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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Small but Mighty Housebuilders

Smaller housebuilders could be the answer to the housing supply issue – but they will need support. Turning to the Smaller Housebuilders Could it be that the UK’s smaller housebuilding companies could be the solution when it comes to boosting housing supply? The builders themselves certainly think so. The government has been lobbied by a…

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Oxford-Cambridge Arc

Apex Ox Cam Arc

Cross-boundary collaboration between Oxford and Cambridge will focus on tackling the issues that matter to those who live and work in the region… Ox-Cam Arc Following our article on strategic planning last month, it’s good to see that the government has now backed the proposals for a locally-led partnership for the Oxford to Cambridge region.…

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Strategic Planning is the Way Forward

Apex Strategic Planning

A joined-up approach is needed to boost housebuilding and help economic growth, according to county council leaders… County Councils Network England’s county councils are calling for the government to bring back strategic planning in order to help the economy and boost house building. The County Councils Network (CCN) has stated that strategic planning should be…

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Lack of Council Staff Hits Small Housebuilders

Apex Planning Consultants Milton Keynes Council Staff

A recent survey shows that smaller developers are coming up against lack of staff and communication issues, a lack of certainty when it comes to the planning process, and a shortage of suitable development sites… Housebuilding Concerns A survey by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has revealed that the biggest concern for small housebuilders…

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Could 3D Printing be the Future of Housing?

Apex 3D Printed Housing

As the UK’s first 3D printed housing development gets under way, we look at its benefits and how it could change the UK construction industry… 3D Construction Printing We’ve all heard of pre-fab housing – and even ‘flat-pack’ timber frame build-your-own home kits – but at a time when many of us are busy building…

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Strategic Planning is Key to Economic Growth

Apex Strategic Planning Infrastructure

Following the announcement of a new planning and infrastructure bill, county councils have called for a return to strategic planning… Strategic Planning The County Councils Network (CCN) is advocating a return to strategic planning in a bid to boost housebuilding and economic growth. The call comes following the announcement of a new planning and infrastructure…

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Government Moves to Streamline Planning Process

Apex Planning Process

Releasing surplus land for housing and creating New Investment Zones are included in the latest plans to shake up the planning sector… Planning Process Reforms There are more changes in the pipeline for the planning industry following Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s ‘mini budget’ at the end of September. The government has announced planning reforms whose purpose…

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New Prime Minister, New Plans?

Apex blog Sep 22 Ripping up the Rules

As Liz Truss takes the reins at Number 10, we look at what this might mean for the planning sector… It’s all change in government this month, as Liz Truss moves into Downing Street and Simon Clarke takes over as Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Prime Minister Truss claims that she…

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Sunak pledges to protect Green Belt

Apex Green Belt

As the Tory leadership race hots up, Rishi Sunak’s pledge to block development on Green Belt land is provoking mixed reactions… The Future of Green Belt As the battle for the Tory party leadership continues, a promise by Rishi Sunak could have a major impact on the planning arena. The former Chancellor has said that,…

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