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Sam Dumitriu is the author of 'Notes on Growth', a Substack publication focused on markets, tech, and policy, with thousands of subscribers.
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Preston's housing success stems from linking development to visible local benefits, contrasting sharply with Camden's less effective approach, which fosters community skepticism.
Britain's high infrastructure costs stem from centralisation, regulatory burdens, and reliance on consultants, rather than solely from the lack of local authority power.
China's energy strategy prioritizes security and economic growth, leading to significant renewable investments while still expanding coal power, complicating its climate change efforts.
The post analyzes the risks of the UK's dependence on China for green technologies in achieving net zero, emphasizing the need for careful management of these dependencies.
China's dominance in green supply chains stems from its East Asian industrial model, diverse workforce, and rapid economic growth, offering limited lessons for the UK, especially in nuclear energy.
Achieving Britain's Net Zero targets without reliance on Chinese supply chains is nearly impossible in the short term, particularly for solar, wind, and EV technologies.
The Shoreditch Works scheme's approval is hindered by vague policies and procedural dysfunction, despite strong support from the public and councillors.
Britain's new renewable energy auction raises concerns about higher electricity prices, despite securing significant wind capacity, due to complex pricing dynamics and rising project costs.
The UK’s reliance on China for renewable energy infrastructure complicates its climate goals, revealing the paradox of needing a rival to achieve Net Zero.
The post defends the Fingleton Review against misleading claims by environmental groups, emphasizing the importance of accurate evidence in nuclear energy regulation.
The Fingleton Review on nuclear regulation receives broad support despite green NGOs' criticisms, highlighting the need for reforms to reduce costs and enhance environmental compliance.
The post critiques the claim that offshore wind is significantly cheaper than gas, emphasizing the complexities of energy pricing and the need for a balanced energy debate.
The UK government's nuclear reform plan aims to reduce costs and expedite construction, but its commitment to full implementation remains uncertain amid environmental opposition.
Hackney Council's refusal to allow exhaust-source heat pumps for a new development exemplifies how outdated regulations can obstruct effective climate solutions.
The post argues that bureaucratic delays and loopholes prevent timely implementation of increased housing targets in London, calling for more decisive action from the Prime Minister.
The blog post argues that scrapping the 'town centre first' policy could enhance supermarket competition and reduce grocery prices in the UK.
The refusal of the Shoreditch Works development in Hackney exemplifies the broken planning system that prioritizes bureaucratic compliance over public need for housing and jobs.
The new NPPF reforms radically shift England's planning policies to favor housing development, aiming to alleviate the housing crisis through streamlined regulations and increased supply near transport hubs.
Labour's draft NPPF aims to boost development but risks legal challenges and delays due to ambiguous language and restrictive policies on development outside settlements.
Islington's proposal for 18 new homes on a concrete site was thwarted by local opposition, underscoring the borough's ongoing housing crisis.
The Building Safety Levy's flawed structure and definition of brownfield land hinder urban development and disproportionately burden areas with housing shortages.
The post narrates the challenges faced by Chris Howell, an accountant in London, regarding the replacement of his rotting windows in a higher-risk building. Due to stringent planning permission requirements and the Building Safety...
England is unlikely to meet Labour's target of 1.5 million homes due to insufficient planning applications and ongoing regulatory challenges.
Chinese green goods, while not as clean as European counterparts in some cases, are still significantly less polluting than fossil fuels, underscoring the importance of renewable energy deployment.