Mary Elkington 💙💛🇺🇦
@maryindevon.bsky.social
Town Planner and Geographer (MRTPI)
I used to work at NASA - planning IS harder than rocket science.
We can do better.
I used to work at NASA - planning IS harder than rocket science.
We can do better.
Pinned
Redit discussion on flag shagging neighbours impacting house sale/price is very very lively
100s comments, fairly unanimous that England Flag Flyers are a red flag
'Course flag flyers may be flying to discourage anyone other than right wing (other than white) buying in as neighbours?
100s comments, fairly unanimous that England Flag Flyers are a red flag
'Course flag flyers may be flying to discourage anyone other than right wing (other than white) buying in as neighbours?
If there is a God, they will arrange for @aiannucci.bsky.social to write BBC letter of apology to Mr Orangina.
November 11, 2025 at 9:14 PM
If there is a God, they will arrange for @aiannucci.bsky.social to write BBC letter of apology to Mr Orangina.
Mid-day grin, brought to you by some lovely Norwegians (are there any other kind of Norwegians?)
youtu.be/6ehjX7HD1IY?...
youtu.be/6ehjX7HD1IY?...
Gaztec Home Petrol Pump – the petrol pump for your home.
YouTube video by Zaptec
youtu.be
November 11, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Mid-day grin, brought to you by some lovely Norwegians (are there any other kind of Norwegians?)
youtu.be/6ehjX7HD1IY?...
youtu.be/6ehjX7HD1IY?...
Fun with words. Not often I get to learn 4 new English words from one page!
Bushellage, Lastage, Ballasing, Metage,
(from the draft Port of Exeter Harbour Revision - IYKYK)
Bushellage, Lastage, Ballasing, Metage,
(from the draft Port of Exeter Harbour Revision - IYKYK)
November 10, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Fun with words. Not often I get to learn 4 new English words from one page!
Bushellage, Lastage, Ballasing, Metage,
(from the draft Port of Exeter Harbour Revision - IYKYK)
Bushellage, Lastage, Ballasing, Metage,
(from the draft Port of Exeter Harbour Revision - IYKYK)
Reposted by Mary Elkington 💙💛🇺🇦
Trump and his cronies are now pushing 50-year mortgages.
Buckle up. This is going to make the 2008 mortgage crisis look like the good old days.
Buckle up. This is going to make the 2008 mortgage crisis look like the good old days.
November 8, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Trump and his cronies are now pushing 50-year mortgages.
Buckle up. This is going to make the 2008 mortgage crisis look like the good old days.
Buckle up. This is going to make the 2008 mortgage crisis look like the good old days.
Recommend you read this ⬇️
But I'll say again, tax on dwelling size (internal area) not pp - more robust than market valuations
But I'll say again, tax on dwelling size (internal area) not pp - more robust than market valuations
NEW: Reported plans to double tax rates on the top two council tax bands would cause huge distortions and unequal treatment between owners of expensive homes across England
One area where homes cost £500k would barely be touched
By me, for Politics Home www.politicshome.com/news/article...
One area where homes cost £500k would barely be touched
By me, for Politics Home www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Why Council Tax Reform Is Fraught With Difficulty
New analysis shows why council tax reform is such a hard task for the government as it faces widespread calls for the system to be updated.
www.politicshome.com
November 8, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Recommend you read this ⬇️
But I'll say again, tax on dwelling size (internal area) not pp - more robust than market valuations
But I'll say again, tax on dwelling size (internal area) not pp - more robust than market valuations
Sorry, but does Steve Reed really think the greens want to 'abolish borders'?
It comes across as he's either stirring the pot with lie/exaggeration, or he's been suckered by some social media numptys.
Not gonna comment on defense of landlords.
Not good look.
youtube.com/shorts/vbAEn...
It comes across as he's either stirring the pot with lie/exaggeration, or he's been suckered by some social media numptys.
Not gonna comment on defense of landlords.
Not good look.
youtube.com/shorts/vbAEn...
Steve Reed calls Green Party "wacky" | UK Politics | The New Statesman
YouTube video by The New Statesman
youtube.com
November 8, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Sorry, but does Steve Reed really think the greens want to 'abolish borders'?
It comes across as he's either stirring the pot with lie/exaggeration, or he's been suckered by some social media numptys.
