Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Wilts & Berks Canal - merged posts, ongoing developments and discussion In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [378454/28863/47] Posted by ChrisB at 21:14, 19th August 2026 |      |
So how does it threaten the canal - can you put up a map showing the canal route & reservoir limits? I can't see that they can meet?
| Re: NPPF revisions - more homes can be built near stations? In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [378453/32385/40] Posted by ChrisB at 21:10, 19th August 2026 | |
Yep - no warning, NPPF was changed on Monday.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/full-steam-ahead-to-fast-track-more-homes-near-stations
| Re: Inflation rate announced - a portent of next year's trains fares? In "Fare's Fair" [378452/32388/4] Posted by grahame at 21:10, 19th August 2026 | |
Could be almost anything - from 0% again to CPI% instead of RPI% to RPI+1%
Agreed ... and as an outrider they could replace the who system with something more appropriate for current times.
| Re: Wilts & Berks Canal - merged posts, ongoing developments and discussion In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [378451/28863/47] Posted by grahame at 21:08, 19th August 2026 | |
There are two Thames Water reservoirs being planned - or are you talking about the one to be sited near Abingdon (to the south)? They can't be planning two that close to each other surely?
Same reservoir, new name??
New name, same vision
We’re proposing a new reservoir near Abingdon in Oxfordshire to help supply water to around 15 million people across the South East. It would play a critical role in tackling expected water shortages and would also bring lasting local benefits, including new spaces for nature, leisure, and community use.
From January 2026, the South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) project name changed to White Horse Reservoir. As our reservoir proposals have evolved, so too has their potential legacy. The proposed reservoir is a critical drought insurance policy for the next century and beyond, while also being designed as a place for people to use and enjoy for many years to come.
We’re proposing a new reservoir near Abingdon in Oxfordshire to help supply water to around 15 million people across the South East. It would play a critical role in tackling expected water shortages and would also bring lasting local benefits, including new spaces for nature, leisure, and community use.
From January 2026, the South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) project name changed to White Horse Reservoir. As our reservoir proposals have evolved, so too has their potential legacy. The proposed reservoir is a critical drought insurance policy for the next century and beyond, while also being designed as a place for people to use and enjoy for many years to come.
| Re: Ryanair - routes, schedules, incidents and issues (merged posts) In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [378450/29076/51] Posted by ChrisB at 21:03, 19th August 2026 | |
deleted
| Re: Derailment, Lewes, 13 Aug 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [378449/32362/51] Posted by ChrisB at 21:02, 19th August 2026 | |
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/derailment-of-a-passenger-train-at-lewes
| Re: Inflation rate announced - a portent of next year's trains fares? In "Fare's Fair" [378448/32388/4] Posted by ChrisB at 20:50, 19th August 2026 | |
Could be almost anything - from 0% again to CPI% instead of RPI% to RPI+1%
| Re: Wilts & Berks Canal - merged posts, ongoing developments and discussion In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [378447/28863/47] Posted by ChrisB at 20:31, 19th August 2026 | |
There are two Thames Water reservoirs being planned - or are you talking about the one to be sited near Abingdon (to the south)? They can't be planning two that close to each other surely?
| Re: Wilts & Berks Canal - merged posts, ongoing developments and discussion In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [378446/28863/47] Posted by grahame at 19:33, 19th August 2026 | |
The Huddersfield Narrow, the Kennet and Avon, The Forth and Clyde and the Rochdale have all returned from being abandoned ditches - or even just ridges in the ground - into fully operational waterways. In places on so many restored waterways, significant hurdles have been placed in their way by developments since the waterway initially closed. Those hurdles need to be overcome, and have been in all the cases I have mentioned, throughout the route.
The Thames and Severn Canal / Stroudwater navigation is another example - in that case, restoration is underway and major problems like the M5 motorway have been overcome. It's high stakes stuff - one imprenitable blockge can ruin a whole through route scheme.
