Source: City of Portsmouth
This achievement celebrates the team’s exceptional turnaround in planning performance following the pandemic, at the same time as delivering on two major projects that are shaping the future of the UK’s only island city: the Southsea Coastal Scheme and the Somers Orchard housing development.
The Southsea Coastal Scheme, delivered in partnership with Coastal Partners, is the UK’s largest local authority-led coastal defence project. Spanning 4.5 km of seafront, it will protect over 10,000 homes, 704 businesses, key infrastructure, and heritage assets for the next 100 years.
The team was also recognised for their work at Somers Orchard, a community-led housing scheme addressing poverty and fire risk in one of Portsmouth’s most deprived areas. Developed with the council’s Housing team and shaped by a Government-funded design code pilot, the scheme received just five objections despite notifying over 900 neighbours—highlighting the success of its inclusive and transparent approach.
Cllr Hugh Mason, Cabinet Member for Planning Policy & City Development at Portsmouth City Council, said:
“Being named as a finalist for this prestigious award is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the hard work, innovation and community focus of our Planning team. Their efforts are making a real difference to the lives of Portsmouth’s residents.”
The UK Planning Awards were announced at a ceremony on Wednesday 11th June at the IET London: Savoy Place, where Portsmouth was recognised as being one of five finalists, comprised of the UK’s leading planning authorities.