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Gove to Unveil Plans for Simplified Home Extensions and Shop-to-Home Conversions

Gove to Unveil Plans for Simplified Home Extensions and Shop-to-Home Conversions

Housing Secretary Aims to Streamline Regulations to Tackle Housing Shortage

Housing Secretary Michael Gove is set to announce plans to reduce red tape, making it easier for homeowners to extend their properties and convert empty shops into living spaces. This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to address the UK’s housing crisis. The new measures will provide greater flexibility for families looking to expand their homes and for property owners wishing to repurpose unused commercial buildings.

The proposals, which are expected to be revealed on Monday, will simplify rules around home extensions and loft conversions, making it easier for families to adjust their homes as they grow while ensuring the interests of neighbours are safeguarded. Gove has stressed the importance of better utilising existing buildings to help alleviate housing pressure, saying, “Empty shops or offices cannot be gathering dust while we have an urgent need for more homes.”

Additionally, the plans aim to revitalise high streets and increase housing density in urban centres, rather than contributing to suburban sprawl. Retail spaces, including shops, takeaways, and betting establishments, will be eligible for conversion into residential units, contributing to the regeneration of struggling high streets.

In a move to expand housing opportunities in cities, Gove will also propose the creation of development corporations to facilitate large-scale housing projects in places like Birmingham, Manchester, and Liverpool. These entities would have the power to use compulsory purchase orders to acquire land, which would then be sold to developers for new housing developments.

While Gove’s announcement has been welcomed by some, critics argue that it does not go far enough in addressing the housing shortage. Labour’s shadow housing secretary, Lisa Nandy, described the plans as a “drop in the ocean,” calling for more substantial reforms to tackle the scale of the crisis. The government’s previous decision to downgrade the target of building 300,000 homes per year has further fueled concerns about its commitment to solving the issue.

Nandy has outlined Labour’s own housing proposals, including making it easier to build on underused areas of greenbelt land and restoring the 300,000-home target. She also criticised the government’s focus on reviews and press releases, calling for more decisive action to support housing development.

The government’s efforts come amid growing frustration about the housing crisis and uncertainty about how effectively the current measures will address the rising demand for affordable homes in the UK.

Humza Yousaf Attends Highland Music Festival Speyfest with Family

Humza Yousaf Attends Highland Music Festival Speyfest with Family

First Minister Enjoys Music and Mixology at Popular Moray Festival

Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousaf, made a memorable visit to Speyfest this weekend, a beloved festival in the heart of the Highlands. The festival, held in Fochabers, Moray, marked its 26th year with a lineup of over 30 musical performances. Yousaf, accompanied by his family, enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere, mingled with festival-goers, and even tried his hand at mixology, preparing alcohol-free cocktails for the crowd.

Speyfest, which began in 1995, has become a staple in Scotland’s cultural calendar, celebrating traditional music and the spirit of the community. Yousaf took the stage to introduce the Auld Fochabers Fiddlers, a local string band, and also met Ryan Murphy, a talented pipe and whistle player from the band Imar. Murphy, who performed for Yousaf, praised the First Minister for his down-to-earth nature and his genuine interest in the festival’s atmosphere.

Over the weekend, more than 160 musicians performed, with acts such as Skerryvore, Manran, and Talisk taking the stage, delighting the thousands of fans who attended. The First Minister took to Twitter to express his gratitude for the festival and its organisers, highlighting a beautiful tribute by the Auld Fochabers Fiddlers to James Alexander, the festival’s founder.

Speyfest’s chief organiser, Ashleigh MacGregor, shared pride in the festival’s success and lasting legacy. She noted how the event continues to shine as a platform for both emerging talent and well-established performers, while preserving Scotland’s rich musical heritage. This year’s event was particularly significant as it marked the first time a sitting First Minister had attended.

Prime Minister’s Housing Focus: Prioritising Urban Development

Prime Minister’s Housing Focus: Prioritising Urban Development

Housing Reforms and Expansion Plans for Major Cities Announced

Rishi Sunak has confirmed that the government’s primary focus for housing expansion will be within major cities, stressing the commitment to avoid over-developing rural areas. The new housing strategy, set to be outlined by Housing Secretary Michael Gove, will centre on urban regeneration and utilising unused brownfield land for residential developments. The government remains dedicated to meeting the target of constructing one million homes throughout the current parliamentary period.

