England round-up: Release green belt to build homes, Bicester eco-town proposal submitted

Release London green belt for a million homes, urges report 

Building on 3.7 per cent of London’s green belt would allow a million new homes to be created, solving the city’s housing crisis, a new report has claimed.

The Planner 

Bicester eco-town proposal submitted

A planning application for 1,700 new homes in north-west Bicester has been submitted to Cherwell District Council. 

The Planner 

Janet Askew becomes RTPI President

Janet Askew has been inaugurated as President of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) at a ceremony in central London. 

The Planner 

Oxfordshire planners pick up the pieces after fire

Planners and other staff at South Oxfordshire District Council have been offered office space by neighbouring authorities after an arson attack burnt down the council's planning department. 

The Planner 

Investment in enterprise zones boosts communities

Communities secretary Eric Pickles has announced that an improved economy has allowed developers to invest £230 million in enterprise zones across the country. 

The Planner 

'No social housing' boasts luxury London flat advert for foreign investors

Marketing material aimed at foreign investors provokes anger in one of London’s most deprived areas with thousands on social housing waiting lists.

The Guardian 

Wellingborough £115m employment park served by 'narrow country lane'

A "narrow country lane" that will have to cope with "thousands of lorries" will be central to a debate about a £115m business park.

BBC News

Leicester's Haymarket bus station closes for £13.5m revamp

Leicester's Haymarket bus station has closed to the public for its £13.5m redevelopment.

BBC News 

Plans for 500 homes on Telford factory site put on hold

Plans to build more than 500 homes on a factory site in Telford have been put on hold over concerns about a lack of school places and gridlocked roads.

Shropshire Star 

Bath's Victoria Bridge reopens after £3.4m repair work

A Grade II-listed bridge in Bath has officially reopened after a £3.4m project to make it structurally sound.

BBC News