David Mole introduces Risky Business, discusses changes to the National Planning Policy Framework and government plans to invest in infrastructure

I’ll be speaking to you about our new Risky Business breakfast briefings and the proposed Government changes to planning policies as well and its injection of funds into the country’s infrastructure.

Risky Business

Following our highly successful conference held last November, we are delighted to announce that Landmark will be hosting a series of ‘Risky Business’ breakfast briefings, enabling industry experts to meet and discuss the latest hot industry topics.

The first of three Risky Business conferences in 2013 is taking place on Wednesday 27^th February, 8am – 9.30am at Double Tree by Hilton, One Piccadilly Place, 1 Auburn Street, Manchester, M1 3DG. 

Risky Business breakfast briefings offer a platform for delegates to discuss with leading industry figureheads the latest key issues affecting the industry. Practical guidance and expert advice on contaminated land treatment are offered by key figure heads and delegates are given the opportunity to pose questions and be part of the discussion.

Our speakers include Keith Davidson, founder of ELM Law, a boutique environmental practice that advises law firms, developers, local authorities and the chemicals sector. Keith will be discussing Environmental Law; Understanding the liability rules under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Contaminated Land Statutory Guidance.  He will also provide a summary of the Environmental Damage Regulations 2009 and the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

6 Alpha’s Simon Cooke will provide an insight into the risks of unexploded ordnance, whilst providing delegates with practical guidance to ensure that they are doing all they can to help their clients and protect themselves.

Places for the first breakfast briefing are now fully booked but keep an eye on our website, http://www.landmark.co.uk/page/risky-business-breakfast-briefing , as we will soon be opening registration for forthcoming events in Southampton in May followed by London in July.

Changes to the National Planning Policy Framework

It has been well documented that planning decisions can take an exceptionally long time, slowing down and even preventing many people from building new homes, creating new places and bringing disused or neglected land and buildings back into productive use. The Government recently introduced new planning regulations to simplify planning approval processes and make their policies and guidance simpler and easier to follow, thereby greatly speeding up the planning approval process.

Assisting with the Government’s aim to cut red tape and stimulate the construction market is Envirocheck, which offers the industry a world-class, leading comprehensive search of environmental information, including current and historical mapping for environmental professionals.  Envirocheck uncovers all the evidence, thereby preventing delays further in the process. It ensures that the environmental professional’s advice helps their clients achieve a successful outcome from planning application stage by discharging their requirements under the new planning regime for contaminated land appraisal.

Envirocheck provides unrivalled intelligence in contaminated land appraisal through the extensive collation of the information and mapping provided by the service. This gives the environmental professional confidence that they have identified all potential sources of contamination as part of the desk study process, and thereby avoiding unnecessary delays and cost to the project due to a hidden potentially contaminated features being found later in the development process.

Government’s Plans to Invest in Infrastructure

Last December saw the Chancellor of the Exchequer deliver his Autumn Statement to Parliament, which focused on reducing the deficit, restoring stability, re-balancing the economy and equipping the UK to compete in the global race. Amongst the proposals was the Government’s plan to meet the needs of businesses with a £5.5 billion infrastructure package and support for long-term private investment in new roads, science investment, free schools and academies.

I believe that there can be little doubt that investment in the UK’s infrastructure, particularly our travel network such as a third runway at Heathrow and the new High-Speed 2 rail link, is vital if we are to continue to compete on the world stage as a global leader.  Of course, we do not want to build for buildings’ sake, but we must invest in our country otherwise we run the very real risk of being left behind. The French rail network already puts ours in the shade.

The focus by the Government and the injection of funds into infrastructure is clearly a very positive step for the construction industry and environmental professionals. Envirocheck is already playing a role and has been used for several large infrastructure projects, having supplied information to consultants for projects such as the London 2012 Olympics, High-Speed 2 and Crossrail. As the nation rides high on the unrivalled success of the London Olympics, this is a very exciting time with big plans in place to improve our country’s infrastructure – and Landmark and Envirocheck are set to be at the heart of that.