While Sunak is set to visit the West Midlands, Gove will provide further details about the reforms on Monday, which include proposals for a new urban development in Cambridge, incorporating residential spaces, art facilities, and laboratories. The government insists the goal is to address the housing needs where they are most pressing, all while gaining local support.

This announcement follows scrutiny from MPs, with concerns raised about the feasibility of reaching an annual target of 300,000 new homes, as highlighted in a recent cross-party report. However, Gove’s department continues to work on reducing bureaucratic delays in the planning system to speed up approvals.

Gove’s speech in London will also outline further steps, such as enhancing permitted development rights for transforming shops into homes and simplifying home extensions. Along with these efforts, a £24 million fund will be invested to expedite planning applications.

In a bid to promote revitalisation, the government will also propose setting up development corporations in cities like Birmingham, Manchester, and Liverpool, akin to the regeneration in East London’s Docklands in the 1980s.

Other measures include the creation of the Office for Place, an agency dedicated to ensuring high-quality design in new housing projects and giving communities more input into their development plans. While these proposals have received support from construction and architecture organisations, concerns persist over the potential risk of substandard housing from expanded permitted development rights.

Opposition parties, particularly Labour, have criticised the government’s housing record, with Shadow Housing Secretary Lisa Nandy calling for more substantial actions to tackle the housing crisis.

Man Charged with Rape in Soho

Man Charged with Rape in Soho

55-year-old Michael Lawson appears in court over the June incident.

Michael Lawson, 55, has been charged with the rape of a woman in Soho and appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Saturday. The charge relates to an incident that occurred in the early hours of June 17, where a woman reported being attacked by a man, according to the Metropolitan Police.

The woman is receiving ongoing support from specially trained officers. Lawson, who is of no fixed abode, was arrested on Friday following an investigation led by detectives from the Central West Command Unit.

Ange Postecoglou Responds Sharply to Bayern Munich Prank at Press Conference

Ange Postecoglou Responds Sharply to Bayern Munich Prank at Press Conference

Tottenham manager unimpressed by reporter’s stunt involving Harry Kane shirt.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou was not amused when a German reporter attempted to play a prank on him during a pre-match press conference in Bangkok ahead of Spurs’ pre-season friendly against Leicester on Sunday.

The reporter presented Postecoglou with a Bayern Munich shirt, bearing Harry Kane’s name and the No.9 on the back, a cheeky reference to Bayern’s interest in the England striker. The German club has made two offers for the 29-year-old forward, who is entering the final year of his contract with Spurs. Despite Paris Saint-Germain also showing interest, Kane is reportedly not considering a move to the French champions.

Bayern’s honorary president, Uli Hoeness, recently suggested that Kane is open to a move to Germany, even claiming that the club had spoken to members of Kane’s family about the potential transfer.

However, Postecoglou, clearly irritated by the reporter’s actions, gave a blunt response: “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Did you get a good laugh for it? Got what you came to get? Maybe? Very good. You came a long way for that, thank you.”

The Australian manager has been candid about his concerns over Kane’s future, admitting he is far from relaxed given the ongoing speculation and the striker’s contract situation.

Ferry Delays and Rail Strikes Disrupt Summer Holiday Travel

Ferry Delays and Rail Strikes Disrupt Summer Holiday Travel

Queues at ports and train disruptions make for a difficult start to the holiday season, as strikes and traffic congestion take hold.

Ferry Delays and Rail Strikes Disrupt Summer Holiday Travel
Queues at ports and train disruptions make for a difficult start to the holiday season, as strikes and traffic congestion take hold.
Category: Travel

As the summer holidays kick off, travellers are facing significant disruptions, with long ferry queues and ongoing rail strikes complicating journeys for many. With schools in England now on holiday, thousands are heading abroad or exploring the UK, but issues at ports and on the railways have already caused headaches.

At the Port of Dover, one of the busiest entry points to the UK, border checks have caused long delays, with passengers waiting up to 40 minutes to clear security, down from a peak of 90 minutes earlier in the day. The port, however, reassured travellers that if they miss their ferry, they would be placed on the next available sailing. P&O Ferries, which operates routes across the Channel, also urged customers to allow extra time for checks.

