European waters: Current status and future challenges

Posted on: 26 November 2012
By: mackene
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This report is a synthesis of the main messages from nine European Environment Agency (EEA) reports dealing directly or indirectly with water ecosystems or the pressures acting upon them. It is the last in the series of reports published by the EEA in support of water year 2012. It seeks to first provide an overview of the state of Europe’s waters and the pressures acting on those waters. It then looks in greater detail at the economic and social factors driving these pressures, and concludes with a summary of the societal and policy challenges that must be met if water is to be managed sustainably.

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Nationally significant infrastructure planning: extending the regime to business and commercial projects

Posted on: 26 November 2012
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This consultation seeks views about the proposal to extend the nationally significant infrastructure regime and, in particular, about the types and forms of business and commercial projects to be prescribed in regulations. Comments are requested by 7 January 2013.

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Nationally significant infrastructure planning: expanding and improving the ‘one stop shop’ approach for consents

Posted on: 26 November 2012
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The aim of this consultation is to seek views from interested bodies on what consents should be moved within the scope of an expanded ‘one stop shop’ for major infrastructure and on proposals for streamlining the current list of statutory consultees that developers are required to consult before applying for a development consent order. Comments are requested by 7 January 2013.

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Smart, creative, sustainable, inclusive: Territorial development strategies in the age of austerity. London, 23 November 2012

Posted on: 26 November 2012
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One of the major impacts of the current economic crisis is the way it is deepening territorial inequalities at a time when the scope for public intervention to tackle inequality is being diminished as a result of widespread austerity measures. These developments pose many challenges for the analysis and management of territorial development strategies, particularly at the scale of cities and regions. The Regional Studies Association organised this conference to consider these issues. Presentations are available online.

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Housing our ageing population: Plan for implementation

Posted on: 23 November 2012
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The All Party Parliamentary Group on Housing and Care for Old People has published the results of an inquiry which considered the value of building new homes specifically designed for older people.

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Use of planning obligations in the funding of Crossrail, and the Mayoral Community Infrastructure Levy – draft SPG

Posted on: 23 November 2012
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London Mayor Boris Johnson has published draft guidance on the use of planning obligations to fund Crossrail and on the application of the Mayoral Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to developments within London Boroughs.The advice, in the form of draft supplementary guidance, amends the calculation for contributions on the basis of gross internal area rather than gross external area. The document has been published as a supporting document to the London Plan’s policies on Crossrail funding and planning obligations. The guidance provides that when councils assess whether to seek contributions to the construction cost of Crossrail through section 106 agreements, they should be able to demonstrate a direct relationship between the development and the need for Crossrail. The guidance makes it clear that retail, hotel and office developments in central London and the northern part of the Isle of Dogs should be required to contribute if they involve a net increase in office floor space of more than 500 sq m. Comments are requested by 15 January 2013.

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Challenges and opportunities for maritime and coastal tourism in the EU

Posted on: 23 November 2012
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The European Commission has published the response of a consultation exercise undertaken to gather the opinion of individuals and stakeholders that have an interest in and would like to shape the EU actions in the maritime and coastal tourism sectors.

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Life Cycle Costing Public Procurement Tool

Posted on: 23 November 2012
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ICLEI has launched a new tailor-made tool for sustainable procurement. The tool has been developed to help public authorities calculate the life cycle costs (LCC) and important emissions of different products, work and services to assist in procurement decision-making.

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Local frameworks for funding major transport schemes: guidance for local transport bodies

Posted on: 23 November 2012
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This guidance from the Department for Transport sets out the necessary arrangement Local Transport Bodies will need to have in place to ensure value for money and sound decision making.

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Takeaways Toolkit: Tools, interventions and case studies to help local authorities develop a response to the health impacts of fast food takeaways

Posted on: 23 November 2012
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The aim of the this toolkit is to help local authorities to develop strategies and programmes to tackle the impacts of fast food takeaways in their local communities. The toolkit is specifically targeted at those working in environmental health, trading standards, public health, education and planning.

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