The Short One.

Not much to say this week—I’ve hit the wall. It’s been a busy one.

Three new interesting projects have kept me occupied, along with a planning department that refuses to accept it’s a public service funded by, well, us—the public. There seems to be a clear misunderstanding of “servant” as in civil.

These departments need a subtle rebrand to help shift their thinking. Let’s start by replacing the “Control” in Planning and Development Control with “Enablement.” And while we’re at it, maybe drop the title “Planning Officer” for something that suggests helpfulness rather than obstruction. My vote goes to Planning Concierge.

Imagine if planning departments considered themselves part of the hospitality industry and viewed applicants as—shock, horror—customers. With this in mind, I’m sending a copy of Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality to local planning chiefs. If even 1% sinks in, it’s a start.

Further reforms in this new regime would require all planners to navigate their own system—on their own property, to force empathy. Half of the applications would be administered by Basil Fawlty, the other half by Paul Jackson (General Manager of Claridge’s).

An away day would follow, where wrongs could be righted and a necessary motivational boost administered, AKA a kick up the arse.

It is important to remember here that great hotels have strict policies and procedures, just like Town Planning.

In other news, here are a few facts I’ve stumbled upon this week—perfect for your next pub quiz:

• Enough concrete is poured yearly to cover the entire UK landmass in 2 metres of concrete.
• Every 24 hours, around 333 billion emails are sent worldwide.
• Three-quarters of all material produced for the textile industry ends up in landfill or is incinerated.
• Annual UK spending on newspapers dropped from £9 billion in 2005 to £3 billion in 2020.
• An electric vehicle battery requires about 50 kilograms of nickel, whereas an internal combustion engine uses 1.5 kilograms.

I will be updating my annual Build Cost Data over the next few weeks. This will involve re-costing my case study projects to see where we are compared to last year. I’ll update you mid-April.

Have a good weekend. You will always find me at carl@carlarchitect.co.uk.

​All the best

This Week’s Links:

If you have a courtyard garden, here is some inspiration.

Prosecco is so 2019. This year, move over to Itay’s other sparkling wine, Franciacorta. Try Mosnel.

If you’re in Paris and want a decent coffee (not always easy to find in France), visit Dreamin Man in the 11th arrondissement – near Place de la Replublic.

Need a new bag for your Paris trip?

And some mustard? (not necessarily for taking to Paris)

It might go well with this fried potato masala toastie. However, keep in mind that I think mustard goes with anything savoury.

Main Image credit: From chaos to concierge: Town planning with hospitality principles.