HQN - OUR ELECTRONIC LIBRARY - Development and regeneration

Development and regeneration England/Wales

Planning

Time for a fair deal for the travelling and settled community
31 August 2010
Announcement of CLG plans to give travellers the same rights as other mobile home residents in authorised sites while scrapping planning rules on providing traveller pitches in favour of incentives through the New Homes Bonus scheme. Councils will be given stronger powers to tackle unauthorised development
The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2010
11 August 2010
Consultation on draft regulations. Consultation closes 25 October 2010
Cutting red tape to give a green light for greener development
11 August 2010
The new government is taking swift action to shorten and simplify environmental regulations so it is easier for developers to green-proof their building projects
Garden grabbing concerns raised by new figures
6 August 2010
CLG figures on increase in the number of 'gardens grabbed' for development in the last 12 years
Letter to chief planning officers
7 July 2010
Revocation of regional strategies
Grant Shapps signals start to housing 'revolution'
1 July 2010
Housing Minister Grant Shapps has confirmed that he will take forward legislation allowing the creation of Local Housing Trusts
Future of local planning
24 June 2010
Planning Minister Bob Neill has called on the planning profession to lead the revolution to put power back into the hands of local people
Planning Policy Statement 3
15 June 2010
Housing
Support for powers to end 'garden grabbing'
15 June 2010
'Garden grabbing' is currently keeping CLG ministers' inboxes full as the recent announcement ignites a debate across the country
New study shows support for new homes
11 June 2010
The British public are far more supportive of new housing developments in their area than commonly thought, according to a new study
Planning Policy Statement 3: Housing
9 June 2010
Planning Policy Statement 3: Housing (PPS3) underpins the delivery of the government's strategic housing policy objectives
New powers preventing unwanted 'garden grabbing'
9 June 2010
Councils and communities are being given new powers to prevent the destructive practice of 'garden grabbing' and to decide what types of homes are suitable for their area
Eric Pickles calls on councils to crackdown on unauthorised Bank Holiday building
28 May 2010
CLG Secretary of State Eric Pickles is taking pre-emptive action to prevent unauthorised development over this coming Bank Holiday weekend
Housing and Planning Key Facts
10 May 2010
May 2010
The housebuilding industry: Promoting recovery in housing supply
6 April 2010
Research report by Professor Michael Ball explores key challenges to recovery in house building and makes recommendations for future policy: including the need for action on increasing the supply of land viable for private house building, further streamlining planning processes, improved formulation and implementation of regulations affecting the sector, access to finance and improving utility servicing of housing sites
£146m Housing and Planning Delivery Grant (HPDG) announced
6 April 2010
Councils across the country will get a share of a £146m funding pot to plan and deliver new homes in the second year of the HPDG which provides a direct incentive for councils to work with partners in the public and private sector to ensure that new homes are built where they are needed. It is an additional top up to mainstream funding and councils can choose how to spend it locally
New power for parish councils to boost affordable rural housing
6 April 2010
Housing Minister announces plans to consult in the summer on proposals to give a special planning power to parish councils to build new affordable homes by introducing a permitted development freedom for parish councils to initiate the building of a small number of homes in their area without the need to gain planning permission from the local authority
How can the planning system deliver more housing?
