This guide from the Local Government Association will help councils adopt planning polices that ensure the impact of new buildings on the environment is minimised. It is concerned with setting higher standards on a range of environmental issues including cutting carbon emissions, better use of water resources, reducing light pollution and protecting and enhancing existing natural features. The environmental impact of new development is vitally important because the Government has recommended 200,000 additional homes are built in England every year until 2021.Sustainable construction is a common theme but is being interpreted in a variety of ways. The new report sets out approaches and guidance, drawn from the experience of councils, to secure higher standards of sustainable design and construction that also reflect local priorities. Councils are encouraged to use them as a starting point adapting them according to local circumstances. The report demonstrates how pro-active planning policies can link together the twin aspects of planning and building regulations to drive up energy efficiency in new developments.
COUNCILS GET NEW GUIDANCE ON POWERS TO PROTECT HERITAGE
Local authorities are being issued with new guidance to assist them in taking enforcement action to protect Britain’s most historic and significant buildings. The Best Practice Guidance Note on Listed Building Prosecutions, is addressed principally to local conservation and planning officers in an effort to increase their awareness of their powers.
Read more on COUNCILS GET NEW GUIDANCE ON POWERS TO PROTECT HERITAGE…
PUBLIC SECTOR FAILING TO LIVE UP TO TALK ON WORK-LIFE BALANCE
Public sector employers have only a limited commitment to changing standard working patterns, according to new research today although, it says, they ‘talk the talk’ on work-life balance. The study by The Work Foundation says that in some cases employers block people from flexible working or grant requests only to selected members of staff.
Read more on PUBLIC SECTOR FAILING TO LIVE UP TO TALK ON WORK-LIFE BALANCE…