03/01/2023
2023 will see the UK taking some major steps forward with planning policy reform. The UK government has announced measures to place local communities at the heart of the planning system as part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. The measures aim to build the right homes in the right places with the right infrastructure, ensuring the environment is protected and giving local people a greater say on where new development should be placed.
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The New Eastern Villages is one of the largest developments in the UK currently. It will see the delivery of around 8,000 needed new homes in the area and nationally. The NEV will also be providing new schools for that area and the wider Swindon population, areas of employment, numerous sports facilities and other community facilities.
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15/01/2020
The news that the UK’s High Streets have been in decline for some time now is not new. The Centre for Retail Research reported that there are around 50,000 fewer retail units on the High Streets than there was just a decade ago. The issue isn’t how to save the High Street in its current form but how to reinvent it.
With High Streets being predominately retail focused and the decline of these physical retail places on the High Streets the UK needs take elements of an older model when these areas weren’t solely built around this sector. The High Streets are at the heart of the community where the people of the area are able to come together and utilise the space. Even with the UKs housing crisis it makes no sense economically to ear make what is usually the most expensive land in the centre of Towns/Cities for housing alone.
Local Councils need to adapt and understand what the High Streets function is today and how to entice people back to these areas with worthwhile experiences. Planning Policy needs to be less ridged and more flexible in its approach allowing well planned developments to come forward in order to breathe life back into these areas with more capable strategic decision makers in place.
The Government are proactively tackling the UKs issue of Town Centre regeneration and announced last year the High Streets Task Force, a forward-thinking group of experts appointed to provide guidance and advice to local authorities. With the correct individuals leading this and working in collaboration with the private sector the UKs Town Centres will see new uses and new life.
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02/01/2020
2020 will see Swindon grow in its intended direction with the New Eastern Villages moving the Town forward.
Swindon has grown over the last year with developments coming forward across the borough. The larger planned strategic sites at New Eastern Villages will receive planning this year which will see the Town continue to develop in a more structured way. The funding from the developers at New Eastern Villages along with the funding secured by Swindon Borough Council will ensure the necessary infrastructure in the area is delivered.
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