The Government has announced a trial of new digital techniques to involve the public in planning. This will be more interactive maps, integrated with Local Plan production, and notification of planning applications - doing away with 'notices on lampposts' that they feel are too old fashioned.

A recent court case in Cambridgeshire has clarified some aspects of public consultation on development. A Highways Authority had objected to a development scheme on the grounds of highway safety. A change to the scheme led to the Authority raising no objection, but due to economic benefit. That was found to be unlawful - the lesson is that consultees must stick to their remit.

An interesting user-generated map of grass root environmental campaigns has been set up, using Google Maps to track where pressure groups are involved in development proposals. It can be seen via this link

We have a new video on YouTube - a quick guide to show you how to find out if your land or property is at risk from flooding. This is an important matter to consider if you're thinking of extending your property or building on a plot of land. You may need a flood risk assessment to show that you can build. Or the development you want to undertake might be ruled out by the risk of the flooding. Find out before you make what could be a costly mistake.

A study by the Royal Town Planning Institute has found that more than half of the public agreed changes to local places, spaces and services will need to happen to adapt to life post pandemic – and that they want to be involved in these decisions. The need for more public spaces and green areas was particularly strongly noted.

A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is where a single family house is used for more than one household. Up to a certain number that may still fall within the same use class as a dwellinghouse, but over three means that a change of use may occur. This can prove controversial with local residents, as this news article shows.

The Government's proposed reforms to the planning system are receiving a lot of criticism, including from the architectural profession, planners and countryside charities. There is still much debate to be had on the topic and it will not be until next year that any changes happen. But residents will need to be prepared to put their case well in any expected increase in applications that occur; see our book for assistance.