Planning
Council officers in appeal bid against planning committee
Officers at Vale of Glamorgan Council are to lodge an appeal after its planning committee failed to grant permission for a housing development.
Councils’ net-zero hopes dashed
There are no plans for new powers, frameworks or funding overhauls in the Government’s net-zero strategy, ministers have admitted.
Districts hit back at think tank planning proposals
District councils have hit back at a think-tank’s call for the Government to transfer planning powers up to a ‘new, strategic geography’.
Here we go again on planning
Will the imminent Government planning proposals be the reforms that end all reforms, asks Steve Quartermain.
Planning overhaul ‘crucial’ to climate change
Changes to planning should be a priority in the fight against climate change, MPs have been told.
Ministers set to water down planning proposals
Speculation is growing that ministers are preparing to water down their proposed planning reforms.
Out of whack
Poor old Swale BC. The Kent-based district was clearly trying to improve its planning applications, but somehow it has all gone horribly wrong.
Councils ask for national support on climate change
Councils have said they stand ready to take action to reduce carbon emissions, but require action from central government.
Blackpool threatens action over asylum hotel plans
Blackpool Council has warned planning permission will be required to use a hotel to house hundreds of asylum seekers.
Planning’s darkest hour?
Hugh Ellis and Dan Stone ask why England’s national planning policy does not prioritise action on climate change. Government ‘is fiddling while the world burns’, they conclude.
Council leader warns of 'serious risks' over local plan withdrawal
Rutland CC’s decision to withdraw its local plan leaves it facing ‘serious risks,’ the authority’s own leader has warned.
Cumbria suffers 'loss of trust and reputational damage'
Cumbria CC has suffered from a breakdown in trust following an error in a planning application for an incinerator, an independent review has found.
Report attacks councils’ ‘shameful’ undermining of Right to Build laws
Some authorities have been ‘subverting’ legislation designed to encourage self-built homes, an independent report has found.
Croydon returns to drawing board on regeneration plans
The council maintains delayed plans to develop a Westfield shopping centre are going ahead, despite planning permission for the development having expired.
Planning for posterity
If we want to ensure the younger generation doesn’t miss out on housing opportunities, the focus has to be on what will endure and models that support the longer picture in placemaking, says Jonathan Werran.
The use of ‘Primary Residence’ restrictions and Housing Supply
Gareth Pinwell believes primary residence restrictions will not operate in a way that resolves the housing supply issues facing local authorities. Other options should be considered, he says.
Complaints’ outcomes are open for all of us to shape
This summer’s snapshot of complaints trends paints a ‘fascinating picture’, says local government and social care ombudsman Michael King.
Jenrick primes inspectors for planning changes despite growing revolt
Communities secretary Robert Jenrick has written to the chief of the Planning Inspectorate amid growing fears over a revolt over planning proposals.
Council raises ‘national security concerns’ over energy project
Portsmouth City Council’s leader has urged the Government to consider ‘national security concerns’ when deciding the fate of a cross-channel energy project.
Planning in flood risk areas to go to ministers
Councils should ensure all planning applications made in flood risk areas are referred to ministers for approval under new guidance.
