Category
Sport
Newcastle United sees 28% revenue surge as losses drop significantly in 2023-24 season
Newcastle United sees 28% revenue surge as losses drop significantly in 2023-24 season
Victor Lindelof considering Summer exit as Ruben Amorim plans ruthless Manchester United overhaul
Victor Lindelof considering Summer exit as Ruben Amorim plans ruthless Manchester United overhaul
Paula Radcliffe runs first marathon in a decade at age 51
Paula Radcliffe runs first marathon in a decade at age 51
Man City overcome FA Cup scare as O'Reilly shines against Plymouth
Man City overcome FA Cup scare as O'Reilly shines against Plymouth
Maddison’s strike seals Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Manchester United
Maddison’s strike seals Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Manchester United
Chelsea footballer Sam Kerr found not guilty of racial harassment over 'stupid and white' comment
Chelsea footballer Sam Kerr found not guilty of racial harassment over 'stupid and white' comment
West Ham at the heart of alarming £206.7m London Stadium forecast
West Ham at the heart of alarming £206.7m London Stadium forecast
Spurs secure Czech goalkeeper Kinsky in £12.5m deal
Spurs secure Czech goalkeeper Kinsky in £12.5m deal
Arsenal and Chelsea stumble as Newcastle's winning streak rolls on
Arsenal and Chelsea stumble as Newcastle's winning streak rolls on
Liverpool poised to deepen Manchester United's woes
Liverpool poised to deepen Manchester United's woes
Education
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Nearly 95% of London pupils secure a preferred secondary school place
New data from the Pan-London Admissions Board, released on National Secondary Offer Day 2025, reveals that 94.8% of children set to start secondary school in London this SeptemberRead More... -
UK concludes IHRA presidency, passing leadership to Israel
After a successful year at the helm of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), the UK formally hands over the presidency to Israel on 3 March 2025.Read More... -
LSE defends hosting of book launch that questions Hamas’ vilification since October 7
The London School of Economics (LSE) has defended its decision to host the launch of a book at its Middle East Centre, which argues that Hamas has been unfairly "vilified and demonized"Read More... -
Decline in Jewish school enrolments for the first time in 30 years, says new report
A new report from the Institute for Jewish Policy Research (JPR) reveals that the number of students attending Jewish schools in the UK has declined for the first time in three decades.Read More... -
First schools confirmed for landmark free breakfast club scheme
750 Schools Set to Launch Free Breakfast Clubs from April, Supporting Families Across EnglandRead More... -
Lord Hague officially installed as Oxford University’s Chancellor
Lord Hague of Richmond has been formally inaugurated as the 160th Chancellor of the University of Oxford in a ceremony held today at the Sheldonian Theatre. His appointment follows hisRead More... -
Romanian startup Bible chat secures $14M, becomes fastest-growing faith app worldwide
Romanian startup Bible Chat has raised $14 million in a Series A funding round led by Silicon Valley-based True Ventures, with additional support from Early Game Ventures and Play Ventures.Read More... -
Declining demand for school places poses tough choices for London schools
London schools are facing increasing challenges as demand for school places continues to fall, according to a new report from London Councils.Read More... -
Government reforms aim to boost apprenticeships and economic growth
The government is introducing key reforms to streamline apprenticeships, aiming to qualify up to 10,000 more apprentices annually by reducing bureaucratic barriers. These changes includeRead More... -
Parents warned of hefty fines for unauthorised school absences
Parents across the UK have been cautioned that they could face fines of up to £2,500 for persistently taking their children out of school without permission. In the last academic year alone, anRead More...
