Claire Tester

Just heartbroken today to hear that we have lost you Jonathan. I was never privileged to meet you in person but your humour and courage will be hugely missed. RIP Punmaster!

Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament Information from UK Parliament on written questions & answers, written statements and daily reports.

Here's the full Written Ministerial Statement made by Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister for Housing & Planning, at the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) Heads of Planning Conference on Thursday. PS- Happy 20th Birthday to PAS! questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-stat...

🐸Toad Migration update🐸
370 assisted last night (21/2/25) only 45 dead(😢) . Also 26 newts helped too😃
Please drive carefully in migration areas 🙏🏻
#Toads #Newts
#SouthDowns
#CuckmereValley
@froglife.bsky.social
@southdownsnp.bsky.social
@sussextw.bsky.social

That's right, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury and Saturn will all line up for the last time until 2040!

We'll have the telescopes out so come on down to join us from 5.30 - 8.30pm tonight (Saturday 22 February).

It Was The “Rushed And Incoherent” Jibe That Got Me The House of Lords Built Environment Committee published its conclusions from its inquiry on grey belt on 5 February 2025, by way of a letter from Lord Moylan (its chair until 30 January 2025 since…

New blog post, It Was The “Rushed And Incoherent” Jibe That Got Me

simonicity.com/2025/02/08/i...

😅😅😅

Growth Mindset Do you have a growth mindset? It’s increasingly a challenge just to keep up but, if we don’t, who will? Today’s blog post does no more than try to keep track of some of the latest announcements. Do…

New blog post, Growth Mindset

simonicity.com/2025/02/02/g...

And even if the final result is clearer and saves money, we have 2-3 years of disruption to get there. The uncertainty will inevitably impact services and staff recruitment & retention.

Victory in landmark legal case Secretary of State has admitted to making an error in law after Campaign for National Parks played a crucial role in securing victory in a landmark legal case.

Victory for Protected Landscapes in landmark legal case ⚖️

Gov't have admitted to making an error in law after submission of our legal evidence💪

This sends a clear message that there will be consequences if public bodies fail to uphold the law, more 👇
www.cnp.org.uk/news/victory...

Campaigners hail ‘important victory’ in protection of England’s national parks Minister says there was error when Manningtree station car park extension was approved under last government

We won our legal test case! It sets a precedent mandating public bodies to enhance national parks & landscapes.

After @campaign4parks.bsky.social intervened, Gov admitted “error in law”.

Judicial Review is critical for small charities to secure change.

www.theguardian.com/environment/...

Government goes further and faster on planning reform in bid for growth Chancellor continues bold reform of the planning system to deliver on the Plan for Change for working people.

Government confirms that Planning and Infrastructure Bill 'will be introduced in Spring' with further detail on the Bill to be published today in a working paper - www.gov.uk/government/n...

Planning Reform Working Paper: Streamlining Infrastructure Planning This paper invites views on how the government could reform the process for consenting Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP).

To deliver on our Plan for Change we need to do more to streamline the development of critical national infrastructure.

We’ve today published a working paper seeking views on proposed changes to the NSIP regime 👇🏻

www.gov.uk/government/p...

Twyford Parish Hall

South Downs Local Plan Review out on location today in Twyford near Winchester. Come and join us! #localplans #nationalparks

Very fair.

Effective community engagement remains vital for delivering major infrastructure projects The RTPI responds to the Government’s latest announcement on plans to speed up the judicial review process and unlock major infrastructure projects.

"Effective community engagement remains key to improving the delivery and quality of critical projects.”

We respond to the Government’s latest announcement on plans to speed up the judicial review process and unlock major infrastructure projects:
www.rtpi.org.uk/news/2025/ja...

Lindsey Richards: And Finally… It’s been an honour and privilege to be the 110th President of the Royal Town Planning Institute, and as anticipated it’s been quite a year!

"I will be doing my part as past president to visit as many schools and universities, and career fairs to talk about planning with students. Please join me in building that pipeline."
Lindsey Richards reflects on her presidential year and attracting future talent 👇
www.rtpi.org.uk/blog/2025/ja...

RTPI to launch its second major awareness campaign to change narrative around planning Helen Fadipe, RTPI President in 2025, is looking to change the narrative around planning as part of a new RTPI campaign.

We will be launching an awareness campaign to change the narrative around planning by demonstrating the public benefits of proper planning. It will aim to reshape public perceptions, showing planning not as an obstacle, but as a proactive force for good.
Read more: www.rtpi.org.uk/news/2025/ja...

A drone image of a large stream within a landscape of rolling green hills. To the right of the stream is a small settlement with houses nestled inbetween trees.

📣The consultation on the South Downs Local Plan Review begins today!

This is an opportunity for people to have their say on how and where development takes place, ensuring communities across the National Park can grow sustainably.

The consultation will last 8 weeks, closing on 17 March.

Loved this book. Never knew that our financial quarters were invented by the Saxons!

Congratulations Sandra!

Please get involved in the Local Plan for this nationally important asset. National Parks are for everyone so you don’t have to be local to contribute. Help us make it better for nature, climate and people ⛰️💐💦🏃‍♀️

For anyone who needs to see and hear the sun rising at Seven Sisters Country Park this morning. You’re welcome 😊

Just amazing!

Just 57 companies linked to 80% of greenhouse gas emissions since 2016 Analysis reveals many big producers increased output of fossil fuels and related emissions in seven years after Paris climate deal

57 companies are responsible for 80% of global greenhouse gas emissions since 2016.

These companies include fossil fuel giants like Chevron, Shell, and BP, who have been raking in record profits.

The profits of Big Oil should not be more important than the future of our planet.

Pleased to have won cross-party support for my Bill to introduce a national ban on pesticide use in public spaces!

More needs to be done to stop councils using toxic chemicals which are a danger to people, pets and children using these spaces, and the wider environment 🌱🐝

Like a hyper caffeinated Robin!

Attention Planning Fans.

The Planning Alliance is a new initiative that aims to improve the operation and image of the planning system and get more resources into it.

A Programme Manager is being sought to implement an action plan towards these aims.

www.planningofficers.org.uk/news/vacancy...

Farm cottages

View of frosty fields

Having a long weekend at Seven Sisters Country Park in the South Downs National Park. Beautiful, tranquil setting and the weather is being kind to us. @southdownsnp.bsky.social

National Trust to restore nature across area bigger than Greater London Charity reveals plans to create 250,000 hectares of nature-rich landscape as it marks 130th anniversary

Such a positive story to wake up to this morning. A huge well done to @nationaltrust.bsky.social
We really look forward to seeing the impact of your ambition becoming a reality and hope your work inspires other large landowners.

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...

#rewilding #nature