England round-up: Sharma launches shop for land; LGA calls for ‘residential revolution’ to house ageing population

Housing and planning minister Alok Sharma has opened the UK’s first ‘plot shop’ in Bicester.

The Planner

LGA calls for ‘residential revolution’ to house ageing population

Local Government Association (LGA) analysis has suggested that the number of specialist homes for older people needs to increase by 400,000 units due to England’s ageing population.

The Planner

Khan plans to buy land for housing with £250m

In his draft Housing Strategy published this week, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has earmaked an initial £250 million to buy and prepare land for new and affordable homes.

The Planner

Build-to-rent can play part in housing London’s population – report

Build-to-rent could provide an additional source of high-quality housing to complement that provided by mainstream housebuilders.

The Planner

Philip Hammond pressed on rail plans during northern visit

Chancellor Philip Hammond has met regional leaders in the north of England as part of an attempt to prove that the government is committed to the so-called “northern powerhouse” project to close the north-south divide.

The Guardian

Permission sought for 10km water pipe in Chichester

Southern Water has applyed for planning permission for a the pipeline that will run from the west of Chichester, across the north of the city and through to Tangmere, where it will connect to Tangmere Wastewater Treatment Works.

Spirit FM

Councillor urges inspectorate to objections over 400 homes appeal

A concerned ward councillor has warned that rejected plans to build 400 homes in New Waltham would turn the village into a suburb of Grimsby if they are overturned at appeal.

Grimsby Telegraph

Chance to have your say on future of Exmouth

A draft version of the Exmouth Neighbourhood Plan has been published; residents can now respond to a consultation on what development they want to take place in the town.

Devon Live

Time for HS2 phase 1 civil contractor designs should be ‘revisited’

The time allowed for developing civil engineering contractor designs should be ‘revisited’ for HS2 phase 1, according to a recommendation by the project’s Independent Design panel.

Rail Technology Magazine

Multi-million upgrade for A1 in Northumberland

Plans for a multi-million upgrade that includes dualling a 13-mile stretch of the A1 in Northumberland have moved to the next stage, following consultation on three options.

UK Government

Plans for busy junction on the M2 in Kent published

Proposed major improvements to make journeys safer and more reliable for drivers using junction 5 on the M2 have been unveiled by Highways England.

UK Government

Khan calls for increase in UK infrastructure investment

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has called for a major increase in infrastructure spending across the UK in the aftermath of Brexit.

Greater London Authority

Planning approval sought for 64 new homes in Moreton-on-Lugg

Beechcroft Land Ltd and Crawford Richard Perkins have applied for outline planning permission to build 64 homes, including 35 per cent affordable, on land to the west of Church House Farm in Moreton-On-Lugg.

Hereford Times

WSP completes road network study on A45

WSP has completed a major study for Northamptonshire County Council that has the potential to provide the transport infrastructure necessary to enable 35,000 new jobs in the area over the next 15 years and to release over 44,000 much needed new homes.

Infrastructure Intelligence

Thousands respond to Lake District zip wire plans

More than 2,000 people have responded to activity hub proposals that would see two 1,200m zip wires running over Thirlmere.

The Westmorland Gazette

Plans for out-of-town Hull retail park rejected

Plans for a £32m expansion of an out-of-town retail park have been rejected by six votes to four.

BBC News