Rail services were also severely disrupted on Saturday, with industrial action affecting multiple train companies. The ongoing pay and conditions dispute has led to strikes, including an overtime ban from the Aslef union. National Rail warned that train services would be reduced, especially on the 14 train companies affected by the RMT strike. Passengers were urged to check their schedules in advance, with many services expected to finish earlier than usual.

In addition to these travel headaches, the RAC forecasted a busy weekend on the roads, estimating 3.1 million leisure trips on Saturday alone, with 2.5 million more on Sunday. Traffic congestion is expected to be particularly heavy as families head out for trips, with the weather also playing a role. The Met Office predicted unsettled weather, with rain and cooler temperatures for many parts of the UK, creating a “disappointingly cool” start to the holiday season.

For those holidaying in the UK, the first part of the summer break is expected to be wet, but the weather may improve in the second half of August. The UK’s current weather woes are attributed to the position of a jet stream, which is pushing high pressure southward, contributing to a heatwave across parts of Europe.

In an effort to streamline travel, the Home Office announced that from Monday, children aged 10 and over will be able to use eGates at 15 airports and rail ports to speed up passport control. With more than 34 million air arrivals expected this summer, the use of eGates is expected to ease some of the congestion, especially as families with children are expected to make up a large portion of the travellers.

Revitalising Miao Culture in Zhonghuang Village

Revitalising Miao Culture in Zhonghuang Village

Efforts to merge traditional embroidery with modern tourism boost local economy and preserve heritage.

Zhonghuang village, nestled in the lush hills of Jishou city in Central China’s Hunan province, offers a unique glimpse into China’s rich ethnic heritage. Surrounded by mountainous terrain and a meandering river, this tranquil village is home to the Miao people and features distinctive stilted houses that reflect the region’s history, spanning over 700 years.

Recognising the potential of the village’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, Yi Hua, an expert in Xiang embroidery, has launched an initiative to attract tourists while preserving the village’s traditional roots. Yi, a local of the region, has dedicated herself to promoting Miao embroidery, a craft passed down through generations. She believes that merging ethnic traditions with sustainable tourism will bring prosperity to the area without compromising its authenticity.

Yi has worked with local villagers to train them in Miao embroidery, enabling them to wear traditional garments and weave intricate patterns on fabric, celebrating nature and local folklore. As part of her vision, she’s also designing a cultural heritage corridor that will open this summer to showcase the rich traditions of the Miao people. Butterfly motifs, a symbol of motherhood and love in Miao culture, are prominently featured in the village’s architectural renovations.

This transformation is part of Yi’s broader “Valley Residents” project, which aims to empower rural communities by integrating traditional crafts like embroidery, batik, and weaving into the local economy. Her efforts are revitalising Miao culture while providing new economic opportunities for the villagers. Yi’s project trains over 1,000 embroiderers across several villages in Hunan, promoting their work internationally. Miao embroidery products created by her team have been showcased at global events such as the 2015 World Expo in Milan and are also sent as diplomatic gifts by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Yi’s path to becoming a prefectural inheritor of Miao embroidery was far from easy. After initially studying communication technology and working in telecommunications, she returned to Xiangxi and opened a small workshop, dedicating herself to embroidery. Over the years, Yi’s commitment to her craft has seen her grow in stature, and she is now leading a cultural and tourism renaissance in Zhonghuang village.

Through “Valley Residents”, Yi and her team have not only preserved a vital cultural heritage but also elevated it, offering new economic prospects for the local community while keeping the traditions of the Miao people alive.

Harman Dominates Day Two of The Open, Sets High Target for Title

Harman Dominates Day Two of The Open, Sets High Target for Title

American golfer leads at Royal Liverpool with impressive 10-under-par halfway total

Brian Harman delivered a flawless second-round performance at the 151st Open Championship, posting a 65 to reach 10-under-par at the halfway stage. This exceptional round included four birdies in a row on the front nine, plus an eagle from 15 feet on the 18th. Harman’s total of 132 after two rounds matches the best halfway scores recorded by Rory McIlroy (2014) and Tiger Woods (2006), though both of them were 12-under at the same point in the tournament.

McIlroy, seeking his first major title in nearly a decade, finished the day nine shots behind Harman after adding a 70 to his opening 71. While McIlroy secured a birdie on the 18th, he faces a significant gap to the leader.