The Wilts and Berks canal has been out of use for over a century, and has a nunber of significant developmnts in the way. In Melksham, a new route - the "Melksham Link" is planned to take the canal through the town; the police station sits on the old bed, together with a whole lot of other development in the town. I was at a W&B meeting last night, and it's good to hear of improving (though often not great) relationships with develops looking to build on fields the link will also pass through. And if we look at Swindon - huge story to tell concerning how the newer stuss is to be avoided, and how sections of canal are actively coming into water as the town grow.
The White Horse Reservoir is different. It threatens the only practical route of the canal, but unlike the other obstacles I have mentioned, it's not there yet - it's just a proposed development. Thers is no dispute as to the need for a resetvoir - but where there's a significant problem is that Thames Water want to build it in such a way that it makes the canal restoration 50% again more expensive - for the whole route. Thames Water is a company with shareholders and they appear to be looking to ride roughshod over the key pathway for the canal to keep their costs down and their profits up. It should not be an "either/or" - the reservior and the canal through can co-exist and it makes huge planning sense to do both at the same time.
post strictly "as I understand it". I happened to be at last night's meeting in support of something else ...
| Re: Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [378444/31355/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 16:38, 19th August 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Thunderstorm warnings issued for parts of UK with flash flooding expected
Yellow thunderstorm warnings have been issued across the UK, with heavy showers expected to lead to flash flooding and travel disruption.
The Met Office warnings will come into force across northern England, Northern Ireland and eastern Scotland later in the day on Wednesday. The warning for northern England will remain in place until Thursday morning.
The downpours follow almost two months of dry weather, with parts of the country experiencing their first rain in weeks on Tuesday.
People in areas impacted by thunderstorms have been told by the Met Office to expect that businesses and homes could flood, transport services could be delayed and power cuts are likely.
(BBC article continues)
Yellow thunderstorm warnings have been issued across the UK, with heavy showers expected to lead to flash flooding and travel disruption.
The Met Office warnings will come into force across northern England, Northern Ireland and eastern Scotland later in the day on Wednesday. The warning for northern England will remain in place until Thursday morning.
The downpours follow almost two months of dry weather, with parts of the country experiencing their first rain in weeks on Tuesday.
People in areas impacted by thunderstorms have been told by the Met Office to expect that businesses and homes could flood, transport services could be delayed and power cuts are likely.
(BBC article continues)
| Wilts & Berks Canal Trust - White Horse Reservoir Fighting Fund In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [378443/28863/47] Posted by JohnM at 15:51, 19th August 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
19 August 2026
HELP US PROTECT THE FUTURE OF THE WILTS & BERKS CANAL
Dear Member,
The proposed White Horse Reservoir in Oxfordshire could become a permanent barrier to completing the Wilts & Berks Canal and reconnecting it to the River Thames.
Wilts & Berks Canal Trust
Dauntsey Lock Canal Centre
Chippenham, SN14 4HD
Office: 0845 625 1977
info@wbct.org.uk
www.wbct.org.uk
The Trust is not opposed to the reservoir or to securing future water supplies. Our case is straightforward: if this nationally significant project is built across the historic canal route, it must be designed so that a fully navigable canal can be delivered through the scheme.
Current Thames Water proposals would flood the historic canal route and three restorable locks. They would leave major elements of the canal to be constructed later, after the reservoir is full and operational. These plans impose around £149 million of additional future cost on the Trust - roughly half the estimated cost of restoring the entire 70-mile canal, and strongly prejudice the future restoration.
This is why we have launched the White Horse Reservoir Fighting Fund. We need professional legal, planning, engineering and environmental expertise to represent the Trust effectively through the Development Consent Order process and to secure legally enforceable protection for the canal.
Our objective is to secure:
We are asking every member who is able to help to make a donation. A contribution of any size will strengthen our ability to protect decades of volunteer effort and ensure that a single infrastructure decision does not make completion of the Wilts & Berks Canal prohibitively expensive - or impossible.
PLEASE DONATE TO THE WHR FIGHTING FUND
Visit: https://wbct.org.uk/donate/
The decisions made over the next year will determine whether the canal can ever reach the River Thames and deliver the extensive, long-term benefits to the local communities and residents. With your support, we can make sure the Trust has the expertise and resources to fight for the right outcome.
