In the face of a proposal that would lighten planning controls over some new development in England, a recent report says that making more land available for development will not lower housing prices and will lead to sprawl.
"The research tracked house prices, completions and housing land supply over periods of 10 years or more."
"It suggests that proposals to relax planning controls could 'unleash a new wave of urban sprawl' in the country."
"The government is currently considering proposals that would see minor developments such as conservatories no longer needing planning permission, where there is judged to be little impact on neighbours."
"Campaign to Protect Rural England policy director Neil Sinden said: 'Evidence uncovered by this study suggests the government needs to rethink its planning policies for housing.'"
"'The relaxation of planning controls, which it is pursuing, will encourage builders to use more greenfield land rather than redevelop more difficult urban sites.'"
FULL STORY: Land 'no cure for housing crisis'

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

EPA Terminates $116 Million in Grants for Reducing Emissions from Construction Materials
C-MORE grants were earmarked for industry trade groups and universities.

BART Closes $35 Million Deficit
Cost control and revenue generation measures prevented service cuts.

The New Parisian Hearse is a Bicycle
Sleek, silent, and sustainable, a green trip to the graveyard has hit the streets of the French capital.
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