Grants Shapps, the Housing Minister, is due to deliver a speech to the Westminster Social Policy Forum this morning where he will reiterate the Government's commitment to placing housebuilding at the heart of Britain's economic recovery. The speech will highlight several measures that the Government have introduced to stimulate housebuilding and ease entry to the property ladder. A full copy of the speech, and the accompanying press release here, is available. 01/02/12 Download this here
The Telegraph report comments the Prime Mininster made on the BBC 1 'Countryfile' programme on Sunday evening. Mr Cameron sought to reassure concerned residents, not least in his own rural Oxfordshire constituency, that the proposed planning reforms would not see sprawling estates "plonked" next to existing villages. He went on to state that the reforms are designed to ensure local people have more control over the planning system, ending the "Whitehall knows best" tradition, and reiterating that he cares deeply about the countryside and environment. 10/01/12 Download this here
The HBF published its quarterly Housing Pipeline report yesterday. The report reveals grim figures for the house building industry; approvals for just 32,900 homes across England were granted in Q3 of this year, a 10% decrease on the same period last year. This number is half that required to build the homes needed to meet demand – and half the permissions granted each quarter in 2006 and 2007.The HBF analysis coincides with a report from the CLG Select Committee. In a report published on Wednesday, the Committee urged ministers to rewrite the document to remove the default answer of “yes” to development. It should also be rephrased so that planning applications would be approved unless the adverse effects outweigh the benefits, the MPs said, not just if they “significantly and demonstrably outweigh” the benefits – as the current wording puts it. 22/12/11 Download this here
Media coverage of the CLG report that criticised the draft NPPF was high; BBC News, Sky News, the Guardian, theFinancial Times and the Telegraph all carried coverage either online or in print. A round of the newspaper's coverage can be viewed here. Download this here 22/12/11
CLG Press Release - The Governments Response to the Select Committee Report - this includes a statement from the Decentralisation Minister Greg Clark MP who amongst other aspects addresses the presumption in favour of sustainable development and the definition provided by the Committee by stating that "It is a definition that respects the core Brundtland definition but reflects the balance between economic, social and environmental dimensions. The Government will carefully consider the proposed approach." 21/12/11 Download this here
A report published by the CLG Select Committee into the draft NPPF which raises concerns over the current draft of the framework. Chairman of the Select Committee Clive Betts MP states "The way the framework is drafted currently gives the impression that greater emphasis should be given in planning decisions to economic growth. This undermines the equally important environmental and social elements of the planning system." The document goes on to suggest that if left unchanged there could be gaps in planning policy or guidance which will lead to a huge expansion in the size of Local Plans as local authorities attempt to plug these gaps. 21/12/11 Download this here
A far-ranging review by Mary Portas, retail guru and star of BBC 2, has warned that Britain's high streets will "disappear forever" after "many years of erosion, neglect and mismanagement" unless urgent action is taken. Portas has recommended a range of planning policy incentives, including making explicit a presumption in favour of town centre development in the wording of the NPPF, and resources to educate the public in to how to utilise neighbourhood forums. The Government published a Written Ministerial Statement welcoming the proposals and outlined that it will respond in the Spring of 2012. 13/11/11Download this here
As the Government embarks on a new era of localis, Localis (an independent Westminster-based think tank dedicated to issues surrounding localism and local government) have produced a useful report analysing the new planning landscape and the important role community engagement has to play in the planning process. The report, written by Professor Chris Balch, professor of planning at Plymouth University, sets out what the Localism Act and NPPF will mean for developers, planning authorities and the public alike. 30/11/11Download this here
Autumn Statement, 2011: The chancellor George Osborne delivered the Autumn Statement to the House of Commons at 12:30pm today. Amongst a raft of announcements, Osborne unveiled that social tenants will be able to purchase their properties with discounts of up to 50% - with receipts being directed back towards the provision of affordable housing. The Government also released an updated National Infrastructure Plan, which outlines how the planning system will be reformed, with the enactment of the Localism Act, and the flurry of capital spening on the nation's infrastrucutre. For the full Statement please click here, and for the National Infrastrucutre Plan please visit here 29/11/11
The Treasury have released the full text of George Osborne's speech to the House of Commons. 29/11/11Download this here
Figures released by the Homes and Communities Agency on Tuesday reveal that only 454 affordable houses were started in the six months since April. The figures were released the day after the Government launched its new housing strategy, to much fanfare. It is rumoured that the Housing Minister Grant Shapps declined an invitation to speak on this morning's Today programme to discuss the statistics. 24/11/11Download this here
Policy Exchange, a right of centre think tank, have today released a new report that calls for Ministers to allow new towns to be built on Green Belt around the edge of cities in order to deal with Britain's housing crisis. In a controversial report Policy Exchange claims that the protection afforded to the green belt is having a negative effect on the economy and on quality of life. It also refutes the idea that there are enough brown field sites to cope with future housing need. The Campaign to Protect Rural England described the report as "wrongheaded and unpopular". 23/11/11 Download this here
The Daily Telegraph reports comments from yesterday's Cabinet in which the prime minister David Cameron said that the housing reforms must act like a "Dyno-Rod" to unblock the problems preventing economic growth. His comments come in the wake of David Miles, a member of the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee, suggesting that people will have to wait into their forties to be buy a home as banks are not offering large mortgages. 23/11/11Download this here
The Department for Communities and Local Government have today published their 'Laying the Foundations - A Housing Strategy for England' document that unveils the Government's intention to build 16,000 news homes, creating 32,000 new jobs and pumping £400m into the housebuilding industry. The prime minster David Cameron MP is to speak at the CBI where it is expected he will speak about the new Government initiatives. 21/11/11 Download this here
Number 10 released a press notice yesterday to brief the media on the announcement of the new Housing Strategy. The press release includes the foreword to the document written by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. CLG have briefed this morning that the document itself would be published some time today. 21/11/11Download this here
The Telegraph and various other media outlets lead with the Government's new Housing Strategy, that is set to be released to Parliament at 9:30 this morning. David Cameron and Nick Clegg will today unveil a £400m initiative to build up to 16,000 new homes and announce a new scheme that will see taxpayers underwrite first-time buyers mortgages to the tune of hundreds of millions of pounds in order to kick start the housing ladder. 21/11/11 Download this here
The Independent reports that several Conservative Ministers have privately written to Greg Clark, the Planning Minister, expressing concern over the draft NPPF. The letters are said to warn that the document is causing increasing anxiety amongst Conservative MPs, their constituents and is playing badly in the media. The article quotes two un-named Conservative Ministers; one who claims the NPPF is "causing widespread anger" and the other that "Downing Street is completely out of touch on this issue". 18/11/11Download this here
The Localism Bill became the Localism Act at 2:30pm yesterday as it was granted Royal Assent. The enactment of the Bill finalises the process that began over 18 months ago and forms part of the Government's flagship policies to reform the planning system and stimulate economic growth. 16/11/11 Download this here
CLG have updated their Guide to the Localism Act. The document summaries each of the main initiatives contained within the Act, and explains the overal differences that they will make. 16/11/11Download this here
The Department for Communities and Local Government have today issued a press release welcoming the Localism Act in to statute. Heralding the Act as "flagship legislation" and as a "historic shift", CLG outline the key measures that will now become enshrined in to leglisation. 16/11/11Download this here
Key industry opinion-formers are expressing their opinions on the Localism Act now that it has received Royal Assent. The RTPI, BPF and Savills have issued statements - which will be updated as we get them throughout the day. 16/11/11 Download this here
The Daily Telegraph carries a comment peice from Dame Fiona Reynolds, the director-general of the National Trust, in which she warns that the government should not fall for the "lure of the quick fix" and allow a planning "free-for-all". The draft NPPF, Dame Reynolds says, would allow a "return to the bad old days of planning by appeal and soulless out-of town developments". Read her article here and the Daily Telegraph coverage here 15/11/11
The Environmental Audit Committee released a report on Friday criticising the draft National Planning Policy Framework. MPs sitting on the Committtee wrote to the Prime Minister to express concern that the proposed legislation does not contain a "definition of sustainable development that should be applied in the new planning regime". The NPPF should be revised to include such a definition, MPs suggest, and the current confusion of over the presumption in favour of sustainable development should be clarified before undue pressure is put on Local Plans. Please see the Environmental Audit Committee website here for the full report, and download the letter to the Prime Minister here. 14/11/11
The Localism Bill passed through the House of Commons last night. MPs accepted the Lords amendments, which means that the Bill could recieve Royal Assent by as soon as next week. 08/11/11Download this here
The Government have published the details of the 'Growing Places' Fund. 38 LEPs will between them receive £500m from January next year in order to fund the infrastructure necessary for housebuilding. For the full list of funds given to each LEP, please download the document. 07/11/11Download this here
The Secretary of Communities and Local Government, Rt. Hon Eric Pickles MP, has today released details of the new government initiative 'Growing Places' Fund that will distribute money amongst the 38 local enterprise partnerships at the end of January, 2012. The fund was originally announced by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander MP at the Liberal Democract conference in September and is designed to provide the necessary infrastrutuire for new housebuilding and kick start economic activity in the private sector. 07/11/11Download this here
