Planning news – 22 July 2021

Local authorities to be given CPO powers to renew derelict buildings to transform towns
Local authorities in England will be given compulsory purchase order powers (CPO) to take over and transform derelict buildings and convert them into homes if property owners stall on regeneration plans.
Laura Edgar, The Planner

Coventry submits plans for UK’s first Gigafactory
Coventry City Council has entered into a joint venture partnership to bring forward proposals for the UK’s first electric battery gigafactory.
Huw Morris, The Planner

Planning Inspectorate charts route out of lockdown
Plans to resume in-person events have been unveiled by the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) as it charts a route out of lockdown for its operations.
Huw Morris, The Planner

England’s northern towns ‘fight back’ after Covid-19 crisis
Northern towns are facing ‘seismic’ changes, with Covid-19 and lockdowns making a huge impact on the retail sector as shifting working patterns and social distancing measures becoming the norm for millions of people, according to research.
Huw Morris, The Planner

Greater Manchester sets out homes and town centres plan
Leaders in Greater Manchester have set out their plan for new homes, enhancing green spaces and revitalising town centres.
Laura Edgar, The Planner

News round-up
• Runnymede adopts new Tibbalds design guide
• Research reveals extent of social housing stigma
• Plans for major life science campus in Stevenage unveiled
• Boots selects developer for modular community in Nottingham
Huw Morris, The Planner