Northern skills: why the Powerhouse is struggling on education
The Northern Powerhouse is built on two pillars. One of them, transport infrastructure, gets a lot of attention. The other, skills and education, is often an afterthought.
New NPPF: NIMBYs vs YIMBYs
Is the Prime Minister a NIMBY or a YIMBY? After yesterday’s speech announcing the new National Planning Policy Framework it is hard to tell.
The Prezza and Hezza Show: Northern Powerhouse conference
Lord Michael Heseltine and John Prescott were the star turns at the New Statesman Northern Powerhouse conference on Thursday.
Where next for the GMSF?
During last year’s Mayoral election, Andy Burnham called for “no net loss of the Green Belt” over the next twenty years. He wanted the GMSF (Greater Manchester Spatial Framework) to build in town centres and called the first draft of the framework “unfair and disproportionate.” As the development community awaits the publication of the next […]
Cycling in Winter: can pedal power be a year-round travel option?
Cycling sceptics predicted empty cycle paths in winter. Were they right?
Five things you need to know about TfN’s draft Strategic Transport Plan
Transport for the North has launched its 30 year Strategic Transport Plan for consultation. Here's what you need to know.
Will they use it the way we expect?
There are plenty of examples of ideas that seemed great but really didn't work as expected. Can good consultation avoid the pitfalls?
What the 25 Year Environment Plan means for housebuilders
The Government's 25 year plan for the environment has important news for housebuilders.
Four ways social media campaigning can boost public consultation
When used properly, social media can be a potent weapon that really enhances a consultation. Here’s why.
What Chris Boardman’s Made to Move report really means for Greater Manchester
Chris Boardman's cycling and walking report was published last Friday - but does it contain anything new?
Andy Burnham’s rail station failure is bad news for GMSF
Andy Burnham's bid to take ownership of 97 stations was rejected, and it may cause real problems for the GMSF.
Burnham pushes GM Transport but station failure casts a shadow
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham made a big speech on transport today. You can read it here and read the Place North West report here. Burnham is setting up a Greater Manchester Strategic Transport Board. Otherwise, it’s as you were. Everything is carrying on much as before in line with the TfGM 2040 strategy written […]
How to use social media to help ensure planning approval
The consultation process is complex, and this presents several communications challenges. The only way to deal with this complexity is to break the consultation process into phases.
Why the big city office still beats homeworking
A couple of weeks ago in Manchester, two panellists disagreed on whether homeworking is fading.
The built environment is central to a successful industrial strategy
The built environment is at the heart of the Government’s much anticipated ‘Industrial Strategy: building a Britain fit for the future’.
Autumn Budget: key announcements
Here is my round-up of the 2017 Budget, around construction, housing, planning, regulatory changes, education and skills.
Five ways self-drive vehicles could transform our towns and cities
Self-drive or autonomous vehicles have the potential to transform aspects of urban development. Here are five ways it could happen.
Can the Northern Powerhouse get from A to Generation Z?
Generation Z will inherit the Northern Powerhouse. It's up to us to make sure it's worthwhile.
Five planning system changes you need to know about
Remarkable Group has identified five planning system changes every developer should be aware of.
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