The UK Government has committed to delivering 300,000 homes a year, but the numbers actually being approved and built remains far below this. Is this number achievable, and what might be the value of adjusting the target? Is there a better way to ensure we are delivering the high-quality, affordable and sustainable homes that are so desperately needed?
Read more…Our planning news is published in association with The Planner, the official magazine of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
New biodiversity laws set to secure big rise in natural habitat
More than 15,000 hectares of natural habitats will be created in England each year following the introduction of biodiversity net gain (BNG) regulations, according to analysis.
Huw Morris, The Planner
Sunak pledges a spatial plan for energy infrastructure
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that the government ‘will shortly bring forward comprehensive new reforms to energy infrastructure’.
Laura Edgar, The Planner
Major Cardiff housing redevelopment makes progress
Cardiff City Council has reached a significant milestone in its scheme to regenerate its Channel View estate in Grangetown in the southern part of the capital.
Roger Milne, The Planner
Nutrient neutrality requires developments to prove that all surface water runoff and wastewater generated by the development will be less than, or equal to the nutrients generated by the existing land use.
This aims to reduce nutrient pollution within our wildlife in both freshwater and river habitats.
Government has claimed that the building of over 100,000 new homes within 74 catchment areas cannot progress due to the additional nutrients they would contribute to waterways.
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We’re extremely excited to announce that all the Chief Planners from the different nations of the UK will be joining us for an exclusive panel session at the National Planning Conference 2023.
Read more…Legislative amendments to increase planning application fees in England have now been formally “made” and took effect on 6th December 2023.
The main points affecting how fees are calculated on Planning Portal are that:
- application fees in England are increased by 25% across the board, which will rise to 35% for major schemes based on the legislative interpretation of ‘major development’.
A recent article published by Local Government Association has suggested that taxpayers are paying £5 million a week due to delays to the planning fee increase.
Read more…The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has published new evidence that shows planners are struggling to prepare for new Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements expected to begin later this year.
You can get fully prepared for Biodiversity Net Gain regulations using Joe’s Blooms handy tool.
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There was a total of 49,864 applications submitted through the Planning Portal in August 2023.
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In an ever-changing world, sustainability should be at the heart of all planning decisions.
As you may have seen, Planning Portal recently became members of the UK Business Council for Sustainable Development (UKBCSD). Promoting environmental and other forms of sustainability within our sector continues to be a top priority and as such you can expect it to be a central theme at this year’s National Planning Conference.
Read more…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
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