Scotland’s latest farm census records 5.16 million hectares of agricultural land and reveals new evidence on peatland restoration barriers.
Scottish agricultural census puts farmland at 5.16m ha
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Ecology News
Ecology can affect the information needed with an application and whether a scheme has a workable route to permission. These reports cover protected species, biodiversity net gain, SANG and strategic environmental mitigation. We explain the particular issue in each story rather than assuming that one form of mitigation deals with every environmental constraint.For the background and current guidance, see protected species and planning and conservation and protected sites.
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Latest planning news
Bournemouth HMO appeal backs seventh occupant
An inspector has allowed a seventh occupant at a Bournemouth HMO, finding limited neighbourhood impact and accepting mitigation for protected heathland.
Eglinton leaky dams could hold 8,000m³ in floods
A new Department for Infrastructure report details ten upstream leaky dams, provisional floodwater storage and their role alongside Eglinton’s wider scheme.
Lochaber conservation order confirmed after inquiry
Scottish Ministers have confirmed a revised conservation order for 44.9 hectares at Lochaber, clarifying prohibited works, maintenance and enforcement exceptions.
Leasbrook bat habitat dispute tests 270-home plan
Inspectors examining Monmouthshire’s draft Local Plan must weigh competing bat evidence before deciding whether a proposed 270-home allocation is sound.
Brentwood validation appeal wins costs after council delay
A Brentwood validation appeal wins planning permission and full costs after the council fails to validate and determine an earth bund application.
Axminster BESS appeal dismissed over firewater risk
An Axminster BESS appeal is dismissed after groundwater and firewater risks outweigh substantial energy-security benefits and major biodiversity gains.
Coventry BNG appeal fails despite permitted development win
A Coventry BNG appeal is dismissed even after an Inspector finds a condition removing householder permitted development rights unnecessary.
Peterborough padel appeal wins on drainage and BNG
A Peterborough padel appeal succeeds after an Inspector accepts drainage conditions and rejects a separate BNG condition.
Rippingale appeal wins 10 homes despite car reliance
A Rippingale appeal allows 10 homes after housing supply and affordable housing benefits outweigh poor access to services and car dependence.
PIP appeal for 9 homes fails over Cannock Chase obligation
A South Staffordshire PIP appeal for up to nine homes fails because its SAC mitigation obligation was tied to the wrong planning stage.
Barn conversion appeal fails on BNG and Green Belt
Four Guildford barn conversions fail after Green Belt, BNG, habitat mitigation and sustainable-location problems outweigh the housing benefits.
BNG exemption removes refusal reason but Brockley mews home still fails
A Lewisham appeal applies the new 0.2-hectare BNG exemption, but inadequate floorplans and low ceiling heights still sink the scheme.
Developer levy: Tories plan to replace section 106 and CIL
The Conservatives say one charge could speed up development, but they have not yet explained how it would fund affordable homes and local infrastructure.
Croydon replacement dwelling appeal wins as self-build BNG undertaking survives title issue
A Croydon replacement dwelling appeal succeeds on design and self-build BNG after the Inspector accepts a unilateral undertaking despite a residual title interest.
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