We have been waiting for Spring for surveys for Great Crested Newts to be carried out on a large expanse of woodland in the north east. When certain applications can be submitted along with supporting […]
Thinking about building your own home in the open countryside?
In that case the house will come under Paragraph 55 clause of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). There is no template for this type of project, every house proposed needs to be truly outstanding […]
Simplifying local plans – have your say
Proposals to speed up and simplify the process of making Local Plans open to the public for representations until 27 April 2016 In September 2015 ministers launched a panel of experts – the Local Plans […]
Durham Plan – second chance to have your say
Durham County Council politicians were asked this week to agree the way forward for the County Durham Plan, currently in limbo. This followed the development plan’s withdrawal after a legal challenge to the planning inspector’s […]
Middlesbrough regeneration and restoration
We’re pleased to be working on the restoration of some listed buildings in Middlesbrough and addressing the findings a new Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) study. This has highlighted that Middlesbrough is one of the UK’s top […]
New Cumbrian partner
Serendipity, chance, fate or just good luck? Business alliances sometimes emerge over time and sometimes you know instantly when you can work together – CBEN share our aspirations and values so we’re looking forward to […]
address climate change or Brexit
Leaving the European Union would represent a hammer blow to the 2015 Paris climate deal, is the view of one of the UK’s leading climate advisors. Ex Tory environment minister Lord Deben, now chairing the […]
MP’s ode for zero carbon
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 […]