England round-up: More than 100 councils face action in housing delivery test; Reports published on high street health

A round-up of planning news in England: 16 February-22 February, 2019
More than 100 councils face action in housing delivery test
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has published the results of its first housing delivery test. A total of 108 authorities have failed to meet the 95 per cent delivery target.
The Planner
Local plans key to improving high street health
The large-scale structural change of high streets in order to improve their health requires intervention led by local authorities in partnership with communities. Local plans are a key element of this.
The Planner
Lack of skilled workers contributes to high street woes
The main challenges for poorly performing high streets is the lack of skilled workers and the demand to shift away from retail towards high-knowledge and leisure services.
The Planner
20 organisations take part in RTPI shadowing initiative
Local authorities and organisations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have responded to the RTPI’s call to offer young planners the opportunity to find out what it is like to be a chief planning officer.
The Planner
Postbox in middle of Moseley driveway to be investigated
Birmingham City Council is investigating ‘unauthorised works’ after residents were left baffled over the siting of postbox on the corner of Oxford Road and School Road.
Birmingham Live
Controversial application in ‘councillor’s backyard’ approved
Plans for two new houses on land attached to a house rented by a councillor have been approved by Coventry’s planning committee. But a member of the committee has hit out at suggestions that the councillor used their position to get the application through.
Coventry Telegraph
Government sets out plans to overhaul waste system
The government has launched a series of consultations aimed at overhauling the waste system.
UK Government
TfL awards London Underground track contract to Balfour Beatty
Balfour Beatty has landed a £220 million contract from Transport for London (TfL) to deliver London Underground track renewal works. The four-year contract covers all aspects of track renewals.
Infrastructure Intelligence
Solar installation completed at Port of Goole
Solar energy is now being generated at the Port of Goole following a £1 million investment by operator ABP.
Insider Media
Appeal after shortage of playing fields put stop to housing development
An appeal has been launched by developers after a shortage of playing fields put a stop to a Middlesbrough housing development being approved.
Teesside Live
UK’s largest modular council housing scheme proposed for Leeds
The UK’s largest fully modular council housing and apartment scheme in the UK could be built in Leeds, following a planning application submitted by Leeds City Council and United Living.
Environment Journal
Hull council to use police powers to clamp down on planning breaches
Council officials in Hull are set to use seizure powers currently employed by the police to prosecute planning breaches for the first time.
Hull Live
Council housing ‘central to prison reform’
Local authorities will be key to facilitating prison reforms by providing housing for ex-offenders, said the justice secretary.
Public Finance
Jacksdale pair fined after failing to remove caravans from green belt site
Two Jacksdale residents have been fined after failing to remove caravans from a green belt site. They pleaded guilty to ignoring a notice to clear land that breached planning control.
Chad
Tackling homelessness together
A consultation has been launched into how the government could improve local accountability for the delivery of homelessness services.
UK Government
Brokenshire won't call Burnham retirement village proposal
Housing secretary James Brokenshire has said he will not review plans for a controversial 238-bed retirement village in Burnham, after permission was approved by Maldon District Council.
Maldon Standard
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