Planning
Urban densification is key to tackling cities' biggest challenges
Andrew Carter outlines why urban densification is a single solution to three of the biggest policy challenges we face, including the greatest one of all - climate change.
Brynmefys is just bats
Carmarthenshire CC had been under pressure to redevelop a derelict social housing estate but now says has no plans to bring in the bulldozers.
Councils promised tax overhaul
Reform of council tax, including devolved powers for local authorities, are among the plans in a co-operation agreement between Labour and Plaid Cymru in Wales.
Tories accuse minister of kicking planning reform down the road
The comments came as MPs debated a Bill aimed at strengthening councils’ planning enforcement powers.
Gove warned of climate change floods risk
Local government secretary Michael Gove was today urged to align UK housing policy with climate change.
Government U-turn on Westferry planning permission
The Government has overturned the controversial planning decision that landed former communities secretary Robert Jenrick in hot water.
Northern Ireland’s big redesign moment
Central and local government have come together in Northern Ireland to transform the planning system through a user-friendly digital first approach. Angus Kerr and Ed Baker explain.
Rising to the biodiversity challenge
James Cross explains what biodiversity net gain, now mandated in the Government’s Environment Bill, means for local planning authorities.
Councils need power and financial freedom to tackle housing, says think-tank
Councils and communities need more powers and financial freedoms to drive new development and resolve the housing crisis, a think-tank has argued.
Doubt over future of 75% rates retention under Gove
New local government secretary Michael Gove has indicated that 75% business rates retention could be a casualty of levelling up plans.
COP26 - Local approaches to net-zero offer 'vast potential'
Local approaches to taking action on net-zero could offer ‘vast potential to deliver a holistic green recovery from the pandemic,’ a new report has argued.
Putting districts firmly in the spotlight
There’s a new direction at the District Councils’ Network as Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen and James Hood tell Martin Ford how they plan to make Government understand how districts approach growth and can work with businesses.
Pincher defends planning reforms
The Government’s revised proposals for planning reforms will seek to make the system more accessible, transparent and predictable, housing minister Christopher Pincher told peers today.
Ombudsman launches planning probe
The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman has launched an investigation into how a council dealt with a complaint about a planning application.
Government must engage with councils on climate action
MPs have called for the Government to ‘immediately’ begin working with councils on setting out their role in reducing carbon emissions.
Place making and net-zero 'key tenets' in planning reforms
Place making, net-zero and good design will be priorities for the Government's planning reforms, a top mandarin has said.
Gove: Planning reform not off the agenda
New housing secretary Michael Gove has warned councillors that the idea of reforming the planning system was ‘not at all’ off the agenda.
Building quality of life
Sadie Morgan explains the role of the built environment on our health and wellbeing, and how planners and councils can improve quality of life through the design and management of new homes and buildings.
Improving flood resilience together
Giles Stevens says the National Infrastructure Commission is awaiting details of how the national indicators to monitor flooding trends being developed by the Government will work in practice. Avoiding the challenges is not an option, he adds.
How to build communities
We need a long-term approach to investing in housing and placemaking that puts the needs of communities first, says Jonathan Werran – and greater transparency will restore local trust in the planning process.
