News
Concerns over Biodiversity Net Gain
As rules requiring provisions on major developments for environmental enhancement come into place (with requirements for minor developments due to come into force in April 2024), industry experts have expressed doubts over how achievable they really are… Biodiversity Net Gain Concerns Rules that require major housing developments to deliver at least 10% biodiversity net gain…
Read MoreSaving Energy in Older Properties
Adhering to modern regulations in historic buildings is not easy, but the government proposes to help boost energy efficiency for owners of older properties… Improving Energy Efficiency in Older Homes Living in a Listed property or Conservation Area may be a dream for many, but with the rising cost of energy bills, trying to keep…
Read MoreCash Injection to Speed up Planning and Housing Delivery
In his Autumn Statement, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a cash boost to clear planning backlogs and deliver new homes. It looks like good news for the UK planning sector… Cash Injection for Planning A recent announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt would, he said ‘’lead to many thousands of additional…
Read MoreRaising the Public Image of Town Planners
A new RTPI campaign champions town planners and the positive impact they have on local communities – and it needs your help… Championing the Positive Role of Town Planners The planning industry does not always get the best press – the stories that make the headlines usually focus on negative aspects and often are based…
Read MorePlanning Wait Hits SME House Builders
With outline planning permission now taking around 12 months, the number of housing developments by small and medium-sized (SME) house builders is dropping at an alarming rate… SME House Builders A study that shows the waiting time for outline planning permission has almost quadrupled in the past 30 years, also reveals that small to medium-sized…
Read MorePermitted Development Rights for Commercial Premises
Changes in permitted development rights (PDR) have made it easier than ever to change the use of Class E properties – but it can still be a complex issue as we explore in our blog this month… Commercial Property Development Owners of commercial property now have more opportunity than ever before to change the use…
Read MoreFlexibility could be Good News for Rural Plans
A government consultation of change of use could offer hope to those in rural areas seeking to create residences from industrial and farm properties… Rural Planning The government has published a consultation on permitted development rights, which could offer would-be developers of rural commercial and agricultural properties more flexibility. For those of you that have…
Read MoreBiodiversity Gains Traction in Development
A new law will see developers required to increase biodiversity in any planned proposal – but how will this work? Planning for Biodiversity A change in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 will require developers to ensure that the habitat for wildlife is in a better state than it was before they began their…
Read MoreGovernment Proposes more Planning Freedom for Farmers
The recent UK Farm to Fork Summit addressed the barriers and challenges that face farmers and the rural economy… Planning Freedom for Farmers A number of lifelines are being offered to farmers and land managers, following the UK Farm to Fork Summit in May, with the government committing to offering ‘greater planning certainty and flexibility’…
Read MoreNew Planning Proposals Target Airbnb and Holiday Lets
A new planning proposal could see homeowners required to seek planning permission for short-term lets and associated permitted development rights… New Use Class for Short Term Lets New proposals could require existing homeowners to seek permission to use their properties as short-term lets and introduce a new class – a C5 short term let –…
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