Not gonna comment on defense of landlords.
Not good look.
youtube.com/shorts/vbAEn...
It comes across as he's either stirring the pot with lie/exaggeration, or he's been suckered by some social media numptys.
Not gonna comment on defense of landlords.
Not good look.
youtube.com/shorts/vbAEn...
Reposted by Mary Elkington 💙💛🇺🇦
Trump officials illegally used furloughed workers’ emails to attack Dems, judge rules
Trump officials illegally used furloughed workers’ emails to attack Dems, judge rules
Trump officials illegally used furloughed workers’ emails to attack Dems, judge rules
www.independent.co.uk
November 8, 2025 at 4:14 AM
Trump officials illegally used furloughed workers’ emails to attack Dems, judge rules
Talk of HMOs on #BBCPM No mention of the fact 'twas Tory LibDem coalition that placed limit of housing benefit on a single person under 35 at an HMO rate. Got that.
Low wage workers under 35 are expected to live in an HMO.
Of course HMOs are only "delivered" by private landlords
Low wage workers under 35 are expected to live in an HMO.
Of course HMOs are only "delivered" by private landlords
November 7, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Talk of HMOs on #BBCPM No mention of the fact 'twas Tory LibDem coalition that placed limit of housing benefit on a single person under 35 at an HMO rate. Got that.
Low wage workers under 35 are expected to live in an HMO.
Of course HMOs are only "delivered" by private landlords
Low wage workers under 35 are expected to live in an HMO.
Of course HMOs are only "delivered" by private landlords
Scotland gov has published their Climate Change Plan – 2026-2040
www.gov.scot/publications...
www.gov.scot/publications...
Scotland's Climate Change Plan – 2026-2040
This Climate Change Plan (CCP) sets out the policies and proposals the Scottish Government will take forward to enable our carbon budgets to be met between 2026-2040.
www.gov.scot
November 7, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Scotland gov has published their Climate Change Plan – 2026-2040
www.gov.scot/publications...
www.gov.scot/publications...
Reposted by Mary Elkington 💙💛🇺🇦
🚨 NASA scientists warn: critical equipment at Goddard Space Flight Center could be discarded during the shutdown, jeopardizing decades of Earth & space science missions.
📢 Act now: agu.quorum.us/campaign/146...
#sciencepolicy #saveNASA
📢 Act now: agu.quorum.us/campaign/146...
#sciencepolicy #saveNASA
November 7, 2025 at 12:45 AM
🚨 NASA scientists warn: critical equipment at Goddard Space Flight Center could be discarded during the shutdown, jeopardizing decades of Earth & space science missions.
📢 Act now: agu.quorum.us/campaign/146...
#sciencepolicy #saveNASA
📢 Act now: agu.quorum.us/campaign/146...
#sciencepolicy #saveNASA
Want to make sure house price inflation continues, and people can pay over the odds?
Help to buy on new builds is the answer.
Want to fix broken system? Needs system rethink - Supply Side answers, not demand side.
Help to buy on new builds is the answer.
Want to fix broken system? Needs system rethink - Supply Side answers, not demand side.
November 6, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Want to make sure house price inflation continues, and people can pay over the odds?
Help to buy on new builds is the answer.
Want to fix broken system? Needs system rethink - Supply Side answers, not demand side.
Help to buy on new builds is the answer.
Want to fix broken system? Needs system rethink - Supply Side answers, not demand side.
Required reading for new critical thinking/disinformation course in UK schools:
"The X algorithm prioritises sending new users right-wing leaning content", a Sky News Data and Forensics investigation reveals
news.sky.com/story/the-x-...
news.sky.com/story/the-x-...
