England round-up: Legislation for double council tax rate on empty homes announced; Government proffers £36m to improve flood protection

Legislation for double council tax rate on empty homes announced

The government has introduced legislation that would allow English local authorities to charge double the rate of council tax on homes left empty for years in an attempt to bring them back into use.

The Planner

Government proffers £36m to improve flood protection 

Environment minister Thérèse Coffey has announced that communities across England will receive a share of £36 million to improve flood protection.

The Planner

High Court success for Wirral hotelier

Thornton Hall Hotel has won a High Court case against Wirral Council and Thornton Holdings that sees planning permission for a marquee development in the green belt quashed.

The Planner

New-build starts up year on year, suggest government statistics 

In the year to December 2017, annual new-build starts totalled 162,180 – up 5 per cent compared with the year to December 2016, according to government statistics.

The Planner

Government funds £260 million to improve air quality

A £220 million Clean Air Fund is set to tackle roadside emissions. It's part of a £260 million plus package from the government to improve air quality.

The Planner

Planning inspector comments on borough’s local plan

Air pollution, flooding and the green belt have all been raised by a planning inspector in response to the Windsor and Maidenhead Borough Council’s local plan.

Maidenhead Advertiser

Campaign for Sheffield mayor begins

A campaign to raise public awareness of the Sheffield City Region Mayoral election has started.

UK Government

71-home proposals in Blunsdon

Residents in Blunsdon have said they are frustrated with proposals for 71 homes by Swindon-based company Castlewood Commercial Properties Ltd that would distort the character of the village.

Swindon Advertiser

Major Shropshire homes plan tipped for green light

Up to 600 homes could be built on the edge of Shropshire if plans are given the go-ahead next week.

Insider Media

Grayling: West Coast Partnership to lay foundation for high speed future 

Improved accessibility, simpler fares and improved compensation are among the benefits passengers on the West Coast will receive under a new operator over the next decade, according to transport secretary Chris Grayling.

UK Government

Government seeks views to help maritime flourish

Transport secretary Chris Grayling has announced the appointment of the team, who will work closely with industry contacts to help make sure the UK stays at the forefront of global shipping over the coming decades.

UK Government

Inland Homes submits plans for £650m Hertfordshire scheme

South-East housebuilder Inland Homes has submitted outline planning to build more than 1,800 homes at Cheshunt Lakeside in Hertfordshire.

Construction Enquirer

Mini housing estate planned for green belt land in Bedworth 

A mini housing estate comprising up to 150 homes could be built on green belt land in Bedworth, according to proposals by Heyford Developments Ltd.

Coventry Telegraph

Scrap the term ‘Cycle Superhighway’, London Assembly tells mayor

The term ‘Cycle Superhighway’ suggests and promotes speed and should be replaced by another term, according to a new London Assembly report.

Bike Biz

Creative Industries Sector Deal launched

A deal agreed between the government and the Creative Industries Council has been agreed for the sector.

UK Government

St Albans City FC reveal new football stadium plan

A proposal for a 6,000 capacity football stadium to ‘sustain’ a non-league club have been revealed.

BBC News