Planning permission shortages stifle housing growth

Social housing needs a new approach

Our regular social housing correspondent Patrick Mooney argues that, with homelessness at record levels and councils pushed to the brink, only a bold new approach can deliver the affordable homes Britain urgently needs. With record levels of homelessness being experienced,... View Article

A flexible future for BNG compliance

Katy Davis at Carter Jonas (London) argues that, a year after biodiversity net gain became mandatory, flexibility is essential to ensure onsite ambition aligns with offsite realities and genuine ecological outcomes. A year after the introduction of mandatory biodiversity net gain... View Article

Ask the Expert: Smarter finance for developers

Following a recent Building Insights podcast with Housebuilder & Developer editor James Parker, BuildStore Mortgage Services’  Tom McSherry explains the importance of transparency, tailored solutions, and early financial planning for bridging development finance. Could you explain the difference between regulated... View Article

Social value: from policy to practice

Nicola Dibb & Jo Davis explore how meaningful social value can be delivered through the planning system in developments, to benefit all. Social value has evolved from a ‘nice-to-have’ into a fundamental pillar of planning policy, procurement, and project delivery.... View Article

Tackling the myths around offsite BNG delivery

Nathan Jenkinson of Environment Bank explores some of the myths around achieving biodiversity net gain offsets, and puts the case for wide usage of Habitat Banks. Offsite biodiversity net gain (BNG) is a much misunderstood subject. The most cited issues, expense... View Article
Planning permission shortages stifle housing growth

The housing target – out of practice?

Pressure is mounting on the construction sector, planners and policymakers to hit the Government’s housing targets. Patrick Mooney outlines what must change to achieve them, and who will be left behind if it doesn’t. In 10 years’ time the development... View Article

High hopes for low value Green Belt

David Churchill, partner at estate agent Carter Jonas, argues that a more flexible approach to releasing low value Green Belt land could help meet housing targets without compromising the countryside, or sustainability goals. Throughout the General Election campaign, the Green... View Article

Defence of the realm

As climate change intensifies, the UK’s environment and buildings face mounting risks. Kirsty Girvan of the UK Green Building Council outlines why urgent, systemic action is needed to adapt to the changes being seen. The climate crisis is no longer... View Article
Planning permission shortages stifle housing growth

Social housing delivery crisis

Patrick Mooney explores how social housebuilders are falling far short of targets, with severe underinvestment, rising homelessness, and regulatory pressures undermining efforts to deliver the new homes urgently needed. A fall in the number of new homes started by housing associations... View Article

What does planning reform mean for you

With the benefit of 20 years of experience navigating planning policy, Mark Mirams, chief operations officer at Studio Charrette, gives readers a no-nonsense view of the practical changes brought by the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. At Studio Charrette, we know... View Article
Planning permission shortages stifle housing growth

The cost of ending homelessness

Preventing further increases in homelessness will only be possible with billions being invested in new housing, says Patrick Mooney, with record-high rough sleeping and temporary accommodation figures exposing the urgent need for action. The overwhelming case in favour of building... View Article

Ambitious plans

Lawrence Turner of planning consultants Boyer discusses how the revised NPPF aims to meet Labour’s ambitious housing targets, from brownfield passports to grey belts. Following Angela Rayner’s promise in July 2024 to spearhead a ‘decade of renewal’ with an ambitious... View Article
How to build greener homes

How to build greener homes

The climate crisis demands urgent action, explains Philippa Hoy of sustainability consultant Bioregional. She gives the case for the One Planet Living concept, and looks at how embracing sustainable design and low-carbon solutions can meet developers’ imperatives as well as... View Article
The routes to a greener world

The routes to a greener world

Over the last few decades, housebuilding design has drastically changed from every possible angle; from energy, technology and construction to industry standards and regulations. At the same time, the push towards carbon reduction and net zero, energy efficiency and biodiversity... View Article
Planning permission shortages stifle housing growth

Planning permission shortages stifle housing growth

As the Government and construction sector struggle to meet ambitious housing targets, record low planning approvals and economic uncertainty underscore the challenges. Patrick Mooney highlights the urgent need for reforms to address the crisis. The New Year brought with it... View Article

Navigating the new Planning Reforms

Alec Cropper of Walton & Co gives the prognosis for meeting Labour’s 1.5 million new homes goal, and the key changes needed in the housebuilding sector. Following its victory in the 2024 General Election, the Labour Government has put housebuilding and... View Article
Patrick Mooney warns the Government’s 1.5 million homes target requires urgent funding and policy reforms if it is to be achieved.

Testing times

Patrick Mooney warns the Government’s 1.5 million homes target requires urgent funding and policy reforms if it is to be achieved. Has the Government already signalled that it is unlikely to meet its ambitious target of building 1.5 million new... View Article

A long and winding road

Brian Berry of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) looks back over what has been a pivotal year for housing, and highlights the challenges and opportunities presented to builders by the new Government’s policies. Well, what a bumpy and eventful... View Article