Postcode lottery for landlord licences

The cost of landlord licensing schemes in Britain are a postcode lottery reveals new research1 from Direct Line for Business. The analysis of licensing charges between local authorities show a large variance, with the cost of a new licence ranging from... View Article

Streamlining the future of planning

In Britain, a mere 10% of housing completions stem from the self-build sector, compared to around 80% in Austria. Establishing why this figure is so low is key to increasing the country’s number of self-builders and based on the information available, planning... View Article

Arup report encourages the use of timber to help tackle climate change

Arup today (19th March) launches its ‘Rethinking Timber Report’ aimed at accelerating the construction industry’s response to reducing global emissions and achieving net zero carbon buildings by using sustainable materials. The report highlights the time and efficiency savings that can result from... View Article

Bellway set to hit apprenticeship targets in 2019

Bellway is set to become one of the first major British housebuilders to achieve ‘5% Club’ status when it reaches its apprenticeship target this year. The company, which builds houses across England, Scotland and Wales, has pledged that apprentices will... View Article

Shakespeare Martineau comments on MIPIM 2019

Simon Stanion, head of planning at Shakespeare Martineau, reflects on the key themes for planners from MIPIM 2019.   “The atmosphere in the Midlands Pavilion has been particularly upbeat throughout, with many exciting development portfolios marking significant investment opportunities across the... View Article

Mjøstårnet Becomes World’s Tallest Timber Building

The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) has verified the completion of Mjøstårnet, a mixed-use building in Brumunddal, Norway that now holds the unique title of the “World’s Tallest Timber Building.” At 85.4 meters, it is also the third-tallest... View Article

Berkeley trading statement

The Berkeley Group Holdings plc (“Berkeley” or the “Company”) has announced its Trading Update which covers the period from 1 November 2018 to 28 February 2019. Berkeley is the country’s leading place-maker, operating principally in London, Birmingham and the South... View Article

Spring Statement comment from BRE

Gwyn Roberts, New Homes and Communities Lead at BRE said: “BRE welcomes the Chancellor’s proposal for a Future Homes Standard. We fully support the need for future-proofed new homes but don’t think we should wait until 2025 for them. “We... View Article

The ethics of energy distribution

Paul Hutchens is CEO of Midlands-based solar specialists Eco2Solar. He is a board member of the Solar Trade Association (STA), the UK’s leading solar industry voice, and Chairman of the STA’s New Build Working Group which aims to inform governments,... View Article