Improving the system for planning and development

Posted in: Planning, Housing and Economic Development / Improving the system for planning and development

Drawing on international lessons and lessons from development initiatives in the UK, this project is about looking at case studies and options for improving the planning system to encourage a more effective planning system and new development.

18 Articles

Is the Localism Act a lawyers' charter?
[, Dec 23, 2011]

A round table debate organised at think-tank Localis with Berwin Leighton Paisner discussed the question: is the Localism Act a lawyers' charter?

Roundtable: Is the Localism Act a lawyers’ charter?
[False, Dec 13, 2011]

Is the Localism Act a lawyers’ charter? (in association with BLP Managed Legal Service)

District Nurses
[, Nov 8, 2011]

The communities that are piloting the government's flagship neighbourhood planning policy are getting stuck into their work. Colin Marrs reports on how three very different initiatives are progressing.

PluggedIN: Planning at neighbourhood level
[, Nov 8, 2011]

Whilst national media coverage has focused on the National Planning Policy Framework, the local government community has due cause to cast its eyes to the lowest, rather than highest, rung of our future planning system.

Localism gives people the chance to make real changes
[, Oct 28, 2011]

Planning is a Krakatoa policy. For years it lies dormant with only the barest murmur on the political seismograph, and then it erupts. And this summer it has certainly erupted - it cannot have escaped the attention of even the most cursory of newspaper readers that planning has been something of a p

Neighbourhood planning 'is not for Nimbys'
[, Oct 6, 2011]

In a report published today, Localis argues that neighbourhood plans could deliver a more positive attitude to planning from all involved. It says local authorities must act as ‘honest brokers’ between developers and residents and provide an overarching strategic vision for growth.

Neighbourhood planning scheme 'could provide benefits'
[, Oct 6, 2011]

A new thinktank report has highlighted the potential benefits offered by proposed neighbourhood planning schemes, as long as they are correctly managed. Localis has published analysis of stipulations in the Localism Bill that would allow neighbourhoods to have more of a say about developments in the

Neighbourhood planning can deliver more and better development, with local support, says new Localis report
[, Oct 4, 2011]

Localis, in partnership with Birmingham City Council and Land Securities, is today launching a major report that concludes that neighbourhood plans can deliver a more positive attitude to planning from all involved, and ultimately help drive national growth, from the bottom up, in the years ahead.

Power to the People
[False, Sep 30, 2011]

Localis, in association with Birmingham City Council, LandSecurities and Quod have published a report on the future of neighbourhood planning and how it can deliver growth.

Localis at CIH Conference
[, Jun 23, 2011]

Localis hosted a panel event entitled Power to the People: Helping Neighbourhood Planning to Deliver Growth at the Chartered Institute of Housing conference in Harrogate, which presented a variety of viewpoints on the Localism Bill’s neighbourhood planning provisions.

National Housing Federation's Localism Bill Conference
[, Jan 31, 2011]

Localis members can take advantage of an exclusive discount for the National Housing Federation's Localism Bill Conference

Greg Clark reveals details of planning reform at speech hosted by Localis
[, Nov 19, 2010]

Greg Clark, Minister for Decentralisation, gave a speech at Localis in which he outlined the government's plans for a less confrontational and more locally shaped planning system.

Back yard with conversion potential
[, Nov 16, 2010]

In this article for 'The House' magazine, Alex Thomson welcomes the move away from centralised planning, but calls for more vigorous debate between communities and developers, with scope for real local buy-in

Accountable Planning
[, May 21, 2010]

In this edition of Policy Platform we consider what a more localised planning system should look like, and how community engagement can benefit future development.

Urban Regeneration Roundtable
[, Mar 18, 2008]

Dr. Leunig will present the results of the second part of his acclaimed three-part series of Localis and Policy Exchange publications on urban regeneration, Local problems, Global lessons: Evaluating International Urban Policy.

Cities Limited
[, Aug 1, 2007]

There are countless programmes, schemes and policies in place which are meant to help our cities regenerate. Yet, despite all of them and despite huge amounts of money spent on urban policy, success is difficult to measure.

