New research commissioned by public service union Unison confirms what most housing professionals have known for a while – that that the Government’s New Homes Bonus Scheme is draining scarce funding away from the recession-hit […]
Biomass power stations – New RO funding
The Government’s response to consultation on projects to be supported under Renewables Obligation (RO) scheme has been published the Department for Climate Change (DECC). It was widely expected that DECC would decide to ‘cap’ the […]
Need cash to build homes for rent? £ 200m available if you are quick!
In the run up to Christmas the coalition government announced an important new fund for the private rented sector. Missed by many of the broadsheets the new “Build to Rent” fund is aimed at reducing […]
“10 good and 10 bad things about the Energy Bill”
What’s good? This is a timely and vital bill that will help towards a low carbon energy system. It is clear and progressive and will by 2020 ensure that just over 30% of our electricity […]
Speeding up development or death to local democracy?
In their efforts to kick start the economy the Government has set out proposals to widen the scope of the planning regime for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) to some categories of commercial and business development. These […]
Fast track infrastructure? or death of Localism?
“Will local planning decisions become a thing of the past because of new Infrastructure Act?”. Senior partner Allen Creedy expresses his concern that in their effort to speed up infrastructure investment the coalition government may […]
Don’t blame the planners!
Recent research has confirmed what most planners already knew – what’s stopping house building is the state of the economy not council planners! The research demonstrates that planning permission has been granted for nearly 400,000 […]
“Wanted; bugs and beasties!”
When the call went out from Allen Creedy to local landowners and wildlife enthusiasts for some bugs, beetles and wild beasties he did not expect such an enthusiastic response! Allen is designing the new wildlife […]
Good news for regeneration of former Swan Hunter shipyards
Government has today confirmed the local development order (LDO), covering both the former Swan Hunter shipyard and adjoining land. This substitutes a simplified planning process, so developers do not need to seek planning permission if […]
‘Light up your Cities’
ethical partnership has been a consultant helping the European Union identify the way that cities can use public lighting to help local businesses prosper, help improve public transport, whilst reducing both light pollution and carbon emissions! […]
“A Good Deal for Newcastle – and Gateshead!”
Its good news all round for Newcastle and Gateshead with the city deal with the Coalition Government. So what’s involved? Creation of an Accelerated Development Zone for Newcastle and Gateshead – a commitment by central government to ring-fence business rate income in […]
“Getting the biogas industry moving”
A recent report into the future of the biogas sector has challenged the government to cut the red tape and make its simpler for industry to generate much needed renewable energy and divert wast from landfill – […]