Elon Musk is boosting the British right - and this shows how
Elon Musk is boosting the British right - and this shows how
news.sky.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:53 AM
Required reading for new critical thinking/disinformation course in UK schools:
Reposted by Mary Elkington 💙💛🇺🇦
NASA Staff Slam Leadership for “Complete Breakdown in Communication” Under Trump
https://www.newsbeep.com/ie/122551/
Illustration by Tag Hartman-Simkins / Futurism. Source: Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images Since Donald Trump retook the White…
https://www.newsbeep.com/ie/122551/
Illustration by Tag Hartman-Simkins / Futurism. Source: Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images Since Donald Trump retook the White…
NASA Staff Slam Leadership for "Complete Breakdown in Communication" Under Trump - Ireland News Beep
Illustration by Tag Hartman-Simkins / Futurism. Source: Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
www.newsbeep.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:00 AM
NASA Staff Slam Leadership for “Complete Breakdown in Communication” Under Trump
https://www.newsbeep.com/ie/122551/
Illustration by Tag Hartman-Simkins / Futurism. Source: Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images Since Donald Trump retook the White…
https://www.newsbeep.com/ie/122551/
Illustration by Tag Hartman-Simkins / Futurism. Source: Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images Since Donald Trump retook the White…
Reposted by Mary Elkington 💙💛🇺🇦
Putin makes new nuclear test order following Trump comments
Putin makes new nuclear test order following Trump comments
Putin makes new nuclear test order following Trump comments
www.independent.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Putin makes new nuclear test order following Trump comments
Reposted by Mary Elkington 💙💛🇺🇦
I have seen it suggested that this should be required viewing before every planning committee meeting.
youtu.be/UDHzRSCcb7A
youtu.be/UDHzRSCcb7A
Christmas Appeal 2025 | Shelter
YouTube video by Shelter
youtu.be
November 5, 2025 at 10:24 AM
I have seen it suggested that this should be required viewing before every planning committee meeting.
youtu.be/UDHzRSCcb7A
youtu.be/UDHzRSCcb7A
Clearly Cons and Refrm think austerity was fine - guess they assume public happy to take care of themselves for eg healthcare, education, dentistry etc... (cause it's NEVER cuts for well off boomers - heaven forfend the Torygraph readers might have to contribute something).
November 4, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Clearly Cons and Refrm think austerity was fine - guess they assume public happy to take care of themselves for eg healthcare, education, dentistry etc... (cause it's NEVER cuts for well off boomers - heaven forfend the Torygraph readers might have to contribute something).
Sound on and enjoy the Zen
www.linkedin.com/posts/bromme...
www.linkedin.com/posts/bromme...
No one ever became a better person behind the wheel — only faster, angrier, and later. | Marco Te Brömmelstroet | 57 comments
No one ever became a better person behind the wheel — only faster, angrier, and later. | 57 comments on LinkedIn
www.linkedin.com
November 2, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Sound on and enjoy the Zen
www.linkedin.com/posts/bromme...
www.linkedin.com/posts/bromme...
Bring it on
Ideal if it works from objective measure eg size (internal area, plot size) adjusted to local market HP (post code district?)
Valuations or last sale variable and difficult and time consuming.
Any good data geek could come up with baseline.
Ideal if it works from objective measure eg size (internal area, plot size) adjusted to local market HP (post code district?)
Valuations or last sale variable and difficult and time consuming.
Any good data geek could come up with baseline.
Nothing but positivity for this idea
"Rachel Reeves plans Budget tax raid on expensive homes" on.ft.com/4hGi275
Progressive.
Better than a transactions tax, doesn't gum up the market.
Encourages downsizing.
Raises useful cash.
Even Osborne likes it.
Looking forward to paying it...
"Rachel Reeves plans Budget tax raid on expensive homes" on.ft.com/4hGi275
Progressive.
Better than a transactions tax, doesn't gum up the market.
Encourages downsizing.
Raises useful cash.
Even Osborne likes it.
Looking forward to paying it...
Rachel Reeves plans Budget tax raid on expensive homes
UK chancellor predicted to plump for ‘least worst option’ of creating higher council tax bands in England
on.ft.com
November 1, 2025 at 10:20 AM
Bring it on
Ideal if it works from objective measure eg size (internal area, plot size) adjusted to local market HP (post code district?)
Valuations or last sale variable and difficult and time consuming.
Any good data geek could come up with baseline.
Ideal if it works from objective measure eg size (internal area, plot size) adjusted to local market HP (post code district?)
Valuations or last sale variable and difficult and time consuming.
Any good data geek could come up with baseline.
Reposted by Mary Elkington 💙💛🇺🇦
#30DayMapChallenge - Day 1 Points - an interactive map that compares the number of bars vs supermarkets around a chosen location. googlemapsmania.blogspot.com/2025/11/bars...