During exhanges between David Cameron and Chair of the Communities and Local Government Select Committee, Clive Betts, during yesterday's PMQs, the prime minister stated that the government aims to build 200,000 homes a year. The prime minister referenced the 'Buy Now, Pay Later' scheme launched by the Housing Minister Grant Shapps, and went on to lambaste the last government's record on house-building. 03/11/11 Download this here
At Prime Minister's Questions yesterday David Cameron reiterated his government's desire to reform the planning system, telling MPs that: "We all know that we are not building enough in this country to provide houses for young people, to end the scandal of overcrowding and to reduce the number of housing on waiting lists". The prime minister took a number of questions on planning reform, including on a review of high streets in the UK conducted by Mary Portas and an incinerator project in Nadine Dorries' Mid Bedfordshire constituency. 27/10/11Download this here
Greg Clark, the Decentralisation and Cities Minister, has announced that Ministers are to delay the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework. In a Written Ministerial Statement released to the House yesterday, Clark said that the Government was committed to the publication of the final version of the Framework by the 31 March 2012. The Times this morning reports that 12,000 responses were received during the twelve week consultation period. 20/10/11Download this here
Hilary Benn, the Shadow Communities and Local Government Minister, has an article in the Daily Telegraph saying that the Government "must heed the criticism of the chaotic changed embodied in the NPPF". 20/10/11 Download this here
The Department of Communities and Local Government have published the latest version of the Localism Bill. The Bill has passed through the House of Lords and is now due at Report Stage, before returning to the Commons and achieving Royal Assent in November. 19/10/11Download this here
Planning Magazine have posted an article suggesting that the NPPF will be put out for a second round of consultation. Political Developments understand that this is not the case, a CLG spokesman saying: "They are quoting an un-named source which they refuse to identify. I can confirm that there won't be additional consultation." 18/10/11
Sir Simon Jenkins, Chairman of the National Trust, told the CLG Select Committee yesterday that the planning debate had been influenced by "very powerful and rich people". The NPPF came in from heavy criticism from Sir Simon, who told MPs that the plans would not guarantee more housebuilding. 18/10/11Download this here
The British Property Federation have issued a press release welcoming the "unprecedented" power shift to local communities they say the draft NPPF represents. The Federation is due to go before the Communities and Local Government Select Committee next Monday afternoon to discuss the NPPF in front of a panel of MPs, and this press release sets out what they are likely to say. 14/10/11 Download this here
Greg Clark MP told the Environmental Audit Committee yesterday that the 'presumption of favour of sustainable development' will appear in the final NPPF document. The Minister said that he welcomed the debate surrounding the draft document and that the economic arguments driving the government's planning agenda had prehaps been given too much prevalence. 13/10/11Download this here
Parliament returned from recess yesterday which saw a raft of Written Parliamentary Questions to the Communities and Local Government Department. Jack Dromey, the newly appointed Shadow Housing Minister, along with Caroline Flint and several Conservative MPs mostly asked questions on the National Planning Policy Framework. Grant Shapps, Greg Clark and Robert Neill returned answers on behave of the Government. Political Developments have highlighted the key exchanges. 11/10/11Download this here
The Communities and Local Government Select Committee held the first of four evidence sessions with experts, organisations and representatives from the planning and policy spheres to discuss the government's draft NPPF. John Rhodes, Director of Quod Planning, who sat on the original four-strong advisory panel on the NPPF, criticised aspects of how the government had interpreted the document and the media coverage - which he labelled "a little extreme". 11/10/11Download this here
The National Trust have published an alternative to the National Planning Policy Framework. The document says that the planning system "should not just be used as a blunt tool to proactively drive development" and calls for the removal of the New Homes Bonus. 11/10/11Download this here
The Sunday Times has an article labelling the New Homes Bonus a "bribe". The newspaper says that in a time of economic hardship, local authorities will be bribed into accepting unpopular housing schemes, many on greenfield, in order to receive the millions of pounds over six years that the scheme guarantees. 10/10/11Download this here
Ed Miliband, leader of the Labour party, has conducted an extensive reshuffle of his Shadow Cabinet team. Caroline Flint has been demoted and Hiliary Benn, MP for Leeds Central and a former International Development Minister, has been appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. Political Developments have researched a full biography of Benn. 07/10/11 Download this here
An article in today's Daily Telegraph covers comments from Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, at Conservative party conference. Gove told a fringe event that the coalition was on the "side of jobs, not nimbys". The National Trust has lambasted Mr Gove for his "rudeness" 06/10/11Download this here
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs: Accelerated Disposal Strategy to deliver land for housing. To view specific sites intended for release by the department please see pages 5 - 6. 06/10/11 Download this here
Department for Transport Land Strategy. To view specific sites intended for release by the department please see pages 9 - 11. 06/10/11 Download this here
Department for Health: Disposal Strategy - Land for Housing. To view specific sites intended for release by the department please see pages 12 - 13. 06/10/11 Download this here
Ministry of Defence - Interim Land and Property Disposal Strategy outlining the sites which the department intends to release as a result of the Governments ambitions to provide land for 100,000 homes. For specific sites please see pages 16-19. 06/10/11 Download this here
Press Statement from CLG suggesting the department is "on track to provide land for 100,000 homes." Housing Minister Grant Shapps announced he was delighted at the speed in which Govenment department have taken to the challenge of releasing land for development. He said "I will look to ensure that as much of this public land as possible is available under our innovative Build Now, Pay Later model - helping get developers on site and laying the foundations for these homes as quickly as possible. 06/10/11 Download this here
An article published by The Press Association on the announcement by four Whitehall departments who have published details for the first time setting out how their formerly-used land and property could deliver more than 50,000 new homes. 06/10/11 Download this here
Full transcript of David Cameron's speech to Conservative party conference. 05/10/11 Download this here
An article in the Daily Telegraph from their Fringe event at Conservative party conferencelast night on the controversial planning reforms, attended by Oliver Letwin, a Minister of State at the Cabinet Office and key Cameron ally. Mr Letwin said that the government is engaged in a "perfectly constructive" debate over the reforms and suggested that concerns over the protection of wildlife areas would be heeded in the final document. 05/10/11 Download this here
Full transcript of Greg Clark MP's speech to Conservative party conference. The Decentralisation Minister declared that "there is no charity, no campaign, no concerned citizen who feels more strongly about cherishing our countryside than we do" 04/10/11 Download this here
A note produced by Political Developlments on the speech given by Greg Clark MP at Conservative party conference. 04/10/11 Download this here
Full transcript of Speech given by The Rt. Hon Eric Pickles MP. A speech given given in the main hall at the Manchester Central Convention Duplex to the Conservative Party Conference 2011. 03/10/11 Download this here
A note produced by PDL on the Speech Given to conference by The Rt. Hon Eric Pickles MP who reiterated the Prime Ministers pledge to sell of more Government disused land to build a further 100,000 homes. In reference to the National Trust he commented it is "not a choice between countryside and concrete."03/10/11 Download this here
A note produced by PDL on the RTPI fringe event. The event had contributions from Bob Neill MP on the upcoming reforms to the planning system. Comments also came from the RTPI Chief Executive Trudy Elliott and LGA member Gary Porter. 03/10/11 Download this here
The Times has learnt that Greg Clark, the Minister in charge of the government's planning reforms, is considering redrafting the NPPF to take in to consideration opposition bodies concerns, such as the National Trust, over the protection of rural countryside and a clarification on the 'presumption in favour of sustainable development'. 03/10/11 Download this here
The Independent on Sunday interviewed Francis Maude, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, in which he describes the opposition to the government's planning reforms as "bollocks" and says he has no sympathy for their position. 02/10/11 Download this here
The Sunday Times carried a double-page spread on the planning reforms debate that now threaten to engulf the government. The article highlights that the government has dropped key clauses from the NPPF that had originally appeared in their draft policy document 'Open Source Planning' that was published in February of last year. The paper suggests that Conservative donors, many of whom are drawn from the development industry, along with key industry stakeholders, may have had an influence on Ministers in the decision to drop the clauses over the right to appeal and mandatory renumeration for communities affected by new developments. 02/10/11 Download this here
The National Trust have released a short statement following their meeting with the planning Minister Greg Clark. 30/09/11Download this here
Political Developments has the full transcript of Shadow Housing Minister Carolione Flint's addressto the Labour party conference. In her speech Ms Flint said that the government's controversial planning reforms had "already caused alarm and confusion" 29/09/11Download this here
The Daily Telegraph reports that Richard McCarthy, a director-general at the Department for Communities and Local Government, is joining Capita Symonds, which advises major property developers on planning and construction issues. McCarthy had been heavily involved in drawing up the controversial NPPF and his move has been labelled "wholly unacceptable" by a Labour MP. 29/09/11Download this here
Telegraph article on the Labour Party fighting for planning reform The article outlines comments from Mary Creagh MP, Shadow Environment Secretary on the changes the Labour Party want to see made to the draft NPPF. A definition of "sustainable development" along with a framework to ensure brownfield development takes priority over green-field are among the changes. 27/09/11 Download this here
Leaked internal BPF email on NPPF lobbying - An email referred to by the Guardian article believed to be written by the Policy Officer at the BPF outlining suggestions from CLG Minister Greg Clark to lobby Government on planning reforms. Of particular interest is the last paragraph suggesting "He is of the opinion the Chancellor will stand firm in the face of opposition from National Trust members." 27/09/11 Download this here
An article published in the Guardian written by George Monbiot giving comment on the planning system. The article outlines a leaked internal email from the BPF suggesting the CLG Minister Greg Clark had encouraged the organisation to lobby Government over the NPPF. 26/09/11 Download this here
