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New planning rules give homeowners more flexibility to install solar panels

The government is changing permitted development rights to make it easier for homeowners in England to install solar panels without applying for planning permission. New changes have been made through an amendment to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 and will come into effect on 27 August 2026.Under the new rules, the maximum projection for solar equipment installed on a wall, balcony or roof enclosure will increase from 0.2 metres to 0.4 metres. The existing 0.2-metre limit will remain for installations next to highways and on pitched roofs.For standalone solar equipment, the current limit of one installation within the curtilage of an individual house will also be removed, allowing homeowners to install more than one where the other permitted development conditions are met. The existing five-metre restriction from the property boundary will also be removed, although some installations in protected areas will still require prior approval.The changes will also introduce permitted development rights for plug-in solar panels, which are small photovoltaic systems that connect to a home’s electricity supply through a standard plug and socket. Restrictions will apply to installations on wooden fences, gates, walls and other means of enclosure to reduce the risk of fire spreading.Some additional planning controls will remain in place for properties in protected areas. For example, certain standalone solar equipment installed within five metres of a property boundary in designated areas may require prior approval from the local planning authority.The government says the changes are intended to support the generation of clean, homegrown power and give households more choice over how solar technology is installed.Solar equipment that would not qualify under the new permitted development rules can still be installed under the existing rules until 26 August 2027.SOURCE:  https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/weekly-planning-news/planning-news-13-august-2026?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9e7l7xon-taA7ne-Q3tgKkaGNQx76L8MNnLAzl4xsqFlfQhfMXMLmK_txFSc1Gy-3Eky04v1GW5YWMbdVAzpbMP8DHvw&_hsmi=144938243&utm_content=144938243&utm_source=hs_email#new-planning-rules-give-homeowners-more-flexibility-to-install-solar-panels

Rosco White ● 49d5 Comments ● 45d

Third Acton Real Ale festival

Welcome to the third Acton Real Ale festival!In cooperation with our friends at Portobello Brewery, we have curated a selection of more than 20 cask ales from a wide range of independent, provincial breweries and microbreweries, with styles including mild, best bitter, porter, IPA, stout, real cider and much, much more! The good people at the Pint of Hops beer shop will be complementing these with a choice of international bottled beers.You will be able to vote for your favourite beer and we will be announcing the winner on Sunday evening. The top spot in our inaugural year went to Brentwood’s Marvellous Maple Mild and last year’s victor was Elgood’s Double Dog Mild. Can anything break mild’s winning streak this year?The full list of beers will be posted on our website before the festivities begin and on our Instagram @33ActonHighSt.Were that not enough, we have also arranged a panoply of entertainment, with comedy acts on Friday, live music on Saturday, and a charity raffle and table quiz on Sunday to raise funds for Stonewall Housing. Festival T-shirts and other must-have merchandise will be on sale, and there will also be a barbecue on all three days, with V/VG options available. Children and families are more than welcome until 7:00pm on all three days.Our core range of rotating cask ales, keg craft lager, cider and Guinness, along with three different alcohol-free beers, soft/hot drinks and bar snacks will of course also be on offer.We are very excited to announce that this Real Ale festival marks the beginning of a cooperation with the wonderful team at Vindinista, who will be supplying all of our wines, so if you prefer grape to grain, you are in for a treat. Please join us at the West London Trades Union Club between 12pm and 11pm next Friday, Saturday and Sunday (28-30th Aug). You will find us at 33-35 High Street, Acton, W3 6ND (look for the red door) on the Uxbridge Road. All are welcome and entry is free.PUBLIC TRANSPORT:From the West, buses SL8, 207, E3, 218, 266, 70, 440 stop at Acton Old Town Hall.From the East, buses SL8, 207, 70, 440, 218 stop at Acton Central station.Overground (Mildmay line): Acton Central is approximately a 6-minute walk away. Turn left out of the station and take the first left down Birkbeck Road to reach the main road; we are opposite and to the right.Tube (Piccadilly and District lines): Acton Town is a 15-minute walk away, or you can take the E3/70 bus from the station to Acton Old Town Hall; alternatively, get off at Turnham Green and take the E3 bus north.For accessibility assistance please see our website: https://wltuc.com/accessWe are looking forward to seeing you! If you have any queries, please email Emily at secretary@wltuc.com or drop in to the club one evening.

