Robert Jenrick ‘insistent’ £1bn planning bid was rushed through, documents reveal

Latest updates and essential advice from the news source you trust Trouble viewing? [View in browser]( [Image]( [Image] Daily news briefing Latest updates and essential advice from the news source you trust Robert Jenrick ‘insistent’ £1bn planning bid was rushed through, documents reveal A Conservative minister was said to be “insistent” that a decision on a £1bn property development be rushed through [before a Tory donor’s company faced millions in taxes](, papers reveal. Robert Jenrick, the housing secretary, bowed to pressure to publish 129 pages of documents relating to the Westferry Printworks development in east London, after being accused of “cash for favours” by Labour. Emails from January show Mr Jenrick was determined to issue a decision the following day to prevent developer Richard Desmond from being forced to pay a new Community Infrastructure Levy. Pubs, bars and restaurants will be able to offer [al fresco dining and takeaway pints]( under a new legislation aimed at helping reopen the hospitality sector following the coronavirus lockdown. Ministers will introduce a new bill in parliament on Thursday that will temporarily change strict licensing laws to allow people to buy alcohol from pubs and drink it in parks or on pavements to make it easier for people to social distance. Under the new rules, licensed outlets will be able to convert their car parks and terraces into temporary beer gardens and pubs will be able to set up tables and chairs on pavements to serve their customers. Children will be able to return to school in September [without having to stay one or two metres apart](, according to reports. The government is planning to place large groups of pupils in “bubbles” to ensure full attendance for the new academic year. Schools will instead have to focus on strict hygiene regimes and limit contact between classes or year groups. Podcast [Image]( The Independent Coronavirus Podcast Subscribe now wherever you listen for all the latest coronavirus news. [Listen now]( The Independent employs over 100 journalists around the world to bring you news you can trust. Please consider a [contribution]( or [subscription](. Top stories [I'm an image]( PREMIUM [Boris Johnson needs a better plan if a second wave hits the UK]( [I'm an image]( [Jenrick faces calls to resign over Tory donor row]( [I'm an image]( [Minister won’t comment on chlorinated chicken, claiming US listening]( More news [Reopening England’s pubs on 4 July is ‘perfect storm’ for disorder]( [England 'could follow pattern of US states lifting lockdown early']( [Royal Mail to cut 2,000 jobs over coronavirus crisis]( [Second human trial of coronavirus vaccine begins in UK]( [Beaches packed as thousands head to coast to enjoy sunshine]( [Subscribe today 3 months for £3]( Suggested for you [I'm an image]( [Government to reveal figures from test and trace system amid criticism]( [I'm an image]( [Scientists study saltwater solution for easing Covid-19 symptoms]( [I'm an image]( [Covid-19 struck during hangover from 2008 financial crash, expert says]( [I'm an image]( [Survival of many UK businesses hangs in the balance, warns CBI]( Follow us [Twitter]( [Facebook]( Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's News email. Add us to your safe list of senders. If you do not want to receive The Independent News email and Breaking News alerts, please [unsubscribe]({optout_confirm_url + '&list_name=' + blast.list}). If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe [here](. This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our [privacy notice]( and [cookie policy](.