Category: Planning
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New Graven Hill planning application for final phases
Graven Hill Village Development Company has submitted a new planning application seeking permission for the final phases of the UK’s largest self-build and custom-build community. The submission includes full consent for 64 homes and outline proposals for more than 1,300 additional dwellings, as well as new infrastructure, green spaces, and a revised design code. Developed…
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Planning permission reform boosts UK heat pump sales
The UK is making real progress on its goal to install 600,000 heat pumps each year by 2028. New research from energy company Aira shows a sharp rise in the number of people applying for heat pump grants through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, with applications up 54% in the first half of 2025 compared to…
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Council takes ‘critical action’ to reduce planning backlog
Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for economic development, planning and transportation, said: “This is an incredibly complex problem to solve, and we recognise that this critical action will impact on our residents. But it is necessary to bring work in progress down to a more manageable and sustainable standard and to make Somerset’s planning service a…
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Why 2025 has become the hardest year to improve your home introduction
If you’re thinking about renovating your house this year, you’re not alone, but you might want to hold off. Rising costs for materials and labour, plus tougher planning rules, are making home improvements harder and more expensive than many expected. For homeowners ready to roll up their sleeves, 2025 is turning out to be one…
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Planning bill U-turn changes new home build rules
After mounting pressure from environmental groups and rebel MPs, the government has quietly rewritten a major section of its flagship planning bill. The key changes strengthen nature protections, particularly in greenbelt and rural areas, and introduce new conditions around development timelines. For homebuilders, renovators, and self-builders, this shift could affect how and when you break…
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What are listed building grades? We explain
As a homeowner, one of the most important things you’ll need to confirm when buying a listed building is the listed building grade assigned to your property. Why? Because this simple letter or roman numeral can make a huge difference to the work you can do to your home, potentially turning a simple renovation or…
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Extending a listed building? Tips for a smooth project
It might be controversial to say extending a listed building isn’t for the faint-hearted, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider taking on the challenge. Handled well by using the right experts and professionals, the correct materials and with planning on your side, the results can be breathtaking and definitely worth it. But, what does…
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Capaldi’s fence dispute sparks village planning row
Lewis Capaldi has been granted planning permission for a sleek new recording studio on his £1.6 million countryside estate, but not all of his renovation dreams are going smoothly. A neighbour has formally objected to parts of a separate application, particularly a towering boundary fence that allegedly reaches over 3.5 metres high. The planning permission…
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Ed Miliband plans to make home wind turbines easier than ever
The government wants to make it simpler for homeowners to install wind turbines in gardens or on rooftops. A new policy under Labour could remove the need for planning permission entirely for small-scale home systems. Ed Miliband says this marks the return of “common sense” to energy policy and claims the goal is to cut…
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Self-builders could skip building regulation delays thanks to new scheme
New Government planning reforms could be a game‑changer for self‑builders struggling with delays in gaining building regulations approval. The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has unveiled a fast‑track process to speed up approvals, backed by a 100‑strong recruitment drive. This shake‑up injects inspectors and engineers straight into the regulator, potentially getting self‑builders building sooner. You may…