Latest Planning & Policy News
House of Lords criticises government’s lack of clarity on modular construction
The government’s lack of clarity on its presumption in favour of modular construction was repeatedly criticised at a House of Lords debate yesterday evening about the Science and Technology Committee’s report, Off-site manufacture for construction: Building for change.
Mayor gives green light to called-in Abbey Wood resi-led scheme
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has approved an amended 272-home scheme close to the future Abbey Wood Crossrail station five months after it was rejected by Greenwich Council.
Law Commission proposes commonhold as alternative to leasehold
The Law Commission has proposed the expansion of commonhold as a reaction to public and cross-party criticism of loopholes in the leasehold system. The announcement marks the beginning of a three-month public consultation on commonhold as an alternative to leasehold.
Moda, Apache and La Salle IM add retirement living to £262m Hove scheme
The partnership between Moda Living, Apache Capital Partners and LaSalle Investment Management has unveiled its latest plans for a landmark £262m GDV development in Hove with the addition of Audley’s second ever Mayfield Villages scheme.
L&G plans to turn giant House of Fraser in Birmingham into offices
Legal & General has drawn up plans to turn House of Fraser’s giant store in Birmingham into offices and a hotel after seeing the value of the property and its rental income fall sharply, Property Week can reveal.
Potential £496m retailers' rebate delayed by VOA challenge on ATM business rates ruling
The government’s Valuation Office Agency has applied for the right to appeal a court ruling which blocked the agency’s proposal to introduce additional business rates on all ATMs in retail stores.
Supreme Court ruling weakens landlords’ power to oppose lease renewals
The landmark ruling on Franses v The Cavendish Hotel came as a surprise to some legal experts who have predicted it will create a “hostile environment” on the high street, while others claimed it is good news for tenants.
Government moots new biodiversity requirements for developers
Environment secretary Michael Gove is consulting on plans that would require developers to improve wildlife habitats and deliver a ‘biodiversity net gain’ when building a new housing or commercial scheme.
Government bans combustible cladding on new buildings
The government has banned combustible cladding on new buildings over 18 metres tall and has promised to give local councils “financial support if necessary” to remove ACM cladding from private buildings.
Mayor of London allocates £492m to affordable homes
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has allocated £492m more funding to support 9,937 affordable homes, but his track record on housing in the capital has come in for criticism from the London Assembly.