26 March 2010
Ideas and proposals for how to deliver more new housing, especially affordable housing
Five-year housing land supply coverage in England
26 March 2010
This report presents the findings of the Planning Inspectorate's checks of local planning authorities five year housing land supply assessments of deliverable sites
Housing and Planning Delivery Grant 2009-10
17 March 2010
Determination for the final allocations of grant to local planning authorities
Green overhaul for planning system to cut emissions and bills
10 March 2010
Triple boost for councils tackling climate change by updating planning rules, granting nearly £10m to improve green skills and backing further progress by the ‘second wave’ of eco-towns
Policy Statement on Regional Strategies: Consultation
4 March 2010
Summary of responses
Homes for the Hebrides
20 January 2010
Scottish Government have announced fifty-four new homes for social rent will be built on the Isle of Lewis
Risk assessment decision making tool for building control bodies
11 January 2010
Final draft risk assessment guidance
Council house-building cash doubled
11 January 2010
Seventy-three councils covering every region of England will share an extra £122.6m
Taking forward the government's response to the Killian Pretty Review
22 December 2009
Second progress report
Better planning system to aid business recovery and build more homes
22 December 2009
Housing and Planning Minister John Healey has announced a package of measures to streamline the planning system, help businesses deliver projects quickly and drive down costs during recovery
Package for planners on 100th birthday of Planning Act
3 December 2009
Housing Minister John Healey has announced support for councils to plan and deliver new homes and green energy projects to power the country to a low carbon future
5 Year Land Supply for Housing in England as at April 2009
20 November 2009
This release of Official Statistics is the first in an annual series summarising Local Planning Authorities' reported assessment of the '5 year land supply' for housing
Removing red tape in move towards a low-carbon future
18 November 2009
Housing and Planning Minister John Healey has launched measures to cut carbon emissions by overhauling the planning system
Housing and Planning Key Facts
9 November 2009
November 2009
Launch of HCA and English Heritage Guidance set to pave way for new approach to masterplanning
16 October 2009
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and English Heritage have launched its first joint 'How to' Guide outlining a new development-led approach to masterplanning, which advocates assessing the historic character of a site right at the earliest stages of redevelopment
Greater flexibility for planning permissions: impact assessment
15 September 2009
This document sets out the likely impact of the measures which are being taken forward following the consultation paper greater flexibility for planning permissions
Eco-towns: Addendum to Draft Planning Policy Statement
18 August 2009
Summary of consultation responses
Eco-towns - allocations from the eco-towns fund
18 August 2009
CLG consultation paper sets out proposals for local authorities and their delivery team partners on how the £60m announced to support locations identified with the potential for an eco-town published in the PPS on 16 July 2009 over the 2009-11 period might be allocated. Consultation closes 25 September 2009
New planning guidelines outlined for building in the countryside
17 July 2009
Changes to planning guidance that will improve access to affordable homes, create a sustainable rural economy and introduce one planet communities have been announced by Welsh Assembly Government Environment, Sustainability and Housing Minister Jane Davidson
Delivery chain assessment: are you confident you will deliver your housing targets?
1 July 2009
HQN has recently been working with several county, district and unitary authorities recently to provide the external facilitation and peer challenge needed to help identify improvements
Greater flexibility for planning permissions: Consultation
19 June 2009
This consultation invites views on whether to introduce a mechanism for extending the time limits for implementation of existing planning permissions, and to consider how to implement the procedure for making non-material amendments under section 190 of the Planning Act 2008. Consultation closes 13.8.09
Building (Amendment) Regulations 2009: New Part G in Schedule 1 and new minimum water efficiency requirements
19 May 2009
The purpose of this circular letter is to bring to attention changes in respect of Part G in Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations, and new minimum water efficiency requirements in new dwellings
World class places: The government's strategy for improving quality of place
14 May 2009
This strategy lays out why and how quality of place matters and the practical steps the government will be taking to build on the achievements of recent years and do more to create prosperous, attractive, distinctive, inclusive and sustainable world class places
Housing and Planning Key Facts - May 2009
8 May 2009
This CLG quick reference leaflet is published quarterly and contains a snapshot of the main housing and planning data. Detailed housing and planning data may be found in the live tables
Planning Policy Statement - Consultation paper on a new Planning Policy Statement 4: Planning for Prosperous Economies
7 May 2009
This consultation paper seeks views on combining all national planning policy on economic development in urban and rural areas and town centres into one consolidated and streamlined Planning Policy Statement (PPS). Closing date for the consultation is 28.7.09
Planning Act 2008: Impact Assessment of transitional/savings provisions for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs)
15 April 2009
