Dick and Lindsay have enjoyed visiting Sheffield and Birmingham City Universities over the past couple of months to review the student's final project work and act as formal external examiner for the BCU course.

In July 2023, I began my Year in Practice at Randall Thorp as part of the Integrated Masters in Landscape Architecture at the University of Sheffield. My interest in Randall Thorp grew after meeting Danielle and Lara at the university’s Landscape Architecture Employers Fair. Their friendly approach and enthusiasm for the practice assured me this was the right place for my year out.

Our client, the PJ Livesey Group has been granted planning approval to create 120 homes on their site off Heslington Road, York known as The Retreat. The plans will see the 18th century former specialist mental health care facility, which closed in 2018, converted and new homes built in the grounds. The homes will be surrounded by stunning grounds including a Peace and Tranquillity Garden, orchard and Tennis Court. Previously closed off to the public, the historic park and gardens will be restored and opened up for local people to enjoy.

We held our annual RT Summer Social in the sunny Peak District: a walk around Kinder Reservoir followed by a BBQ at Lindsay’s house. It was great to get together to enjoy a scenic stroll, appreciate the beautiful landscape we have on our doorstep and contribute to the delicious spread of food! We can't wait till next year!

Randall Thorp secured planning approval for a series of exciting new Spaces for Imaginative Play (SIPs) at West Cambourne. The concept of SIPs were introduced by Randall Thorp on Cambourne. They are small informal natural play areas that encourage imaginative free play that appeals to all ages. They should be incidental, discovered within the natural open spaces positioned along greenways or within the country parks.

A notable planning appeal win, based on detailed landscape evidence provided by our Partner, Dick Longdin, on behalf of Lancaster City Council. The Planning Inspector agreed with Dick's written evidence and discussion's during the Hearing, that the appeal site should be considered as 'valued landscape' in terms of the NPPF paragraph 180.

Stockport County Football Club  launched its next phase of consultation on plans for a phased expansion of its historic Edgeley Park stadium, which would increase capacity from 10,852 up to c.18,000. Randall Thorp's involvement includes the detailed design of the car park and perimeter planting as well as Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment.

Planning permission has been granted for a new, purpose built NHM storage and research building at Thames Valley Science Park, Reading, with Randall Thorp providing LVIA services.

Martin Donnelly, Landscape Architect, and Zoe Nosworthy, Graduate Landscape Architect, visited Urmston Grammar School, Manchester, on Monday 4th March to kick off National Careers Week.