Councils to get £10m grant to update green homes expertise Local authorities in the UK will receive government funds of almost £10 million in order to improve their green knowledge and advance the development of eco-towns.

Housing and planning minister John Healey announced yesterday (March 9th) that councils are to be at the forefront of the green homes agenda, by delivering on new government proposals to reduce carbon emissions from developments.

The new guidance will support councils in granting planning permission to green projects, such as housing developments that might have electric car charging points, or be situated so that residents can walk to work rather than use cars.

Projects that contribute to towns' "green infrastructure" should be prioritised, according to the new policies.

In addition, further training will enable councils to support applications for renewable energy developers.

Mr Healey said: "The tougher, better guidelines for planning give councils a new blueprint, reflecting the latest targets and ensuring councils put combating climate change at the heart of future development – ultimately saving people money on their bills and reducing emissions."

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