News round-up 3 July 2008
Recovered appeals criteria widened
The Government has announced changes to its policy on recovered appeals. Two new criteria will now apply.
These involve:
- proposals of major significance for the delivery of the Government's climate change programme and energy policies; and
- proposals which would have an adverse impact on the outstanding universal value, integrity, authenticity and significance of a World Heritage Site.
On average the Government recovers 110 appeals a year which the secretary of state determines.
Read the Government statement in Commons Hansard (30 June, column 44 WS).
'A Call for Solutions'
The Killian Pretty Review - Planning Applications: a faster more responsive system has published 'A Call for Solutions' document. It sets out the findings of their initial stage of work and invites views, by 5 September 2008, in response to a series of questions about how the planning application process might be improved.
Download 'A Call for Solutions'
Read more about the Killian Pretty Review
Councils face planning workforce crisis
Within five years local authorities could find themselves without half the local planners they need, the Audit Commission has warned.
The report from the public spending watchdog urged councils to take a long-term view of their staffing needs. The document highlighted a growing shortage of planners, partly the result of an ageing workforce.
Read the Audit Commission press release.
Greener Welsh development urged
New buildings in Wales will be expected to incorporate renewable and low carbon energy technologies such as solar panels and combined heat and power systems as a result of new planning policies now out for consultation from the Welsh Assembly Government. It has also published a new guide detailing how home owners can improve the energy efficiency of their dwellings.
Read the Welsh Assembly Government press release.
Housing scheme not for listing
The planned regeneration of Blackwall Reach in East London has cleared another hurdle now culture minister Margaret Hodge has decided not to list Robin Hood Gardens - a public housing scheme completed in 1972 - as a building of special architectural significance.
Plans for the redevelopment of the area are being prepared by the national regeneration agency English Partnerships and Tower Hamlets Council.
Television Centre listing plan
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has been advised by English Heritage to list parts of the BBC's Television Centre at White City in West London as a grade ll listed building.
Read the English Heritage news release.
Lydney redevelopment gets green light
Communities secretary Hazel Blears has given outline planning permission for a mixed-use, housing-led scheme east of Lydney in Gloucestershire following agreement on s106 undertakings (including density issues) and the resolution of potential flooding problems.
Landmark retail inquiry under way
A landmark planning inquiry has opened in Norfolk which campaigners claim will be a key test of the ability of communities to prevent unwanted supermarket development.
Tesco is challenging a decision by North Norfolk District Council to reject its plans for a store on the edge of Sheringham town centre. The retail giant has been involved in a planning saga lasting 10 years over its proposals for a new store in the town.
Read the North Norfolk District Council news release.
RTPI looks for first managing director
The Royal Town Planning Institute has advertised for a managing director as part of a major restructuring. A key focus on the newly-created post will be the need to generate more income for the organisation.
Southend United FC wins its stadium development
Communities secretary Hazel Blears has given planning permission to Southend United FC for its ambitious stadium development proposals following the satisfactory outcome of discussions on conditions covering affordable housing revision as well as land ownership and covenant issues.
The club is planning to demolish a nightclub next to its current training ground and redevelop the site with a new 22,000-seater stadium including a hotel, a player’s hostel, bars, restaurants, a health club, retail floor space and 67 flats. The club also wants to develop new training ground facilities at Rochford.
Read the planning permission decision letter.
Parliament launches inquiry into future of RDAs
The Commons Business and Enterprise Committee has launched an inquiry into the role and future of the regional development agencies (RDAs) which will consider the Government’s plans to make them responsible for regional planning including regional spatial strategies (RSSs).
Meanwhile Alan Duncan MP, the shadow Conservative business secretary, has announced that if his party wins the next election it will reverse the decision to move RSSs to the RDAs.
Roger Milne
3 July 2008
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