A note produced by PDL from Labour Party Conference on a fringe event sponsored by London &Quadrant Housing Assocition. The event includes contribution from Shadow Housing Minister Alison Seabeck MP who states
the Labour Party have “huge concerns” over the NPPF, stating that it was a “deeply flawed” document which she predicted would be heavily amended by the Government when the consultation period closes in mid-October. 26/09/11 Download this here
An article published in the Sunday Times on research published by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) revealing the 230 major development projects totalling 300,000 new homes being planned in the context of the Governments changes to the planning system. 26/09/11 Download this here
Article published by the Daily Mail covering the recent publication of research by the Campaing to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and the effect the new planning changes could have on greenfield sites across the country with 300,000 new homes being planned as a result of the publication of the NPPF. 26/09/11 Download this here
The Daily Telegraph continues its campaign against the government's planning reforms, covering the comments from Greg Clark made yesterday at a British Property Federation seminar. The minister told the audience that the government was engaged in "genuine consultation" over the draft NPPF and hinted that there are likely to be amendments to the text in light of heavy lobbying from campaign groups. 23/09/11Download this here
The Guardian reports that Greg Clark's speech to the British Property Federation addressed concerns that the NPPF – which states that the default answer to development proposals deemed sustainable is "yes" – would be imposed on the many local authorities that do not have local plans. "We will make clear in our response to the consultation what the transitional arrangements are," he said. The minister also admitted that the government should have been clearer in giving a definition of sustainable development in the draft NPPF. 23/09/11Download this here
The government is considering making changes to the proposals to radically overhaul England's planning system after fierce opposition from campaigning groups. The decentralisation and cities minister, Greg Clark MP, told a seminar at the British Property Federation yesterday that; "When you distil more than a 1,000 pages to around 50, inevitably it is the case that not everything is expressed in the clearest way possible but that does not signal malign intent or an intention to subvert the process." The speech marks a shift in tone from the minister, who has previously expressed a desire to force through the changes and accused groups opposing the reforms of "nihilistic selfishness". 23/09/11Download this here
Dame Fiona Reynolds has an article in the Daily Telegraph outlining 'red lines' the National Trust will take to a meeting with Greg Clark, the decentralisation and cities minister, this week. Dame Reynolds states that the Trust's starting point is "not a Luddite or 'nimby' one" but that key changes need to take place to the draft NPPF and Localism Bill. 22/09/11 Download this here
The Daily Telegraph has an Editorial in today's paper saying that the government "would do well to listen" to those campaigning against the proposed changes to the planning system. 22/09/11Download this here
The Daily Telegraph has a copy of a letter written by the prime minister to the National Trustaddressing some of the recent concerns they have made public on the draft NPPF and forthcoming planning reforms. The prime minister states that the proposals are "intended to simplify the system, strengthen local participation and secure sustainable development" 21/09/11 Download this here
The Guardian carries a report from the Liberal Democrats conference detailing that Lib Dem ministers are considering proposals to begin penalising property developers and fail to build on land that has long-term planning permission. The National Trust has estimated that the total land bank with planning permisson is around 330,000 plots. A housebuilding programme is seen as central to the economic recovery, ministers are saying.21/09/11Download this here
Planning Blog writes that the current planning system has come under sustained attack at the Liberal Democrats conference, with Danny Alexander, chief secretrary to the Treasury, claiming that "bureaucracy, rules and red tape" mean planning takes years to complete. 19/09/11 Download this here
The Times has a letter from 22 leading businessmen declaring that Britain's "creaking" planning system is driving investors away and threatening the economic recovery. The current system is "sluggish" and disporportionately expensive they argue, and reform is vital to help companies invest in the UK. 19/09/11 Download this here
Political Developments have compiled a report on yesterday's Communities and Local Government's Select Committee on the government review on local government financing. Eric Pickles, secretary of state, stated that changes to the planning system would be a key factor in driving economic growth. 13/09/11 Download this here
The Daily Telegraph has got hold of a leaked email from the British Property Federation sentto leading property developers discussing conversations held with Greg Clark. The email states that the Government is "deeply concerned" about the level of opposition that has been levied against the proposed changes, but that the industry is confident that the Prime Minister and the Chancellor are behind the reforms. 12/09/11 Download this here
The Sunday Times reports that key figures in the property industry were recruited by Greg Clark, the Decentralisation and Cities Minister,to a four-strong panel in order to help draft the government's National Planning Policy Framework. 12/09/11 Download this here
The Prime Minister backed the Housing Minister Grant Shapps over his handling of the proposed planning changes at Prime Minister's Questions yesterday afternoon. 08/09/11 Download this here
The Daily Telegraph writes that the Planning Inspectorate has issued fresh guidance to local inspectors informing them to take the government's draft NPPF, which is currently out for consultation, into consideration as it is in the government's "direction of travel". The National Trust, who are opposing the changes to the planning system, criticised the move as "flawed" and "surprising". 07/09/11 Download this here
Front page of the Daily Telegrpah carries a warning from the National Trust over the proposed planning reforms. The National Trust's director-general Dame Fiona Reynolds said that whilst she is happy to meet with Greg Clark, the Minister piloting the legislation through the Commons, the plans are "fundamentally wrong". 06/09/11 Download this here
Communities and Local Government Questions took place yesterday with Ministers facing tough questioning over their controversial planning reforms. 06/09/11 Watch the video here
The Daily Telegraph continues its 'Save our Land' campaign leading with comments from the Woodland Trust fearing that the proposals aimed at simplifying the planning regulations could lead to thousands of trees being chopped down to make way for housing developments. 05/09/11 Download this here
George Osborne and Eric Pickles write in the Financial Times that the proposed changed to planning regulation is key to the economic recovery. Countering strong opposition from
environmental groups, the Chancellor and Communities Secretary state that they have no intention of reneging on their plans saying that the changes will bring "the new investment and new jobs the country needs". 05/09/11 Download this here
Article published by the BBC on the housing 'crisis' according to the National Housing Federation which is occuring in Britain. The NHF have asked for government action on the "chronic under supply of homes" which is hitting home ownership rates and boosting rents. The article also includes comments from Housing Minister Grant Shapps. 30/08/11Download this here
Article published in The Financial Times on commenting further on the HBF's publication of thier housing pipeline report. Comments come from Mark Clare Chief Executive of Barratt Homes and Planning Minister Greg Clark MP. 26/08/11 Download this here
House Builders Federation new housing pipleine report for Q2 in 2011 outlining the negative trend of residential approvals which has resumed in the UK seeing the lowest number of housing approved by local authorities for two years. 26/08/11 Download this here
Article published in The Independent on the recent announcement of a second wave of enterprise zones announced by the Government. The addition of a further 11 enterprise zones include Newquay Aerohub, Rotherwas Enterprise zone Hereford, Science Vale in Oxfordshire and Northampton Waterside. The article includes a full list of the new enterprise zones announced. 17/08/11 Download this here
Two articles published in The Sun regarding the potential ramifications of "unchecked immigration" on Britains housing numbers. The second article highlights a report published by Migration Watch UK on the need for forty-five council homes a day to be built to cope with the 415,000 extra homes needed over the next 25 years as a result of immigration. 17/08/11 Download this here
Press Release from CLG on the National Planning Policy Framework including comments from Minister for Planning Greg Clark , Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman, Business Secretary Vince Cable, Michael Carter Chairman of NALC and other industry bodies. 25/07/11 Download this here
Draft Copy of The National Planning Policy Framework - Published by The Department for Communities and Local Government including a foreward from Minister for Planning Greg Clark MP who suggests the new NPPF is "replacing over a thousand pages of national policy with around fifty, written simply and clearly, we are allowing people and communities back into planning." 25/07/11 Download this here
NPPF Consultation Document - A document published by CLG which outlines the remits of the consultation process for the new draft National Planning Policy Framework. Included in the document are the different ways through which to respond to the consultation. Any comments are requested to be recieved prior to the 17th of October 2011. 25/07/11 Download this here
An article published in The Independent on the announcement by the Deparment of Health that the Deputy Chief Executive of the NHS David Flory is to write to Hospitals asking to identify green spaces and unused land that could be
sold off as space for housing developments. According to a press release nearly 8 per cent of all NHS space is under-used the equivalent of 276 football pitches.22/07/11 Download this here
Centre for Cities - Room for Improvement - Creating the financial incentives needed for economic growth. An interesting take on the Government's New Homes Bonus Scheme published by the research and policy institute Centre for Cities. The report suggests that as it is currently configured, the NHB looks to be too small to sufficiently
increase the housing supply. 11/07/11 Download this here
A leaked draft of the National Planning Policy Framework has suggested that permisson to build on greenbelt land could be made easier. The draft, leaked to several news sites, suggests that developers will no longer be constrained to focus on previously developed sites nor ensure good transport and walking or cycling routes are in place. 01/07/11Download this here
PoliticsHome and LocalGov cover the NPPF leak. PoliticsHome focus on the concern that the proposals could open the door for "damaging developments" and increased congestion, with comment from Campaign for Better Transport chief executive Stephen Joseph.LovGov state that the document defines the presumption of sustainable development will work by local authorities having to explain how adverse affects outweigh the benefits of a proposed development. Local councils will lose the ability to reject applications that worsen traffic congestion, unless the impact is deemed too severe. 01/07/11PoliticsHomedownload here and LocalGov download here.
