Planning
Planning for a greener Scotland
With a draft of the latest, environmentally focused Scottish National Planning Framework set for publication later this year, how might this change councils’ approach to applications, asks Rory Alexander.
Protecting our borough’s future
Planning guidance may sound technical and uninspiring, but using it to protect the environment and historic buildings is anything but, says Cllr Johnny Thalassites.
Planning reforms would 'silence communities'
MPs have launched a scathing attack on the Government’s planning White Paper.
Can local authorities still drive town and city centre regeneration?
Incentives such as the Levelling Up funding, combined with the long-term risk of falling business rates means that the potential, and need, for bold change cannot be ignored, says Jonathan Allen of Browne Jacobson.
Business leaders make planning plea
Business leaders have demanded ‘properly resourced and upskilled local planning departments’ so carbon reduction and nature can be at the heart of the planning system.
District urges Government to rethink Stansted Airport expansion plans
The Planning Inspectorate’s decision to allow an appeal over the expansion of Stansted Airport has been branded an ‘insult to local democracy’ by the leader of Uttlesford DC.
MPs call for councils to be given more powers to tackle ‘land banking’
Local authorities should be granted more powers to act where developers are too slow in completing sites with planning permission, MPs have said.
A flexible future for workspaces and town centres
Brendon Walsh says that - while an increasingly hybrid approach to work will reshape our centres and high streets - use of permitted development rights and pivoting towards education and emerging industries can support regeneration.
Call for holiday homes clampdown
Council leaders in Wales are asking for new powers and stricter taxation on holiday lets.
Ocado loses High Court battle against Islington
Online supermarket Ocado has lost a High Court battle against Islington LBC over the use of a storage and distribution centre in the borough.
Planning centre of excellence proposed
The recommendation is part of proposals to improve the planning process in a report by infrastructure project consultancy Nichols.
Community involvement in town centres – supporting local people to do more
Government should rethink the powers available to local authorities to work with their communities to keep their high streets vibrant, argues Claire Harding of Centre for London.
400,000 homes could be built on greenfield, says CPRE
More than 400,000 new houses could be built in greenfield sites in the south of England over the next five years, according to analysis commissioned by the countryside charity CPRE.
County leader in planning power grab
A council leader has called for counties to be given planning powers for ‘big infrastructure’ as he seeks to break the deadlock with a district.
Making ‘build, build, build’ a reality
Having listened to the Queen’s Speech, Cllr Darren Rodwell worries the Government is ‘overly fixated on misguided reforms to the planning system’. He puts forward his policy wish list.
Population figures ignored local evidence
A watchdog has found official population growth statistics used to agree housing targets may have been overestimated.
Queen's Speech: No social care solution in sight
The Queen’s Speech has said proposals on social care reform will be brought forward – but it fell short of a commitment to legislation in this Parliament.
Queen’s Speech: New law to ‘modernise’ planning system
The Government has pledged to push ahead with reforms to the planning system in order to meet housebuilding targets.
Parishes issue vote of no confidence in Hartlepool
Four parish councils have asked to leave Hartlepool BC following ‘several years of increasing frustration’.
Queen's speech: PM's 'live local and prosper' promise
Levelling up, boosting the economy and backing the NHS are set to be the priorities for Tuesday’s Queen’s speech.
