The Communities Committee has called on the government to amend the forthcoming localism bill.  Ministers say a simplified planning system is needed to boost growth and encourage sustainable development.  

The MPs highlight the default "yes" in the reforms that gives the go-ahead to development unless the adverse effects "significantly and demonstrably" outweigh the benefits.

"This carries the risk of the planning system being used to implement poorly planned,…

Hackney Council is conducting a trial of mixed recycling collections using orange bags in Cazenove Ward.  The bags replace the familiar green box, and the recycling is sorted at an MRF (Material Recycling Facility) rather than at the kerbside.  

We have concerns that the quality of the material will suffer and there will be more rejections, and we've written to the council's recycling officer to ask about our concerns.…