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PLANNING

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.

Councils should ensure all planning applications made in flood risk areas are referred to ministers for approval under new guidance.

The Government said that while 97% of planning decisions for homes were made in line with Environment Agency advice last year, 866 homes that were contrary to the advice were granted planning permission.

PLANNING

Stability, partnership and delivery

By Sir James Cleverly | 02 October 2025

As delegates prepare to head to the Conservative party conference, Sir James Cleverly highlights the pressures councils face on asylum, funding, housing and ...

PLANNING

Beyond the call of statutory duty

By James Farr | 01 October 2025

James Farr explains why combined authorities should go the extra mile to tackle the post-16 education capacity crunch.

PLANNING

Renewing democratic leadership

By Dr Sonia Bussu | 29 September 2025

Dr Jason Lowther and Dr Sonia Bussu examine how councillors can foster democratic innovations to bridge the gap between citizens and institutions.

PLANNING

Stronger devo can solve the London problem

By Patrick Diamond | 23 September 2025

Relationships between the capital and Whitehall may have improved but its underpowered mayoralty requires urgent fiscal and planning autonomy, argue Jack Sha...