New Homes Near Stations and Pub Protections in Planning Overhaul
Angela Rayner unveils planning overhaul to fast-track homes near stations and protect pubs, aiming for 1.5 million homes by 2029.
Category : Environment
Rayner relaxes planning rules for homes near stations
Angela Rayner has published planning reforms that include default approval for new homes within 800 metres of well-connected stations, aiming to boost housing supply.
Historic parks 'at risk' after planning reforms
Andy Burnham has been warned England's historic green spaces are in danger of 'destruction' after planning reforms stripped The Gardens Trust of its statutory consultee status.
Lynne Neagle: From minister to backbencher in Labour's new era
Lynne Neagle, Wales' former education minister, now a backbencher, discusses Labour's adjustment to opposition, the ALN funding row, and her resolve to keep fighting for £100m.
Louise Haigh approved wildfire alert that sparked fury
Louise Haigh approved the wildfire emergency alert that startled millions, sparking claims of 'misuse' and criticism from social media users and politicians.
Reform UK to ban foreign nationals from most benefits
Reform UK says a ban on foreign nationals claiming most benefits would save over £50bn a year from the welfare bill, with the party describing the current situation as 'immoral'.
Reform UK pledges to ban foreign nationals from almost all benefits
Reform UK would ban foreign nationals from almost all welfare, including Universal Credit and disability benefits, as part of a £50bn-a-year savings plan.
Water firms explore surge pricing during droughts
Water companies in England and Wales could raise bills during droughts under Ofwat proposals to reduce consumption, with five firms already allowed to increase prices.
Class, not race, is the real barrier in classical music
A reader argues that class, not race, is the biggest barrier in classical music, citing his son's experience of being judged too privileged for support despite a working-class background.
Hope in gruelling battle against south Wales wildfire
More than three weeks after it began, the huge wildfire above Blaenavon may finally be coming under control, with military and emergency services working to contain it.
Burnham's Climate Silence: A Missed Opportunity in Crisis
Prime Minister Andy Burnham's response to wildfires and drought lacked mention of climate change, a missed opportunity to address the root cause, despite his green credentials.
Water firms must fix leaks before surge pricing, says Mirror
Water companies lose 2.95bn litres daily while pushing for surge pricing. Mirror says families shouldn't pay for firms' failures. Thames Water's £1m golden hello criticised.
Burnham's climate choices: drilling and car ban U-turn
Andy Burnham faces criticism over reported plans for North Sea drilling and lifting the 2030 petrol car ban, as heatwaves cost the UK economy £4.4bn in 2026.
Adam Henson 'up against it' amid fresh farming woes
Adam Henson opens up about tough farming realities, revealing three difficult years and struggles with arable farming profits at Bemborough Farm.
Influencers risk lives for shark selfies
Influencers are risking serious injury for shark content, with experts warning of rising dangerous encounters and at least three bites in under a year.
House of Vanity couple launch Serenity Studio in Tyldesley
Danny and Kate Hirst, owners of Manchester's House of Vanity, have opened Serenity Studio, a pilates and wellness bar in Tyldesley, investing their life savings.
Water firms face backlash over drought price hike plans
Water firms want to raise prices during droughts via 'surge pricing', but critics say it punishes customers for industry failures.
Countryfile farmer reveals goat switch after lambing crisis
A young farmer on Countryfile told how her family switched from sheep to goats after a bad lambing season, leading to a new cheese and soap business.
Dozens join dig at Bronze Age cairns before rebuild
Hundreds joined an archaeological dig at the Two Lads Bronze Age cairns before their rebuild. The Woodland Trust is restoring the monuments into beehive shapes, with work starting August 10 and completion expected by early autumn.
Will consumerism fill up the planet? Readers answer
Readers respond to the question: if consumer capitalism continues at its current rate, will there be no space left on Earth for all the stuff created?
Fans mourn Jackie the bald eagle, whose legacy soars on
Jackie, the famous bald eagle of Big Bear Lake, died on Monday, prompting an outpouring of grief and inspiring a $10m conservation project.
Two killed in Greek fires as Belgium battles biggest blaze in century
Two people died in fires on the Greek island of Salamis as Belgium battles its biggest blaze in over a century, with 600 evacuated and aircraft deployed.
Lala weakens to tropical storm as it lashes Hawaii
Hurricane Lala weakened to a tropical storm after skirting Hawaii, leaving one dead and over 130,000 households without power.
Burnham Backs Barbecue Ban in Cartoon
A cartoon by Nicola Jennings shows Andy Burnham supporting a ban on disposable barbecues, highlighting environmental concerns.
99% of unregistered Salford HMOs fail safety standards
A report found 99% of unregistered HMOs inspected in Salford failed minimum safety standards, with over 1,000 hazards including fire risks, mould, and damp.
16p ground coffee trick keeps wasps away from food
Greek taverna owners use a 16p ground coffee trick to repel wasps from outdoor tables. The smouldering coffee masks food scents, keeping pests away without chemicals.
Jiffy Bike Ride 2026: £65k raised for cancer centres
Jonathan Davies led over 400 cyclists on the 56-mile Jiffy Cancer 50 Challenge, raising £65,000 for Velindre and Swansea cancer centres, smashing the £50,000 target.
Stourbridge wildfire victims to return home after major blaze
A return-to-home plan is in place for Stourbridge wildfire victims after a major incident destroyed 19 homes and spread across 500 acres, with the blaze now under control.
Rare Farm Animals at Blenheim Palace Mini Farm
Blenheim Palace hosts Marlborough Mini Farm until September 1, showcasing rare native breeds like English goats, with only 100 breeding females left in the UK.
Mechanic names Toyota Yaris Hybrid as car he trusts most
Mechanic Robert Hannah trusts the Toyota Yaris Hybrid, saying he never sees them needing engine repairs. The Toyota Aygo X topped Auto Express's 2026 Driver Power Survey as the UK's most reliable car.
Page 87 of 602