Converting London’s offices to residential: housing solution or commercial disaster?

Posted on: 3 April 2013
By: mackene
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The UK Government wants to make it easier to convert offices to residential use without full planning permission to help solve London’s housing shortage. However, it runs the risk of simply turning valuable commercial space into more empty houses owned by foreign millionaires. The author of this article discusses these issues.

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Localism at risk: Is the NPPF delivering planning for people?

Posted on: 3 April 2013
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This report from the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU), in association with the National Trust, considers whether the National Planning Policy Framework is delivering planning solutions that reflect the needs and concerns of local communities. The LGiU surveyed senior local government politicians and officials in 94 Local Planning Authorities and found that 60 per cent of respondents disagree or strongly disagree that the introduction of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has had a positive impact on their ability to deliver a Local Plan that reflects local needs and priorities. Respondents expressed concern that the Planning Inspectorate, through the examination process, is prioritising development over the views of local people. The research found that housing land availability was the most common reason for Local Plans being rejected. In contrast, the research found that communities are most concerned about protection of the natural environment.

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Europe Real Estate 2013

Posted on: 3 April 2013
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A pan-European reference guide to commercial property.

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A 2030 framework for climate and energy policies

Posted on: 3 April 2013
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The European Commission adopted a Green Paper on “A 2030 framework for climate and energy policies”. This document launches a public consultation lasting until 2 July, allowing Member States, other EU institutions and stakeholders to express their views; for example on the type, nature and level of potential climate and energy targets for 2030, but also on other important aspects of EU energy policy in a 2030 perspective. Those views will feed into the Commission’s on-going preparations for more concrete proposals for the 2030 framework which will be tabled by the end of 2013.

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Going nowhere fast

Posted on: 3 April 2013
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This report presents the findings of a survey carried out by the charity WRVS to determine the impact of inaccessible public transport on wellbeing and social connectedness of older people in Great Britain.

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What does “urban mobility” actually mean, and why will it be a challenge in the years to come?

Posted on: 2 April 2013
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Those interested in urban mobility might like to familiarise themselves with a few key publications which help to set the scene for this important topic.

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Going to market: The role of outsourcing and shared services in housing associations

Posted on: 2 April 2013
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This paper builds on current debate, and considers the role that shared services and outsourcing may play in the future delivery of housing services. It explores the continued evolution of the housing association sector and the challenges of delivering front-line and back-office services cost effectively. The report draws on detailed interviews and visits to sponsors Circle Housing Group and Orbit Housing Group, lessons from the private sector and HouseMark analysis.

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Beyond banks and big government: Strategies for local authorities to promote investment

Posted on: 2 April 2013
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A new paper from think tank the IPPR North argues that while there has been much debate about how banks and central government can facilitate lending to enterprise and spending on infrastructure, the role of local government has received little attention. The report argues there are several established and emerging finance options available to councils that could more effectively deliver investment in infrastructure and housing. The paper:outlines the nature of the UK’s investment problem; provides an overview of some of the current and emerging finance options available to local authorities; looks at international case studies which could be applied in the UK; and makes some recommendations about new financial tools for local authorities.

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Building resilience to climate change through indigenous knowledge: The case of Bolivia

Posted on: 2 April 2013
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Indigenous knowledge plays an important role in the way communities interact with their climate in many countries, particularly in Bolivia. It contributes to weather forecasting at the community level, and to the preservation of vital ecosystem functions that help to buffer communities against climate change impacts. However, the increasing incidence of extreme weather events and disasters is taking a toll. This situation calls for new partnerships between indigenous people and the scientific community – an area where Bolivia could lead the way.

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Benchmarking, BIM and beyond

Posted on: 2 April 2013
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This presentation was made at the seminar to mark the 30th Anniversary of the Association of Construction Economists in Finland (RAKI), held in Helsinki on the 20th March 2013. Register on the RICS website to view the presentation.

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