Intelligence/

Current Topics

Recommendations from First Session of Eco-town Challenge

The Eco-town Challenge Panel which consists of fifteen experts on design, the environment, transport and sustainability, have been charged with reviewing the eco-town proposals


PPS12: Turley Associates Comment published

Turley Associates has published its review of PPS12. This sets out the Government's new policy on local spatial planning, integral for place shaping and in the delivery of land uses


Draft Heritage Protection Bill Comment

Turley Associates has published its analysis of the Draft Heritage Protection Bill, which is the latest in a series of government publications considering major reviews of the heritage planning system


Groceries Market Investigation – Final Report

The Competition Commission (CC) published its final report in its inquiry into UK groceries retailing, including measures to improve competition in local areas


Experts sign up for eco-towns challenge

Twelve experts from the worlds of design, the environment, transport and sustainability have signed up to join the Eco-towns Challenge


Budget boost for housing

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears and Housing Minister Caroline Flint welcome Budget proposals to tackle climate change, build 'green' communities and meet the need for more affordable housing


Government publishes alternatives to casino-led regeneration

The Government has today published a new report, which shows that the benefits of regional casinos can be delivered through alternative, but equally effective, projects


New Partnership to Speed Up Housing Delivery in London

A new partnership to help speed up the delivery of the Capital's £3 billion house building programme was announced today by Housing Minister Caroline Flint and the London Mayor Ken Livingstone


Sheffield CDC Unveils Super-City Ambitions

Creative Sheffield has announced plans for a Northern super-city to counterbalance London through its Economic Masterplan


Review of "Call-In" Directions: Consultation

This consultation seeks views on proposals to reduce planning applications being referred to Government by local authorities for consideration of whether they should be 'called in' for ministers to decide. It aims to ensure decisions are taken at the right level


Plans for Major Expansion of Offshore Wind Energy

All UK homes could be powered by offshore wind by 2020. Harnessing the vast potential of the UK's island status, which entered a new phase as Energy Secretary John Hutton announced proposals to open up its seas to up to 33GW (gigawatts) of offshore wind energy


Housing and Planning Reform Central to Queens Speech

The Government plans to introduce a Housing & Regeneration Bill and major reforms to the planning system as announced in the Queen’s Speech.


City Development Companies

The benefits of efficient spatial planning are seen to be vital in supporting economic development.