Business rate plans for vacant land dropped

[Massimo A. Allamandola]

Budget news: Business rate plans for vacant land dropped

Domenic Donatantonio
PlanningResource
12 March 2008

http://tinyurl.com/3aeg93


Chancellor Alistair Darling has announced in his first budget 
that the government will not pursue plans to extend business rates 
to include derelict and vacant previously developed land.



The other key points that affect planning in the budget are:

* New non-domestic buildings should be zero carbon by 2019, with public sector buildings reaching the standard by 2018.

* Sites on central government surplus land have been identified with potential for 70,000 new homes.

* DCLG aims to formally consult on draft regulations for the community infrastructure levy (CIL) in autumn 2008, with a view to finalising them in spring 2009. The department will make further announcements on CIL before the summer.

* The government will set out the definition of a zero-carbon home by the end of 2008, following a consultation this summer.

* Funding will be given for a 2016 zero-carbon delivery unit to guide, monitor and co-ordinate the initiative.

* A fund of £26 million will be created to help make existing homes greener.