Planning
Former Cabinet minister laments lack of planning reform
A former housing secretary has said the Conservatives’ lack of action on planning to speed up housebuilding may cost the party in the General Election.
Jenrick leads new charge to axe nutrient neutrality laws
Former housing secretary Robert Jenrick is leading Tory calls for the Government to renew efforts to axe nutrient neutrality laws and boost house building.
Setting out the foundation of a long-term housing plan
Over the coming weeks, CCN will outline a host of different reforms, from improving delivery of all housing tenures to resourcing planning departments better, writes Simon Edwards.
There was a Crooked House
Part of a building inspector’s job is presumably to ensure new structures aren’t wonky.
Getting Britain building again
The Purposeful Finance Commission’s recommendation that businesses raise a target of £22.5m to help unblock urban infrastructure projects is an investment rather than a cost, says Tracy Blackwell.
Commission proposes plan for private sector to unblock planning system
A report has called for the private sector to invest in a ‘pipeline fund’ aimed at clearing the planning backlog and boosting regeneration.
The first cuts are the deepest
Sector experts talk to Martin Ford about the effects of job cuts on councils’ resilience, the impact of austerity on the number of leadership positions and the downsides of super-directorates.
Regulator calls for 'substantial' planning intervention
The planning system requires ‘substantial intervention’ by the Government to ensure consistent delivery of new homes, a major study has concluded.
Senior Lib Dem calls for permitted development rights review
A review of permitted development rights (PDRs) should take place before reforms are introduced to make it easier to convert commercial buildings or units into homes, a senior Lib Dem has said.
Further planning reforms on way, says Gove
Empty shops could be quickly converted into homes and developers given fresh incentives to build on brownfield sites under ministers’ latest plans to expedite housebuilding.
Time for a new economic playbook for place
More than ever, place-making needs to be at the centre of what councils do and not at a single spatial level. A coherent national plan is needed, says Robin Tuddenham.
Local Government – no fat anymore
Only the 'bare bones' are left within local authorities and the property sector is already feeling the effects of underfunding such as reduced resources for planning, says Ian Fletcher.
New legal bid as long-term asylum site plans confirmed
A council has launched a fresh judicial review after Government confirmed its intention to use RAF Scampton to house asylum seekers for another three years.
Officer-member relations ‘fractured’ at Wrexham
Issues in Wrexham CBC’s planning service mean it is hindered in fulfilling its role, an audit has found.
Braintree hits out as Home Office extends use of asylum centre
Braintree DC has accused the Home Office of acting ‘against the spirit of national planning policy’ by using a Special Development Order (SDO) to extend use of a controversial asylum centre.
A tiny bit harsh
Scottish Borders Council has been criticised for rejecting planning permission for a second ‘tiny’ holiday home on rural land near the village of Bonchester Bridge.
Restrictive covenants: Look before you leap
Local authorities dealing with development land must carry out thorough title due diligence and factor in enough time to resolve any development constraints, says Ayesha Khalique.
Minister urges councils to 'co-locate' planning and licensing
Councils have been urged to “co-locate” planning and licensing teams under plans to improve local decision-making and kick-start struggling night-time economies.
Planning delays ‘major barrier to growth’, say house builders
Delays in securing planning permission are stifling growth for major house builders, a new report has found.
Jumpers for goalposts
Residents of Enfield LBC have raised £13,000 to fund a judicial review of the council’s decision to lease a chunk of parkland to wealthy Premier League football club Tottenham Hotspur – a move met with a fair degree of Schadenfreude elsewhere across London.