This impact assessment considers whether transitional provisions are needed for a limited period after the new planning regime commences, so that consultations already carried out do not need to be repeated solely for the purpose of compliance
Circular 03/09: Costs awards in appeals and other planning proceedings
7 April 2009
This circular provides updated guidance on the award of costs in England in proceedings under the Planning Acts. It compliments legislative amendments designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning appeals system. The guidance in this circular applies to appeals made and other proceedings initiated on or after 6 April 2009
Urban extensions, planning and participation: Lessons from Derwenthorpe and other new communities
12 March 2009
This Joseph Rowntree report identifies key issues and lessons for current planning policy and practice concerning the development of new urban extensions
Planning bill green light will now accelerate renewable energy
2 December 2008
The UK's ability to compete in a tough global economy and deliver new green infrastructure vital for reducing our carbon emissions has been given a major boost with the Royal Assent of the Planning Bill
Community Infrastructure Levy: Impact assessment
2 December 2008
CIL will be a new charge which local authorities in England and Wales will be empowered, but not required, to charge on most types of development
Planning bill green light will now accelerate renewable energy
28 November 2008
The UK's ability to compete in a tough global economy and deliver new green infrastructure vital for reducing our carbon emissions has been given a major boost with the Royal Assent of the Planning Bill
Government welcomes the Killian Pretty report
26 November 2008
The government has welcomed proposals to help small businesses and councils save up to £300m a year through a root and branch overhaul of the bureaucratic planning application process recommended by the Killian Pretty review
Planning application process shake up to slash unnecessary red tape
26 November 2008
The Killian Pretty Review is urging a cull of bureaucracy in the planning application process to make it work better for everyone and help economic recovery
The Killian Pretty review was jointly commissioned by Communities and Local Government and Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Departments in March 2008
25 November 2008
The aim of the review was to investigate the opportunities for improving the planning application process for the benefit of all involved. It was carried out by Joanna Killian, Chief Executive of Essex County Council and David Pretty, who recently retired as Group Chief Executive of Barratt Developments PLC. The report, published on 24 November 2008, urges a cull of bureaucracy in the planning application process to make it work better for everyone and help economic recovery
Home extension freedoms begin
1 October 2008
Improving your home just became a whole lot easier for tens of thousands of families Housing and Planning Minister Caroline Flint has announced
Previously developed land that may be available for development: England 2007
22 September 2008
The latest statistics on previously developed land produced by Communities and Local Government
Achieving Building for life
18 September 2008
This Housing Corporation publication offers guidance for affordable housing providers on how to achieve the Building for Life standards
Better rules will help home improvements and world heritage sites
11 September 2008
New development rules which will cut the red tape for home improvements, combat the effects of climate change and protect world heritage sites have been introduced by Housing and Planning Minister Caroline Flint
Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 section 317: Time Limit for Prosecutions of Breaches of Building Regulations and the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (Commencement No. 1 and Transitional Provision) Order 2008
11 September 2008
This divisional letter informs building control bodies about the commencement on 22 September 2008 of section 317 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008

Regeneration

Cash for house building
7 July 2010
Housing Minister Grant Shapps has welcomed the confirmation of £390m to build over 8,500 new much-needed homes
HCA exceeds its end of year homes targets
15 June 2010
The HCA has exceeded its end of year housing targets, despite the economic downturn and challenging operating conditions
Local Planning Authority Green Belt Statistics
26 April 2010
England 2009/10
Power of £4.2 billion government investment
1 April 2010
Keeping Britain building in the teeth of recession, safeguarding jobs, and delivering the new homes the country needs
Making deprived areas better places to live
4 March 2010
Evidence from the New Deal for Communities programme
New powers for councils' to help communities thrive
16 February 2010
Councils' new levy will help fund economic growth and lay the foundations for future success of local areas
Running a regeneration programme
11 February 2010
The experiences of resident representatives on the boards of New Deal for Communities Partnerships
What works in neighbourhood-level regeneration?
11 February 2010
The views of key stakeholders in the New Deal for Communities Programme
More housing for Shetland
27 January 2010
The Scottish Government have announced that ten new homes for social rent will be built in Aith, on Shetland
Homes for the Hebrides
20 January 2010
Scottish Government have announced fifty-four new homes for social rent will be built on the Isle of Lewis
Devolution’s impact on low-income people and places
15 January 2010
Round-up and a series of reports from Joseph Rowntree explore trends in social and economic disadvantage as well as policy developments in four areas: housing and homelessness, employment, neighbourhood regeneration and long-term care for older people
