Latest news about our work, and industry insights

The Court of Appeal has agreed with a High Court judgement* that S106 of the T&C Planning Act 1990 cannot be used to preclude residents of new developments from applying for parking permits. They ruled that this was not a planning obligation under the Act, as Section 106 is concerned with “the land” in which a person has a legal interest.

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We were delighted to hear that Midford Road Nursery received planning permission for their new Nursery School at Oldfield Park in Bath yesterday. The Travel Plan proved to be quite complex but permission was granted with no S106 Agreement or obligations and very few conditions which will hopefully enable the Nursery to be open in September as planned.

Aldi has secured planning permission this week for three new stores in just two days! The sites are in Moreton-in-Marsh, Highbridge and Rodbourne Road, Swindon.

The Government has today published a draft plan to improve air quality by reducing nitrogen dioxide levels in the UK. The consultation is seeking views on options for reducing nitrogen dioxide in our towns and cities, with measures designed to reduce the impact of diesel vehicles, and accelerate the move to cleaner transport.

Local authorities are already responsible for improving air quality in their area, but will now be expected to develop new and creative solutions to reduce emissions as quickly as possible, while avoiding undue impact on the motorist.

In line with the timetable directed by the Courts the government is seeking views on these proposals in advance of preparing its final plan for publication by 31 July. All final decisions will be taken by the incoming government. This consultation will run until 15 June. Full details are available here.

Training is going well for the Revolve 24 challenge later this year. Two of the team have triathlons coming up in the next fortnight as well as a number of Wessex League and Banjo Cycles summer Cyclo-cross events. Unfortunately, none of the cycling team have new-born babies so we will have to find another way to replicate the gruelling sleep deprivation.

The DfT has published an Advice Note on the adoption of new roads so that they are maintainable at public expense. The Advice Note is intended to set out best practice on the adoption of new roads for all those involved in the construction or purchase of new homes. Details can be found here.