Thank you for your support at this critical point in our history.
Mike Gibbin CEO
HELP US PROTECT THE FUTURE OF THE WILTS & BERKS CANAL
Dear Member,
The proposed White Horse Reservoir in Oxfordshire could become a permanent barrier to completing the Wilts & Berks Canal and reconnecting it to the River Thames.
Wilts & Berks Canal Trust
Dauntsey Lock Canal Centre
Chippenham, SN14 4HD
Office: 0845 625 1977
info@wbct.org.uk
www.wbct.org.uk
The Trust is not opposed to the reservoir or to securing future water supplies. Our case is straightforward: if this nationally significant project is built across the historic canal route, it must be designed so that a fully navigable canal can be delivered through the scheme.
Current Thames Water proposals would flood the historic canal route and three restorable locks. They would leave major elements of the canal to be constructed later, after the reservoir is full and operational. These plans impose around £149 million of additional future cost on the Trust - roughly half the estimated cost of restoring the entire 70-mile canal, and strongly prejudice the future restoration.
This is why we have launched the White Horse Reservoir Fighting Fund. We need professional legal, planning, engineering and environmental expertise to represent the Trust effectively through the Development Consent Order process and to secure legally enforceable protection for the canal.
Our objective is to secure:
- a fully navigable canal from the Great Western Railway through to the River Thames
- the locks, channels, bridges, A34 crossing, and connection to the river Thames as part of the WHR construction
- clear responsibility for the WHR project to pay for and deliver that infrastructure
- binding provisions in the Development Consent Order so that restoration is protected.
We are asking every member who is able to help to make a donation. A contribution of any size will strengthen our ability to protect decades of volunteer effort and ensure that a single infrastructure decision does not make completion of the Wilts & Berks Canal prohibitively expensive - or impossible.
PLEASE DONATE TO THE WHR FIGHTING FUND
Visit: https://wbct.org.uk/donate/
The decisions made over the next year will determine whether the canal can ever reach the River Thames and deliver the extensive, long-term benefits to the local communities and residents. With your support, we can make sure the Trust has the expertise and resources to fight for the right outcome.
Thank you for your support at this critical point in our history.
Mike Gibbin CEO
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026 In "Across the West" [378442/31163/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 15:30, 19th August 2026 Already liked by NickB | |
Every......sodding.......day
Cancellations to services between London Paddington and Reading
Due to a points failure at London Paddington disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Train services between London Paddington and Reading may be cancelled or delayed.
Customer Advice
-
We are sorry for the disruption to your journey today.
-
What has happened?
-
There has been a points failure in the London Paddington area. A points failure is a fault with the movable pieces of track that enable trains to change tracks.
-
| Inflation rate announced - a portent of next year's trains fares? In "Fare's Fair" [378441/32388/4] Posted by grahame at 13:59, 19th August 2026 | |
From Wiltshire Live
Regulated train fares in England could increase by more than 4% next year.
The potential rise is based on the Office for National Statistics announcing that Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation rose to 3.2% in July.
The Government has not confirmed what it will do about fare rises in 2027, but last year’s 4.6% cap was one percentage point above RPI in July 2024.
If that formula is used to set next year’s increase, the cost of train travel will jump by 4.2%. That would mean an annual season ticket from Brighton to London rising by £219 to £5,423.
A flexi ticket for travel two days per week over a year from Leeds to Manchester would increase by £151.35 to £3,754.95. Sir Keir Starmer’s government froze regulated fares this year. About 45% of fares on Britain’s railways are regulated by the Westminster, Scottish and Welsh governments.
They include season tickets on most commuter journeys, some off-peak return tickets on long-distance routes, and flexible tickets for travel around major cities. Unregulated fares are set by operators, but rises in these are expected to be similar.
The Department for Transport has been approached for comment.
The potential rise is based on the Office for National Statistics announcing that Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation rose to 3.2% in July.
