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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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High Court tells Yorkshire council to reconsider its local plan adoption
A Yorkshire council will have to reconsider the adoption of its local plan, after a High Court judge faulted it for not taking into account a strategic environmental assessment of a policy that lays the ground for a new settlement of at least 3,000 homes.
Prime Minister announces more nuclear energy and electric car infrastructure in 'green revolution' plan
The Prime Minister has launched a plan for a "green industrial revolution", including a quadrupling of offshore wind energy generation by 2030, an expansion of nuclear energy and a 'transformation' of national infrastructure to support electric vehicles.
Judge rejects valued landscape objection in backing appeal consent for 'unauthorised' caravan site
An appeal consent for an East Hertfordshire caravan site, occupied over a bank holiday weekend without planning permission, has been upheld after a High Court judge found that the location was not a valued landscape and the development complied with local policies.
Government to begin designation process for new national parks and AONBs next year
The government has revealed that it will begin the formal designation process to create new national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs) next year.
Campaigners will seek to appeal judgment dismissing their permitted development rights challenge
The campaign group behind the unsuccessful High Court bid to overturn recent permitted development and use class changes has said it will now seek permission to appeal today's decision, based on a specific point of environmental law.
'Cheaper and simpler' to consider biodiversity net gain early, says Defra director
Developers should consider the implications of the proposed new biodiversity net gain requirement as early as possible in the planning process, a senior Defra official has advised.
Latest Environment Opinion
Three lessons in more effective strategic planning, by Catriona Riddell
Like most of us in the planning world, I have spent the last two months listening to podcasts and webinars about the planning white paper, hoping that someone will tell me not to worry, it will all come out in the wash.
Why curbs on cars may not survive the pandemic, by Cliff Hague
Since, broadly speaking, the distant consequences of actions are more uncertain than the immediate consequences, it is seldom justifiable to embark on any policy on the ground that, though harmful in the present, it will be beneficial in the long run.”
Let's follow climate experts' scientific advice as well, by Graeme Bell
In early March my wife and I were in Galicia touring the paradors, the heritage hotel chain run by the state.
Why the country's biggest infrastructure projects have hit problems, by Angus Walker
With news that a third runway at Heathrow is being delayed, pretty much all the country's largest infrastructure projects are having problems of one sort or another.
- Senior Planning Policy Officer/ Planning Policy Officer Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire
- Planner or Senior Planner Persimmon PLC Maidstone, Kent
- Planning Policy, Conservation & Design Manager Cherwell DC Oxfordshire
- Planning Policy Team Leader Cherwell DC Oxfordshire
- Senior Planner - Development Management South Kesteven District Council Grantham, Lincolnshire
Environment In Depth
How recent changes to the Environment Bill will affect councils and developers
Amendments to the government's Environment Bill would introduce two new kinds of strategy that place requirements on local authorities and developers to help conserve protected species and habitats from development pressures. But some commentators fear that they could also impose new burdens on both applicants and authorities.
What a new housebuilding pollution mitigation scheme means for authorities and applicants
The government hopes that a 'nitrate trading' pilot scheme, which involves developers buying land to turn into more eco-friendly habitats, could unlock permissions for thousands of South Coast homes that have been held up due to pollution concerns.
Five legal verdicts to look out for this autumn
Cases due before the courts October-November 2020. Hearing dates may be subject to change.
Ten important policy and legislation changes to expect this autumn
Alterations to the National Planning Policy Framework and permitted development rights are among changes on the horizon.