Better Homes, Greener Cities
[, Feb 10, 2006]

A Policy Exchange report into the problems with the housing system in the UK. Sponsored by Localis in collaboration with the LGA, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Bernard Sunley Charitable Foundation.

Bigger, Better, Faster, More
[, Jun 4, 2005]

Why some countries plan better than others

Related Local Government News Articles

15 Related Local Government News Articles

Government announces 14 community budget pilot schemes
[False, Dec 22, 2011]

The Government today announced the award of 14 'community budget' pilots for 2012 -ten more than the four originally planned – to give councils and communities greater powers to control their budgets and pool resources.

LEPs could get formal role in planning process
[, Dec 8, 2011]

Local enterprise partnerships covering the UK's eight core cities outside London could become statutory consultees on planning applications under a menu of options revealed today by deputy prime minister Nick Clegg.

Business backs reforms to 'creaking' planning system
[, Sep 19, 2011]

A group of leading businessmen and industrialists has written to The Times blaming a 'creaking planning system' for deterring inward investment and stalling the ability of UK businesses seeking to expand.

Clark rejects claims of ‘cosying’ to developers
[, Sep 14, 2011]

Planning minister Greg Clark has dismissed suggestions ministers enjoy a cosy relationship with the property industry following allegations he urged developers to lobby Number 10 with support for his decentralised reforms.

Osborne wades into planning row
[, Sep 6, 2011]

George Osborne has robustly defended the coalition’s planning reforms and warned critics that no one should underestimate ministers’ determination to drive through the proposals. Writing in the Financial Times, the chancellor dismisses claims by opponents that the reforms will put the countrysi

Business to have say in local planning
[, May 18, 2011]

London’s South Bank and Trafford Park in Manchester are among eight areas that will act as pilots for new business-led “neighbourhood plans”, the government will announce this week.

Eight areas to trial business-led planning
[, May 18, 2011]

Eight business groups in English urban areas are to trial the government’s plan to allow businesses to lead the local planning process.

Localism Bill 'to shift planning powers'
[, Dec 7, 2010]

New planning laws will give neighbourhoods more influence over the kind of developments they want in their areas, it has been revealed.

Councils welcome right to set planning fees
[, Nov 16, 2010]

In a consultation launched yesterday, the Department for Communities and Local Government suggested giving councils the power to recover the true costs of processing planning applications by varying their fees.

Cash incentives for localised planning
[, Feb 22, 2010]

The Conservatives have said they would sweep away the present planning system and replace it with one based on financial rewards for localities that accept new development.

Camden introduces ‘naked’ street
[, Nov 27, 2009]

Camden has long considered itself at the cutting edge of fashion and popular culture but now it is claiming another first. A 380-metre stretch of its High Street in North London is to become the city’s only “naked” street.

Consultation: Community Infrastructure Levy
[, Jul 31, 2009]

This consultation seeks views from consultees on the Government's detailed proposals for the introduction of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), including draft regulations.

Planning rules eased to boost building
[, Jun 19, 2009]

A package of measures to help boost the construction industry during the recession has been announced by new housing minister John Healey. Developers are to be given more time to start building and further flexibility to adapt building plans.

Britain's roads blighted with potholes
[, Feb 13, 2009]

Experts predicted yesterday that the recent heavy snowfall and ice could leave councils patching up more than a million holes this year, with an estimated repair bill of £64million

New planning laws threaten village life
[, Jan 5, 2009]

Village life is under threat with moves to relax planning laws to pave the way for the largest development of "affordable" rural homes in a generation

• "Localis is fast gaining a reputation for pre-empting the localist agenda, producing thought provoking research and practical policy ideas"Anthony Seldon, author and political commentator
• "Localis’ commitment to decentralisation crosses party boundaries, and their research illuminates policy problems with new practical thinking"Prof George Jones, LSE
• "Localis offers a great blend of a passion for innovation, grounded practical ideas and unswerving belief in the possibilities of local governance"Derek Myers, Chief Executive, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

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