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News and in-depth coverage of environmental issues and the effect of climate change on town planning.
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How the need to show biodiversity benefit to get permission affects you
The government has confirmed it will push ahead with plans for a new biodiversity net gain policy. But observers warn that the move could place extra burdens on both councils and developers.
Go-ahead for 600-lodge leisure resort on 133-hectare former forestry site
Plans to build a 600-holiday lodge adventure resort on a 133-hectare former forestry plantation have been approved after officers advised that the economic benefits of the development would outweigh any environmental harm.
2019 Planning Awards shortlist revealed
The shortlist has been announced for this year's Planning Awards. As well as recognising outstanding professional planning work, the awards reward excellence in planning-related activities such as placemaking, urban design, economic development, housing, regeneration, legal advice and environmental consulting.
Cumbrian coal mine approved after planners accept CO2 reduction argument
Plans have been approved for a new coal mine on a former chemical works site in Cumbria after planners accepted the applicant's arguments that the scheme would cut carbon emissions by reducing the need to import coal from overseas, as well as delivering significant local economic benefits.
Judge backs minister over seven-turbine wind farm approval
A judge has upheld a Welsh minister's decision to approve a seven-turbine wind farm, against a recommendation for refusal from a planning inspector, after concluding that the minister had clearly understood the importance of preserving the setting of nearby scheduled ancient monuments.
Inspector calls for 11 allocations for 1,000 homes to be cut from Yorkshire plan
A planning inspector has written to Harrogate Borough Council asking it to delete 11 housing sites totalling more than 1,000 homes from its local plan because of their potential impact on protected landscapes and heritage assets.
Latest Environment Opinion
Legal Viewpoint: Strategic assessment held inapplicable to framework
Earlier this month, the High Court handed down judgment on a challenge to the secretary of state's decision to publish the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) on the basis that it should have undergone strategic environmental assessment (SEA).
Legal Viewpoint: Causes for concern raised by draft environment bill
Beware collateral impacts for the planning system arising from a draft bill published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) just before Christmas.
Court stiffens habitats protection, by Angus Walker
Two recent cases in the EU Court of Justice - People Over Wind and Sweetman v Coillte Teoranta and Sweetman v An Bord Pleanála, both relating to sites in Ireland - will affect all projects that have habitats implications.
Why NSIP route for shale projects may not ease consents process, by Angus Walker
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is consulting on whether, and if so how, shale gas or fracking projects - which term you prefer seems to indicate whether you are for or against them - should be brought within the Planning Act 2008 regime as a new type of nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP).
- Planner/Senior Planner Pro Vision Ampfield, Hampshire
- Enforcement Consultant - Dorset - Long-Term Contract Oyster Partnership Dorset
- Principal Officer - Major Applications Team Arun District Council Arun - West Sussex
- Architectural Technician Penguin Recruitment Architecture Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
- Principal Policy Planner - Oxfordshire - 1 year contract Oyster Partnership Oxfordshire
Environment In Depth
Policy Summary: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs' Clean Air Strategy 2019
POLICY: Clean Air Strategy 2019.
How the government is likely to respond to its NPPF High Court defeat
Following a successful judicial review against a paragraph in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) setting out support for fracking, planning law experts believe the government will probably reconsult on the policy or reconsider the responses it received to the original consultation.
How NPPF revisions are making it easier for developers to build in protected habitats
A change to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in relation to the weight decision-makers should give development in or near protected habitats where there is an inadequate housing land supply should make it easier for such schemes to gain consent, say observers.
Policy Summary: Regulations revising definitions of nationally significant water resource projects
POLICY: The Infrastructure Planning (Water Resources) (England) Order 2019.