The Government has not confirmed what it will do about fare rises in 2027, but last year’s 4.6% cap was one percentage point above RPI in July 2024.
If that formula is used to set next year’s increase, the cost of train travel will jump by 4.2%. That would mean an annual season ticket from Brighton to London rising by £219 to £5,423.
A flexi ticket for travel two days per week over a year from Leeds to Manchester would increase by £151.35 to £3,754.95. Sir Keir Starmer’s government froze regulated fares this year. About 45% of fares on Britain’s railways are regulated by the Westminster, Scottish and Welsh governments.
They include season tickets on most commuter journeys, some off-peak return tickets on long-distance routes, and flexible tickets for travel around major cities. Unregulated fares are set by operators, but rises in these are expected to be similar.
The Department for Transport has been approached for comment.
I feel it's too early to know the formula?
| Bath. Northgate Street / Broad Street changes from 2027 In "Buses and other ways to travel" [378440/32387/5] Posted by Mark A at 13:48, 19th August 2026 | |
In conjunction with the creation of the new site for Bath's costume museum and the road outside, people have been looking at the visuals and have been wondering what happens to the route through the bus gate - through which several Faresaver services pass on the way to the rail and bus stations.
I *think* the intention is:
* The part of Northgate Street closest to the previous post office will close and a paved area will replace it and also the cycle parking island.
* The road past Waitrose will become tidal for vehicles permitted to pass the bus gate - with flow in first one direction and then the other.
* Traffic from Walcot Street into Broad Street, rather than swinging past the church - St Michael's Without - will use Saracen Street - that gap hacked through the buildings between Walcot Street and Broad Street. The tidal flow section aside, that sounds as though it will need a signal controlled turn from the junction.
I may be wrong about part or all of the above, and also I don't know what provision there will be for cycling, delivery routes to various businesses including those in Green Street, emergency services vehicles, ways to accommodate the exit from the Hilton Hotel, and lastly ways to address the ability of queues for the Podium car park to paralyse the flow of buses along Walcot Street.
Mark
| Re: Derailment, Lewes, 13 Aug 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [378437/32362/51] Posted by grahame at 13:32, 19th August 2026 | |
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has released an update into its ongoing investigation into the train derailment at Lewes in East Sussex.
At around 15:54 on the 13th August 2026, 1F34, the 14:24 Southern service from London Victoria to Eastbourne, derailed around 1 mile north of Lewes station.
The service was formed of eight carriages, and the rear three vehicles derailed and overturned, coming to rest on their side on an embankment.
150 people were on the train when the derailment happened. 30 people were injured in the accident; 20 of those required hospital treatment, some with serious injuries.
The first RAIB inspectors arrived on site at 19:11 to secure evidence alongside the British Transport Police.
The RAIB has downloaded the On-Train Data Recorder and is currently analysing this alongside CCTV recordings and signalling data.
This accident took place on the Down Lewes line, where the maximum speed for a train is 70mph. The two Class 387 units on 1F34 were coupled together and were travelling at around 65mph as it approached the point of derailment.
Initial analysis shows that the driver applied the brakes at the point of derailment, and the train began to slow down.
Marks on the rail near the point of derailment are consistent with the wheels of the derailed carriages climbing over the rails.
CCTV images from 1F34 and other services show that track geometry irregularity existed on the approach to the derailment.
The RAIB says that there is also evidence of previous track maintenance activity in the area.
Several reports of rough riding in the area were also received by the RAIB following the accident.
The embankment that the railway runs on is constructed of clay and alluvial/alluvium deposits, both of which the RAIB says are sensitive to variations in the water content.
However, the RAIB says that there is no evidence to indicate that an embankment slip occurred before the accident – although it does say that there is evidence of some previous movement.
The investigation is continuing to look at
the exact mechanism by which train 1F34 derailed
the status of the track at this location and how it was inspected and maintained
the condition of the embankment, including the presence of any coincident risk factors (such as sustained hot weather, nearby structures, and vegetation), and how it was inspected and maintained
the weather conditions in the area on the day of the accident, and in the weeks and months preceding it
the effectiveness of any mitigation measures intended to address the risks of operating trains in hot weather
the condition of train 1F34 and the crashworthiness performance of the rear three vehicles of the train during the derailment
the emergency response to the accident
any relevant underlying factors, including any actions taken in response to previous relevant safety recommendations.