Property Week's front page carries the report from BNP Paribas. 291 local authorities told BNP Paribas that coalition policy will cut the building of new homes by a third, a move which has left the government's localism agend "in tatters" according to Property Week. 24/06/11Download this here
An article in The Guardian on a report from BNP Paribas that predicts 31,000 fewer houses will be built every year as a result of "nimbyism" and local authorities cutting their housing targets.The abolition of Regional Spatial Strategies has result in an average cut of 20.6% in housebuilding by local authorities.24/06/11Download this here
The Government has published a statement detailing the wording of the presumption of sustainable development and the new procedures that local authorities should follow. The draft document gives further detail on how the Government intends to define the term "sustainable" and states, in regard to local councils; "Local planning authorities should plan positively for new development, and approve all individual proposals wherever possible".15/06/11Download this here
Decentralisation Minister Greg Clark has today issued a press release outling the Government's draft presumption of sustainable development. The presumption as set out in the draft would mean that where a local plan is absent, the default decision on developments taken by local authorities should be "yes". 15/06/11Download this here
The Daily Telegraph reports concerns over the Localism Bill and its 'community right to buy' scheme. The Country Land and Business Associaition has warned that the legislation would actively discourage landowners from allowing land or private property to become "community assets" for fear that any potential future sale could be slowed or halted all together. 13/06/11 Download this here
A report from the Communities and Local Government Select Committee has criticised the government's localism agenda as 'incoherent and inconsistent'. Clive Betts, chair of the committee, said that the "localist strategy is in disarray" and that there was no clear definition of what localism entailed. 09/06/11 Download this here
An article in The Guardian on a report by the communities and local government select committee that criticises the government's approach to localism. The report specifically criticises the communities secretary Eric Pickles and the housing minister Grant Shapps for abandoning the localist principles espoused in their flagship Localism Bill legislation. 09/06/11 Download this here
The Times' reports that a survey of 8,000 20 to 45-year-olds, carried out by the National Centre for Social Research, has revealed deep pessimism amongst the public about the possibility of obtaining a mortgage. 64 per cent of 18 to 45-year-olds believe they have no prospect of ever owning their own home, with high deposits and the fear of the toughness of the mortage application process deterring many potential buyers. The report suggests that Britain is becoming more like the rest of Europe, where renting is the norm in the property sector. (Click here)
The Court of Appeal has dismissed Cala's appeal in its legal action against the government over its abolishment of regional spatial strategies. Cala took the action against the government last year saying the communitie secretary Eric Pickles had acted unlawfully by scrapping the strategies last July without legislation. (Click here)
The Practitioners Advisory Group has today published a suggested draft
of the National Planning Policy Framework. The group of four
experts from planning, local government, house-building and the
environmental lobby were invited by the Minister for Decentralisation Greg Clark to provide a practitioners’ perspective on how
national planning policy could be simplified. (Click here)
MPs have voted by 300 to 216 in favour of the Localism Bill. The Bill will now go before the House of Lords.The Hansard transcript of the debate can be viewed here.
The Hansard transcript of the Report Stage of the Localism Bill. In the debate for the report stage of the bill in the Commons last night,
decentralisation minister Greg Clark agreed to produce a definition of
‘sustainable development’ in planning policy through the new national
planning policy framework. (Click here)
The Government has laid down several amendments to the Localism Bill that will strengthen the role of businesses in the drawing up of neighbourhood plans. Further proposed amendments to the Bill will see an increase in the minimum size of neighbourhood fora from 3 to 21 individuals. (Click Here)
The Third Reading of the Localism Bill has been confirmed for Wednesday 18 May. (Click here)
Hansard transcprit of Bob Stewart MP introducing his Planning (Green Belt Protection) Bill under a Ten Minute Rule Motion. The proposed legislation would "strengthen and speed up" planning laws to stop illegal developments on green belt land. 04/05/11 Download this here
An article from Planning highlighting a survey conducted by Knight Frank showing that a majority of housebuilders believe that the Localism Bill will delay planning permissions further. 60% of the 200 respondents agreed with the statement that localism will lead to uncertainity in the planning system and lead to difficulties in interacting with local authorities. 04/05/11Download this here
Press Release from CLG on Planning Minister Greg Clark announcement of a £3.2million fund to be shared by four organisations to provide assistance to local groups developing neighbourhood plans. 13/04/11 Download this here
An Article published in The Daily Telegraph Business outlining the response from business leaders to the Governments' announcement that the BCC will head the new network of LEPs. 11/04/11 Download this here
Press Release from CLG from the Secretary of State The Rt. Hon Eric Pickles on the publishing a consultation that proposes to scrap the planning approval requirement for changing use from a commercial property to a residential property. 08/04/11 Download this here
Articles published in The Daily Telegraph Business on the back of the BCC annual conference. The first outlining the governments intentions to cut regulations currently preventing growth through the "Red Tape Challenge", including planning enforcement. The second outlining the views of Lord Wolfson on British Planning rules being "a powerful brake on UK economic growth." 08/04/11 Download this here
Press Release from CLG announcing the British Chamber of Commerce is to lead the new national network of local enterprise partnerships. Comments come from the Secretary of State for CLG and Business Minister Mark Prisk. 07/04/11 Download this here
Written Minsterial Statement from Robert Neill announcing that the coalition will carry out an enviromental assessment of its decision to revoke regional spatial strategies. 06/04/11Download this here
HCA - FirstBuy Press Release from The Homes and Communities Agency outlining details of the FirstBuy scheme announced in the Budget. Also included is a link to the FirstBuy Prospectus giving details of the shared equity scheme and inviting housebuilders to bring forward development for consideration. 06/04/11 Download this here
An article from Inside Housing detailing the first 17 communities to pilot neighbourhood forums as prescribed in the Localism Bill. The legislation will allow local people to have a much greater say in the planning process by enabling them to draw up neighbourhood development orders.04/04/11Download this here
Press Release from CLG outlining more details of the "build now, pay later" initiative including the six sites release by the Homes and Communities Agency for development under the new scheme as announced by Grant Shapps MP. 31/03/11 Download this here
An article from Inside HousingwhereHousing Minister Grant Shapps announces the first five sites to be included in the Government's 'build now, pay later' initiative. The policy, announced by the Chancellor in the Budget, is designed to help housebuilders with cash flow problems pay for land only after they have started work on new homes. 31/03/11 Download this here.
Planning and the Budget - A document produced by CLG outlining in detail the proposals set out in the Budget and their impact on Planning. This confirms that the National Planning Policy Framework will be published for consultation in May 2011. 23/03/11 Download this here
Press Release from CLG with comments from the Secretary of State for CLG Eric Pickles on the Governments proposals set out in the Budget. Also included are short statements from Housing Minister Grant Shapps and Decentralisation Minister Greg Clark. 23/03/11 Download this here
Written Ministerial Statement from Decentralisation Minister Greg Clark following the Governments publication of The Plan for Growth further outlining the integral part the planning system is to play in rebuilding the British economy. 23/03/11 Download this here
BUDGET 2011 - The Plan for Growth A full copy of the supplementary document accompanying the Budget outlining the Governments plans for growth including Chapter 2 on comittments to priority areas including planning. Relevant pages on the planning and development industry from p.43 - 49. 23/03/11 Download this here
BUDGET 2011 - A full copy of the Budget Document for 2011 as outlined by the the Chancellor of the Exchequer. 23/03/11 Download this here
BUDGET 2011 - A full transcript of the Budget speech given to the House by the The Rt. Hon George Osborne MP. 23/03/11 Download this here
An Article Published in The Times in the run up to the Budget announcement outlining the Chancellors plans to announce a low-interest loan allowing first-time buyers with an income £60,000 or less to apply for 20 per cent of the cost of a new home, split evenly with the Government and the housebuilder. 23/03/11 Download this here
An Article Published by Bloomberg outlining research carried out by Savills suggesting the U.K. is facing a housing shortage of up about 1 million homes by 2015 with London worst hit as the construction industry fails to keep pace with the growing population. 22/03/11 Download this here
Speech by The Rt Hon Eric Pickles to the Confederation of British Industry Annual Dinner in the run up the the Budget outlining how reforms in the planning industry are integral to the Governments plans for growth. 21/03/11 Download this here
CLG Committee - Abolition of Regional Strategies: A Planning Vaccum the Second Report from the CLG Committee outlining its concerns over the 'hiatus in planning' having 'a detrimental effect on the economic recovery' and the need for the Government to provide clearer objectives moving forward. 17/03/11 Download this here.
