Groups unite to oppose planning reform

Cala appeal dismissed in court

A developer has lost its appeal against communities secretary Eric Pickles’ decision to scrap regional planning targets.

Growing pains

Coming of age

The Rio+20 conference is an opportunity to tackle the sustainability issues that rapid population growth and urbanisation create, says Susanne Salz

Divided ambitions

When Eric Pickles axed the regional planning system, one Hertfordshire council seized the opportunity to scupper a neighbouring authority’s development plans. Simon Brandon kicks off our south east special by examining the consequences.

Getting stuck in

The Localism Act successfully completed its passage through parliament last month, putting residents at the heart of local decision making. So how will it affect the way landlords do business? Rhiannon Bury attends a round table of experts to find out

Foreign intervention

The threat of climate change may not be a big enough priority in most countries, but going green can help to tackle other, more pressing, socio-economic problems, as demonstrated by a retrofit project in South Africa, says Jane Henley

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 repairs rule book

Contractor Forrest launched a code of conduct for its repairs and maintenance workers last summer, improving customer satisfaction as a result. Here Sally-Ann Smith explains how it works

Get your Act together

With a host of legal acts coming into effect this year and next, Caroline Thorpe helps you to learn your lines so you can take to the housing stage with confidence

Unlocking the green code

Green leases are becoming more common for social landlords with commercial property, says Ben Halsey, senior associate at Lewis Silkin