Council house-building cash doubled
11 January 2010
Seventy-three councils covering every region of England will share an extra £122.6m
HCA appoints one-stop-shop partner panel
8 January 2010
A variety of house builders, contractors and development consortia have been appointed to the Homes and Communities Agency’s (HCA) new Delivery Partner Panel
Work begins on biggest council house building programme in two decades
5 January 2010
Housing Minister John Healey has hailed the start of the biggest council house building programme in nearly two decades as work began on the first of over two thousand new homes to help tackle waiting list pressures
More cash and more homes
31 December 2009
In an end of year report Housing Minister John Healey said government funding for housebuilding has hit £2billion since June as he announced a further £278m for an extra 5,000 affordable homes across the country
Kickstart cash boost to get as many as 12,000 workers and apprentices back on site
17 December 2009
Housing Minister John Healey has announced a further 265 stalled housing developments shortlisted for a share of up to £550m to help get building work on over 22,400 homes back on track
Affordable housing market upturn as banks called on to lend a further £20 billion for new homes
27 November 2009
Housing associations will need to borrow more than £20 billion from banks over the next five years to continue to build new homes for those most in need, according to the TSA
Guidance for local authorities on incentivising landowners to bring forward additional land for rural affordable housing on rural exception sites
26 November 2009
Consultation ends 18 February 2010
Government cash to kickstart stalled developments as more workers get back on site
26 November 2009
Housing Minister John Healey has met the first workers back on site of a stalled housing project in New Broughton, Salford, which, thanks to over £7m government cash, is now back on track
Government backs rural communities with best plans for the future
26 November 2009
Housing Minister John Healey and Rural Minister Dan Norris are backing councils with cash and support to kickstart plans to build homes that people can afford and where they want to live, and develop rural areas to meet the needs of local people
HCA on target to deliver homes in this financial year
25 November 2009
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) says it is well on course to meet its end of year housing targets, despite the economic downturn and difficult operating conditions
Government cash getting housebuilding back on track in Southampton
20 November 2009
Communities Secretary John Denham has seen the first stages of building work getting underway at the first Kickstart project in the South East
Government cash getting Britain's housebuilders building again
18 November 2009
Housing Minister John Healey has put the first spade into the ground of the first Kickstart project
The Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (Registration of local authorities) Order 2009
11 November 2009
Summary of responses to consultation
Building a better future
5 November 2009
Speech by John Healey MP Minister for Housing and Planning
John Denham fires starting gun for new heart of Purfleet
5 November 2009
A multi-million pound proposal for a regeneration scheme to transform the heart of Purfleet in the Thames Gateway has now been was set out
Key messages and evidence on the housing market renewal pathfinder programme 2003-2009
23 October 2009
This summary report provides an overview of the key recent evidence relating to the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder programme, drawing out important messages and findings, and providing signposts and links to where further information can be found
Wider performance measures for the housing market renewal programme
23 October 2009
This paper identifies wider performance measures which could be used to measure sustainability of local housing markets, in the context of the HMR programme
Value for money issues and the evaluation of the housing market renewal pathfinder programme
23 October 2009
This paper considers the conceptual and practical problems in assessing value for money of the HMR programme by looking at a number of case studies
Policy alignment and partnership working in housing market renewal pathfinders
23 October 2009
This paper reviews the extent to which HMR Pathfinders are aligned to the policy frameworks within the regions, sub-regions, districts and neighbourhoods in which they operate
National evaluation of housing market renewal pathfinders 2005 to 2007
23 October 2009
This evaluation looks at the programme's achievements, between 2005 and 2007 and assesses changes in the wider housing market, considering the implications for the future of the HMR programme
Northern Regeneration Summit
23 October 2009
Speech by The Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP, Minister for Local Government and Regional Minister for Yorkshire and Humber
Learning from city recovery in Europe and the United States
23 October 2009
A Joseph Rowntree study of why cities decline, how they recover and how low-income communities within them fare under the impact of dramatic changes
Second wave of Kickstart funding announced
16 October 2009
Another £51m has been released by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) in the second wave of schemes to be unlocked through round one of the Kickstart Programme
Government help for housebuilding hits £1 billion since June
14 October 2009
Government help for housebuilding has hit £1 billion as Housing Minister John Healey released £443m for over 8,000 new homes, helping tackle the shortage of affordable homes, support the construction industry through the recession and create jobs and apprenticeships
Understanding and tackling worklessness: Lessons and policy implications
