Monthly Archives: August 2013

The planning process is the single most significant barrier to improving the energy efficiency of London’s housing stock, according to the Greater London Authority (GLA).  Search Planning Resource: LINK

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published its response to the review of Architecture and the Built Environment led by Sir Terry Farrell for the Government, with a call for ‘a professional expert answerable to this Minister as … Continue reading →

A London pub with a ballroom bought by the community, a Northumbrian battlefield, a Durham lead mine and a Somerset silk mill, a castle used for target practice in the Second World War, an overgrown cemetery, a mausoleum to a … Continue reading →

Landowner Phillip Day has been fined a total of £450,000 and ordered to pay costs of £457,317 after admitting two counts of damaging a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Cumbria. Natural England prosecuted Mr. Day after he caused … Continue reading →

Membership of the Transition Advisory Board – which will provide constructive advice and support to the merger programme – has now been confirmed. RCAHMS writes: Chaired by the Scottish Government’s Director of Culture and Heritage Aileen McKechnie, the Board will … Continue reading →

National Grid is seeking views on how it should spend £500m to improve the visual impact of its existing electricity transmission lines in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). That sum was ring-fenced when funding was agreed … Continue reading →

Strict controls on Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) can play a key role in helping coastal towns deal with the fact that some have become dumping grounds for families and individuals on benefits, leading to deprivation as severe as some … Continue reading →

Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) has issued its summary of key points raised in the consultation on the new Historic Environment Strategy, while other bodies such as the RIAS and National Heritage Training Group have also submitted responses. BEFS writes: … Continue reading →

The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has announced an ambitious year-long and country-wide celebration of Scotland’s architecture, the Festival of Architecture, for 2016, with support already in place from key national organizations, including the Scottish Government. Neil Baxter, … Continue reading →

A major extension of permitted development rights designed to bring empty and underused building back to life in high streets and rural areas has been announced by Planning Minister Nick Boles. Much of the package of measures – now out … Continue reading →

The Construction Industry Council (CIC) has joined forces with the Green Construction Board (GCB), led jointly by Government and industry, and the Green Property Alliance partners to conduct a major review of the effectiveness of energy and carbon policies relevant … Continue reading →

A couple who built a two storey extension at the rear of their house in north London without planning permission have been fined £14,000 and ordered to knock it down following a prosecution brought by Barnet Council. The Clarks ended … Continue reading →

The Technology Strategy Board (TSB) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) are set to invest up to £4m in feasibility studies using environmental data to develop new solutions to business problems, with funding set aside up to £1m for … Continue reading →

A group of Parliamentarians from both Houses is launching an Inquiry into boosting youth employment and training on the back of construction and housing investment. The Construction Industry Council (CIC) writes: The cross-party group is calling on construction clients, including … Continue reading →

The Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF) is giving £15m to help boost schemes outside urban areas. The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has launched a £15 million fund to help rural communities in England access renewable energy. The … Continue reading →

A group of Watford residents has launched a judicial review bid against communities secretary Eric Pickles’ decision to allow an allotment site to be developed for housing, in a move they claim could have national significance. RUDI Article: LINK

The Government has promised clarification over the question of whether planning permission is required where householders rent out their driveway or spare or unused dedicated off-street parking space. Communities Secretary Eric Pickles insisted that new planning guidance on change of … Continue reading →

A Church of England court has ruled that Benjamin West’s altarpiece, Devout Men Taking Away the Body of St Stephen, 1776, which was made for one of the most important churches in the City of London can be sold for … Continue reading →

Communities secretary Eric Pickles issued a notice which gives him more time to consider whether to call in plans to demolish 291 homes in the Saltwell area of Gateshead, weeks after doing the same on a similar scheme in Liverpool. … Continue reading →

Planning will in September return to its origins as an independent title, with its 16 year stint as the official journal of the Royal Town Planning Institute coming to an end with the 23 August issue. Search Planning Resource: LINK