The Architects’ Journal Architecture News & Buildings
Planning approvals for housing hit record low in 2024
The Home Builders Federation (HBF) has warned of an ‘urgent need for targeted interventions’ after planning approvals for housing plummeted to a record low
Planning
News about the planning system in the UK, including permitted development rights, the National Planning Policy Framework, the London Plan and the ‘country house’ clause
Far too many councillors are on the side of the nimbys
Some planning committee members have a mindset of ‘planning by vibes’ rather than being led by policy. No wonder the government is keen to address this, writes Russell Curtis
Regional mayors to get unprecedented powers in government devolution drive
New government devolution plans will give regional mayors unprecedented powers to drive growth in housebuilding and transport infrastructure
Bell Phillips submits first housing on Lendlease’s Birmingham Smithfield scheme
Bell Phillips has put forward a planning application for the first housing to fall within Lendlease’s huge Birmingham Smithfield scheme
‘Positive start but more to do’: reaction to the government’s planning changes
Key figures have welcomed ‘promising’ and ‘positive’ changes to rules governing when development can take place – but warned that much remains to be done to make the move a sustained success
Green-belt campaigners set out alternative housebuilding vision
Environmental campaigners including celebrity wildlife champion Chris Packham have urged the government to abandon its plans to build on the green belt
Mandatory councillor training could be introduced to speed-up planning
Ministers could force councillors to complete training before they can decide planning applications
Leeds planning staff arrested over suspected bribery offences
Police have arrested four planning staff at Leeds City Council over suspected bribery offences
Embed better play spaces into planning policy, government urged
A placemaking charity has urged ministers to ensure all new developments incorporate play spaces immediately outside homes
‘Wasteful’ council urged to rethink after inviting 28 bids for housing job
A group of leading architects has urged a rethink after a local authority reportedly invited 28 practices to tender for a housing project