An article published in The Times outlining comments made by Angel Gurria, the Secretary-General of the OECD urging George Osborne to replace Green Belts in favour of other solutions to prevent house price bubbles and crashes.17/03/11 Download this here
A copy of Localism Bill as amended by the Localism Bill Committee.CLG have distributed a copy of the Localism Bill highlighting the changes that have been made to the text of the Bill as it proceeded through the Bill Committee.Download this here
Written Ministerial Statement for Greg Clark MP on the Planning Inspectorate and Major Infrastructure Planning. The statement outlines further details on the Government's plans to replace the Infrastructure Planning Commission with a Major Infrastructure Planning Unit within the Planning Inspectorate. 10/03/11 Download this here
Localism Bill Committee Summary a short note produced by PDL on the passage of the Localism Bill through the Committee stage in the House of Commons including summaries of issues discussed under the Regional Spatial Strategies, Neighbourhood Planning and pre-application consultation. 10/03/11 Download this here
A press release from CLG outlining a letter written by Housing Minister Grant Shapps to the Design Council calling on housebuilders to "think outside the identikit Legoland box" and make sure their new developments reflect the identity of the local area. 09/03/11 Download this here
Localism Bill Committee Session 21 and 22 for a full transcript of
both the Morning Session (Click Here) and the Afternoon Session (Click Here) of the Localism Bill Committee.
08/03/11
Localism Bill Committee Session 19 and 20 for a full transcript of
both the Morning Session (Click Here) and the Afternoon Session (Click Here) of the Localism Bill Committee.
03/03/11
Neighbourhood Planning Groups CLG Minister Greg Clark has indicated at the Localism Bill Committee, the intention to review the threshold required to establish a neighbourhood planning group. Planning Magazine quotes the Minister in saying "I think three is probably too low...The right hon. Gentleman and his colleagues
have suggested 20. That seems a reasonable figure to consider and we will do so
before Report." 02/03/11
HBF Spreadsheet ranking the local authorities by potential loss of income due to the scrapping of previous plans for development or not building enough to meet the local housing need. 02/03/11 Download this here
HBF Press Release outlining research which reveals that Local Authorites are losing out on millions of pounds in Central Government funding by scrapping previous plans for homes or not building enough to meet the needs of their communities. 02/03/11 Download this here.
Localism Bill Committee Session 17 and 18 a short briefing produced by PDL outlining the debate in the Committee on Clause 102 referring specifically to pre-application consultation. The note includes links to both the relevant Hansard and footage of the committee. 01/03/11 Download this here
An article published in Planning Magazine confirming CALA homes being granted permission to challenge its High Court defeat in its fight against the Government's
claim that its intention to abolish regional housing targets should be
considered when deciding on planning applications. 24/02/11 Download this here
HBF Quarterly Housing Pipeline new quarterly report by HBF on planning permission granted by Local Authorities from Q4 2010 going back to 2006. 21/02/11 Download this here
Localism Bill Committee Recess Rundown a document produced by PDL giving a short summary of the progress of the Committee to date and a rundown of different aspects which have caused particular debate. 18/02/11 Download this here
New Homes Bonus: Final Scheme Design a document published by the Department for Communities and Local Government outlining the final design for the New Homes Bonus scheme. 17/02/11 Download this here
Localism Bill Committee Session 15 and 16 a short note produced by PDL on the session covering clauses relating to Neighbourhood Planning. There was broad cross-party agreement that the creation of neighbourhood plans, was a step in the right direction. Questions were raised as to what the definition of a ‘neighbourhood’ actually was and how it would fit into local authority jurisdiction. 17/02/11 Download this here
Localism Bill Committee Session 13 and 14 a short note produced by PDL on the session with Clauses relating to the abolition of regional spatial strategies debated in the Committee. The main contributions came from Shadow CLG Minister Jack Dromey MP, outlining the Oppositions stance that this aspect to the Bill was 'ill thought out.' 15/02/11 Download this here
An Article Published in Planning Magazine outlining research made by Planning Magazine and the Home Builders Federation into the New Homes Bonus. It suggests councils are to face a cut of up to £1.5bn to their overal funding in order to pay for the New Homes Bonus Scheme to encourage more housebuilding. 11/02/11 Download this here
A full transcript of the Westminster Hall Debate secured by Andrea Leadsom MP on Onshore Windfarms, with contributions from Energy Minister Charles Hendry on plans from the Government to provide local communities a greater say in where windfarms are placed in the UK as a result of the Localism Bill. 10/02/11 Download this here
Press release from The Department of Energy & Climate Change outlining the Energy Minister Charles Hendry's vision for 'a new approach to engaging with potential host communities' of onshore wind farms. Plans are to ensure that wind turbines should be positioned where the wind resource is strongest. 10/02/11 Download this here
Localism Bill Committee Session 11 and 12 a full transcript of
both the Morning Session (Click Here) and the Afternoon Session (Click Here) of Evidence given to the Bill Committee.
10/02/11
Article Published in The Telegraph ahead of a Westminster Hall Debate, Energy Minister Charles Hendry is to set out plans to offer council tax discounts or cheaper electricity to communitities who accept the development of wind farms in the most suitable locations in Britain. 10/02/11Download this here
Localism Bill Committee Session 9 and 10 a short note produced by PDL on the activity at the morning session of the Localism Bill Committee with discussion focused primarily on Clauses relating to local referendums. A number of contributions were made, including those by Andrew Stunnell MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary for CLG. 08/02/11 Download this here
Article Published in The Guardian following a block by The Rt. Hon Eric Pickles to plans formulated by No. 10, to reward councils for their contributions to the 'Big Society.' The article goes on to highlight a private email circulated to Liberal Democrat Councillors at the Local Government Association raising concerns over 'the weakness of the secretary of state.' 08/02/11 Download this here
CLG Press Release following the High Court judgement on the CALA Homes legal challenge. Also included is a short statement by Planning Minister Bob Neill on the decision and the Government's intentions to 'do away with Regional Strategies'. 07/02/11 Download this here
CALA Homes 2 Decision the full judgement document handed down by the Honourable Mr Justice Lindblom on the CALA homes legal challenge to the statement by CLG that the abolition of the RSSs should be a material consideration. 07/02/11 Download this here
Localism Bill Committee Sessions 7 and 8 a full transcript of both the Morning Session (Click Here) and the Afternoon Session (Click Here) of Evidence given to the Bill Committee. 03/02/11
Localism Bill Committee Sessions 5 and 6 a full transcript of both the Morning Session (Click Here) and the Afternoon Session (Click Here) of Evidence given to the Bill Committee. 01/02/11
Localism Bill Committee Sessions 3 and 4 a short summary produced by PDL on the evidence given to the Localism Bill Committee from CBI, BCC, TCPA and RTPI along with the afternoon session of the CLG Ministerial Team. The note also provides links to the relevant footage and hansard for the sessions. 27/01/11 Download this here
Localism Bill Committee Sessions 3 and 4 a full transcript of both the Morning Session (Click Here) and the Afternoon Session (Click Here) of Evidence given to the Bill Committee. 27/01/11
Localism Bill Committe Sessions 1 and 2 a full transcript of both the Morning Session (Click Here) and the Afternoon Session (Click Here) of Evidence given to the Bill Committee. 25/01/11
Localism Bill Committee Programme including information on the the oral evidence sessions being heard by the Bill Committee on Tuesday 25th and Thursday 27th of January. This is a list of times and names of those who are giving evidence. 25/01/11 Download this here
Localism Bill Committee Membership - Information produced by Political Developments listing the recently announced membership of the Localism Bill Committee along with a short summary of the proceedure of the Committee stage in Parliament. 20/01/11 Download this here
Localism Bill Committee to be announced 19th January.
The Localism Bill committee shall sit twice a week for 6 weeks, Tuesdays 10:30am – 1:00pm and 4:00pm – 6:00pm and Thursdays 9:00am – 10:25am and 1:00pm – 3:00pm. The first week of the committee stage will be dedicated to oral evidence. Therefore 8 hour weeks for a 5 week period equates to 40 hours or 2400 minutes. For all 207 Clauses of the Localism Bill this will average out as approximately only 11.5 minutes for each Clause.
