THE rapidly escalating cost of fuel, and other increasing costs of driving, are making drivers re-think the use of the car which in turn could threaten the success of car dealership ‘clusters’.
Read
LAST week I discussed some of the findings in The Saint Consulting Group’s annual survey on the public’s attitudes to development which showed we are becoming increasingly confident in opposing planning applications.
Read
WE have all heard the saying, ‘If you haven’t got anything nice to say, then don’t say anything’. However, if people have negative comments about a proposed development, you can be sure they will say something.
Read
POLYTUNNELS are proliferating in our rural landscape. A landmark planning case has had to decide whether they should be considered a “development” or a use of the land.
Read
I’M sure we all welcomed the recent commercial property market report from the Rics – featured in this section last week – which painted a positive picture for the sector in the North East and reflected the generally upbeat nature of the regional economy as a whole.
Read
WHAT issues do you take into account when considering potential development sites? Flooding? The risk of subsidence? The presence of a gasholder nearby?
Read
GRANTING a licence can appear to be a quick, cheap and handy method of allowing somebody to occupy business premises, particularly where a short-term arrangement is being considered. However, such arrangements can be fraught with difficulties.
Read
T HE last few days of conflicting messages about the housing market and the impact on the overall economy has had a measure of good news by way of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee’s decision to reduce interest rates by 0.25% and the decision to pump more money into the economy.
Read
AFEW weeks ago I attended a seminar at Tees Valley Regeneration in Stockton to hear about the plans for a new Metro system in the area. This ambitious proposal would make a huge difference to getting around the region and it prompted me to think about the role that transport and communications play in the property market and the wider economy.
Read
THE recent purchase of a Northumberland garden centre by a London property company undoubtedly heralds not just the possibility of restructuring of the business but the development of a new retailing experience.
Read
IF you are keen to do your bit for the environment, then April 6 was an important and exciting milestone. From now on, some of the planning requirements have been relaxed to make it easier for you to install certain types of renewable energy systems for your home or business.
Read
ACOUPLE of news reports caught my eye this week. The first is that a party of scientists has started a five-week biological survey of the Ross Sea in Antarctica, partly to gather data to measure the impact of climate change.
Read
Mixed-use developments of the highest quality are continuing to play a critical role in adding to the vibrancy and vitality of Newcastle, says James Platts.
Read
The ambition being shown to develop major sites in Newcastle and Gateshead is applauded by Bill Naylor, but he calls for the planning authorities and developers to keep a grip on the real world.
Read
Despite gloomy predictions for commercial property values over the coming months, Newcastle-based agent Dickon Wood feels the market still offers opportunities for investors.
Read
DEVASTATION caused by fire can destroy a business, and that of neighbouring properties. In February a fire at the Imperial Swallow in Jesmond, Newcastle, left nearly every room badly damaged.
Read
AREPORT published by RICS and the think-tank Demos five years ago, known as Northern Soul, highlighted the positive effect that “the cultural buzz” of NewcastleGateshead was having on the region.
Read
