News Round-Up - 1 May 2008

Illegal building demolished in Northern Ireland

A printing premises built without planning permission has been demolished as a result of enforcement action by the Omagh Divisional Planning Office. An enforcement notice which required the removal of the unauthorised development was served on the owner in 2005.

This enforcement notice was not complied with and a retrospective planning application was refused. A case of non-compliance of an enforcement notice was due to be heard last month at Omagh Magistrates' Court. But the case was adjourned at the request of the defendant.

Read the Northern Ireland Executive news release

Hackney looks for new planning chief

Chris Berry, Hackney Council's acting head of planning, has left the London local authority. A council spokesperson said: "The post of Interim Head of Planning was restructured last month, as Hackney's Planning Service moves to provide a new, integrated planning and regeneration function. A recruitment campaign is currently under way to fill newly created management posts for the service on a permanent basis."

Trump to appear at inquiry

US billionaire Donald Trump will give evidence to the forthcoming public inquiry into his company's plans for a golf complex in Aberdeenshire. The hearing is due to start in June.

Research into impact of tall buildings

The British Property Federation (BPF) has commissioned consultants Colin Buchanan to carry out independent research into the economic and environmental impacts of tall buildings. The findings are due to be published later this summer.

BPF chief executive Liz Peace said: "There is a need to look first at the potential benefits of high density development – which might include greater working efficiency and the ability to focus employment in sustainable locations around transport nodes - before going on to consider whether there are certain situations where such benefits can only be delivered by building tall."

Read the British Property Federation press release

Opera for casino site?

Manchester City Council has confirmed it has begun talks with the Royal Opera House about the possibility of establishing a national opera centre at the site in the city formerly earmarked for the abortive super casino project.

Roger Milne

1 May 2008