CLG - A plain English guide to the Localism Bill a brief document published by CLG giving a summary of the Localism Bill under four concise titles including amoung others, new freedoms for local government and powers to local communities.17/01/11 Download this here
Localism Bill: Planning and Housing, Research Paper from the House of Commons Library. A very useful document outlining the history of the Localism Bill along with Industry reaction to the individual clauses and a short summary of what is being introduced. 11/01/2011 Download this here
Supporting Communities and Neighbourhoods in Planning An announcement by the Goverment of a new £3million fund to be made available from 1st April 2011 and will provide "advice, guidance and assistance" to local community groups in relation to the current planning system. 10/01/2011 Download this here
CLG Written Statement from Communities Secretary Eric Pickles MP outlining the work undertaken by DCLG over the Christmas period, including information on parking restrictions, predetermination, community rights and the delivery of more homes. 10/01/11 Download this here
RICS Press Release on the launch of their new investigation into "how to equip communities to fully embrace their emerging land and
property roles in the context of localism and the Big Society." 07/01/11 Download this here
HBF Quarterly Housing Pipeline new quarterly report by HBF on planning permission granted by Local Authorities from Q3 2010 going back to 2006. 07/01/2011 Download this here
CLG Press Notice outlining the removal of national planning restrictions requiring councils to limit the number of parking spaces allowed in new residential developments. 03/01/11 Download this here
CLG Press Notice outlining the announcement by Decentralisation Minister Greg Clark of the launch of consultation on the proposed new consolidated national planning policy framework.21/12/10 Download this here
Hogan Lovells - Plannnig Bulletin on the Localism Bill briefing note giving a very interesting and broken down summary of the key points to the Localism Bill including, neighbourhood planning, development plans, local governance and other aspects. 19/12/10 Download this here
Future Business of House of Commons confirming the Second Reading of the Localism Bill to be given on Monday 17th January 2011. Download this here
Article Published in Planning Daily on the reversing of the stay placed on the effect of the statement published by the Secretary of State on the CALA decision, in light of a future letter to all local planning authorities and the Planning Inspectorate. 17/12/10 Download this here
Article Published in The Independent on why some are calling the Localism Bill a "Nimby's Charter" along with interesting comments from the Chief Executive of Shelter Cambpell Robb and David Snell, author of Build your own Home. 17/12/10 Download this here
Localism Bill Reaction from Planning Consultants an article published by Planning Daily outlining reaction from Planning Consultants including DTZ, GL Hearn and Turley Associates. 15/12/10 Download this here
Localism Bill Reaction from Industry Representative Bodies an article published by Planning Daily outlining reaction from Industry Representative Bodies including the RTPI, BPF and HBF. 15/12/10 Download this here
Localism Bill Reaction from Lawyers an article published by Planning Daily outlining reaction from leading planning lawyers including Hogan Lovells, DLA Piper and SJ Berwin. 15/12/10 Download this here
Local Government Association Localism Bill Briefing outlining more detail of the Localism Bill giving an interesting and concise account of areas relating to Local Government, Community Empowerment and Planning. 14/12/10 Download this here
CLG Press Briefing on the Localism Bill a full Media Background Note published by Communities and Local Government outlining details of the Localism Bill. 13/12/10 Download this here
Press Release from CLG from Grant Shapps MP, outining further clarification over the Community Right to Build to be introduced as a part of the wider Neighbourhood Planning reforms. 13/12/10 Download this here
Pre-Publication Briefing from the NLGN (New Local Government Networ) on the Localism Bill outlining what the new legislation is due to set out and the implications of the Bill on a whole range of areas including directly elected mayors and planning reform. 13/12/10 Download this here
Press Release from CLG on the Localism Bill giving details of the reforms to be brought in to devolve power to councils and communities which will 'revolutionise the planning system.' 13/12/10 Download this here
The Localism Bill - An Essential Guide published by CLG outlining the case for a radical shift of power from the centralised state to local communities.13/12/10 Download this here
Written Ministerial Statement from The Rt. Hon Eric Pickles on the announcement of the Localism Bill to Parliament and a brief summary of what the new legislation will involve. 13/12/10 Download this here
Local Government Finance Settlement a full copy of the statement given to the House of Lords by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles on the Local Government Finance Settlement. 13/12/10 Download this here
Press Release from HBF welcoming the news of the Localism Bill to be published on Monday 13th including a quote from Stweart Baseley Executive chairman of HBF arguing local communities must now beeducated in the 'severity of the housing crisis.' 10/12/10 Download this here
House of Commons, Order of Business for Monday 13th December 2010 giving notice of the presentation of the Decentralisation and Localism Bill to the House after the Ministerial Statement on Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement at 3.30pm. 10/12/10 Download this here
Localism Bill update - To be published Monay 13th December 2010 confirmation from The Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP Twitter feed the Localism Bill will be introduced on Monday 13th December. 09/12/10 Click Here
Article Published in the Local Government Chronicle giving an interesting insight into the reasons behind the delay in the Decentralisation and Localism Bill. 08/12/10 Download this here
Article Published by Regeneration & Renewal on the confusion surrounding the publication of the Decentralisation and Localism Bill on the back of a refusal by CLG to confirm a date. 08/12/10 Download this here
Press Release from CLG outlining Local Government Minister Grant Shapps revealing new legislation will make councillors more powerful than ever to help them become local champions. 07/12/10 Download this here
Statement issued by The Planning Inspectorate outlining its guidance in response to the latest CALA Homes legal challenge to the abolition of Regional Strategies. 07/12/10 Download this here
Press Release from CLG on new planning reforms which will hand power to communities through their 'Neighbourhood Plans' to enable local people to shape the character of the very neighbourhood they live in. 06/12/10 Download this here
Article Published in The Daily Telegraph outlining the detail in the upcoming Localism Bill on the plans for 12 cities in Britain to decide whther they should have elected mayors. 06/12/10 Download this here
Article Published in The Sunday Telegraph Comment & Analysis giving further comment on the details of the upcoming Localism Bill and possible difficulties in defining any given "neighbourhood". 05/12/10 Download this here
Front Page Article Published in The Sunday Telegraph outlining details of the upcoming Localism Bill and the powers given to neighbourhoods in drawing up their Neighbourhood Plans. 05/12/10 Download this here
Latest News on Decentralisation and Localism Bill - The BIS Structure Reform Update suggests publication of the Bill on 9th December - next Thursday.For a full copy of the Bill and industry analysis please check back when it is published. A full copy of the BIS Reform Plan Update is avaliable here Download
Latest News on the Decentralisation and Localism Bill indicates a delay in the publication of the Bill of up to two weeks.For a full copy of the Bill and Industry analysis please check back when it is published. 24/11/10
RTPI Decentralisation and Localism Bill Brief 1 - Great Expecations a document produced by the RTPI on what is expected to be published in the Decentralisation and Localism Bill. 24/11/10 Download this here
Communities and Local Government Select Committee summary
of the oral evidence given to the Select Committee by the Secretary of State The
Rt Hon. Eric Pickles MP, Minister for Decentralisation Greg Clark MP and the Chief Executive of The Planning Inspectorate. 23/11/10 Download this here
Article Published by Planning Daily on the fresh legal challenge launched by CALA homes to the letter from CLG chief planner Steve Quartermain on the abolition of Regional Strategies. The challenge seeks a court declaration that the intention to revoke Regional Strategies is not a material consideration. 19/11/10 Download this here
Press Release from CLG on revised plans for CIL outlining more detail on new reforms announced by Decentralisation Minister Greg Clark to give more power to Councils and Communities to control how infrastructure in towns and cities are funded. 18/11/10 Download this here
Advice produced by The Planning Inspectorate for use by its Inspectors on the impact of the CALA homes litigation. 16/11/10 Download this here
Proposed changes to Planning Application Fee Consultation launched today by CLG for planning application fees to be set by Local Planning Authorities to ensure councils are able to cover costs. 16/11/10 Download this here
New Homes Bonus Scheme Consultation launched today by CLG 12/11/10 Download this here
Article Published by Regeneration and Renewal giving reaction to the CALA decision from Matthew Spry Director of Planning at Nathaniel Lichfield, Liz Pearce Chief Executive at the British Property Federation and Stewart Andrews, Head of Planning at law firm Eversheds. The article highlights the confusion created by the response from CLG.11/11/10 Download this here
Response from Planning Minister Bob Neill MP reaffirming the CLG response to the CALA decision suggesting the judgement 'changes very little' in light of the introduction of the Localism Bill to Parliament later this month. 10/11/10 Download this here
Draft Clause from the Decentralisation and Localism Bill the draft clause to be included in the Decentralisation and Localism Bill specifically revoking Regional Strategies. 10/11/10 Download this here
Letter to all Local Authorities from CLG outlining the effect of the decision on the CALA Homes legal challenge and the expectation of Local Authorities to 'still have regard to the letter of the 27 May 2010 in any decisions they are currently taking.' 10/11/10 Download this here
RTPI response to CALA Homes Decision includes comment from Matt Thompson, Head of Policy at the RTPI suggesting whatever the implications of the decision there is a need for 'a sound system of strategic planning.' 10/11/10 Download this here
HBF reponse to CALA Homes Decision suggesting the judgement 'effectively reinstates the Regional Strategies and their housing targets'. This response includes comment from Andrew Whitaker, Planning Director of the Home Builders Federation. 10/11/10 Download this here
CLG response to CALA Homes Decision written response from The Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP suggesting that the court's decision 'changes very little.' It goes on to confirm the Governments' commitment to abolish RSSs through the Localism BIll. 10/11/10 Download this here
CALA Homes Decision the full judgement document handed down by the Honourable Mr Justice Sales on the CALA homes legal challenge to the revocation of the Regional Strategies. 10/11/10 Download this here
DCLG Businness Plan 2011-2015 outlining the timetable for work of the Department of Communities and Local Government and what it will do to deliver its key priorities. Included is more detail on the implementation of the New Homes Bonus Scheme. 08/11/10 Download this here
CALA Homes Legal Challenge to the Abolition of Regional Strategies we understand the Judicial Review will be delayed until mid-November due to:
1. The CALA legal team wanting to make further written submissions
to the first argument on the RSSs being a statutory requirement
therefore the Secretary of State does not hold the power to revoke.
