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Pincher welcomes think tank report calling for permissions to include delivery contracts to boost housebuilding

Pincher welcomes think tank report calling for permissions to include delivery contracts to boost housebuilding

By Michael Donnelly, 19 April 2021

Planning permissions should include a legally-binding "delivery contract" setting out "an agreed contractual trajectory of housing delivery" with penalties for developers and councils that breach them, according to a think tank report that has been welcomed by the housing minister.

Emerging plan's 3,500-home allocation next to rewilding project 'would stop nature in its tracks', conservation figures tell Jenrick

Emerging plan's 3,500-home allocation next to rewilding project 'would stop nature in its tracks', conservation figures tell Jenrick

By Rachel Salvidge and Michael Donnelly, 19 April 2021

More than 30 senior conservation figures have criticised the government's planning policies for having "not caught up" with its wider pledges to protect and enhance the natural world and have highlighted an emerging local plan's 3,500-home site allocation next to one of England's most high-profile rewilding sites.

High Court quashes council's CIL notice served two-and-a-half years late for human rights violation

High Court quashes council's CIL notice served two-and-a-half years late for human rights violation

By Court reporter, 19 April 2021

The High Court has found that a community infrastructure levy (CIL) charge served two-and-a-half years late on, and mis-addressed to, a Hertfordshire resident redeveloping a neighbouring property amounted to a violation of her human rights and has ordered the council to repay her the £16,000 charge.

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The implications of the government's plan to introduce discounted homes for first-time buyers via unallocated sites

The implications of the government's plan to introduce discounted homes for first-time buyers via unallocated sites

The government has announced its intention to introduce a new form of affordable housing for first-time buyers via exception sites that are not allocated by councils in local plans. Commentators warn that the new policy could raise challenges for local authorities and may impact on provision of other forms of affordable housing on such sites, but there are mixed views about the likely level of developer interest.

Neighbourhood Watch: Locality urges continued use of offline consultation methods

Neighbourhood Watch: Locality urges continued use of offline consultation methods

Neighbourhood planning groups and other community organisations should ensure they use a mix of online and offline methods when conducting consultation exercises, according to guidance from Locality.

How changes to the government's new commercial-to-residential permitted development right are likely to affect its impact

How changes to the government's new commercial-to-residential permitted development right are likely to affect its impact

The government has introduced a number of restrictions to the final version of its controversial new commercial-to-residential permitted development right, including a size limit. While local authorities question whether the concessions would significantly reduce the potential harms caused by the new right, some consultants and lawyers suggest the changes could curtail developer interest.

The lessons for planning teams of the government's Liverpool City Council probe

The lessons for planning teams of the government's Liverpool City Council probe

A report into alleged failings at Liverpool City Council found undue pressure being placed on planning officers and a failure of enforcement to tackle unlawful development. According to some observers, the episode highlights the potential risks of planners and property officers working in the same directorate.


Latest Comment

How planning is frustrating the drive to quadruple offshore wind power capacity by 2030, by Angus Walker

By Angus Walker, 14 April 2021

Years of delays to major offshore wind projects suggest that the planning system is not playing its part in achieving the government's aim of quadrupling capacity by 2030.

Letter: Recent approval is a prime example of the type of unsustainable development we must reject

By Richard Lewis, 13 April 2021

The recent approval of plans for a 1,100-home greenfield urban extension to Preston, despite the site being identified as open countryside in the council's adopted local plan, represents the opposite of what the planning system is meant to achieve.

Letter: Recent approval is a prime example of the type of unsustainable development we must reject

By Richard Lewis, 13 April 2021

The recent approval of plans for a 1,100-home greenfield urban extension to Preston, despite the site being identified as open countryside in the council's adopted local plan, represents the opposite of what the planning system is meant to achieve.

Letter: Government u-turn on raising the affordable housing exemption threshold is very welcome

By Claire Higgins, 13 April 2021

The government’s recent announcement that it will not be raising the affordable housing exemption threshold from 10 to 50 units is great news for housing associations.

A year on: How Covid has changed planning forever, by Catriona Riddell

By Catriona Riddell, 6 April 2021

As we pass the one year mark from our first Covid lockdown, many will be reflecting on the changes this exceptional year has brought to the world, including the way we plan places.

Why developers are worried about the new London Plan policy on tall buildings, by Joey Gardiner

By Joey Gardiner, 31 March 2021

Last week, controversial plans to replace the “brutalist” Kensington Forum hotel in west London with two new towers were unexpectedly withdrawn just prior to their consideration in a planning inquiry, despite receiving the backing of the mayor last autumn.

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