The RAIB have released the site back to Network Rail to allow for repairs to take place and the train to be recovery.
The service was formed of eight carriages, and the rear three vehicles derailed and overturned, coming to rest on their side on an embankment.
150 people were on the train when the derailment happened. 30 people were injured in the accident; 20 of those required hospital treatment, some with serious injuries.
The first RAIB inspectors arrived on site at 19:11 to secure evidence alongside the British Transport Police.
The RAIB has downloaded the On-Train Data Recorder and is currently analysing this alongside CCTV recordings and signalling data.
This accident took place on the Down Lewes line, where the maximum speed for a train is 70mph. The two Class 387 units on 1F34 were coupled together and were travelling at around 65mph as it approached the point of derailment.
Initial analysis shows that the driver applied the brakes at the point of derailment, and the train began to slow down.
Marks on the rail near the point of derailment are consistent with the wheels of the derailed carriages climbing over the rails.
CCTV images from 1F34 and other services show that track geometry irregularity existed on the approach to the derailment.
The RAIB says that there is also evidence of previous track maintenance activity in the area.
Several reports of rough riding in the area were also received by the RAIB following the accident.
The embankment that the railway runs on is constructed of clay and alluvial/alluvium deposits, both of which the RAIB says are sensitive to variations in the water content.
However, the RAIB says that there is no evidence to indicate that an embankment slip occurred before the accident – although it does say that there is evidence of some previous movement.
The investigation is continuing to look at
the exact mechanism by which train 1F34 derailed
the status of the track at this location and how it was inspected and maintained
the condition of the embankment, including the presence of any coincident risk factors (such as sustained hot weather, nearby structures, and vegetation), and how it was inspected and maintained
the weather conditions in the area on the day of the accident, and in the weeks and months preceding it
the effectiveness of any mitigation measures intended to address the risks of operating trains in hot weather
the condition of train 1F34 and the crashworthiness performance of the rear three vehicles of the train during the derailment
the emergency response to the accident
any relevant underlying factors, including any actions taken in response to previous relevant safety recommendations.
The RAIB have released the site back to Network Rail to allow for repairs to take place and the train to be recovery.
| Re: NPPF revisions - more homes can be built near stations? In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [378435/32385/40] Posted by Ralph Ayres at 12:07, 19th August 2026 Already liked by eightonedee | |
All very well having a station within easy walking distance, but without other local amenities it will tend to be nothing but a dormitory, with residents catching the train to work if it goes the right way and driving everywhere else. The main complaint from existing residents - after the loss of countryside - is often that such developments will overload local schools, doctors, sewage processing etc without any compulsion for the developer to include these things.
| Re: West of England Line - Soil Moisture Deficit Update - 10 October 2025 In "South Western services" [378434/30889/42] Posted by grahame at 11:56, 19th August 2026 | |
Have written to our M.P twice in his early days of arrival.
First reply came 4 months later.
For the second enquiry, I've received no acknowledgement 6 months on!
More Parliamentary researchers than usual needing repairs perhaps?
First reply came 4 months later.
For the second enquiry, I've received no acknowledgement 6 months on!
More Parliamentary researchers than usual needing repairs perhaps?
There is no requirement on MPs to reply to - or even acknowledge emails. If they want to help make a difference, if they want you to re-elect them next time, a certain responsiveness and politeness helps. But there are some who find other ways of garnering votes more effective, or perhaps are going to retire at the next election anyway.
We have been through the whole gambit here.
Melksham was hooked into the constituency to our east when I first got involved with rail campaigning, where the big rail issues were Pewsey and Bedwyn to London and I had to draw a map of the railway network to show out MP how we fitted in.
