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News, Information and Networks

Planning Resource
 http://www.planningresource.co.uk/



 Launched in January 2004, Planning Resource seeks to combine the strengthes of Planning magazine (replacing the previous Planning website), Regeneration & Renewal magazine, Axis magazine, Development Control Services Ltd (DCS) and the RTPI. It aims to become a one-stop shop for the planning community, and though some areas of the site are restricted to paying subscribers only (RTPI members get full access), there are also plenty of free areas to enjoy. An up-to-date 'News' section (subscribers only) brings together planning, regeneration and housing-related stories from the three different magazines, while the 'Jobs & Careers' section claims to be "the most comprehensive planning/regeneration jobs site available". Meanwhile, the excellent 'Documents' section pulls together good practice examples, documents referred to in Planning and Regeneration & Renewal, and links to planning policy and regional strategy documents, as well as providing a comprehensive annotated links directory. Elsewhere, the 'Online Community' part of the site renders Planning Resource as a place for interaction as well as information, with a well-used events diary and discussion forum. Visually, the site as a whole is neatly laid out and easy to navigate, if a little on the text-heavy side in parts. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 4 Jul 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: pla-070604-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Planning » Resources
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Regen.net
 http://www.regen.net/



Regen.net accompanies "the regeneration sector's leading weekly magazine, Regeneration & Renewal", and incorporates the former Regen.net domain, previously administered by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Scottish Executive. It is a useful and well-maintained resource, featuring news, jobs, forums, events, a consultants directory, a listing of regeneration courses, and a library section with documents and links. [GAS, 7 Jul 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: reg-301101-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Regeneration » Resources
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Renewal.net
 http://www.renewal.net/



 Developed by the UK's Neighbourhood Renewal Unit, renewal.net describes itself as the "online guide to what works in neighbourhood renewal". It includes 'how to' guides, case studies, project summaries and other documentation, much of it in downloadable formats. Material is organised into a number of themes, including housing and environment, worklessness, education, crime, health and local economies, and the front page offers links to additional 'hot topics'. Discussion forums, details of events and useful links are also provided, making renewal.net a convenient and easy-to-use one stop shop for neighbourhood renewal information. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 5 Jun 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: reg-020603-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Regeneration » Resources
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Sponge
 http://www.spongenet.org/



 Sponge is a network of young property and construction professionals who share an interest in sustainable development. According to the site, "these individuals generally work in, or are associated with the development of our built environment; from bricks and mortar through design, engineering and planning to communities and regeneration". The aim of the site is to allow members to make the most of Sponge and of each other's enthusiasm and knowledge, providing information on events run by Sponge and relevant events run by other organisations, as well as information on how Sponge is getting involved with other projects and influencing policy. Up to date and attractively designed, the site also provides a discussion forum, useful links to other websites, and an excellent 'Library' section giving access to interesting and informative documents uploaded by Sponge and Sponge members. Overall, Sponge is a rich and innovative site that really excels at engaging with its users. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 20 Jun 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: sus-160805-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Sustainability » Resources
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Tree Hugger
 http://www.treehugger.com/



 Tree Hugger is a web magazine, covering anything that has a modern aesthetic yet is environmentally responsible. The site boasts a large readership who check out the latest news, reviews and recommendations for modern yet green products and services, and who use its directory to help facilitate their buying processes. Tree Hugger is well written and despite the name does not preach at you, but seeks to inform. Coverage is vast, with headings covering accessories, 'almosts', alternative energy, architecture, audio/video, aviation, bathroom, bedroom, bikes, biopolymer, books, botanical, cars and celebrities, through to solar, sports and technology. In addition, there is also a link to Hugg (http://www.hugg.com/) a sister site and green news story harvester. Here, "all posts start out in the queue. Each time a story is Hugged, it climbs the ranks. If a story gets enough Huggs, it jumps up to the front page where it can be seen by everyone who visits". There is also Tree Hugger TV (http://www.treehuggertv.com/), again a sister site, which offers a video version of the web magazine, featuring material produced by anyone who shares Tree Hugger's passions and can operate a video camera. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [RB, 15 Jan 2008].



ENTRY NUMBER: lan-120906-03
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Sustainability » Resources
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