7 October 2009
Key messages emerging from the the strategies deployed by the New Deal for Communities programme to tackle worklessness across the 39 deprived neighbourhoods that make up the programme. A number of other more detailed reports have also been published on the subject
Four years of change? Understanding the experiences of the 2002-06 New Deal for Communities Panel - Summary report
7 October 2009
Report summarising the analysis of data from the household surveys conducted in the New Deal for Communities and comparator areas in 2002, 2004 and 2006 as part of the evaluation of the Programme. It provides a longitudinal perspective on outcome change in these deprived areas and identifies who has experienced the most change over time. A number of other more detailed reports have also been published
Over £180m further investment for more council housing
29 September 2009
Housing Minister John Healey has launched the second phase of the biggest council house building programme for almost two decades. He also stated that councils must include details of how they will create new apprenticeship schemes if they expect to get a slice of government cash
HCA unlocks 750 homes through Kickstart's first £10m
15 September 2009
A 141-home scheme in Redcar is the largest development to get Kickstart funding from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) in the first batch of successful bidders which have now been announced
Housing Market Renewal: programme review 2008/09
27 August 2009
Network briefing paper by Jenny Mayne draws out the key points from the review and suggests where there are lessons for others engaged in neighbourhood and area renewal
Building Britain's Future: Healey unveils further boost for housing
17 July 2009
Housing Minister John Healey has announced the release of funding to build 11,200 new homes, regenerate ten of the most deprived areas of the country and create 20,000 jobs in the building industry
Efficiency in development and regeneration
16 July 2009
Network briefing paper by Clare Harrigan sets out an overview of progression and delivery of development and regeneration, but in the context of economic pressures and specifically highlights key areas where efficiency gains can be made
Housing pathfinders face testing time as recession bites
14 May 2009
Places in the North and Midlands, where the government has spent billions attempting to revive the housing market, are being hit hard by the recession and may struggle to recover
New government vision for regeneration sector
12 May 2009
A new framework for regeneration that will help the sector push through the downturn has been announced by Communities Secretary Hazel Blears in a speech to the British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA)
Mayor of London and HCA invest £16m to 'kick start' development
7 May 2009
The HCA London Board, chaired by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has agreed to invest over £16m in the latest two projects from its programme to ‘kick start’ developments in London that have been affected by the economic downturn
Long-term plans for growth in the South East unveiled
7 May 2009
A strategy for delivering the new homes, jobs and infrastructure the South East needs until 2026 has been announced by Communities Minister Sadiq Khan
Funky office pads complete in the Ouseburn Valley
29 April 2009
A derelict industrial area in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley has been brought back to life by regeneration specialist Priority Sites with its speculative 23,668 sq ft office development
Shift in the attitudes and behaviours of housing and regeneration organisations during the downturn
20 April 2009
A second poll released today by the HCA Academy, the skills and expertise arm of the Homes and Communities Agency, has found a significant increase in the number of housing and regeneration professionals admitting to mounting concern about the recession
Transforming places; changing lives: a framework for regeneration - summary of consultation responses
31 March 2009
In July 2008, Communities and Local Government published a consultation seeking views on the draft new regeneration framework. This summary of responses sets out the views expressed by respondents and CLG’s proposed next steps
Millions approved for Cinderford
19 March 2009
The HCA has confirmed it had received approval to proceed with an investment of £14.75m, from the National Coalfields Programme, to assist in the regeneration of Cinderford in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Housing and planning key facts
9 February 2009
This CLG quick reference leaflet is published quarterly and contains a snapshot of the main housing and planning data
The credit crunch and regeneration: Impact and implications
2 February 2009
This CLG publication is aimed at regeneration practitioners and policymakers, local authorities, Regional Development Agencies, Housing Market Renewal Pathfinders, New Deal for Communities areas, Urban Regeneration Companies and Economic Development Companies
Healey - Parkinson right that regeneration can come through downturn
2 February 2009
Local Government Minister John Healey has said that the Parkinson report rightly recognises the credit crunch's impact on regeneration but it also says with the right long-term vision and support, like government's action to bring forward funding, it can come through the downturn
Amendments to Part 2 of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996
8 December 2008
This impact assessment contains information on options considered for the implementation of amendments to the 1996 "Construction Act". A draft version was originally published in July 2008 for public consultation. This consultation closed in September 2008 and this assessment takes into account comments made during that consultation
Minister announces £350m boost to Welsh economy
