Local authorities and their network partners have been encouraged to take action on creating a greener future for their respective regions, it has bben proposed.

Councils should make greater use of businesses, schools and local communities through sponsorship programmes and be expected to raise £15,000 for each town in their constituencies to help protect local trees, a new report by environmental specialists ADAS and Myerscough College has suggested.
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The government has released more details of the work that the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) will carry out in delivering its promise of three million new homes to be built by 2020.

Combining English Partnerships, the Housing Corporation and delivery functions from the department of communities and local government to bring together expertise and resources, the HCA will work as a network partner with local councils on the delivery of housing and regeneration.

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A new property development in North Wales points the way towards affordable housing as a whole, the deputy first minister for the province has claimed.

Speaking at the site in Bron Bethel, Rachub, Bethesda, Ieuan Wyn Jones claimed that the nine homes, which are aimed at families, will help to combat the lack of good-quality housing available to buy or rent in the principality.

The properties were built by North Wales Housing Association on land leased from Gwynedd council.

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A number of infrastructure projects have been identified across Scotland as part of the National Planning Framework, it has emerged.

The development proposals, which include implementing facilities and infrastructure to support the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, have been put forward to help drive economic growth in the country and promote improved opportunities.

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A better planning system is needed if Scotland is to see economic growth in the future, it has been suggested.

In a draft version of the Scottish Planning Policy 3: Planning for Housing (SPP 3), it was claimed councils need to form stronger links with other local authorities and network partners on the assessment of land usable for housing.

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