Housing Minister, Grant Shapps, wants local authorities to make it easier for people to live on house boats by readily granting planning permission for new residential moorings. According to the minister, such moorings could be eligible for the New Homes Bonus, a cash incentive for councils and communities in England prepared to allow housing development. [...]
New Homes Bonus
Government trials “neighbourhood planning”
The Government has begun to trail neighbourhood planning measures that form part of its Localism Bill, in seventeen communities across England. According to decentralisation minister, Greg Clark, neighbourhood planning gives local people a “real voice” when it comes to development in their area, from determining the locations of shops, offices and schools to setting standards [...]
New rules for councils seizing empty homes
Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles, has announced changes to rules that have allowed local authorities to seize homes that are left empty for six months and more.
In 2006, the previous Government introduced Empty Dwelling Management Orders, which according to Mr Pickles give councils the right to seize empty property after too short a period, and even [...]