We were then hooked into the constituency to the north and our first MP was excellent; he lost the seat on a big national swing, and his replacement for the Chippenham constituency concentrated on - err - Chippenham Station with significant service connectivity loss at Bradford-on-Avon and Melksham bumping along with a thin and unreliable service quite out of scale for a town of the size.
We are now in a constiituency named after our town, and with an MP for whom we are not a rather awkward town tacked on, and with a customer / voter care understanding and approach, and a good team. Thank goodness. All MPs are busy (a few, cynically, busy doing nothing for their MP position) and it still augers well to be polite, correct, complete and helpful - and not rant nor write too much to ask for help / support.
| Re: West of England Line - Soil Moisture Deficit Update - 10 October 2025 In "South Western services" [378432/30889/42] Posted by GBM at 11:14, 19th August 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
IIRC West Coast Railways ran the Oxenholme to Windermere service during the covid years - why not invite them to run an Axminster to Exeter St David's shuttle? At least during the morning and afternoon peaks.
I wrote a long rant to SWR about the lack of any commuter services during either peak between Axminster and Exeter. Surprisingly, I received a response within a week. It was a long, probably cut and paste job from a press release, talking about SMD and the lack of rolling stock, but failed to even mention the possibility of a shuttle service. I await a response from my MP.
Have written to our M.P twice in his early days of arrival.I wrote a long rant to SWR about the lack of any commuter services during either peak between Axminster and Exeter. Surprisingly, I received a response within a week. It was a long, probably cut and paste job from a press release, talking about SMD and the lack of rolling stock, but failed to even mention the possibility of a shuttle service. I await a response from my MP.
First reply came 4 months later.
For the second enquiry, I've received no acknowledgement 6 months on!
More Parliamentary researchers than usual needing repairs perhaps?
| Re: NPPF revisions - more homes can be built near stations? In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [378430/32385/40] Posted by GBM at 10:26, 19th August 2026 Already liked by JohnM, Mark A | |
The two line station picture (number 2) - Melksham in 2030?
| Re: Burnham urged to extend railcard discounts to over 30s In "Fare's Fair" [378429/32369/4] Posted by GBM at 10:22, 19th August 2026 | |
Hmm. 
I'm fairly (pun intended!) happy with my 'Old Gits' Senior Railcard, as I still travel by rail sometimes these days, in my retirement. My wife doesn't have one, but she only travels on trains about three times a year, so it wouldn't make financial sense for her to also buy one.
The other cards we do have are senior citizen bus passes, which are excellent - we can travel in to Bristol free, without having to run a car, pay for 'Park & Ride' or any of that malarkey, for example.
CfN.
In Cornwall, old gits passes are available to use 24x7 with no time restrictions.
I'm fairly (pun intended!) happy with my 'Old Gits' Senior Railcard, as I still travel by rail sometimes these days, in my retirement. My wife doesn't have one, but she only travels on trains about three times a year, so it wouldn't make financial sense for her to also buy one.
The other cards we do have are senior citizen bus passes, which are excellent - we can travel in to Bristol free, without having to run a car, pay for 'Park & Ride' or any of that malarkey, for example.
CfN.
However, that does NOT include the Truro Park and Ride (despite many intending passengers telling the driver it says they can use it on the website).
| NPPF revisions - more homes can be built near stations? In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [378427/32385/40] Posted by grahame at 08:53, 19th August 2026 Already liked by GBM | |
From the Guardian
Thousands more homes could be built within 10 minutes of transport hubs, including on green belt sites, under a loosening of planning policy announced by Angela Rayner on Monday.
The housing secretary will set out changes to national planning guidance for England that will include an order for councils to have a “default yes” approach to housing developments that are within a reasonable walking distance of well-connected train and tram stations.
If a proposed development is on green belt land, then the government’s “golden rules” state that they must have higher levels of affordable housing, new or improved green spaces, and be supported by the right infrastructure.
The approach was put out to consultation under Rayner’s predecessor, Steve Reed, but the guidance will be confirmed as part of the new national planning policy framework (NPPF) this week.
[snip]
The new NPPF is aimed at providing clearer national policies for plan-making and decision-making, meaning that conflicting local policies will carry less weight when they are inconsistent with national policies.
