All Articles

Iain Mulvey explores a German local authority's proactive approach to residential development, where a public development company directly builds housing, captures developer profits, and borrows private sector money. He examines whether this model, which prioritizes community needs and sustainability, could offer solutions to the UK's housing challenges.

Mark Topping of Lanpro Services explores the successes and challenges of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regulations, which became mandatory for major developments in February 2024. He discusses its impact on the development sector, the use of the Defra biodiversity metric, and how BNG can align with new Green Belt release policies to foster greener, healthier developments.

Simon Barry of Boyer Planning questions the efficacy of High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) as a solution to revitalizing struggling high streets. While the government aims to empower councils to auction leases for vacant retail spaces, this article delves into the complex challenges faced by high streets and explores whether HSRAs can truly foster a dynamic, diverse presence.

Planning is about the future, yet consultations often fail to engage young people who have the greatest stake in it. This article explores how ambitious plans for cities like Cambridge can shift the balance toward younger voices through innovative consultation methods.