Harman, aiming to become just the third left-handed golfer to win The Open after Bob Charles in 1963 and Phil Mickelson in 2013, remains calm and composed. The 36-year-old credits his strong putting performance and mental approach, which he’s learned from previous major championship experiences, including his lead at the 2017 U.S. Open.

His excellent play came amid a controversial change to the course’s bunkers between rounds. In response to player complaints about the penal nature of the bunkers, the R&A altered how they were raked to allow more balls to roll back to the centre. Jon Rahm and McIlroy had both struggled with the course’s 82 bunkers, with Rahm calling them “proper penalty structures.”

Despite the challenging course conditions, Harman’s confidence remains high as he looks to extend his lead over the weekend.

Boris Johnson to Submit Recovered Messages to UK Covid Inquiry

Boris Johnson to Submit Recovered Messages to UK Covid Inquiry

Former Prime Minister hands over data from old phone after technical recovery

Boris Johnson has agreed to provide the UK Covid-19 Inquiry with messages recovered from his old mobile phone, following a breakthrough in efforts to retrieve the data. The recovery, confirmed on Friday, follows a period of uncertainty after the former Prime Minister was advised to stop using the device due to security concerns, stemming from the revelation that his number had been publicly available online for years.

Johnson reportedly forgot the passcode to his phone, complicating efforts to access the crucial messages. However, after technical experts succeeded in retrieving all relevant content, a spokesman for the former Prime Minister confirmed that he would hand over the data in unredacted form to the inquiry.

The process now requires a security check by the Cabinet Office, which will determine when the materials are passed to the inquiry. Johnson’s spokesman reiterated that it was always the plan for him to provide these records, stating that a meticulous, approved process was followed to ensure the recovery was successful.

The phone, used by Johnson during pivotal moments of the pandemic, is believed to contain communications about key decisions such as the ordering of lockdowns in 2020. This development marks the latest chapter in the inquiry’s efforts to probe the government’s handling of the pandemic. Johnson had previously resisted full disclosure of his notebooks and messages, but the matter was taken to the High Court, where the government lost, leading to the forced release of the material.

How Kindroom Is Revolutionising London’s Rental Market with Skills for Rent

How Kindroom Is Revolutionising London’s Rental Market with Skills for Rent

The innovative platform allows tenants to trade services like dog-sitting and driving lessons for affordable housing in the capital.

With the average rent in London now surpassing £2,500 per month, many tenants are looking for new ways to secure affordable accommodation. Kindroom, a unique house-share platform, is offering a solution where Londoners can trade their skills for a place to stay, offering services such as babysitting, dog-sitting, and even driving lessons in exchange for low-cost or free rent.

Leena Taylor, 35, faced a difficult housing situation after her relationship ended, forcing her to move back in with her mother in Romford. Unable to afford the high rent in London and struggling to find a suitable house share, Taylor discovered Kindroom, which led her to a solution that worked for her. She found a place with Philip, who offered his spare room in exchange for help caring for his dog, Cariad. Taylor not only saved money on rent and bills but also enjoyed a fulfilling relationship with her new furry companion.

Kindroom was founded by Bernard Darko, who came up with the idea during the pandemic when his childcare website failed to gain funding. Having faced his own struggles with paying rent, Darko realised there was potential for a barter system in the housing market. Unlike traditional house shares, Kindroom allows tenants to exchange their skills with property owners, creating an affordable option for those who may be priced out of the traditional rental market.

The platform has already gained traction, with 900 people registered, mainly through word of mouth. The service is currently free, with plans to eventually charge hosts for posting ads. Tenants and landlords are vetted, and the platform encourages contracts to ensure transparency and security. The site has been especially timely, as rental prices in London continue to climb, with nearly a third of London postcodes now seeing rents for rooms at £1,000 or more.

Victoria Vajda, another user of the platform, turned to Kindroom after her marriage ended and she needed temporary accommodation. She found a landlady in Croydon offering her spare room in exchange for help with driving lessons. In return for about six hours a week, Vajda received rent-free accommodation in a great location, making it possible for her to live comfortably while being close to her young son.

For both Taylor and Vajda, Kindroom provided not only an affordable place to stay but also an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with their landlords. “The whole concept is revolutionary,” said Vajda. “It’s unreal how much it helped me.” With housing prices continuing to rise, Kindroom offers a refreshing alternative that allows people to offer their skills in exchange for the accommodation they need.