England round-up: Inspectors will evaluate Esso’s South East pipeline project; Gove launches review into sea life and marine habitats

Inspectors will evaluate Esso’s South East pipeline project

The Planning Inspectorate is to examine Esso Petroleum Company’s development consent order application for a 97-kilometre replacement pipeline project. 

The Planner

Gove launches review into sea life and marine habitats

Environment secretary Michael Gove announced last week on World Oceans Day that he was reviewing measures to protect England’s sea life and marine habitats.

The Planner

UK Government vows to meet its 2050 climate change target

Prime Minister Theresa May has pledged the UK to eradicating its net contribution to climate change by 2050.

The Planner

MMC offers the potential to deliver homes the UK needs

The planning system is ‘too rigid’ to support modern methods of construction (MMC) to create the homes the nation needs, says a report by construction consultant Arup.

The Planner

Not all Help to Buy beneficiaries needed help, shows report

The Help to Buy equity loan scheme has increased home ownership and housing supply, according to a National Audit Office report, however, many of those who used the scheme could have bought a home without it.

The Planner

Mixed-use development approved in East London

The Mayor of London’s office has granted planning approval for four cultural and education buildings at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, as well as up to 600 homes.

The Planner

London boroughs’ planning approval rates vary widely

There is a 50 per cent divergence in planning approval rates across the planning committees at London boroughs, suggests a consultant’s report.

The Planner

Empowering communities key aim of high-profile event

Helping communities ensure that their neighbourhood plans are as effective as possible was the key aim of a high-profile event held in Market Harborough.

Harborough District Council

New laws to guarantee payment for solar homes providing excess electricity

New solar homes and businesses creating and exporting electricity to the grid will be guaranteed a payment from suppliers under new laws to be introduced by the government on 10 June.

UK Government

Planning experts get closer look at controversial Gailey rail freight hub

Planning experts have arrived in Staffordshire to inspect the proposed site of a hugely controversial rail depot. The West Midlands Interchange could be built on 700 acres of countryside on land bordered by the A5, A449 and M6 at Gailey, Four Ashes and Calf Heath.

Express & Star

York can’t control the impact of Airbnb, council admits

Short-term holiday lets such as Airbnb are a ‘very problematic area’ for council planning bosses, residents were told at a meeting.

York Mix

Pioneering plan to create hundreds of low-cost homes backed

Working families across Worthing – including those in key professions such as nurses and teachers – could benefit from an innovative way to create more than 150 sustainable, low-cost homes after councillors backed pioneering plans.

Adur & Worthing Councils

Former BHS warehouse makes way for HS2 station

HS2 has released a set of new images showing progress at London Euston, where the team this week completed the demolition of the former BHS warehouse on Hampstead Road, close to the new station’s proposed Camden Town entrance. 

UK Government

Land sale approved for hundreds more Brick by Brick homes

Croydon Council has agreed to sell more of its land to Brick by Brick for development into more than 500 additional affordable rented or private sale homes.

Housebuilder & Developer

14,000 new homes plan for Nuneaton and Bedworth approved

Up to 14,000 new homes could be built across Nuneaton and Bedworth over the next 12 years after a masterplan for housing and development was rubber-stamped.

Coventry Telegraph

Protests against plans to close Walsall pub in place of new shop

Walsall Council’s planning committee will meet next week and members have been recommended to approve a proposal by applicant Pal Singh that would see the New Inn in Blakenall Lane become a retail store with living quarters on the first floor.

Express & Star

Plans to keep a vital rail line on track

Network Rail has proposed a series of potential changes to a section of railway line in South Devon that is bordered by steep cliffs on one side and the sea on the other.

Infrastructure Intelligence

Consultation to be held for Alexander Stadium redevelopment

Plans for the redevelopment of Alexander Stadium are set to go on display at public drop-in events later this month.

Birmingham City Council

Major London regeneration scheme approved

On behalf of Orbit South Housing Association and Wates Residential, CBRE’s Planning team has secured a resolution to grant planning permission for the redevelopment of the Arthur Street Estate in the London Borough of Bexley.

CBRE

Birmingham Airport set for £500m investment

Birmingham Airport has published its new masterplan for future development after a 12-week public consultation.

Express & Star

Cabinet set to approve another £39m for housing

Cornwall Council’s cabinet will be asked to approve plans to spend another £39 million on building new homes and workspace. Under the proposals the council is looking to build more new homes in Bodmin and workspace in Falmouth and Newquay.

Cornish Stuff

Ministerial agency ‘damaging climate change efforts’

A government agency has been accused of undermining emissions targets by handing out billions in support of foreign fossil fuel projects. 

Public Finance

Consultation on private rent properties in Brent

A borough-wide consultation on landlord licensing for privately rented properties in Brent has been launched. It will last for 10 weeks.

Brent Council