England round-up: RTPI calls for stability in planning system, £5.2m energy sector growth

RTPI calls on next government to stabilise planning system

The RTPI has published 10 key proposals it would like to see the next government fulfil following the general election, including stabilising the planning system and investing in local planning.

The Planner

£5.2m energy sector growth

Barbour ABI figures reveal that a record number of solar power projects worth more than £1.7 billion were awarded in 2014.

The Planner

200,000 starter homes promised by Cameron

Prime minister David Cameron says he will double the number of starter homes available to 200,000 if the Conservatives win the general election.

The Planner

Major A5 roadworks at Shrewsbury on course for March completion

Major roadworks that have frustrated motorists in Shropshire for months are on track to be completed before the end of March, it has been revealed.

Shropshire Star

Villagers call for rethink over ‘eyesore’ housing plans

Stella Property Investments wants to build five contemporary executive town houses in a terrace on land off Church Lane in Whitburn.

The Shields Gazette

South West’s infrastructure to receive over £20 billion boost

More than £23 billion pounds will be invested in the South-West's roads, rail and air network, it was announced today.

ITV

HS2 ‘U-turn’ leads to uncertainty in Euston

The redevelopment of Euston Station is meant to be the jewel in the high-speed train line HS2’s crown. But the plans have changed so many times, it's becoming very difficult to keep up.

BBC News

Southeastern changes to services in response to feedback

Fourteen trains are to be lengthened on the Southeastern network and seven services are to make additional stops.

BBC News

Revealed - the dramatic skywalk that could transform Worcester

It looks like a scene out of New York - a 1,000-metre long raised walkway similar to the Big Apple's famous creation that got tongues wagging around the world.

Worcester News

Pickles refuses permission for 100-home development in Buckinghamshire

Communities secretary Eric Pickles has dismissed an appeal that would have permitted 100 homes to be built on fields at the edge of a Buckinghamshire market town, after deciding that the proposal would not constitute sustainable development.

Out-Law.com

Government ‘called-in’ and could veto first stage of 1,000 green belt homes near Linby

Parish councillors have called in Whitehall as they continue to protest against the first stage of a controversial 1,000-home development.

Nottingham Post

Fairies’ woodland homes face planning control

The first fairy door appeared more than a decade ago, a beautifully handcrafted work of art with a working handle, hinges and a little bed tucked behind it. But since then so many tiny doors have been fixed to trees in one Somerset wood that the custodians of this slice of sylvan paradise are having to bring in planning controls.

The Guardian

Housing affordability ranked as most urgent issue affecting councils

The cost of housing in the UK and its impact on local people is now the main concern for local government, ranking higher than long-held concerns about health and social care services in a survey of council chief executives.

The Guardian

No, Mr Osborne, selling our stake in Eurostar is not securing Britain’s future

The government is thrilled that it has found a buyer for the Treasury’s 40% stake in Eurostar. And no wonder. An Anglo-Canadian consortium has offered to pay £757m. In the autumn of 2013, when the coalition first announced its plan to sell, it expected to raise £300m. Which looks like prima facie evidence that the government doesn’t have much idea about how valuable national assets are. It’s all, says the chancellor, George Osborne, “part of our long-term plan to secure Britain’s future.” To an idiot such as myself, it looks like part of a long-term plan to secure the future of Patina Rail LLP.

The Guardian

River Thames Garden Bridge: Mayor accused of misleading Londoners

Boris Johnson has been accused of misleading Londoners over how much it could cost to fund a new garden bridge over the River Thames.

BBC News

Hartlepool highest wind turbines plan approved

Plans for three wind turbines that would be the tallest in England and Wales have been approved in Hartlepool.

BBC News