Other changes will include:
* Stronger support in principle for development, meaning a more explicit presumption in favour of building in sustainable locations.
* Pubs will get protection from being turned into housing or offices with developers having to prove there is no reasonable prospect of keeping a pub as a going concern, including evidence that it was marketed for sale for at least a year.
* A requirement for at least 40% of homes to be accessible on bigger developments and stronger protections for community facilities.
* Stronger support for growth and infrastructure including support for AI growth zones and datacentres.
The housing secretary will set out changes to national planning guidance for England that will include an order for councils to have a “default yes” approach to housing developments that are within a reasonable walking distance of well-connected train and tram stations.
If a proposed development is on green belt land, then the government’s “golden rules” state that they must have higher levels of affordable housing, new or improved green spaces, and be supported by the right infrastructure.
The approach was put out to consultation under Rayner’s predecessor, Steve Reed, but the guidance will be confirmed as part of the new national planning policy framework (NPPF) this week.
[snip]
The new NPPF is aimed at providing clearer national policies for plan-making and decision-making, meaning that conflicting local policies will carry less weight when they are inconsistent with national policies.
Other changes will include:
* Stronger support in principle for development, meaning a more explicit presumption in favour of building in sustainable locations.
* Pubs will get protection from being turned into housing or offices with developers having to prove there is no reasonable prospect of keeping a pub as a going concern, including evidence that it was marketed for sale for at least a year.
* A requirement for at least 40% of homes to be accessible on bigger developments and stronger protections for community facilities.
* Stronger support for growth and infrastructure including support for AI growth zones and datacentres.
Lisa and I were at a meeting last night ... and from a speaker there, we understand that there is now a requirement on developers and others putting plans forward to liaise and agree (where possible?) with neighbouring plans in order to avoid or at least reduce conflicts and barriers between neighbouring developments. I also understand from other sources that powers are removed / reduced for local councillors wanting to "call in" contentious plans in their areas to planning commitees.
For major projects and for regional planning, the changes to the NPPF (this is not the first) and other planning laws and regulations are a significant nuisance and added cost. Witness the Wiltshire Local Plan which looked good ... but by the time it came to the inspectors was so out of date as to not be acceptable; a decade of work "thrown away", a gap left in local guidance, and a reduction (but not an extinguishing) of the Neighbourhood Plan.
There seems to be contradiction in the government lines here ... on one hand, it's all about devolving things to the regions, but on the other hand the regions are having their authority to decide their own direction overruled by central government.
A West Country scene to be changed by central government?
And some others ...
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2026 In "London to the Cotswolds" [378426/31371/14] Posted by charles_uk at 08:36, 19th August 2026 | |
07:13 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 09:43 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
| Re: How do steam railways tackle lineside fire risks? In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [378425/32278/47] Posted by grahame at 08:02, 19th August 2026 | |
From the BBC
A heritage railway service has paused its steam engine trips after two fires, one of which was "most likely" caused by a passing train.
Two blazes broke out on Thursday - the UK's hottest day of the year so far - near Normanhurst Park in Darley Dale at 16:21 BST, and near Church Road in Derbyshire.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said the first fire spanned a grassland area of roughly 100m by five metres, while the second fire - involving vegetation at the side of railway track - was found to have likely been caused by sparks from the passing train.
Peak Rail, which run services on the Midland Railway line, said the withdrawal of steam-hauled trains would continue "until further notice".
Two blazes broke out on Thursday - the UK's hottest day of the year so far - near Normanhurst Park in Darley Dale at 16:21 BST, and near Church Road in Derbyshire.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said the first fire spanned a grassland area of roughly 100m by five metres, while the second fire - involving vegetation at the side of railway track - was found to have likely been caused by sparks from the passing train.
Peak Rail, which run services on the Midland Railway line, said the withdrawal of steam-hauled trains would continue "until further notice".
The main (Network Rail) network in England has suspended steam operation as have some heritage lines - Peak Rail, and the Bluebell (outside station areas), for example.
