Planning extends lifelines to stalled projects. Newly-installed housing minister John Healey has announced powers for local authorities to extend planning permission periods in a move designed to support development through the economic downturn and to reduce costs for both developers and planners. The option will be available to projects where permission is in effect on 1 October 2009, including pipeline projects gaining permission prior to this date.
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Building Control to put price on design competency. The RIBA has welcomed proposals that would recognise design competency when setting charges for Building Control, one of the revisions put forward as part of a consultation on a new charging system.
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