Environment & climate change | PlanningResource

News and in-depth coverage of environmental issues and the effect of climate change on town planning.

Environment News

'Floating modular homes development' mooted to revive Swansea Bay lagoon plan

By Michael Donnelly, 22 May 2019

A "floating modular homes development" could form part of revived proposals for a tidal energy lagoon in Swansea Bay, a report assessing options for the future of the project has said.

Khan announces opposition to 'archaic' Bexley incinerator plans

By Mark Wilding, 21 May 2019

London mayor Sadiq Khan has claimed plans for an incinerator in Bexley are in conflict with national planning policy and has called on the government to refuse permission for the project.

SuDS changes delayed by Brexit workload, progress report reveals

By Jamie Carpenter, 20 May 2019

Policy changes intended to lead to more sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) being put in place have been delayed due to resources being re-prioritised to aid Brexit preparations, the government has revealed.

Welsh Government to investigate potentially 'unlawful' Barry incinerator consent

By Mark Wilding, 17 May 2019

Planning permission for a wood-fired incinerator in Barry may have been granted unlawfully due to a potential breach of European environmental regulations, the Welsh Government has announced.

Plans submitted for replacement Southampton-London fuel pipeline

By Michael Donnelly, 15 May 2019

Plans have been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) to replace an underground aviation fuel pipeline that runs between Southampton and Hounslow in west London.

Judge overturns 30-home approval due to inspector's EU habitats regulation breach 'error'

By Court reporter, 15 May 2019

A judge has overturned a planning inspector's approval of a 30-home scheme in Hampshire after ruling that 'an error of law' made by the inspector in relation to EU habitats regulations had potentially distorted the planning balance in favour of the development.

Latest Environment Opinion

Climate change demands priority, by Graeme Bell

By Graeme Bell, 23 May 2019

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

By Chris Brown, 11 April 2019

We have a responsibility to consider our carbon use while building, says Chris Brown.

Green emphasis needs funding, by Catriona Riddell

By Catriona Riddell, 4 April 2019

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.

Legal Viewpoint: Strategic assessment held inapplicable to framework

By Nina Pindham, 21 March 2019

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).