The Energy and Climate Change Committee of MP’s has said in a recent report that government should reinstate zero carbon standards for new homes and implement a host of new policies to domestic energy efficiency. […]
We’re supporting the ‘healthy new towns’ pilots
Its great to hear that 10 new settlement will be test-beds for so-called ‘healthy new towns’. Even better news that one of our sites is part of the pilot! We’re supporting the detailed design of […]
Another government probe into planning ‘ red tape’
Governments appetite for seeking out red tape seems to be unlimited. Business Secretary Sajid Javid has launched a review of the way local authorities regulate businesses. This exercise will take into account “burdens imposed by […]
Creating New Communities – good practice guides
The Town and Country Planning Association have launched a set of practical guides to help local authorities and developers involves in creating new communities. John Jennings who is working on master-plans for two new housing […]
Are utility companies restricting housing growth?
A new Housing & Finance Institute report has highlighted that housing growth is being held back by sluggish performance by utility companies. Perhaps there is then some truth in our long standing stance that housing […]
Recent changes to permitted development rights
The Department for Communities and Local Government has laid before Parliament the regulations which make office to residential conversions a permanent feature of permitted development (PD) rights from 6 April. The rights were first introduced […]
New transport infrastructure – but not the north east!
Chancellor George Osborne this week committed £300m to kick-start work on major transport schemes in the capital and the North, specifically Crossrail 2 and rail and road links between Manchester and Leeds, which are expected […]
A budget for new garden cities?
Wednesday’s Budget announcements confirmed the government’s appetite for a new wave of garden settlements with a promise of legislation to make it easier for local authorities to work together to create new garden towns and […]