Stuart Robinson
ProfessionalThe case for keeping locally raised taxes in the hands of local councils
Good development depends on local authorities having adequate resources to fully scrutinise and appraise development proposals.
ProfessionalNew planning guidance could create more problems than it solves
It is nearly four years since the coalition took charge with a promise to reform the planning system, and there has been a wide range of changes during that time.
ProfessionalOffice-to-residential conversion threatens London’s primacy
As chairman of the mayor’s London Office Panel Review, I have been tasked with investigating the industry’s view on whether house price rises are affecting office supply. In central London, offices are being lost to residential development at an alarming rate: 70 office buildings were lost in Westminster alone in ...
ProfessionalAttempts to sidestep mind-boggling office-to-resi regime may backfire
I don’t know how I would begin to describe to him the potential for exploitation of this latest measure of a government hell bent on “simplifying” the planning system.
ProfessionalWelcome U-turns on ill-conceived community infrastructure levy
When you are trying to ignite economic growth through the construction sector, it is probably not the best time to introduce a tax on development.
ProfessionalUK planners: beware Moscow’s foolhardy development strategy
Napoleon entered Moscow 200 years ago, as part of his ill-fated Russian campaign, only to find that the city had been evacuated and nothing of value was left. Now, it would seem the Moscow planning authorities are about to repeat the exercise.
ProfessionalU-turn on localism underlines chaos in planning system
The penny has dropped. With waves of woeful economic indicators set before them, the coalition government has finally woken up to the fact that localism is not the panacea for economic growth.
ProfessionalPunitive effects of community infrastructure levy start to emerge
The Community Infractructure Levy (CIL) is a mess.
ProfessionalBusinesses can use Localism Bill to their advantage
The most radical shake-up of primary planning legislation since the Planning Act 1947 appears to have been forgotten amid the sensationalist planning debate
ProfessionalWill this presumption boost sustainable development? asks Stuart Robinson
Those of you who are as long in the tooth as myself will remember the heady days of development under the Town and Country Planning Act 1974, when authorities had limited powers to interfere with land owners’ rights. We enjoyed a “presumption in favour of development”, unless there was a ...
- Professional
Pickles ruling will only help advanced schemes
Last Wednesday a High Court decision found in favour of Cala Homes’ challenge that the revocation of regional spatial strategies (RSS) by the government in July 2010 was unlawful
- Professional
London can be the start of localism’s grand plan, says Stuart Robinson
If a week is a long time in normal politics, three months is an age for the government. Activity since May has been frenetic. Alongside the planned 25% spending cuts, fundamental reform will change the face of education, health, policing and planning.
- Professional
Professional opinion: Stuart Robinson
Further national planning reforms inspire a vote of no confidence
- Professional
Professional Opinion: Stuart Robinson
A Tory overhaul of planning is not a prospect to be relished
- Professional
Short-sighted mayor will count cost of London’s protected views
Boris pledged to protect London’s heritage from the evils of high rise
ProfessionalIs Gummer’s ‘town centre first’ policy relevant today?
New planning document changes nothing, says Stuart Robinson
ProfessionalPlanning gain proposals are a relic from better days
The community infrastructure levy is not suited to these times, says Stuart Robinson
- Professional
Planners have to get real about viability
Planning authorities must respond to recession with pragmatism and a desire to deliver, says Stuart Robinson
ProfessionalCredit crunch makes housing targets look like a pipe dream
Planning taxes must be reduced to stimulate supply
