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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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Strengthen AONBs and boost social housing delivery in protected landscapes, says review chief
Areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs) should be given "a greater voice on development" and actions should be taken to deliver more social housing in AONBs and national parks, the head of a government-established review body charged with examining the future of such areas has said.
Campaigners lose legal fight over Oxbridge expressway 'preferred corridor' decision
A bid by campaigners to challenge the Department for Transport's (DfT's) selection of a "preferred corridor" for the proposed Oxford to Cambridge Expressway on environmental impact grounds has been blocked by the High Court after a judge ruled that the scheme's route had not yet reached a stage where formal environmental or habitat assessments were required.
Judge overturns council's 'irrational' decision to ignore house extension's impact on solar panels
A High Court judge has overturned a planning consent for a house extension in Kent after finding that the loss of light the scheme would cause to a neighbour's solar panels should have been a material planning consideration for the local authority on climate change grounds.
Government advisor flags 'little progress' in planning for global warming impacts
National policy has made "little progress" in preparing for and addressing the risk from global warming in key areas such as managing surface water flooding, while the planning system does not give enough support to sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS), a report by the government's advisory body on climate change has warned.
Plans approved for new Worcestershire link road to open up new housing and jobs
Plans have been approved for a new link road at Pershore in Worcestershire, in line with a recommendation from planners who concluded that the scheme would help address congestion and improve access to employment and new housing areas.
Government keeps open mind on number of new underground nuclear storage facilities
The government has not ruled out the creation of more than one underground nuclear waste storage facility, according to a new national policy statement (NPS) aiming to guide the future planning process for such infrastructure.
Latest Environment Opinion
Third runway likely to break record, by Angus Walker
Heathrow Airport Ltd launched a statutory consultation on 18 June on its proposals to build a third runway and associated infrastructure. It is called "statutory" because it is required under the Planning Act 2008, which created the consenting system for nationally significant infrastructure projects, before an application can be made.
Climate change demands priority, by Graeme Bell
We have little more than a decade to save the world. I'll get onto that after I've written this report for a decision on a change of use from A1 to A5.
Developers risk ruin if they refuse to go green, by Chris Brown
We have a responsibility to consider our carbon use while building, says Chris Brown.
Green emphasis needs funding, by Catriona Riddell
As we continue our way back to place-based plan-making and away from 'planning by numbers', it is heartening to see the government appearing to recognise the role that natural capital - the global stock of natural resources - plays in sustainable growth.
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Environment In Depth
Policy Summary: Guidance on managing environmental noise and maintaining quiet areas
POLICY: Noise Action Plan: Agglomerations (Urban Areas).
How we used a neighbourhood plan to make schemes deliver net green benefits
Pioneering environmental approaches are at the heart of a plan for Lewes in the South Downs National Park, writes Colin Marrs.
Policy Summary: Environment Agency draft strategy for combating flood risk
POLICY: Draft National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England.
What the government's 2050 net zero carbon emissions target means for planning
From a push for more renewable energy to anti-flooding measures, the government's new net zero target is likely to have significant implications for planning, most commentators agree, but could also throw up a number of challenges for practitioners.