Planning news – 16 September 2021

Government to make alteration to 2021 Housing Delivery Test
Housing minister Christopher Pincher has announced that the 2021 Housing Delivery Test will be calculated using a four-month adjustment to the housing requirement figures for 2020/21 to account for fluctuations in construction output owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Laura Edgar, The Planner

Funding for Milton Keynes and Sheffield to unlock homes
The government has awarded Milton Keynes and Sheffield a share of £1.4 million to develop proposals that seek to unlock a ‘significant’ number of homes and jobs through the New Development Corporation Competition (NDCC).
Laura Edgar, The Planner

Warrington sets out updates to local plan
Warrington Borough Council has outlined how it plans to update its proposed local plan ahead of consideration by the full council.
Laura Edgar, The Planner

Moves to bolster Welsh town centre regeneration policy
The Welsh Government has accepted the recommendations of two major reports on town centre regeneration, which conclude that ‘imagination and ambitious leadership’ backed up by ‘coordinated, cross-government decision-making’ are urgently needed.
Roger Milne, The Planner

MHCLG office opens in Wolverhampton
Housing and communities secretary Robert Jenrick has unveiled the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s (MHCLG) second headquarters in Wolverhampton.
Laura Edgar, The Planner

News round-up
• Institute showcases planners’ work to patron Prince Charles
• Council to invest in planning service
• Planners recommend solar farm be approved
• Consultancy appointed to create Highgate Cemetery masterplan
• Developer acquires Watford site for mixed-use scheme
• Views sought on Oxford North’s Canalside plans
Laura Edgar, The Planner