Speeding infrastructure delivery
The Government amended the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to build Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) faster, as here. Angela Rayner MP, Deputy Prime Minister, said “We are strengthening the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to make sure we can lead the world again with new roads, railways, and energy infrastructure as part of the Plan for Change, whilst ensuring local people still have a say in our journey to get Britain building.”
Government wants more delegated decisions
The government is to consult on shifting the jurisdiction of planning committees for smaller housing schemes, building on proposals in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
As reported by The Times, the government is expected to announce further elements of its planning reform agenda in the coming weeks. Among the most contentious is a proposed consultation on removing council planning committees’ ability to “interfere in the vast majority of planning applications.”
Planning minister Matthew Pennycook has confirmed that larger schemes will continue to go before committee. However, stripping Councillors’ planning committees [more…]
E-bike safety
The Government published new independent research into the safety of e-bike and e-scooter lithium-ion batteries, chargers and e-bike conversion kits
Borough finance difficulties
London Councils, representing local authorities in London, has issued a press release on how the housing crisis threatens to bankrupt London boroughs due to the £330m overspend in coping with homeless people.
Using the LG Ombudsman
If complaints to a local Council about their services or actions have not reached an acceptable conclusion, a case can be raised with the Local Government Ombudsman. The website of that department has details. Unfortunately, Councils can refuse to comply with the LG Ombudsman’s directions.
Fees for planning applications
The Government has updated its guidance which explains planning related fees, to what they apply and the method of calculating them, as here.
Planning and Infrastructure Bill
Lawyers at Town Legal produced a summary of changes in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill (PAIB). Civic Voice commented on the Bill with concern about changes to local authorities’ planning committees.
London Forum draws attention, as here, to some of the amendments proposed for the Commons Committee Stage of the Bill and will report progress of that committee on its meetings from 29th April 2025. It has to complete its work by 22nd May 2025.
100 years to clear family social housing waiting lists
New data of the National Housing Federation, Crisis and Shelter found that acute shortages of social housing suitable for families mean it would now take more than 100 years to clear waiting lists in some places, with London 15th of the top 20 most affected UK areas. Boroughs spend £4m a day providing temporary housing. See more here.
Mayor’s licensing powers
GLA Deputy Mayors have written to boroughs calling for action in supporting hospitality. The Government has formed a new working group, as described here, to explore how to reduce barriers within the licensing system. To revitalise the capital’s nightlife, a proposal is to grant the Mayor of London new powers to review and potentially overturn licensing applications blocked by local councils. That is of concern if local communities could be adversely affected.
Dave Hill has commented on this for ONLONDON.
DCMS Inquiry: Protecting Built Heritage
We’ve responded to the recent DCMS inquiry on Protecting Built Heritage, the response is posted in the ‘what we’ve said‘ archive as usual, and linked below for your convenience.
London Forum commented on the need for funding for English Heritage and Historic England, the importance of grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the deployment of enough skilled heritage practitioners.
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Great British Railways consultation launched
The government has at last launched a formal consultation on the creation of Great British Railways (GBR), several years after the launch of the Williams Review in 2018 that ended [more…]
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