The Government needs to overhaul the land use planning system to cope with future housing needs and the green agenda, its chief scientist has warned. According to PublicPropertyUK.com, the government’s chief scientist Professor John Beddington has warned that the current land use system – which dates back to the Second World War – is not fit for purpose.

Madonna has reportedly bought up farmland in order to extend her £6m New York state horse ranch. The Daily Express says that the singer has paid £1.25m for an extra 23 acres of land to indulge in her hobby. The star learn her love of land-ownership while married to film director Guy Ritchie in 2000. they lived together at Ashcombe in Dorset. After the marriage ended in 2008, the star returned to New York and purchased the Wild Ocean Farm in Bridgehampton.

BBC2 is researching a new three-part documentary series called ‘Money’. Its aim is to explore attitudes towards money and to paint a portrait of spending habits in the 21st Century. It is interested in talking to people whose lifestyle is more modest than their surroundings and is especially keen to contact people who have substantial properties but are struggling with the upkeep. If you fall into this category and would like to hear more about the series, contact Tara O'Kelly tara.okelly@bbc.co.uk.