Latest News in South West

Major Portsmouth office scheme lodged

An outline proposal has been lodged for an office-led scheme at the 40ha Lakeside North Harbour in Portsmouth.

Pitt leads authority impropriety inquiry

Sir Michael Pitt is leading an independent investigation into allegations of planning impropriety at a local authority in Dorset.

Government's bypass approval ends woodland retention fight

Environmental campaigners have admitted defeat in their battle to prevent a relief road through the Dorset countryside after the government approved the scheme.

Planning Appeal Casebook

DC Casebook: In depth - Flats backed near nightclub after noise control measures approved

Twelve student apartments and two commercial units have been allowed adjacent to a Bristol nightclub after an inspector found that noise attenuation measures would protect the living conditions of future residents.

In Depth

Skill push gains impetus

Ministers have recognised the need to plug the skills gap in response to a select committee report but still have some way to go to sell planning as a career, Domenic Donatantonio finds.

Legal Report - Claimants struggle with meaning of promptness

Last October's Court of Appeal ruling in Finn-Kelcey v Milton Keynes Council and MK Windfarm Ltd [2008] has reopened the old chestnut of the time limit for issuing judicial review proceedings.

Transport pace-setter

MVA Consultancy chief executive Nigel Ash believes that the transport planning sector will continue to thrive and his firm expand despite the worldwide slowdown, Vicki Shiel reports.

Rocks and hard places

Despite the current downturn, economic resilience and job creation can still be pursued without setting aside vital planning objectives for sustainable development, Liane Hartley argues.