber and metal cladding creating the feel of a collection of buildings that have evolved over time.

But there’s more to the design than its appearance. Rather than prescribing a fixed function for every room, the home has been designed with adaptability in mind, allowing spaces to evolve as the needs of its occupants change — supporting a more sustainable approach to long-term living and reducing the need to rebuild in the future.

Even the barn-style roller door has a dual purpose, providing a nod to the site's agricultural past while offering practical, variable, solar shading.

A thoughtful new home that looks to its surroundings, its history and its future.

28/09/2026

Concept to Completion

We’ve shared the story of Tilney Padel along the way — from the initial proposals and 3D visualisations through to the opening of the finished facility.

Now, we’re pleased to share the full showcase.

Working alongside WE.Consulting Engineers , Swann Edwards provided the architectural services and secured the change of use that helped transform an existing commercial building into a high-end leisure destination.

Take a look at the finished space, with the courts, café and social areas brought together within the existing building over on the video hub - https://www.be-collective.co.uk/video-hub