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

A round-up of planning news in England: 27 February-6 March, 2015
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
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
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