Daily Archives: 07/09/2012

The Government unveiled a package of measures to relax planning rules until 2015, specifically to increase permitted development rights for extensions to homes and business premises in non-protected areas without the need for planning permission. Nick Clegg has confirmed that … Continue reading →

Nick Boles is the new Planning Minister at the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) as Greg Clark moves to the Treasury following the Government reshuffle and John Penrose steps down. Chartered surveyor Mark Prisk MP is the new … Continue reading →

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has approved a new measure that will increase the number of homes in town centres and help increase footfall on high streets including new planning rights to allow more flats to be created above shops without … Continue reading →

A Swedish developer is pilot bespoke international version of BREEAM Communities 2012 to ‘ensure the sustainability of future communities whilst retaining the area’s rich cultural history’. Stockholm-based developer Diligentia is the first to use a bespoke international version of the … Continue reading →

UK start ups and SMEs in the built environment are to be given the chance to access up to £5,000 to innovate and develop under a Technology Strategy Board (TSB) scheme. The Innovation Voucher scheme, due to launch later this … Continue reading →

Art students from across Scotland have been invited to create the design for the new Commemorative Plaque scheme in a competition launched on 5 September 2012) by Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs. Invitations have been issued … Continue reading →

Following the unsuccessful campaign to reverse the Budget decision to levy full VAT on approved alterations to listed buildings, HMRC has published guidance covering the changes, which take effect from 1 October 2012. VAT Information Sheet 10/12 – VAT: approved … Continue reading →

The Government has launched a new £10m fund to help communities finalise neighbourhood plans and provide for homes, businesses and facilities. The fund will be made available to councils to help cover the cost of providing support and advice to … Continue reading →

Energy efficiency ratings for building products to be downgraded because of performance issues. Building Co UK Article: LINK

Northumberlandia – also known as the ‘The Lady of the North’ – has been established as arguably the biggest example of public art ever created in the UK. It has been built into the landscape of Cramlington in Northumberland. Planned … Continue reading →

There is still time for you and others to apply for a life changing Churchill Travelling Fellowship, but you must apply by 2nd OCTOBER 2012 at 5pm. The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust writes: We send over 100 people each year, … Continue reading →

Exclusive: Ministers look to switch hundreds of millions of pounds for training to the construction industry Building Co UK Article: LINK