Uncertain times

Government publishes revised planning reforms

Councils in England that do not have a valid local plan will be forced to follow the new planning framework from today, the government has said.

London must grow

The sound and the fury

Localism Bill amendment for regional spacial strategies snubbed

The government has ruled out a transitional arrangement to help councils prepare for the scrapping of regional planning targets.

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.

Tax break

Landlords can have their say on a new levy which could increase affordable housing provision, says Katherine Evans

The stamp of approval

Councils are expected to allow development wherever possible

Special agents

Is your organisation ready for the introduction of new rights for agency workers, asks Siobhan Fitzgerald, lawyer at TLT

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

Getting up to speed

With little progress on calls for an exemption, developing social landlords need to be aware of new procurement rules, says Bill Hull