Thinking big for Cumbria’s estates

InGroup had another productive Friday morning in Kendal. Seventeen members were round the table, five referrals were passed, and more than £3,800 of business came in for members from past referrals.

This week’s 10-minute talk came from Chris Granger of Crosby Granger Architects, who gave us an eye-opening look at whole estate plans.

The Lake District National Park encourages these plans, and other national parks such as the Yorkshire Dales are now using them too. A whole estate plan helps large landowners set out a long-term vision for their whole estate. That replaces tackling projects one planning application at a time. It weighs up economics, the local community and the environment from the start. That way risks are spotted early, before a client has spent heavily on fees for a scheme that won’t fly.

Chris shared an example from an estate near Bassenthwaite, where changing farm economics mean some farmsteads need new futures. The team explored ideas from holiday lets to visitor facilities. They looked at how sites could link up with walking routes and nearby attractions, and asked the local community what they’d welcome. Heritage buildings are often the key, Chris explained: they need viable uses, and they can create real value.

His advice to landowners was simple:

• Start with the estate, not the development idea.
• Get the planning authority involved early.
• Let evidence do the talking.

He also touched on tree-planting and nature schemes that can bring long-term benefits, and even carbon credits.

It sparked a lively Q&A, including a question about whether “architect” still covers what the practice does. Chris’s answer: the job is now far more than drawing buildings.

Find Crosby Granger Architects on Facebook and LinkedIn.

InGroup meets every Friday, 8–9am, in Kendal. Local businesses interested in joining are welcome to get in touch.