The big question about climate change

The real question to ask about climate change is not whether it’s a problem or how bad it is, but what are you, and/or your company you work for going to do about it? Following the successfully headline-grabbing Extinction Rebellion... View Article

Upward trend for wooden hi-rise

Until recently, there was a growing movement in the UK to build tall buildings using timber. There are ancient Chinese timber pagodas which are many storeys high, but going tall with timber is something the western world has struggled to... View Article

Futurebuild – what’s in a name?

This week, a new trade show will open its doors in ExCel, London attracting UK and international visitors. Well it sounds like a new show, but Futurebuild as you no doubt know is the re-badged ‘Ecobuild.’ This was the name... View Article

The need for more flexible working in construction

Editor of Housebuilder & Developer, James Parker explores whether the construction industry is flexible enough to attract female applicants. Flexible working – all responsible employers talk about it being a good thing, but how many are allowing it to happen... View Article
Paddy Mooney

The fight to combat homelessness

Patrick Mooney, housing consultant and news editor of Housing, Management & Maintenance, explains why he believes Whitehall politicians need to up their game in the fight to combat homelessness and cut unnecessary deaths. It was a sad indictment of the... View Article
James Parker, Housebuilder & Developer

From the Editor

TV architect George Clarke spoke at a recent event on the urgent need to innovate in housebuilding to deliver good quality at the same time as the numbers. At the Mitsubishi Electric-staged event Clarke provocatively said “there’s no point building... View Article

Unlocking the drive to quality

James Parker reports on a call from TV architect George Clarke for a change in the way we build homes. TV architect George Clarke spoke at a recent event staged by Mitsubishi Electric looking at the urgent need to innovate... View Article
James Parker, Housebuilder & Developer

The shape of our future high street

Are our high streets and town centres destined to become predominantly residential zones? James Parker investigates this growing trend. Last week we experienced, depending on your point of view, what was either an exciting Christmas present-buying opportunity, or the blatant... View Article

From the Editor

By James Parker, editor of Housebuilder & Developer. You have to admire ‘Dancing Queen’ Theresa May’s strength. While navigating a seemingly impossible course between shark-infested waters of extreme Brexiteers and the EU, she also managed to announce something universally welcomed... View Article

L&G Response: Government funding for affordable housing

“‘We are pleased that the Government has announced increased funding towards affordable housing today. This will help to deliver more homes at levels that residents can afford in areas which need it most. This additional funding will be allocated over... View Article

Womble Bond Dickinson comments on the revised NPPF

The new revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPFF) was delivered and came into force on 24 July 2018. The Government’s response to the consultation on the revised framework notes that it has made a number of important changes in response... View Article

RICS makes an initial response to revised NPPF

Tony Mulhall, RICS Associate Director: The revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) attempts to give greater clarity to the planning process, and aims to clarify planning burdens earlier in the process rather than during applications... View Article

RIBA responds to revised National Planning Policy Framework

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) makes an initial response to the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) by the Government yesterday, 24 July 2018. RIBA President Ben Derbyshire says: “The RIBA’s welcomes the publication of the revised National... View Article

Reaction to revised NPPF from law firm TLT

Katherine Evans, Partner and Head of Planning at TLT, commented: “There are a lot of changes to the revised NPPF in the government’s responses. “Looking at paragraph 67, it appears that “small sites” have changed to “small and medium sized... View Article

Assael Architecture welcomes revised NPPF

Award-winning London-based architecture practice Assael has welcomed the government’s revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) that look to guarantee that new homes coming forward are designed to a high standard. Felicie Kirkler, director at Assael, said: “We welcome... View Article