4 December 2008
Andrew Davies, the Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery, has announced a £350m package to boost the Welsh economy via innovative, cross-cutting and strategic capital projects
Impacts and Outcomes of the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund
28 November 2008
The NRF has been the principal funding mechanism deployed to drive forward the National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal at the local level. It has assisted England's 88 most deprived authorities, in collaboration with their Local Strategic Partnership (LSP), in their work to improve services and narrow the gap between deprived areas and the rest
Housing and Regeneration Act
13 November 2008
Network briefing by Jamie Ewing explores the implications of the Act for the housing sector
Regenerating Communities
31 October 2008
Speech by The Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

Development standards

Cutting red tape to give a green light for greener development
11 August 2010
The new government is taking swift action to shorten and simplify environmental regulations so it is easier for developers to green-proof their building projects
Future of building regulations
5 August 2010
CLG launches an exercise to identify what changes are needed to ensure the building regulations continue to operate effectively in the future and invites ordinary people, businesses and local authorities to submit their ideas by the end of August about what needs to be done
Grant Shapps outlines local approach to delivering zero carbon homes by 2016
28 July 2010
Councils and developers could be given much more flexibility to meet ambitious eco-standards to ensure all new homes are zero carbon from 2016
Super-Green Homes
20 July 2010
Create local training opportunities in Leeds
New government makes housing design a top priority
9 July 2010
Housing Minister Grant Shapps has called on the country's architects to ensure their great designs deliver more benefits for the local community
Home renewables grants
2 July 2010
Householders are being urged to snap up grants for home renewables from the Scottish Government
Brownfield residential redevelopment in England
23 June 2010
Joseph Rowntree report
Grant Shapps sets out grand design for the future of green housing
28 May 2010
Housing Minister Grant Shapps joined eco-designer and broadcaster Kevin McCloud at his new eco-housing development in Swindon
HCA consults on proposed new core design standards
26 March 2010
A consultation on future core housing design and sustainability standards has now been published: closes 17 June 2010
Reconstructing the builders' rulebook to reduce emissions and bills
15 March 2010
The amendments coming into force this year will make homes 25% more energy-efficient
Decent Homes - the National Audit Office verdict
25 February 2010
Network briefing by Neil Merrick
Welsh company launches homes made from recycled waste plastic
25 February 2010
Eco-friendly homes that have the potential to revolutionise the building industry
Lifetime Neighbourhoods: turning vision into reality
25 February 2010
Speech by Lord Bill McKenzie, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State
Over £60m to lay green foundations of eco-towns
9 February 2010
Country's biggest ever green home building programme, with four areas sharing £60m cash to build over 600 new homes to the toughest ever environmental standards
Building Regulations competent person self-certification schemes
24 December 2009
This consultation paper sets out and seeks views on proposals by the department for changes to the administrative provisions for approval, monitoring and quality assurance of Building Regulations competent person self-certification schemes in England and Wales. This consultation closes on the 19 March 2010
Tackling shoddy building work - putting more power in people's hands
24 December 2009
New measures to help people get fairer treatment when building work goes wrong have now been published as part of a consultation on boosting the professional standards for builders and tradesmen in approved competent person schemes
Code for Sustainable Homes technical guide
22 December 2009
This consultation version of the technical guide is part of the Sustainable New Homes: The Road to Zero Carbon: Consultation on the Code for Sustainable Homes and the Energy Efficiency Standard for Zero Carbon Homes publication. The consultation closes on 24 March 2010
Code for Sustainable Homes
22 December 2009
Impact assessment - December 2009
Zero Carbon Homes
22 December 2009
Impact assessment - December 2009
Sustainable New Homes: The Road to Zero Carbon
17 December 2009
Consultation on the Code for Sustainable Homes and the Energy Efficiency standard for Zero Carbon Homes. Consultation closing date 24 March 2010
Overhauling the green rating standard for new homes
17 December 2009
Housing and Planning Minister John Healey has today launched proposals for a more consumer-friendly green rating for homes
Package for planners on 100th birthday of Planning Act
3 December 2009
Housing Minister John Healey has announced support for councils to plan and deliver new homes and green energy projects to power the country to a low carbon future
Second wave of eco-towns
3 December 2009
Housing Minister John Healey has announced proposals for a second wave of world leading eco-towns and pledged to double the money to a total of £10m to support councils in developing their plans
Meeting the challenge of climate change will establish a new era in local government
26 November 2009
Strong leadership, clear vision and ambition from councils could deliver reductions in carbon emissions of millions of tonnes annually and potentially unlock £1 billion in income for councils, according to Communities Secretary John Denham
Building momentum for homes of the future
25 November 2009
