Bolton Council is introducing a new licensing scheme that will bring nearly all HMOs in the borough into licensing control, with full operation expected in early 2027. The council says the scheme is intended to improve property conditions and management standards, while landlords face a five-year licence fee of £1,211 per property and potential civil penalties of up to £40,000 for non-compliance.
The Regulator of Social Housing has placed Rentplus Homes Limited under review amid concerns about possible serious failings. Rentplus operates a Rent to Buy model, acquiring homes built under Section 106 agreements and leasing them to housing associations before eventual sale to tenants.
This Planning Inspectorate annex explains the Environment Agency’s role in the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project process and how applicants should engage with it alongside the Development Consent Order regime. It highlights the need to consider environmental permits, consents and licences early to avoid delays, and notes that the annex will be updated to reflect changes introduced by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025.
Mansell Building Solutions, an Oldham-based light gauge steel frame and MMC specialist, has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators after citing prolonged difficult trading conditions and cash-flow pressures linked to project delays. The company, which has recently invested in a new headquarters and factory, says it remains proud of its modern methods of construction approach despite the sector headwinds.
This Planning Inspectorate annex explains the role of Natural Resources Wales in the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project process, including its functions as a consultee, statutory party and potential issuer of additional permits, consents or licences. It also notes that the document is out of date in parts and will be updated to reflect changes introduced by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025.
The Planning Inspectorate has published Annex C to Advice Note 11 to explain how Natural England works with applicants and the Inspectorate during the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) process. The note highlights Natural England’s advisory role on environmental matters, including EIA, Habitats Regulations, SSSI protection, protected species licensing, agricultural land, and landscape issues, and says the annex will be updated to reflect changes introduced by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025.
Lawrence Kenwright, founder of the collapsed Signature Group, has accepted a five-year director disqualification after the Insolvency Service found he failed to ensure proper stewardship and governance at Signature Works Gold Limited. The company had distributed misleading investment material implying investors would obtain a legal interest in three Liverpool properties, despite not holding registered freehold or leasehold interests in them.
The Planning Inspectorate has published Annex B to Advice Note 11 on working with the Marine Management Organisation during the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project process. The annex explains the MMO’s role, its statutory responsibilities, and the framework for cooperation, while noting that it will be updated to reflect changes introduced by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025.
The Planning Inspectorate has published annexes to its advice on working with public bodies in the infrastructure planning process for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. It notes that the annexes are co-authored with relevant public bodies but do not yet reflect changes introduced by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, and that updates will follow over the coming months.
The Planning Inspectorate has published an annex to its guidance on working with public bodies in the NSIP process, focused on Historic England. The document explains Historic England’s role, duties and points of engagement, and notes that it will be updated to reflect changes introduced by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025.
The Planning Inspectorate has published an annex to Advice Note 11 explaining how nuclear regulators are involved in the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project process for nuclear power stations. It notes that the annex is being updated to reflect changes introduced by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 and sets out the roles of the Office for Nuclear Regulation, the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales.
The Property Care Association has warned that more than 50 companies nationwide have been using its logo without permission and falsely claiming membership. It is advising owners, landlords and agents to verify contractor credentials directly before instructing any work.
