Planning news – 7 September 2023

Our planning news is published in association with The Planner, the official magazine of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

Government to change water pollution rules to ease housebuilding
The government has announced that a change to nutrient neutrality rules will be made through the levelling up and regeneration bill so more houses can be built.
Laura Edgar, The Planner

Councils plan for joint local plan
Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucester City Council, and Tewkesbury Borough Council are working together on a ‘fresh approach’ to plan-making across their areas.
Laura Edgar, The Planner 

Claire Coutinho appointed as energy security secretary
Claire Coutinho has been appointed to replace Grant Shapps as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Laura Edgar, The Planner 

Permission sought for low-carbon urban village in Birkenhead
Plans to transform the Hind Street area of Birkenhead, including building 1,600 homes, have been submitted to Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council.
Laura Edgar, The Planner 

Best practice guidance for planners on badgers published
Badger Trust has issued best practice guidance for developers, ecologists, and planners in England and Wales on the planning and development issues that can affect badgers, their setts and habitats.
Laura Edgar, The Planner 

News round-up
– Work to start soon on Passivhaus housing scheme
– Retirement village announced for Brent Cross Town
– Barking community hospital plans approved
– Wapping Wharf North plans submitted in Bristol
– Keighley industrial estate plans submitted
– And more stories…
Laura Edgar and Prithvi Pandya, The Planner