Housing Minister John Healey has confirmed that this country will be the first in the world to require zero carbon homes as a matter of law from 2016
Zero Carbon for New Non-domestic Buildings
25 November 2009
Consultation on Policy Options. Consultation closes 26 February 2010
Start on site for first Code Level 6 development
20 November 2009
Work has officially commenced on England’s first large-scale zero carbon development at Hanham Hall near Bristol
Removing red tape in move towards a low-carbon future
18 November 2009
Housing and Planning Minister John Healey has launched measures to cut carbon emissions by overhauling the planning system
£450m to get workers back on stalled housing sites
29 October 2009
Housing Minister John Healey has finalised a £450m funding package to kickstart work on over 150 stalled housing developments, getting work back on track and builders back on site
Residents and businesses help shape the Thames Gateway eco-quarter
16 October 2009
New technologies and initiatives for homes and businesses in the Thames Gateway to tackle climate change will be tried out in the country's first eco-quarter, Thames Gateway Minister Shahid Malik has announced
Understanding permeable and impermeable surfaces
15 September 2009
Technical report on surfacing options and cost benefit analysis
Future of Building Control: Implementation Plan
2 September 2009
The Future of Building Control Implementation Plan and Milestone Map records progress made following CLG’s consultation of March 2008. The changes proposed will raise compliance with the Regulations whilst helping create a more responsive and customer focused system
Clearer rules for builders
2 September 2009
The government has set out plans to make it easier for builders to understand what standards are expected of them and to ensure buildings comply with high standards of safety and sustainability
Next round of low carbon projects confirmed
26 August 2009
Details of the successful schemes for the second round of funding from the Homes and Communities Agency’s (HCA) low carbon infrastructure initiative, totalling £8.80m, have been announced
Further advice on fire risk assessments
21 August 2009
From Clare Miller, Executive Director - Risk and Assurance
Definition of Zero Carbon Homes: Impact Assessment (July 2009)
17 July 2009
Updated Impact Assessment (IA) of the costs and benefits of the policy of zero carbon homes
John Healey: Green light given on eco-town sites plus tougher standards for future homes
17 July 2009
Greener living in Britain's first eco-towns will become a reality for up to 30,000 people in five years' time. Housing Minister John Healey has announced the four sites that have passed the government's tough standards to go through to the next planning phase, full public consultation and local planning approval
John Healey: action to help developers during downturn and build greener buildings
19 June 2009
Developers will be given more time to start building and further flexibility to adapt plans, under a package of new measures announced by Housing Minister John Healey to support the industry during these tough economic times
Country's greenest development gets go ahead
9 June 2009
England’s first large-scale development to be built to Level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, has been given the green light to move ahead. Barratt Developments Plc and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) have received planning permission to build 195 zero-carbon homes as part of the Hanham Hall ‘eco village’ in South Gloucestershire
Enhanced hot water safety and efficiency measures for all new homes
14 May 2009
All new homes will feature inbuilt protection from hot water scalding in baths and will use water more efficiently under measures announced by Housing Minister Iain Wright
Understanding Builder to Builder Residential Land Transactions
19 March 2009
This report examines the factors that influence the behaviour of housebuilders in their decision to purchase, sell and/or resell plots of land
The Future of Green Building in Britain
5 March 2009
Speech by The Rt Hon Margaret Beckett MP, Minister for Housing and Planning
The Code for Sustainable Homes: Case Studies - Planning, building and the environment
4 March 2009
This publication sets out a number of detailed case studies on homes that have been built based on the Code for Sustainable Homes. The case studies show the different ways of achieving various levels of the code and highlight potential pitfalls for developers
Eco-towns public consultation deadline extended
3 March 2009
Local residents are to be given more time to respond to the government's second eco-towns public consultation after Housing Minister Margaret Beckett extended the deadline for responses. The consultation on the draft Planning Policy Statement (PPS) and Sustainability Appraisal on eco-towns has now been extended to Thursday 30 April, meaning it will run for more than five months
Fuel poverty
24 February 2009
Network briefing by Maria Wardrobe explores the issues surrounding fuel poverty
Strategy to tackle environmental impact of homes welcomed by the HCA
17 February 2009
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has welcomed the publication of the government’s draft Heat and Energy Savings Strategy, which sets out a plan for environmental improvements to be made available to householders in every home, in every street by 2030, to significantly reduce carbon emissions
Towards zero carbon housing
22 January 2009
Network briefing paper by Ann Bodkin covers the need for change, the policies and step changes which government has brought in through legislation, with examples of new build schemes and improvements to existing housing stock to reduce carbon emissions
Sustainable maintenance in existing homes
2 January 2009