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Culture
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King Charles shares the soundtrack of his life for Commonwealth Day
From the legendary reggae rhythms of Bob Marley to the chart-topping hits of Kylie Minogue and the soulful melodies of Raye, King Charles has unveiled a selection of songs that have shapedRead More... -
London Eye at 25: the landmark that almost never was
Had it not been for the determination of two visionary architects in the early 1990s, London’s skyline—and its iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks—would look very different today.Read More... -
Charli XCX dominates Brit Awards with 'Brat' album wins
British pop sensation Charli XCX made a bold statement at the Brit Awards on March 1, turning the annual ceremony into a celebration of her cultural movement, "brat summer."Read More... -
Prince William speaks Welsh in St David’s Day message
Prince William has shared his first-ever public message in Welsh to celebrate St David’s Day, marking the occasion with a heartfelt tribute to Wales, its culture, and its people.Read More... -
Artists release silent album to protest AI copyright law changes
"In the music of the future, will our voices go unheard?" asked Kate Bush in a statement.Read More... -
Historic royal service returns to Durham Cathedral after 50 years
For the first time in nearly half a century, the Royal Maundy service will be held at Durham Cathedral.Read More... -
King Charles awards first humanitarian medals
King Charles has officially presented the first recipients of the newly established Humanitarian Medal during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.Read More...
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London’s St Patrick’s Day Festival returns on Sunday, March 16
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced the highly anticipated return of the city’s iconic St Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade on Sunday, March 16. This vibrant celebration bringsRead More... -
Exploring London’s forgotten Cockney-Yiddish culture: a new podcast unveils lost voices and stories
A new podcast, launched today by Queen Mary University historians Professor Nadia Valman and Dr. Vivi Lachs, uncovers the unique and often-overlooked fusion of Cockney and YiddishRead More... -
Blenheim Palace unveils exclusive ‘Family Treasures’ extended tour
Starting 15th February 2025, Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will introduce an exciting new experience for visitors—the Family Treasures extended tour. This exclusive journeyRead More... -
Rare Harry Potter first edition rescued from rubbish sells for £21,000
A rare first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, which was nearly discarded, has fetched over £21,000 at auction.Read More... -
King Charles visits Polish Social and Cultural Centre in London
King Charles paid a visit to the Polish Social and Cultural Centre (POSK) in Hammersmith, London, on Wednesday, where he was warmly welcomed by Polish Ambassador to the UK,Read More... -
The Princess of Wales unveils new childhood programme at National Portrait Gallery
Visitors at the National Portrait Gallery were in for a surprise as the Princess of Wales arrived in an unexpected fashion—stepping off a London minibus alongside a group of enthusiasticRead More...
British Queen celebrates
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UK news
Most cultures of the world seem to all have a similar tale of a mythic flood that all but wiped out the civilizations of the time. This flood of yore, of fame was so huge and devastating that it all but annihilated civilization.
Indeed many times archaeologists – many of them famous and of great repute have thought that they in their diggings and studies had actually uncovered as well as documented actual proof and direct evidence of the giant flood which we in the “Western World” know and refer to a “Noah’s Flood” of biblical fame and origins.
London loft conversions are an increasingly popular way for homeowners to expand the useable space within their house without going through all of the hassle and expense of moving. Planning law in England changed significantly on 1 October 2008 with 'The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (No. 2) (England) Order 2008' coming into force. How does this new law change the situation for London loft conversions and does it mean that I do not need planning permission?
The idea behind the changes to the planning laws was to reduce the pressure on local planning departments by allowing many domestic extension projects to proceed under 'permitted development' rather than having to apply for planning permission. This means that certain types of work, such as many loft conversions and extensions, do not require planning permission. To understand how the law has changed, it is necessary to briefly examine the position prior to 1 October 2008.
The previous legislation governing permitted development for London loft conversions was the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995. This established a system of allowing homeowners to develop their property by a certain volume depending on the type of house. For instance, a terrace house could usually develop by up to 50 cubic metres (40 of which could be used for a mansard or dormer loft conversion) and a semi-detached or detached house by 70 cubic metres (50 of which could be used for a dormer or mansard loft conversion). This effectively meant that any house with an existing large ground floor extension would have already used most of its permitted development volume and could not undertake a loft conversion in London.
The most significant change brought in by the 2008 Order affects extensions at ground level. The system has now been changed from one of volume to one governed by maximum dimensions depending upon the location and number of storeys. For instance, a single storey extension to the rear of a terrace house can be a maximum of 3 metres deep from the original rear wall.
This means that ground level extensions completed prior to 1 October 2008 which fall within what would now be considered the maximum dimensions do not affect the volume that can be used for London loft conversions. It is possible to use up to 40 cubic metres in a terrace house and 50 cubic metres in detached and semi-detached houses for a loft conversion, whilst also having a large ground level extension.
