Monthly Archives: March 2016

A recent study by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) into the economies of cities throughout the UK reveals that 10 of the top 12 are located within the north, highlighting issues which should be taken into account when planning for … Continue reading →

Wandsworth Council has launched a tender competition to select a delivery partner for the regeneration of the 17 acre Alton Estate in Roehampton a six-hectare estate in south-west London where approximately 1,100 new homes will be built as well as … Continue reading →

The Scottish Lime Centre Trust (SLCT) has launched a competition which is offering two bursary places on the week long ‘Intensive course’ in Conservation Masonry, with a closing date of Friday 29 April The Scottish Lime Centre Trust writes: These … Continue reading →

‘Radical legislation’ has been passed by the Scottish Parliament which is designed to improve transparency in land ownership and access, and improve farm tenancy security, under the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.  The Scottish Government writes: Legislation to transform how land … Continue reading →

A new range of degrees is being launched by the University of Salford which offer an accelerated flexible programme around built environment careers in property and construction; students can complete a degree within two years. CITB writes: A range of … Continue reading →

Barrow Hill Roundhouse, which was once earmarked for demolition and was saved by local campaigners, is to receive £1.1 million for repair and improvement works, creating a visitor centre and conservation workshop and helping to tell the tale of the … Continue reading →

The Glasgow School of Art restoration and conservation process has moved forward following the completion of the pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) process where five contractors have been shortlisted to progress to the next stage of tenders, and 3D scans of the … Continue reading →

England’s Planning Advisory Service (PAS) has produced a guide on planning conditions, aimed at helping councillors understand the six tests: Necessary Relevant to planning Related directly to the development Enforceable Precise Reasonable in all other respects Download the guide

The Housing and Finance Institute (HFi) has released a new report which looks into the potential reasons why housebuilding is facing issues, making recommendations for change which include a need to address utilities company works.  The Housing and Finance Institute … Continue reading →

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has released information on its latest grant awards, which offer over £650,000 of funding across the country for repair works. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) writes: Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has today (17th March) announced over £650,000 … Continue reading →

A consultation has been launched (closing date 6 June) detailing proposals for a new historic environment fund for Northern Ireland, run by the Historic Environment Division of the Department for Communities. DoENI writes: Environment Minister Mark H Durkan today launched … Continue reading →

The 16th century Wythenshawe Hall in Manchester has been damaged by fire, which which Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service believe may have been started deliberately. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) writes: MORE than 50 firefighters battled a blaze … Continue reading →

An appeal against the compulsory purchase order (CPO) of the former North Wales Hospital has been refused by the High Court; the CPO will now result in the site being sold to Denbighshire County Council, then passed on to the … Continue reading →

The RTPI has compiled a list of the most influential woman in planning, to celebrate international women’s day and women’s history month. The list includes women from all areas of town planning including public sector, private sector, third sector, academia, … Continue reading →

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has laid before Parliament the regulations which make office to residential conversions a permanent feature of permitted development (PD) rights from 6 April. The rights were first introduced on a temporary basis … Continue reading →

Extensions and alterations to a house at a green belt location in Barton-le-Clay, Bedfordshire will have to be demolished within a year following a decision by a planning inspector. Random House, originally a bungalow, owned by Mr Syed Raza Shah, … Continue reading →

A major new support and finance programme to help people take control of their local pub for the benefit of the community has been announced by The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). DCLG writes: More than a Pub: … Continue reading →

Professor Cliff Hague from Heriot-Watt university delivered the annual Scottish Civic Trust’s inaugural annual lecture and has highlighted concerns that Scotland may be facing a ‘civic crisis’.  View the lecture transcript

The seven most endangered heritage sites in Europe have been named by Europa Nostra, with Venice Lagoon named the most endangered. Europa Nostra writes: The Archaeological site of Ererouyk and the village of Ani Pemza in Armenia, Patarei Sea Fortress … Continue reading →