New Regeneration Agency New agency to deliver regeneration and housing, Communities England will bring together functions of English Partnerships, Housing Corporation, and range of work carried out by DCLG, including decent homes, housing market renewal, housing PFI, housing growth and urban regeneration 18.01.07 DCLG Press Release, Environment Law, Local Authority Law, Property Law

Climate Change Planning Reform The Government has published a consultation draft of a new Planning Policy Statement entitled Planning and Climate Change, period for consultation responses is until 8 March 2007 17.12.06 Law Now, Climate Change, Environment Law

Rogers to Review Local Authority Law Peter Rogers, Chief Executive of Westminster City Council, is to lead an independent review of legislation enforced by local authorities to identify 5 key priorities, review will include over 60 policy areas with the aim to produce a more joined up approach to regulatory inspection and enforcement 30.11.06 Cabinet Office Press Release, Agriculture Law, Anti-Social Behaviour, Consumer Credit, Consumer Rights, Environment Law, Food Standards, Health & Safety, Licensing, Property Law, Trading Standards

Planning Law Will Ease House Building Housing Minister Yvette Cooper today set out reforms to the planning system to help local authorities deliver more and better homes, Planning Policy Statement 3: Housing (PPS3) will tackle obstacles in the current planning system which means that not enough suitable sites are available 30.11.06 Department for Communities and Local Government, Local Authority Law, Property Law

Standard Planning Application Form Timetable for standard planning application form for use by all English planning authorities announced today, from October 2007, the National Standard Planning Application Form (1APP) will become the only official method of submitting a planning application for most types of consent 24.11.06 DCLG Press Release, Environment Law, Local Authority Law

Planning Enforcement Guidelines New guidance for local authorities on planning enforcement was outlined today in Review of Planning Enforcement, strong support statutory framework, review has led directly to Temporary Stop Notices (TSN) of which over 300 used in 2005/06 08.11.06 Department for Communities and Local Government, Local Authority Law

Duty to Consider Biodiversity From yesterday all public sector bodies, from the police to the BBC, will have to consider biodiversity in the work they do, duty comes under Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 02.10.06 Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Environment Law

Crown Subject to Planning Acts The Crown will now be subject to the Planning Acts, retains elements of protection, changes include a revision to planning application procedures, a new use class for secure residential accommodation and a change to the General Permitted Development Order 02.10.06 Law Now, Environment Law

2 Harcourt Named Top Planning Set 2 Harcourt Buildings, chambers of the Robin Purchas QC, named Environment/Planning Set of the Year at the Chambers and Partners Bar Awards 2006 02.10.06 2 Harcourt Buildings, Barrister Practice, Environment Law, Licensing

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