West Virginia Department of Commerce’s Post

The start to 2024 has been full of talk about planning reform. So I thought I would join in and share my thoughts on planning for science schemes. My plea to policy makers and regulators is to remember to plan positively for jobs, as well as housing, and to creating places that inspire and encourage innovation. Look forward to see what the year ahead will bring. #savills #savillsscience #planning

An unreleased DfT study reveals strong public support for LTNs. This makes sense as LTNs provide a range of social, cultural and environmental benefits. Surely local residents want quieter and safer streets? Negative perceptions often stem from a lack of information / engagement and scepticism, intensified by political polarisation. Superficially, LTNs might be perceived as yet another anti-motorist policy, limiting individual freedom, akin to the discussions around 15-minute cities earlier in the year. However, they prove to be a valuable means of reducing vehicular volumes and rat runs in sensitive locations without causing broader displacement impacts. The ongoing motorist debate is expected to remain a pivotal factor in shaping discussions and influencing local and national elections this year.

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This article highlights the faults of government to take action when needed. What does Cook Medical Group and the I-35 Bridge Collapse in Minneapolis have in common? The will to get things done and to cut through the red tape and bureaucracy that gets in the way of everyday decisions to keep this country moving forward. Great article and worth the 3-minute read.

Leading up to the General Election on 4 July, the major political parties have unveiled their manifestos. In the following report, we have compiled a summary of the key points relevant to the London construction market.  With a potential change in government likely, it is encouraging to see that the main parties remain committed to the New Hospitals Programme and have introduced new ideas, such as a ten-year infrastructure strategy and investing in the improvement of a significant number of homes. The establishment of Skills England is set to play a crucial role in unlocking future growth, but the construction industry needs to engage and drive opportunities for skills development.  For a more detailed analysis, read the full summary here: bit.ly/4bnNdio #GeneralElection #UKPolitics #LondonConstruction

Labour must build 'a new generation of new towns' if it gets into government!⠀ ⠀ A parliamentary candidate says the solution to Britain's housing crisis is a vast endeavour and building the next generation of new towns will be critical. They believe that Britain is not building enough genuinely affordable new homes and that we are all facing the consequences. ⠀ ⠀ The new towns model means that homes and the infrastructure to support them can be built simultaneously, using profits from the sales of the new houses to fund new transport networks, schools, doctor surgeries, and more.⠀ ⠀ What are your thoughts on this potential solution to the housing crisis?⠀ ⠀ (Industry news courtesy of Letting Agent Today)⠀ #industrynews

#StrategicPlanning is a must, and a further ask for me of any new Govt is to put Strategic Foresight and exploratory scenario planning at the heart of the skillsets needed to create that collective, envisioned future we all desperately need to positively work towards....less redline roadmaps and more GPS... Some of my thoughts amongst others featured in The Planner... 👇🏾

"🌟 Unprecedented Growth Alert! 🌟 Montgomery County, Maryland, has become a heavyweight in economic development, securing over $2.2 billion in investments for local businesses in 2023 alone! From booming life sciences firms raking in $500M+ to tech companies and manufacturers like MasPanadas gearing up for massive expansion, the region is a magnet for success. Dive into our latest post to discover why Montgomery County's strategic location and top-tier talent are driving a business boom that even County Executive Marc Elrich anticipates will surge into 2024 and beyond! #InvestmentGrowth #MontgomeryCounty #EconomicDevelopment #LifeSciences #TechBoom"

We know now that Labour will be taking the reins of government and bring in a new era of policies and promises, particularly in housing and property markets. Read this article to understand the practical implementation of these initiatives, especially in a local context like Southampton: https://cutt.ly/0efWsaKq #southampton #belvoirsouthampton

NIMBYS, YIMBYS, NPPF, viability, Green Belt, Grey Belt, new Government, politics-just some of the discussions at the Resi Planning Conference today. Here are a few things that stood out to me from discussions this afternoon: ✅A great suggestion from a councillor that more councillors should attend industry events to understand the industry perspective - as a former councillor and Chair of Housing myself I fully agree with this and in my professional life help stakeholders to engage with the development sector. 👍There really is support out there for planning applications - I’d urge applicants to reach out, record the views of the silent majority and demonstrate this to councils. ✅ Communities can bring great insights into placemaking and continuing to engage with local residents remains key. Opposition must be balanced with the pressing need for new homes.  Instinctif Partners #resiplaningcomference #resiplanning