Concerns over Biodiversity Net Gain

Apex 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…

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Saving Energy in Older Properties

Apex Energy Efficiency 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…

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Cash Injection to Speed up Planning and Housing Delivery

Apex Planning Skills Delivery Fund Super Squad. Image design generated by AI

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…

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Raising the Public Image of Town Planners

Apex It Takes Planners Graphic

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…

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Planning Wait Hits SME House Builders

Apex 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…

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Permitted Development Rights for Commercial Premises

Apex Permitted 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…

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Flexibility could be Good News for Rural Plans

Apex rural planning

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…

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Biodiversity Gains Traction in Development

Apex Biodiversity 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…

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Government Proposes more Planning Freedom for Farmers

Apex 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’…

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New 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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