Network briefing by Richard Lupo explains not only how to maintain the existing stock but how to take the opportunity, during maintenance activities, to improve the environmental performance
Address to the National House Building Council
26 November 2008
Speech by The Rt Hon Margaret Beckett MP, Minister for Housing
In brief: Achieving Building for Life
20 November 2008
This publication offers guidance for affordable housing providers on how to achieve the Building for Life standards
Building work, replacements and repairs to your home
14 November 2008
This leaflet highlights the types of building work that needs to be notified to your Local Authority Building Control unless the work is carried out by a Competent Persons Scheme (CPS) installer who is registered with the right Competent Persons Scheme
The Future of Building Control Consultation: Summary of Responses paper
29 October 2008
This publication details the analysis of the responses received to The Future of Building Control consultation paper which was published in March 2008
Tackling fuel poverty
14 October 2008
Network briefing by Chris Bowen, explores amongst other things, the extent of fuel poverty, government targets and what a housing organisation can do to help reduce fuel poverty
Achieving Building for life
18 September 2008
This Housing Corporation publication offers guidance for affordable housing providers on how to achieve the Building for Life standards
Simplified arrangements for the production of CO2 emission rate calculations for new buildings under the Building Regulations 2000: Consultation - Summary of responses
11 September 2008
This report sets out the summary and analysis of the responses to the consultation on simplified arrangements for the production of CO2 emission rate calculations for new buildings under the Building Regulations 2000

Low demand

Policy alignment and partnership working in housing market renewal pathfinders
23 November 2009
This paper reviews the extent to which HMR Pathfinders are aligned to the policy frameworks within the regions, sub-regions, districts and neighbourhoods in which they operate
Key messages and evidence on the housing market renewal pathfinder programme 2003-2009
23 November 2009
This summary report provides an overview of the key recent evidence relating to the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder programme, drawing out important messages and findings, and providing signposts and links to where further information can be found
Empty homes refurbishment just part of the solution
20 November 2009
Refurbishing empty properties to bring them back into use as affordable housing is just one part of the solution to meet housing demand and simultaneously stimulate supply, according to the Homes and Communities Agency

Decent Homes

The future development of ALMOs
4 May 2010
Network briefing by Gwyneth Taylor
HCA confirms funding for more low carbon heating projects
7 April 2010
The Homes and Communities Agency has announced an additional £4.8m funding from Communities and Local Government (CLG) for decentralised community heating schemes created through the HCA’s Low Carbon Infrastructure Fund (LCIF), which will be allocated to three schemes in Coventry, Nottingham and Leeds
Decent Homes - the next steps?
18 June 2009
Network briefing by Sheila Camp looks at the aims of the report; 'Towards a successor standard to Decent Homes', the key areas for a new standard, areas to be excluded/tackled locally and the next steps

Partnering arrangements

Contractor insolvency: a survival guide
30 July 2010
Complimentary TEAMnet briefing by Emma Wiltshire
Councils and businesses to rebalance local economy
1 July 2010
The Government has set out plans for local enterprise partnerships, replacing the current Regional Development Agencies
Incorporating equality and diversity into procurement
1 July 2010
Network briefing by Joanna Jeffery and Richard Seager
HQN Accredit: DLO
13 April 2010
The UK’s first and only accreditation system, developed by HQN and specifically designed for direct labour organisations
Housing market renewal and private sector developers
23 October 2009
This study looks at the relationship between HMR Pathfinders and private sector developers, considering how private developers are involved and have responded to HMR as well as looking at local authority engagement with developers
HCA delivery partner panel proves popular with contractors
11 September 2009
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has received 132 completed submissions from a range of construction and development companies, to the Pre-Qualifying Questionnaire (PQQ) for a panel being set up to develop its sites, which can also be used by Local Authority partners for developing their land
Roots Review: review of arrangements for efficiencies from smarter procurement in local government
19 February 2009
Independent report which highlights that substantial actions are underway by the Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnerships (RIEPs) and others to enhance procurement efficiency. But more can be done. It sets out practical recommendations that can be acted on by relevant organisations, such as the RIEPs
Partnering and open-book – till dispute do us part?
17 November 2008
TEAMnet briefing by Wayne Hughes and Rob McNaughton, made available here to Network members, explores the benefits and pitfalls of partnering
Effective procurement/VfM/contract arrangements
4 November 2008
Network briefing by Rob McNaughton looks at joint procurement, whole life costing, partnering and other common issues
Best Value and Procurement: Workforce Matters in Best Value Authority Contracting: Statutory Guidance - Draft for Consultation
29 October 2008
This consultation paper seeks views on updating and re-issuing existing guidance which sets out how staff who work on best value authority contracts are treated. Consultation closing date is 19 January 2009

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