Property, Planning and Regeneration
Select committee questions housing leaders
The future of the planning system in England is set to drastically change as the government aims to build 300,000 homes a year.
The Housing Communities and Local Government Committee is to take oral evidence on planning reforms today (9 November) from several leading figures within the housing sector.
Research looks at a holistic approach to planning
A new toolkit has been launched by industry experts to improve planning by making more detailed assessments on proposals.
Presented by the Royal Town Planning Institute and partners in a report on 6 November, the document measures the quality of design and placemaking, health and wellbeing, environment and community, movement and accessibility, and effect on the local economy.
Next-day delivery at risk from lack of warehouse space
Real estate experts are warning that the pressures on areas of rural development mean there may be a massive shortage of warehouse space.
Savills published its research on 5 November, suggesting rising housing demands and increased online shopping are challenging delivery logistics.
RICS announces new Home Survey Standard from 2021
Home surveys are being simplified from March 2021 as part of a new initiative from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Informed by a consultation with members, stakeholders and established leaders’ forums, the new standard was announced on 2 November as the means to ensure consistency and improve home buying and selling.
One year on from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations: what’s been done?
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has updated Parliament on the government’s progress with implementing the recommendations made by the first phase of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
His 2 November statement outlines the steps taken in the year since the report’s publication, including removing unsafe cladding from the market, legislating for better oversight with the Building Safety Bill, and funding to help fire and rescue services inspect high-rise residences.
Transport
Campaign to preserve historic paths launched
A campaign to include 49,000 miles of right of way paths in the definitive map for England and Wales has been launched by the Ramblers.
On 2 November, the Don’t Lose Your Way campaign shared the historic paths the pressure group is campaigning to ‘save’ by 2026.
How to fix the food system
An annual report looking at how to reduce carbon emissions from food production has suggested a list of key goals.
Wrap’s longstanding Courtauld 2025 targets include reducing transport emissions created by food production operations and addressing water stress in the food supply chain.
Energy and Environment
Communication is key for decarbonisation of Britain’s homes
The government has been asked to address the public knowledge deficit around net zero and the need to decarbonise homes.
A report from the Social Market Foundation published on 2 November has warned that the government must give clear messages as we transition away from natural gas boilers, or risk facing a backlash.
London boroughs to boost green retrofitting projects
London Councils has launched a call for cash in a bid to upgrade old buildings to better levels of energy efficiency.
The group representing all London boroughs has asked for £115million to retrofit 375 “shovel-ready” projects which would ‘secure immense environmental and economic benefits’ for the capital.
England to witness biggest ever nature restoration programme
Natural England’s new Nature Recovery Network Delivery Partnership is set to bring together over 600 organisations in a bid to restore 500,000 hectares of unprotected wildlife-rich habitat.
The first-of-its-kind initiative was launched on 5 November and aims to allow everyone across the country easy access to nature.
Other News
Manufacturing growth loses momentum
Manufacturing output rose in October, but growth is easing and the rate of manufacturing job losses has increased significantly.
The latest HIS Markit/ CIPS was published on 2 November, showing that the steepest rate of job losses was in the consumer goods sector.