More restrictive limits apply to conservation areas, areas of outstanding natural beauty, National Parks etc. Limits may also have been applied by the local authority to individual properties, such as properties of historical merit, or areas by means including planning conditions and Article 4 directions.
In general it is strongly advisable to submit an application for a 'Certificate of Lawfulness' before starting any work, even if you believe that it clearly falls within your permitted development rights. Local Authorities often have quite different interpretations of what London loft conversions are permitted under the new legislation. A certificate of lawfulness is a straightforward application that only costs £75 and gives you the peace of mind that what you are proposing is lawful and does not exceed your permitted development rights.
This article is a brief summary of the law specifically relating to extensions and permitted development in England and should not be relied upon as a complete statement of the law. To understand your rights and obligations fully, study the relevant law or consult a planning solicitor. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, it does not constitute legal or other professional advice.
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James Gold is a director of Landmark Lofts, one of London's leading loft conversion specialists. Landmark Lofts undertake London loft conversions throughout the city and offer a full design, build and management service using their in-house team of Architects, Chartered Building Surveyors, and Chartered Builders. |
Greedy insurance companies are taking money from the pension pots of women who are retiring at the state pension age of 60.
In the 1980s a large amount of personal pensions were sold to women. This allowed insurers to cut the value of their savings if they retired before their 65th birthday, even though retirement age for women is 60.
Bankers and other professionals who have lost their jobs due to the recession will be able to qualify as teachers in just six months under new government plans announced on Tuesday.
The government have announced recommendations for a high speed rail link between London and Birmingham, at an estimated cost of £15.8 - £17.4 billion, with a future proposal of a two route extension on the east and west which will link to existing lines at Manchester and Leeds, providing a direct service to Glasgow and Edinburgh. These two route extensions are currently estimated to cost a further £12.6 - £14.2billion. These new links will be capable of carrying trains at speeds of up to 250mph.
The resurgence of the Arts and Crafts Movement and the designs by William Morris during the late Victorian period saw an interest re emerge in tapestry and their designs. With most of the European workshops in decline following the French Revolution and an increasing awareness of the craft a British Tapestry House was established in 1876 by two Frenchmen, Marcel Brignolas and Henri C. J. Henry. Royal Windsor was one of two tapestry houses to be established in nineteenth century England, the other was William Morris’s Merton Abbey.
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg visited Britain's capital in a fact-finding mission Tuesday in the wake of the thwarted Times Square bombing, visiting centers where experts monitor a vast network of security cameras — one of the largest in the world.
Bloomberg wants to ramp up the security camera network in New York City's subways to mimic that in London's underground train system. London authorities say the city's train stations are watched by more than 12,000 cameras, and in a few years they aim to install a few thousand more. Officials say the additions would mean every person's face would be recorded when they enter the subway system.
Yoga provides a holistic approach to manage stress. It combines several stress management techniques such as breathing, meditation in addition to hatha yoga.
Stress is the byproduct of the present day competitive work environment and unhealthy life style.
A little bit of stress can be productive, and helps to perform better, however, too much stress over a prolonged period can be unhealthy for the mind and body.
Everyone reacts differently to stress depending upon the skills they have to handle the situation and how they perceive that particular stressful situation.
London gives more emphasis on their historic and ancient culture. These are national tourist attractions visited by millions of tourists yearly. London has many hotels, some luxurious and some simple, catering to all social classes.
London is a city bountiful of scenic views. The architectural glory of the magnificent Buckingham Palace can be seen here. The Cathedral of St. Paul, the Tower of London and the Westminster Abbey are all found in London also. The Royal Botanical Garden and other botanical gardens surround the area.
Older relatives in this country are said by Grandparents Plus, a campaign group, to enjoy fewer benefits and privileges than those on the Continent.
Although a third of working mothers in Britain are thought to rely on their own parents to provide childcare, they cannot transfer maternity leave to them or pay them with tax credits or vouchers as happens elsewhere in the EU. In addition, grandparents cannot request flexible working in order to look after their grandchildren.