Monthly Archives: August 2020

The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) has announced the second round of Transformational Project Grants to charities and social enterprises with fresh, imaginative ideas for revitalising their local high streets and town centres in England. image: AHF website

Research led by Bartlett School of Planning (UCL) academics, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), concludes that new housing created through permitted development rights in England since 2013 is more likely to be characterised by … Continue reading →

A new report by Transparency International UK, ‘Permission Accomplished’, published in July 2020, indicates that Councils across England lack essential safeguards to prevent corruption in the planning process.

The Green Homes Grant scheme which offers vouchers for energy efficiency work such as cavity wall insulation launches in September, but campaigners are stressing the importance of the quality of the work being guaranteed.

New guidance is being issued by Trustmark to homeowners for when they have tradespeople carry out work in their homes, ‘The Work Safe. Safe Work’ campaign.

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has published its report ‘A plan for nature in the north of England: Natural Assets North final report’, which argues that ‘Reversing the underinvestment and under-valuation of nature will increase the resilience of … Continue reading →

Northern Ireland’s (NI) Department for Communities’ Historic Environment Division (HED), in partnership with The Prince’s Foundation, have launched the NI Heritage Skills Programme, with applications open until 28 August.

Footage of buildings being flattened in a noisy demolition may be a popular feature of local TV news reports, but architects say such structures should be protected – to fight climate change, reports the BBC on recent evidence given to … Continue reading →

Dunston Staiths is a pier-like runway that was used to tip countless millions of tons of coal into the cargo holds of the huge ships on the River Tyne below, and it’s recue is the focus of a BBC report … Continue reading →

This new inquiry will investigate how businesses and amenities in local areas can be supported through the economic challenges of the pandemic, and how government at all levels can provide the necessary support to help them thrive in the long … Continue reading →

The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) has awarded a Project Viability Grant to Development Trusts NI (DTNI) to enable them to test their idea of converting the Annesley Street synagogue in north Belfast into their own offices; a centre for participative … Continue reading →

East Cambridgeshire District Council earlier this month won a legal challenge against the Planning Inspectorate, who conceded that a planning inspector had miscalculated the authority’s housing land supply.

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, the most prestigious awards for UK businesses, can bring sustainable benefits to winners, with winners are invited to a reception in Buckingham Palace, and applications are open until the 9 September. image: Open Government Licence … Continue reading →

RTPI Chief Executive Victoria Hills issued an open letter in response to announcements by Westminster about a ‘radical overhaul’ of England’s planning system.