31 Dec 2024
Just before Christmas, the government (Defra and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) published a Planning Reform Working Paper. The paper invites views on the government’s proposed new approach to development and nature recovery. It forms part of a series of working papers on different aspects of planning reform, designed to inform further […]
25 Sep 2024
The Planning Inspectorate has published guidance on how Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) will need to take the requirements of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) into account. It said when reporting and on an NSIP application, the examining authority will need to consider the potential effects of any proposed development on: The environmental objectives and […]
12 Sep 2024
Natural England hosted a webinar focused on the growing importance of green infrastructure in urban areas, highlighting new tools and policies to integrate nature into urban planning. Alan Law, Chief Officer for Strategy, introduced the event, discussing the government’s focus on balancing economic growth, housing development, and infrastructure investment with nature conservation. He emphasised that […]
12 Sep 2024
Research led by the University of Sheffield, in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University, University of Exeter and University of Plymouth, shows Green Social Prescribing – supporting people to engage in nature-based activities – is an effective way of supporting people to improve their mental health More than 8,300 people with mental health needs took part […]
27 Aug 2024
The Australian Government have announced they are developing a Sustainable Ocean Plan for Australia. The plan will work across governments, industries, research organisations, conservation groups and communities to better manage Australia’s ocean. It will chart a course for Australia to meet the increasingly complex challenges that face the ocean and the $118.5 billion ‘blue economy’ […]
07 Aug 2024
The government has published a new consultation seeking views on the proposed approach to revising the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in order to achieve sustainable growth in our planning system. The government is also seeking views on a series of wider policy proposals in relation to increasing planning fees, local plan intervention criteria and […]
23 Jul 2024
The Environmental Industries Commission (EIC) has released a new guide to nature policies. The publication provides a plain English summary of the multiple and fast-emerging nature policies across the UK, and advice on how enhancing nature can add value to development projects. The legislative and investment-driven focus on nature is accelerating, with increased recognition that […]
23 Jul 2024
The UK government has announced plans to accelerate the delivery of high-quality infrastructure and housing and to “get Britain building”. The King’s Speech contained planning reforms via the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. The Bill will set out to unlock more housing and infrastructure across the country, supporting economic growth as well as the environment. The new legislation […]