Patrick Green ● 61d3 Comments ● 56d

  BARRATT LONDON LAUNCHES PERUZZI RESIDENCES AT ROYAL GATEWAY 

Recent research has shown that over 80% of Londoners consider the proximity to a station important when choosing a home, highlighting the continued demand for well-connected locations across the Capital. As buyers continue to prioritise connectivity, North Acton is emerging as an increasingly attractive West London location, offering access to both the Elizabeth line and the Central line, as well as close proximity to the forthcoming Old Oak Common station, set to become one of the UK’s best-connected transport hubs. Alongside ongoing regeneration and new homes coming forward, the area is well positioned for continued growth and appeal. To meet this demand, Barratt London has launched Peruzzi Residences at Royal Gateway in North Acton, delivering a collection of one and two-bedroom apartments designed for modern city living in a well-connected West London location. Peruzzi Residences will deliver 93 homes in total, with completion expected Q2/Q3 2026. All homes will benefit from private outdoor space, while the majority will also enjoy east or west-facing views, helping to maximise natural light throughout the day. The development’s name also draws inspiration from the world of fine craftsmanship and design. Peruzzi Residences is named after Venetian diamond cutter Vincenzo Peruzzi, who is credited with pioneering the 58-facet brilliant-cut diamond in the 17th century. Reflecting this heritage, each residential block within the scheme is named after a different style of diamond cut, creating a subtle design narrative that runs throughout the development. Rising to 14 storeys, Peruzzi Residences will occupy a prominent position within the wider Royal Gateway development, marking a key gateway in and out of Central London along the A40 corridor past Paddington and into central London. As North Acton’s skyline continues to evolve, the development forms part of a growing cluster of contemporary high-rises that are helping to redefine the area’s identity and create a striking new approach to the Capital from the west. Residents will have access to a private roof terrace and landscaped gardens. Amenities on the ground floor will include a gym, concierge service and co-working lounge, reflecting the increasing demand for flexible spaces that support both home working and modern city living. Located in W3, Royal Gateway is within less than a 10-minute walk of both Acton Main Line, which offers Elizabeth line services, and North Acton Underground station on the Central line. This gives residents easy access across the Capital, with the Elizabeth line providing direct links to destinations including Heathrow, while the Central line offers convenient routes into Central London. The development will also benefit from its close proximity to the forthcoming Old Oak Common station, set to become the newest station on the Elizabeth line as well as one of the UK’s largest and best-connected transport superhubs. Providing future high-speed connections directly into Euston via HS2, the project forms part of a wider £10 billion regeneration programme that is transforming West London and reshaping the area around Old Oak and North Acton. For buyers, this means investing not only in a new home, but also in the long-term growth story of the surrounding neighbourhood. Connectivity has consistently proven to drive demand and value across London, with areas along the Elizabeth line seeing significant uplift following the railway’s completion and launch. As infrastructure investment and regeneration continue to accelerate in West London, Royal Gateway is well positioned to benefit from this next phase of growth. Joseph Antoniazzi, Director of Sales and Marketing at Barratt West London, comments:  “Connectivity continues to be a key driver for buyers across London, but increasingly people are looking for homes that support the way they live day to day. North Acton is emerging as a location that combines excellent transport links with significant regeneration, while offering residents the flexibility to balance work, wellbeing and leisure closer to home. “Peruzzi Residences offers everything buyers are looking for in a modern apartment scheme, from private outdoor space, landscaped gardens and a roof terrace to a range of on-site amenities including a concierge, residents’ gym, lounge and dedicated workspace. These facilities allow residents to start the day with a workout, work comfortably from home when needed, and make the most of their free time without the need to commute into central London every day. “This quality and level of service is something more commonly associated with Zone 1 developments. Royal Gateway gives buyers the opportunity to enjoy a premium lifestyle-led scheme, without the associated price tag.” The new collection of Peruzzi Residence is now available at Royal Gateway. Prices for a one-bedroom home start from £430,000.  For more information about Royal Gateway visit www.barrattlondon.com.

Nicole Collins ● 122d3 Comments ● 121d

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