Tag: councils
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Councils rebel against Labour’s planning reforms
Councils across England are mounting a united challenge to the Government’s proposed planning reforms, warning they will strip away local decision-making powers and damage trust in the system. Leaders from urban and rural authorities say the changes – including a two-tier system and tougher housing targets – are unnecessary, unrealistic, and harmful. The growing backlash…
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Garden shed tax hits homeowners as councils crack down
More homeowners are facing unexpected council tax bills as local councils crack down on garden sheds converted into living spaces. If you’re thinking to buy garden sheds or already own one, it’s important to understand how certain outbuildings with kitchens or bathrooms could be taxed separately. This growing enforcement reflects councils’ efforts to make sure…
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Man wins £70k refund after council’s planning charge error
Steve Dally never expected a minor tweak to his home improvement plans would end in a life-altering legal standoff. What began as a routine planning permission amendment, spiralled into a punitive bill, threats of repossession, and five years of unrelenting pressure. Now, Waverley Borough Council admits it got it wrong, but only after one man…
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Bungalow demolition deadline passes as Birmingham self builder defies council’s order
A self builder who faced a demolition order to tear down a £180,000 bungalow has failed to do so by a deadline set by his local council. Mark Jones, 55, had been ordered to knock down the home built in a garden in Sutton Coldfield by Birmingham City Council because he lacked the appropriate planning…
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Bungalow demolition deadline passes as Birmingham self builder defies council’s order
A self builder who faced a demolition order to tear down a £180,000 bungalow has failed to do so by a deadline set by his local council. Mark Jones, 55, had been ordered to knock down the home built in a garden in Sutton Coldfield by Birmingham City Council because he lacked the appropriate planning…
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How councils are using drones to spot any breaches in planning permission
Local councils across the UK are increasingly using drones to monitor planning breaches, sparking a debate about whether this technology infringes on homeowners’ privacy. Drones can help councils save on time and costs when investigating homes, extensions and anything else that has been built without planning permission, so there is little surprise to see their…