Help-to-Buy scheme is working… Figures show increase in housebuilding… Permitted development rights to be extended… MPs call for guidance on renewable energy schemes… Majority of rejected wind turbine applications are being overturned… New powers to tackle unauthorised traveller sites…
Help-to-Buy scheme is working…
The Help-to-buy scheme has delivered over 300,000 new homes over the last two years. Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, said ‘with over 10,000 reservations in 4 months, it’s clear that the Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme is working well’.
Figures show increase in housebuilding…
The number of houses built across England between April and June has increased by a third compared to the same quarter last year, these figure show a 6% increase on the last quarter. These figures suggest more developers are looking to build and numbers of first-time buyers are increasing.
Permitted development rights to be extended…
A package of permitted developments rights has been announced by Planning Minister Nick Boles and is now under consultation. This package is designed to remove barriers to planning applications which are deterring people from using empty buildings.
MPs call for guidance on renewable energy schemes…
The Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee have recommended further planning guidance is needed at national level, particularly on technical issues. MPs have also called for the Government to do more to encourage local authorities to consider renewable energy development and involve the community in the planning process.
Majority of rejected wind turbine applications are being overturned…
Two-thirds of applications for wind turbines in Devon and Cornwall, originally been rejected by local councils, have been accepted by planning inspectors on appeal. Campaigners and MPs are concerned about the effect of development on the countryside.
New powers to tackle unauthorised traveller sites…
The Government has published a new guide designed to give councils and landowners stronger power to tackle unauthorised traveller sites. Local Government Secretary, Eric Pickles, said ‘we’ve strengthened councils’ powers so they have the confidence to take decisive action. Too often, council officers wash their hands, and say nothing can be done. This is not the case.
