Good morning,
In the midst of both a drought and an energy crisis, it seems daft that solar farms are being refused planning permission at a record rate. Permission was refused for 23 farms in the UK over the past 18 months, up from four for 2017 to 2020 combined. The rejected farms would have cut £100m a year off energy bills and powered around 150,000 homes.
Evictions and homelessness are set to soar as rent increases pile pressure on tenants already grappling with the cost-of-living crisis.
“Bills included” is now the most popular search term on property portals.
And the doubling of mortgage rates means that first-time buyers will need an extra £12,250 to buy a home compared with last year. Or £35,000 extra if you are looking to buy in London.
Cineworld looks ready to shut scores of sites after its second-largest shareholder cut its stake and the share price plunged by 31%.
Even distressed asset managers are struggling to profit from China’s dysfunctional property sector.
Meanwhile, rowers are objecting to a new pier planned for the River Thames near Putney, south-west London.
And finally, which is the world’s coolest street? Somewhere achingly on-trend in east London, perhaps? Un trés chic avenue in Paris? Nope, not even in the top 10. According to TimeOut, the coolest street in the world is Rue Wellington in Montreal, followed by Melbourne’s Gertrude Street. Both are littered with “killer cocktail bars” and have an “if you know, you know” vibe. So what is at number three? The A82 in Glasgow. Well, part of it. Those in the know will already be aware that the Great Western Road between Botanic Gardens and St George’s Cross is a hipster haven and a great place for either an early morning latte or a late-night whiskey sour – but the third coolest street in the world? Now, that is cool.