2. The Treasury solicitor wanting to make further written submissions
to the second argument on the abolition of the RSSs need to
have been subject to a strategic environmental assessment.
An Article Published in the Financial Times on the uncertain future facing the UK housebuilding industry in light of the Bank of England revealing the level of mortgage lending had fallen to a seven-month low of 47,474 in September. 30/10/10 Download this here
An Article Published in the London Evening Standard outlining more detail on the New Homes Bonus Scheme along with other areas councils could be encouraged to build houses within the 300-clause Decentralisation and Localism Bill. 29/10/10 Download this here
A selection of key points in the Local Growth white paper outlining the most relevant details to the planning sector including sections on LEPs, planning, incentivisating development and regional growth. 28/10/10 Download this here
A full copy of the white paper Local Growth: Realising every place's potential the white paper outlining the Governments' promise of a "streamlined planning system" along with details of 24 new LEPs. 28/10/10 Download this here
A report published by the Home Builders Federation titled the Broken Ladder Report on the affordability gap faced by first time buyers in the current housing market. 28/10/10 Download this here
Article Published in The Sunday Times on the state of the Housebuilding Industry since the revocation of the regional strategies and more information on the CALA homes legal challenge. Also highlighted is the recognition in the industry of much needed improvements to engaging with communities in the planning system. 24/10/10 Download this here
Letter from Minister for Housing and Local Government Grant Shapps MP to all Local Authorities in the wake of the CSR outlining the impact of the cuts. Also included is more detail on the New Homes Bonus and £900 million of funding set aside for the scheme. 20/10/10 Download this here
Full transcript of the Comprehensive Spending Review Statement presented to the House of Commons by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon George Osborne MP. 20/10/10 Download this here
COMPREHENSIVE SPENDING REVIEW: A full copy of the Coalition Governments' Comprehensive Spending Review. Relevant chapters include the Department for Transport (Page 44), the Department for Communities and Local Government (Page 47), Local Government (Page 49) and the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (Page 51). 20/10/10 Download this here
Making Localism work for the Countryside: CPRE's Charter for Planning Reform document produced by the Campaign to Protect Rural England outlining key areas it wants Ministers to address in any legislative changes brough about by the localism agenda. 15/10/10 Download this here
Article Published on Planning Portal outlining the views of Stewart Baseley the Chief Executive of the Home Builders Federation suggesting the government has 'underestimated the strength of the anti-development feelings amongst local politicians' and that the 'Bonus' will not be enough to 'persuade them otherwise.' 14/10/10 Download this here
Speech Given by Housing Minister Grant Shapps MP at the Housing Market Intelligence Conference. The speech includes some information on housing targets, incentives and regulation. 12/10/10 Download this here
An Article Published in The Daily Telegraph outlining a statement made by Minister for Housing Grant Shapps MP suggesting the country is in need for long term stability in the housing market as a sharp rise would result in "a lost generation of home buyers". 12/10/10 Download this here
A Biography of Caroline Flint MP recently appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. 08/10/10 Download this here
A Full List of the Shadow Cabinet Appointments made by the Leader of the Labour Party The Rt. Hon Ed Miliband including the appointment of Caroline Flint MP as the Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. 08/10/10 Download this here
Conservative Party Conference - Day 4 - Putting Britain First a short summary of key moments from day 4 of the Conservative Party Conference including the speech made by The Prime Minister The Rt Hon David Cameron MP and the RTPI fringe event titled 'Giving People a Voice in Planning' attended by Minister for Local Government and Planning Bob Neill MP. 06/10/10 Download this here
Full Copy of the Speech Given by The Prime Minister to Conservative Party Conference outlining his belief in the Big Society being the key to tackling the economy and for local communities to sieze opportunities to create growth. 06/10/10Download this here
Conservative Party Conference - Day 2 - Green Growth a short summary of key moments from day 2 of the Conservative Party Conference and the NHBC/RICS fringe event attended by Minister for Housing Grant Shapps MP with some interesting policy updates. 04/10/10 Download this here
Article Published by The National Housing Federation on research carried out by Tetlow King suggesting the Coalition Governments' housing pollicies are 'killing off 1,300 planned new homes daily.' 04/10/10 Download this here
Speech Given by The Rt Hon George Osborne to Conservative Party Conference outlining the legacy of the Labour Government on the countries finances and the commitment from the Treasury to reform public services and tackle the deficit. 04/10/10 Download this here
Conservative Party Conference - Day 1 - People Power a short summary of day 1 of the Conservative Party Conference, outlining key moments including information from the TCPA fringe event with Greg Clarks' Permanent Secretary. 03/10/10 Download this here
Speech Given by The Rt Hon Eric Pickles to Conservative Party Conference titled Giving Mayors the Power to Change Lives, outlining the work done by CLG to date, along with a commitment to cut back at local government level and new legislation to introduce referendums on the election of mayors. 03/10/10 Download this here
Speech Given by The Rt Hon William Hague to Conservative Party Conference titled New Labour Is Dead, detailing the previous Governments track record along with the current Coalition Governments actions to date. 03/10/10 Download this here
Baroness Warsi speech to Conservative Party Conference titled We will give Party Members a real say on Conservative policy - the opening speech to Conference on the Conservative win at the elections along with comments on the previous Labour Governments record on a range of issues from unemployment to education. 03/10/10 Download this here
Article Published in Regeneration & Renewal outlining a speech given by former Housing Minister Nick Raynsford at the Labour Party Conference warning that the Coalition Government's 'New Homes Bonus' scheme would be 'very difficult to implement. 27/09/10Download this here
Biography of The Rt. Hon Ed Miliband Despite David Miliband gaining more votes from party membership and his own MPs and MEPs, Ed Miliband won the Labour Leadership contest by 1.3% due to strong support from the Trade Unions and affiliated members. 25/09/10 Download this here
Press Release from CLG on the confirmation from Housing Minister Grant Shapps MP that through the Community Right to Build scheme local rural housing projects that secure 75% of voters will go ahead without the need for a specific planning application. 22/09/10 Download this here
Four Briefing Papers Published by the TCPA intended for conference season, proposing a 'radical' new model to help with the delivery of the country's housing needs under community-based planning system. 20/09/10 Click Here
Article Published in Regeneration & Renewal outlining news of two further legal challenges to the Secretary of State The Right Hon Eric Pickles MPs' decision to scrap regional housing targets. The legal challenges come from Catesby Property Group and Colonnade Land. 15/09/10 Download this here
Communities and Local Government Select Committee summary of the oral evidence given to the Select Committee by the Secretary of State The Rt Hon. Eric Pickles MP, Minister for Housing The Rt Hon. Grant Shapps MP and Minister for Decentralisation Greg Clark MP on 13/09/10 Download this here
Article Published in The London Evening Standard on the fears from the property industry of the shortfall in housing development over the next three years as a result of uncertainty in the new "Nimby" Government planning rules. 13/09/10Download this here
Article Published in The Daily Telegraph including commentary on the need for the Government to look at areas such as the planing system considering the need for investment and economic recovery. 13/09/10 Download this here
Article Published by The London Evening Standard outlining the concerns of Steve Morgan, Redrow founder and chairman on the Governments' planning reforms. 09/09/10 Download this here
A Report from Think Tank Policy Exchange suggesting cash incentives should be given to local residents to persuade them to back housing projects in their area. 31/08/10Download this here
A Report Published by The Campaign to Protect Rural England outlining a series of recommendations to the Government from the Rural Coalition. These include giving local communities and councils more power to shape their neighbourhoods. 16/08/10Download this here
Article Published in the Financial Times concerning the need for an increase in housing supply and addressing the news of house prices falling within the UK. 11/08/10Download this here
Article Published in The Times on the legal challenge launched by CALA Homes to the abolition of the Regional Strategies by the DCLG. 10/08/10Download this here
Two Articles Published in the Financial Times relating to the New Homes Bonus Scheme including analysis of the scheme in the wider context of the Governments planning reforms. 10/08/10Download this here
Letter from Housing Minister Grant Shapps MP to all local authorities confirming the New Homes Bonus scheme and outlining its commitment to incentivise the building of new homes. 09/08/10Download this here
Press Release from DCLG on the New Homes Bonus a scheme rewarding local communities that build more homes by getting more funding to use in their local area. 09/08/10 Download this here
Article Published in Planning Magazine on a study conducted by Roger Tym & Partners into local authorities reviewing their local houding targets following the government's scrapping of regional strategies. 06/08/10 Download this here
Letter from Planning Groups and charities to Eric Pickles on the importance of strategic planning. Signatories include the BPF, Friends of the Earth, the RTPI and TCPA. 05/08/10 Download this here
Daily Telegraph Article on figures released by DCLG on garden grabbing 05/08/10 Download this here
Financial Times Article concerning the short selling of housebuilding shares and fears that new planning policy will put the brakes on the sector's recovery 02/08/10 Download this here
Article published in Property Week providing analysis on the abolition of the regional planning targets and its impact on UK property development 30/07/10Download this here
Announcement from the Communities and Local Government Committee on the launch of an inquiry into the abolition of the regional spatial strategies.29/07/10Download this here