Bars vs Baskets
Maps Mania is a blog dedicated to tracking the very best digital interactive maps on the internet and the tools used to create them.
googlemapsmania.blogspot.com
November 1, 2025 at 7:41 AM
#30DayMapChallenge - Day 1 Points - an interactive map that compares the number of bars vs supermarkets around a chosen location. googlemapsmania.blogspot.com/2025/11/bars...
Re the Duchy of Cornwall being "private money"
You mean the taxpayer £millions rent on Dartmoor prison which is uninhabitable? That our tax dollars. If royals did care about public purse they'd void that contract
www.themoorlander.co.uk/news/local-n...
You mean the taxpayer £millions rent on Dartmoor prison which is uninhabitable? That our tax dollars. If royals did care about public purse they'd void that contract
www.themoorlander.co.uk/news/local-n...
Princetown protest challenges Duchy of Cornwall over £1.5m rent for unused prison
Activist group Republic calls for reform over Duchy of Cornwall’s 70,000-acre Dartmoor estate and HMP Dartmoor rent
www.themoorlander.co.uk
October 31, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Re the Duchy of Cornwall being "private money"
You mean the taxpayer £millions rent on Dartmoor prison which is uninhabitable? That our tax dollars. If royals did care about public purse they'd void that contract
www.themoorlander.co.uk/news/local-n...
You mean the taxpayer £millions rent on Dartmoor prison which is uninhabitable? That our tax dollars. If royals did care about public purse they'd void that contract
www.themoorlander.co.uk/news/local-n...
Redit discussion on flag shagging neighbours impacting house sale/price is very very lively
100s comments, fairly unanimous that England Flag Flyers are a red flag
'Course flag flyers may be flying to discourage anyone other than right wing (other than white) buying in as neighbours?
100s comments, fairly unanimous that England Flag Flyers are a red flag
'Course flag flyers may be flying to discourage anyone other than right wing (other than white) buying in as neighbours?
October 30, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Redit discussion on flag shagging neighbours impacting house sale/price is very very lively
100s comments, fairly unanimous that England Flag Flyers are a red flag
'Course flag flyers may be flying to discourage anyone other than right wing (other than white) buying in as neighbours?
100s comments, fairly unanimous that England Flag Flyers are a red flag
'Course flag flyers may be flying to discourage anyone other than right wing (other than white) buying in as neighbours?
"... leads me to the conclusion that this government, like all those before it, will at some point panic and decide that a little house price inflation is exactly what we need"
'Planning does need reform, but the reason why not enough homes are being built is because not enough homes are being bought'
@resi-analyst.bsky.social on what conventional wisdom about supply and demand gets wrong
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
@resi-analyst.bsky.social on what conventional wisdom about supply and demand gets wrong
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
New homes: even if you build them, there’s no one to buy them
We’re often told housing demand exceeds supply — so why are new homes struggling to be built and bought?
giftarticle.ft.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:24 AM
"... leads me to the conclusion that this government, like all those before it, will at some point panic and decide that a little house price inflation is exactly what we need"
Hallow-e'en coming
Do I hear ghost of help-to-buy future rattling their chains?
I recommend also reading:
housingevidence.ac.uk/project/hous...
Do I hear ghost of help-to-buy future rattling their chains?
I recommend also reading:
housingevidence.ac.uk/project/hous...
October 30, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Hallow-e'en coming
Do I hear ghost of help-to-buy future rattling their chains?
I recommend also reading:
housingevidence.ac.uk/project/hous...
Do I hear ghost of help-to-buy future rattling their chains?
I recommend also reading:
housingevidence.ac.uk/project/hous...
Take that land, 9 self build plots at £30k, council basic LDO for principle. How many regular people (not grand designers) would jump at chance to sort their own housing out.
Things are collapsing - time to try something new.
Things are collapsing - time to try something new.
October 29, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Take that land, 9 self build plots at £30k, council basic LDO for principle. How many regular people (not grand designers) would jump at chance to sort their own housing out.
Things are collapsing - time to try something new.
Things are collapsing - time to try something new.
So that's Surrey done. Still greenbelt intense, but perhaps a bit less of the exceptionalism will be apparent in future local plans.
www.gov.uk/government/c...
www.gov.uk/government/c...
October 29, 2025 at 8:29 AM
So that's Surrey done. Still greenbelt intense, but perhaps a bit less of the exceptionalism will be apparent in future local plans.
www.gov.uk/government/c...
www.gov.uk/government/c...