Opinion

The planning white paper is like a complex and confusing science fiction novel

09.09.2020

England | planing reform | planning for the future | Planning White Paper | Policy & Politics

David Vickery takes a close read of the Planning for the Future white paper and sees unanswered questions and subverted expectations at every turn

Are we on the brink of a walking and cycling revolution?

26.08.2020

Helen Hemstock

active travel | cycling | Infrastructure - Green | Infrastructure - Transport | UK | Wallking

The Department for Transport's Gear Change plan marks a step forward for active travel planning, but there's still so much to be done, says Helen Hemstock
Will Covid-19 be the nail in the coffin for Bristol’s nightlife?

26.08.2020

Flo Ralston

Community Infrastructure | covid-19 | Leisure & Tourism | lockdown | Night-time economy | nightclub closures | small venue closures | South West

Small venues were under intense development pressure even before Covid-19 struck. Now the risk has become existential, says Flo Ralston
Flexibility and diversity are the key to vibrant, resilient town centres

24.08.2020

Heather Lindley-Clapp

change of use | Economic Growth | England | high streets | Planning Law | Policy & Politics | town centres | use class order

Changes to the Use Class Order could liberate England's high streets and give them greater vibrancy and resilience to shocks, says Heather Lindley-Clapp – but it's up to local authorities to rise to the...
Planning for the Future: Infrastructure levy poses more questions than answers

24.08.2020

Julia Berry

cil | England | Finance & Viability | infrastrcuture levy | planning for the future | planning gain | Policy & Politics

The government’s mooted infrastructure levy is full of tantalising possiblities but – as yet – too light on detail for anyone to properly assess how it will function, says Julia Berry
Planning for the Future: Digitally emboldened community engagement – in promise or in practice?

24.08.2020

Peter Mason

Community Engagement | consultation | digital engagement | England | planning for the future | Policy & Politics | Technology

Planning for the Future envisages episodic consultation with communities with each new iteration of local plans. But, says, Peter Mason, continuous engagement about the built environment is more efffective...

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Case study: New life for The Newt

Hadspen House in Somerset and its estate have been transformed from a traditional private estate into a high-grade hotel, landscaped garden and sustainable tourist destination. Good planning – with plenty of newt-counting – was integral, as Matt Moody discovers
Twists of freight: Why the future might depend on rail freight

Fifty proposals have been submitted to Network Rail to reopen lines closed by DR Beeching – but if improving transport links is vital for people to access opportunities across the UK, we’re missing a trick by not investing in a strategic rail freight network, says Jack Osgerby
Picking up the pieces: The case for a federal UK

Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic have ruthlessly exposed deep regional inequalities that are pulling the UK apart. A federal system of government could heal the divisions, argues Malcolm Prowle

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