An ‘old-fashioned and dunderheaded’ approach

Shapps refutes claims he wants green deal ditched

Housing minister Grant Shapps has rejected claims that he wants the government to abandon its multi-billion pound flagship energy efficiency scheme.

Tory peer brands abolition of RDAs a 'mistake'

A Conservative peer has criticised the government’s decision to abolish regional bodies, calling it a ‘mistake’.

Coalition ministers split over green initiative

A rift has opened up between ministers at the helm of the Communities and Local Government department over plans to require households to carry out energy-efficiency work if they extend their home.

National Trust targets new homes bonus scheme

The National Trust has called for a clause in the Localism Bill that legitimises the new homes bonus incentive scheme to be scrapped.

Local control

The stamp of approval

Councils are expected to allow development wherever possible

Shout it from the rooftops

Further planning rules under the Localism Act could increase the need to consult residents, says Ben Halsey, senior associate at Lewis Silkin

Stuck in the mud

Despite the Localism Act being passed, the role LEPs can play in housing remains uncertain, says Liz Jenkins, partner, and Laura Coates, trainee, at Clyde & Co

The other side of the story

Dale Farm has dominated the headlines in recent months. But as Alex Turner finds, there are plenty of examples of landlords and Travellers working together successfully

Q&A: The Ecological Sequestration Trust

Eco-cities guru Peter Head has just left contractor Arup, where he headed an 800-strong global urban planning team, to set up a charity with the ambition to transform planning. Here he explains the thinking behind his latest project