The Government is announcing changes to the planning system that will see the right for local communities to decide and vote for developments in their area, including extensions. But for now, no such system: if you want help in appealing against a refusal or objecting to development, our books can help.

We all remember the fame of Jackie Weaver with the Handforth Parish Council online planning meeting during lockdown. Online meetings became normal and have increased participation, but will they continue? Some Councils are removing them, others keen to carry on: but as this article shows, it comes at a cost to provide the technology.

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.