England round-up: Think Tank demands London planning review; Greater Manchester launches clean energy drive

Environmental lawyers threaten third challenge over falling air quality

The number of UK authorities missing air quality targets has reached a seven-year high with environmental campaigners warning the government that it faces legal action for the third time on the issue.

The Planner

Traffic jams cost economy £9 billion a year

Traffic jams on the strategic road network is costing the economy £9 billion a year, according to latest research.

The Planner

RTPI seeks feedback on apprenticeship scheme

In line with government reforms to apprenticeships in England, the RTPI is working to develop a new apprenticeship standard for chartered town planners. It is now seeking feedback on its draft standard via online survey.

If you are an employer, you can respond to the survey here.

If you work for a university, you can submit your response here.

New law to drive forward electric car chargepoints

Motorway services and large petrol retailers will be required to install chargepoints for electric cars under legislation unveiled by the government.

The Planner

Government think tank demands review of London planning

London’s planning system needs radical reforms to significantly reduce bias against development, according to a think tank.

The Planner

Greater Manchester powers switch to clean energy

Local authorities, businesses, universities and football clubs across Greater Manchester have joined forces to launch a major clean energy drive.

The Planner

Redcar regeneration plan envisages 20,000 jobs

Around 20,000 jobs could be created under a 25-year plan to regeneration the former steel plant at Redcar.

The Planner

Greens warn Arundel bypass plan could be ‘next Twyford Down’

Campaigners are warning the government that plans for a bypass for the A27 at Arundel could be the ‘next Twyford Down’.

The Planner

Khan intervenes for second time to raise affordable housing provision

London mayor Sadiq Khan has for the second time this month approved a development after intervening to raise the proportion of affordable housing on the scheme.

The Planner

Stansted revises expansion plans after consulting residents

Stansted Airport has revised its plans for growth and will not seek to increase the number of flights it operates.

The Planner

Plans for ex-Corus steelworks site approved

Persimmon Homes wants to build more than 650 homes in a major redevelopment of Workington’s former steelworks site.

News and Star                                                                                  

First Bear Grylls adventure centre set for Birmingham’s NEC

The planning application by Alton Towers owner Merlin includes a “skydiving experience and high ropes course” after teaming up with the survival expert and TV host.

Express and Star

Fracking firm plans more oil well tests

Cuadrilla has applied to the Environment Agency to conduct flow tests at its exploration site in Balcombe, near Haywards Heath

The Argus

Christchurch shopping village receives permission ending two-year saga

Proposals for a mixed use outlet at a former factory in Christchurch have finally been approved more than 900 dos after the current occupants opened for business

Bournemouth Echo

Lidl reveals huge warehouse plan for Peterborough

The 754,000 square foot regional distribution centre is expected to create 500 jobs and is the German grocery chain’s biggest yet.

This is money.co.uk

Residents concerns about plans for £70 million retirement village

Residents living around a proposed luxury care village on the outskirts of Torquay have questioned the financial impact on the area and the need for the £70 million development by English Care Villages.

Devon Live

Classic FM boss refused permission for Hyde Park 'super home'

Ashley Tabor’s application to combine two multi-million pound flats into a single property was rejected by Westminster City Council, which said it was “unconscionable” amid a housing shortage.

Daily Telegraph

“Rentlationships”: how UK housing crisis forces couples to stay together

Couples in failing relationships are forced to rent together because they are unable to find affordable housing alone.

The Independent

Green light for £50m Hertford shopping centre regeneration

East Herts District Council has approved the proposal to regenerate Bircherley Green shopping centre

Construction News