The U.K. government is determined to "simplify and speed up" the planning process at all levels, but the National Trust is staking ground against the measures, saying they would result in "Los Angeles-style" development patterns.
"The Government's planning reforms could lead to unchecked and damaging development in the undesignated countryside on a scale not seen since the 1930s," says a statement on the National Trust's website. While many conservative members of Parliament agree, The Mail insists that the Prime Minister is determined not to change his mind:
"Government sources say the Prime Minister will not perform a U-turn because he and Chancellor George Osborne believe streamlining the planning system is essential for economic growth."
The Mail also quotes the Prime Minister as saying that "...changes to the 'slow and bureaucratic' planning system were essential."
FULL STORY: Cameron 'relishes' planning war with National Trust as charity aims to halt urban sprawl

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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