Inspectorate publishes guidance after court ruling on regional strategies
The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) has published on its website its guidance to inspectors on the implications of the recent High Court ruling following the case brought by CALA Homes over the legality of the revocation of regional spatial strategies (RSS).
The advice notes that PINS casework staff are now screening cases and identifying those where parties’ views will need to be sought and - in some instances - cases re-opened.
The guidance says: “Until any further announcement is made and/or legislation to formally repeal or revoke RTS is implemented, the CALA decision means that RS is part of the development plan on an ongoing basis.
“The Secretary of State has made clear that the proposed abolition of RS remains a Government commitment that Inspectors should continue to take into account as a material consideration where relevant to their casework.
“Parties seeking to rely on RS should be advised to draw Inspectors’ attention to the relevant policies that require to be considered and to provide copies of these.”
Green homes code revamp
The Government has updated the Code for Sustainable Homes to take into account the tougher new rules for energy efficiency in buildings and to help developers make new homes greener without getting bogged down in 'gold plated' design features.
The standards reflect the future goals for zero carbon homes and include measures for reducing energy consumption, minimising and recycling waste, reducing potable water demand, reducing the risk and impact of flooding, reducing carbon intensive travel by providing cycle storage, as well as promoting facilities for working at home. The Code encourages a reduction in energy through the choice of building materials as well as the energy used during the construction.
Access the new code and technical guide.: www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/codeguidesummary2010
Park transfer guidance
CABE and the Asset Transfer Unit (ATU) have published guidance for local authorities and community groups on the transfer of parks and green spaces.
It contains advice on putting together a business case for transfer, governance, finance and communications, with checklists for both local authorities and community groups throughout.
Eight pioneering case studies taken from across England show a variety of approaches, from a charitable trust set up to manage land with a 99-year lease, to community groups that initiate ‘meanwhile’ uses of land awaiting development.
Butetown boost
Funding for a multi-million pound regeneration scheme for Butetown in Cardiff has been announced by the Welsh Assembly Government.
The £7.6m scheme, which is backed by European Union Structural Funds, was put together by Cardiff Council, working in partnership with local agencies and community organisations and will kick-start an ambitious programme of economic and community investment for the area, once known as Tiger Bay.
The plans will provide new services and facilities to improve opportunities for Butetown residents. Work will include a new purpose-built community centre, a state-of-the art youth centre, a community training centre, as well as environmental improvements.
Waste water NPS published
A consultation on new guidelines for considering large-scale waste water infrastructure projects has been launched by the Government.
The Waste Water National Policy Statement (NPS), announced by Defra, will be used by the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) when deciding whether such applications should get the go-ahead.
The draft NPS refers to two projects that may be dealt with by the IPC – a proposed treatment works at Deephams in North East London, and the Thames Tunnel which will carry waste water from sewage overflows which currently run into the Thames.
The consultation on the Waste Water National Policy Statement continues until 22 February 2011.
Pickles blocks open cast coal project
Communities secretary Eric Pickles has refused plans by Bank Developments for an opencast coal mine in a Green Belt location close to Fairburn Ings near Castleford which was blocked by Leeds city councillors last year.
The subsequent appeal was called in by the SoS who agreed with the inspector who held the inquiry that the scheme was “inappropriate development in the Green Belt”. He also echoed the inspector’s conclusion that there were no special circumstances to justify the development.
Access the decision letter and inspector’s report.
Aberdeen mill redevelopment mooted
Proposals to build up to 900 homes on the site of a former paper mill in Aberdeen have been submitted to the city council. Housebuilder Stewart Milne Homes is looking to regenerate the Davidson Mill site in the Bucksburn area of the city.
University campus proposals
Bath Spa University has submitted plans for a major redevelopment of its Newton Park campus to the council.
The revamp includes new academic and social facilities for all students, plus extra specialist teaching space for creative and cultural courses.
A separate application has been submitted for an on-campus energy centre using biomass fuel.
The plans have been sent to Bath and North East Somerset Council following two public consultations.
Read the Bath Spa University news release.
Everton scores
Liverpool City Council has granted planning permission for a £9m development at Everton’s Goodison Park stadium. Designed by Manchester based Formroom Architects, the mixed use building will form a contemporary addition to one of the UK’s most traditional, and famous, stadiums.
Work will start on site before the end of the year, with completion due towards the start of the 2011/12 season. The striking four-storey building will house a 900sq m shop, a museum, café, offices and corporate match day hospitality areas.
Housing viability modelling tool
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has published on its website a viability modelling tool aimed at helping the HCA and local authorities consider and plan the pipeline of housing supply in local areas.
The tool calculates the viability of housing schemes across a local area, such as a district, allowing local authorities and the HCA to plan investment in future development and balance policy priorities around infrastructure and affordable housing.
Richard Hill, director of housing growth and affordability at the agency, said: “We have already trialled this model with local authorities and have received some very positive feedback.”
New National Park landscape strategy
Brecon Beacons National Park Authority has published the final version of its new Management Plan which provides a comprehensive framework for managing and reviewing management of the area’s landscape over the next 20 years.
“With this new Management Plan in place, we are setting new standards to manage the environment while supporting sustainable innovative development and renewable energy potential,” said chief executive John Cook.
Green light for power plants
Energy minister Charles Hendry has given s36 consents for a 56 megawatt onshore wind farm on the Ray Estate near Kirkwhelpington, Northumberland, and a 900 MW combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power station at West Marsh Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire.
The developer for the Ray wind farm is AMEC Project Investments Limited and the developer for the Spalding CCGT plant is Spalding Energy Expansion Ltd.
Read the Department for Energy and Climate Change press release.
Airport decision challenged in court
London’s High Court has begun hearing a legal challenge by residents and environmental groups into Newham Council’s decision to approve the expansion of London City Airport near Canning Town in east London.
Roger Milne
18 November 2010
