Planning
Tighter planning rules to protect communities from flood risk
Councils should ensure all planning applications made in flood risk areas are referred to ministers for approval under new guidance published today.
Good design alone cannot address the Nimby challenge
In principle, focusing on housing design quality is a good idea, says Michael Burton. 'But councillors know the cost of ignoring their residents’ views on unpopular new housing estates, whatever ministers insist: they lose their seats.'
New housing to be in keeping with local tradition, Jenrick says
New homes should be built using an architectural style in keeping with the history of their area and located on streets lined with trees, the Government has announced.
Councils ‘resistant’ to repurposing empty commercial space
A think-tank has accused local authorities of being ‘resistant’ to measures that could see empty retail spaces repurposed for housing.
Pressure mounts over planning reforms
Conservative councillors have bolstered the growing numbers opposing the Government’s planning reforms.
Going all the grey
It seems that flamboyant house style guru Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen’s love of vibrancy is being reined in by Cotswold DC.
Reed accuses government of dropping devolution
Shadow communities secretary Steve Reed has accused the Government of dropping its commitment to devolution.
Lib Dem leader calls for urgency on social care reform
Speaking at the Local Government Association’s virtual conference, party leader Sir Ed Davey said he still had hopes for cross-party talks on the issue.
Future Forum North: How do we put the heart back into local communities through place-shaping?
In a session organised by Capita, leading experts on regeneration discussed the future of town and city centres after the pandemic.
A forgotten city
Phil Allemendinger says we need to make digital a tool of the city, to support wider objectives including to help address inequalities and sustain local economies.
Is Slough the canary in the mine?
Heather Jameson says it’s hard to reconcile Robert Jenrick's vision of a ten to 20-year plan for local places with 'a system that sees councils’ finances lurch blindly from year to year, on a promise of a three-year deal that fails to materialise.'
Jenrick to reduce competitive bidding
The communities secretary has pledged to reduce the number of funds councils have to compete for as part of plans to consolidate the sector’s funding.
Croydon to keep hold of loss-making property development firm
Croydon LBC is expected to keep hold of its property development firm Brick by Brick after rejecting an offer from a ‘credible bidder’.
Chief speaks out after staff targeted by campaigners
A council chief executive has condemned the action of campaigners who sent emails to planning officers suggesting they would lose their jobs.
Capacity support for councils’ housing delivery teams
To help meet the Government’s ambition of creating 300,000 homes a year by 2024, Local Partnerships is encouraging authorities to take advantage of Homes England’s Local Government Capacity Centre (LGCC), says Judith Atkinson.
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.
