opinions

The Department for Transport’s long awaited ‘Manual for Streets’ is due to be launched in Spring 2007, following industry-wide consultations throughout the summer of 2006....further info

NEW CDM REGULATIONS

Did you know that the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations have changed? With effect from 6 April, it makes it explicit what our Clients, Designers, Contractors and CDM Coordinators should be doing regarding Health and Safety on projects.
....further info

CLIMATE CHANGE - FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The UK Government continues to ensure that climate change remains at the top of the political agenda. In March the draft Climate Change Bill was published for consultation and in May the Energy White Paper should be available.
....further info

AIR QUALITY IMPACTS ON DEVELOPMENT

Poor air quality could stop development close to our motorways and trunk roads. A recent circular from DfT states that it is the Secretary of State’s responsibility to avoid exceedences of the EU air quality limit values and where appropriate, the Highways Agency may direct a local authority to refuse planning permission due to exceedences of these limit values.

....further info

LIVING WITH ‘I’ TROUBLE

Whether you talk about waste to energy, thermal treatment, municipal waste combustor, etc, there is simply no escaping the deeply unfashionable “I” word. Don’t be too quick to dismiss incineration though, says waste to energy expert Robert Wheatley.....further info

NEW DFT ‘RINGMASTER’ APPROACH CAUTIOUSLY WELCOMED

Publication of the Department for Transport’s new Circular 02/2007 (C2/07) ‘Planning and the Strategic Road Network’ has been met with cautious optimism in many industry circles. Senior Associate Simon Davis summarises the key aspects of the briefing note, and explores the implications for developers..
....further info

WE’RE READY TO TACKLE THE NEW CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES

In December 2006, the Code for Sustainable Homes was launched and in April 2007 Communities and Local Government (CLG) published full technical guidance on how to comply with the code..
....further info

TRANSPORT AND MOVEMENT, URBANISM AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Fifty years ago a group of passionate individuals, town planners, architects and engineers lead by Colin Buchanan began a study into ‘Traffic in Towns’. The growth of the motorcar....further info