Press Release from DCLG the announcement by the Housing Minister Grant Shapps MP on the Community Right to Build proposals, which will give community organisations the freedom to give the 'green light to new local developments' without planning permission.' 23/07/10 Download this here
Press Release from DCLG on the Secretary of State for Comunities and Local Government, The Rt Hon Eric Pickles MPs' intention in principle to abolish regional government with final decisions to be made at the end of the Spending Review. 22/07/10 Download this here
The Big Society Speech given by the Prime Minister announcing the governments plans to give local communities more power. Also announced is the creation of 'The Big Society Bank' to help finance social enterprises, local charities and voluntary groups etc. 19/07/10 Dowload this here
The DCLG Structural Reform Plan outlining the departments intentions for reforms to 'decentralise power as far as possible' and to 'make localism and the Big Society part of everyday life'. Also included, is an estimated timescale of changes to be implemented, with detail of dates for the Localism Bill and other reforms. 08/07/10 Download this here
Letter from the Chief Planning Officer at the Department for Communities and Local Government confirming the revocation of the Regional Strategies. Also including Technical Guidance for Local Authorities following the Parliamentary Statement by the Secretary of State. 06/07/10 Download this here
Parliamentary Statement confirming the revocation of the Regional Strategies by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government The Rt Hon Eric Pickles. 06/07/10 Download this here
Westminster Hall Debate on the Regional Spatial Strategies secured by Mark Lancaster MP for Milton Keynes North with information from the Parliamentary Under Secretary at DCLG Robert Neill MP on the legal implications of 'the Pickles Letter' the process by which the RSSs will be scrapped and the need for more guidance to come 'very soon'. 30/06/10 Download this here
Written Statement from Minister of State, Deparment for Communities and Local Government Greg Clark MP on Planning Reform including information on the abolition of the Infrastructure Planning Commission, National Planning Statements, as well as the Transitional Arrangements until new legislation is in place. 29/06/10 Download this here
Speech Given by Housing Minister Grant Shapps MP to the Community Land Trusts Conference with reference to the localism agenda being pushed forward by the Coalition Government with more detail on where investment must go from development. 29/06/10Download this here
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg MP launches £1 billion Regional Growth Fund aimed at helping areas particularly effected by the Governments public spending cuts. Press release from DCLG 29/06/10 Download this here
Press Release from DCLG confirming the abolition of the Infrastructure Planning Commission to be replaced by a "new rapid and accountable system where Ministers, not unelected commissioners, will take the decisions on new infrastructure projects." 29/06/10Download this here
Letter to all Local Authorities inviting them to submit proposals to establish Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) from The Rt. Hon Vince Cable MP Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills and The Rt. Hon Eric Pickles Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. 29/06/10Download this here
The Royal Town Planning Institute, Planning Aids' Good Practice Guide to Public Engagement in Development Schemes highlighting the importance of well thought out community involvement. 28/06/10 Download this here
Article from Regeneration & Renewal outlining the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills intention to, invite local authorities to submit proposals to establish, Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). Described in the Governments' Coalition Agreement as, "joint local authority - business bodies brought forward by local authorities themselves to promote economic development". 28/06/10 Download this here
Press Release from DCLG relating to a speech given by Planning Minister Bob Neill MP to the National Planning Forum where he sets out the 'future of local planning' giving more detail on the localism agenda under the Coalition Government. 24/06/10 Download this here
The Royal Town Planning Institutes' (RTPI) response to the Coalition Governments' Emergency Budget asking how planners can show their contribution is central to local survival. 22/06/10Download this here
The British Property Federations' (BPF) response to the Coalition Governments' Emergency Budget including analysis on 17 different areas effecting the property industry within the UK. 22/06/10 Download this here
BUDGET 2010 UPDATE - National Infrastructure Plan and Local Development Orders 22/06/10 at 1503hrs Download this here
The Coalition's Emergency Budget containing a wide range of cuts and reforms designed to be "tough but also fair" and "pays for the past and plans for the future." Wednesday 20th October has also been announced as the date for the Comprehensive Spending Review. 22/06/10 For an overview click here
Advice produced by The Planning Inspectorate for use by its Inspectors in light of the letter from The Rt Hon Eric Pickles to local authorities highlighting the Coalition Governments commitment to rapidly abolish Regional Spatial Strategies. 10/06/10Download this here
The new a version of PPS 3 includes an amended definition of “previously developed land” to exclude private residential gardens and removes the national indicative minimum density of 30 dwellings per hectare. 09/06/10Download this here
Housing Adjournment Debate addressing the issues surrounding affordable housing, housing in rural areas, housing supply, RSSs and the role of local councillors in campaigning against local development 08/06/10 Download this here
Written Answers to questions put to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on housing development, Green Belt development, HCA funding and transitional arrangements surrounding the abolition of Regional Spatial Strategies 08/06/10 Download this here
The HBFs’ (Home Builder Association) Member Briefing of the first public speech of Grant Shapps MP as Minister for Housing and Local Government at the RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) outlining his priorities for the housing industry. 08/06/10 Download this here
Former Housing Minister Nick Raynsfords’ statement made at the TCPAs’ (Town and Country Planning Association) ‘Making Planning Work’ conference outlining his ‘deeply sceptical’ views on the ‘untested’ planning reforms proposed by the coalition government 03/06/10Download this here
TCPA (Town and Country Planning Association) Press Release on Bob Neill MPs’ first address to the planning community since the general election and his response to the TCPAs’ ‘The Future of Planning Report: distilling the TCPA roundtable debates .’ 03/06/10 Download this here
The Future of Planning Report: Distilling the TCPA roundtable debates The TCPAs’ (Town and Country Planning Association) report on the future of the Planning industry under the new coalition Government and a foundation for the TCPA’s engagement with future planning reform. 03/06/10Download this here
Written Questions to the Secretary of State for the Department for Communities and Local Government on whether steps are to be taken to scrap Regional Spatial Strategies prior to the introduction of primary legislation, the timetable for scrapping Regional Spatial strategies. 03/06/10Download this here
Written Questions to the Secretary of State for the Department for Communities and Local Government on devolving planning powers to local authorities to meet affordable housing targets, any plans for amendments to the Planning Policy Statement 3, what steps have been taken to ensure meeting national assessments of housing needs and for a statement on Regional Spatial Strategies. 02/06/10Download this here
Press Release from the Department for Communities and Local Government outlining a letter written by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles to ‘call a halt to the urban sprawl that is threatening the Green Belt around 30 towns across the country’31/05/10Download this here
The Appointment of The Rt. Hon Danny Alexander MP as Chief Secretary to the Treasury 31/05/10Download this here
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Rt. Hon David Laws MP resignation letter to the Prime Minister 29/05/10 Download this here
Letter from Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to local authorities outlining the coalitions agreements commitment to the rapid abolition of the Regional Strategies to be regarded as a material planning consideration 27/05/10 Download this here
The Home Builder’s Federations’ (HBF) response to the announcement of cuts in Kickstart Funding and its ramifications on economic recovery and jobs. 25/05/10 Download this here
The Royal Town Planning Institutes’ (RTPI) response to the Queen’s Speech and the ‘Decentralisation and Localism Bill’, A warning that abolition of major parts of the planning system without an alternative in place puts economic recovery at risk. 25/05/10Download this here
The Town and Country Planning Associations’ (TCPA) response to the Queen’s Speech and the ‘Decentralisation and Localism Bills’ ‘profound influence over the future direction of the planning system.’ 25/05/10 Download this here
Queen's Speech. At the State Opening of Parliament, Her Majesty the Queen announced the Governments' intentions for the future of housing and planning decisions. For full text of the Queen's Speech 25/05/10 Download this here
The full coalition agreement for the Conservative Lib Dem Government and specifically Section 4 outlining their intentions for Communities and Local Government published on 20/05/10 - Download this here
For a Full List of Her Majesty's Government appointed on 13/05/10click here
The Conservative Open Source Planning Green Paper. Proposals by the Conservative Party on reforming the planning system 22/02/10,Download this here
Caroline Spelmanspeech from Conservative Party Conference, 5/10/09, click here
Grant Shapps speech from Conservative Party Conference, 6/10/09click here
George Osbornespeech from Conservative Party Conference, 6/10/09 click here
Positive Engagement, a Guide for Planning Councillors: this Government briefing note sets out how councillors must actively engage during pre-application. Download this here.
Planning Community Needs:a guide to effective Section 106 agreements and Statements of Community Involvement.Download this here.
Planning Bill (November 2007): introduces a new system for nationally significant infrastructure planning, alongside further reforms to the town and country planning system. For a copy of the Planning Billclick here.
Planning Policy Statements (PPS): these national planning policies are gradually replacing Planning Policy Guidance notes (PPG).Download here.
Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG): to find the latest news releases from this important Government department,click here.
