Mansfield District Council is set to accept funding for two more schemes to retrofit insulation and measures to improve the energy efficiency and lower the carbon emissions of targeted low-income households in the district. Cllr Craig Whitby, the Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Finance is due to formally accept funding
Tradesmen could be hit by enforcement actions as the cold snap risks delaying building work. Did you know that taking too long to complete a construction project can constitute a planning breach? – breaches can result in enforcement actions ranging from warnings to prosecution. With both the Met Office and
Today (1st December 2023) sees the launch of Operation Limit – a nationwide crackdown on drink and drug driving which will see all 43 UK police forces step up efforts to catch motorists who disregard the law. The 4-week long campaign is being coordinated by the National Police Chiefs’ Council
Willmott Dixon has completed the once-in-a-generation £132 million transformation of Bristol Beacon, one of the most iconic cultural landmarks in the South West of England. It has taken five years and involved more than a million hours of time to create a flagship venue that will attract thousands of people
The operation was carried out through a pioneering partnership with specialist kiln manufacturer Keramischer Ofenbau. This initiative will position Roca Group as the first player in the world with a net-zero sanitary ceramics production plant, with a significant knock-on effect over the whole sector. Roca Group, the world leader in
Striking mirrored design combined with illuminated panel and five-spray handset delivers a luxurious experience from an electric shower Bathroom specialist Aqualisa has announced Lumi+™: a stunning new series of premium electric showers that combine sophistication and performance. Available in three power options (8.5kW, 9.5kW or 10.5kW), the Lumi+ electric shower features a
Mansfield District Council is set to accept funding for two more schemes to retrofit insulation and measures to improve the energy efficiency and lower the carbon emissions of targeted low-income households in the district. Cllr Craig Whitby, the Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Finance is due to formally accept funding totalling £583,500 from the government via the Midlands Net Zero Hub in a delegated decision on Friday (1 December). This funding would enable the retrofit of 16 low-income households with external wall insulation, loft insulation and new doors and windows and provide six properties with solar photo-voltaic panels. Cllr Whitby is also due to formally accept funding of £495,000 from the Hub for another scheme targeted at 38 poorly insulated privately owned homes which do not use mains gas as their chief energy source. The money would enable a range of measures to be fitted, including cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and external wall insulation. To be eligible for this scheme, households must be identified as having a low income, high energy costs and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E ,F or G for their property. Cllr Whitby said: “These schemes would be aimed at low income households therefore helping some of the most vulnerable residents in the district. “Increasing the energy efficiency of low-income households would help reduce energy bills and lift households out of fuel poverty for those that need the most assistance. “The projects would reduce carbon emissions from homes, which would help support a reduction of Mansfield’s carbon footprint, and they would also support economic resilience by employing a local contractor to install the external wall insulation.” These two schemes follow four previous government projects where the council successfully bid for over £2m in funding to retrofit external wall insulation and install loft and cavity wall insulation to over 200 low-income households across Mansfield. Most were privately owned properties and 35 were council homes. The district was also chosen as one of 19 areas of the country to benefit from a government decarbonisation pilot project to help lower energy consumption in social housing. Work has been carried out at three blocks of flats at Farnsfield Court and Shireoaks Court on the Bellamy estate, focusing on walls, roofs, floors, windows and doors, for strategies for ventilation, heating efficiency and cooling in the summer. The work cost £720,000 with £360,000 coming from the government and the same amount funded by the council. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tradesmen could be hit by enforcement actions as the cold snap risks delaying building work. Did you know that taking too long to complete a construction project can constitute a planning breach? – breaches can result in enforcement actions ranging from warnings to prosecution. With both the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issuing warnings about freezing temperatures, icy conditions and snowfall expected to last until 5th December, building work across the nation could be delayed. London is one area subject to the weather warnings, so builders in the capital city could see their projects put on hold. Research from the experts at Confused.com home insurance reveals that London sees the most enforcement actions nationally even without extreme weather, so the cold snap could compound this issue even further. The research compared the number of planning applications and the number of total enforcement actions for local authorities across the UK to reveal the following top 10 offending areas: 1 October 2022 – 30 June 2023 Rank Local authority Applications decided Total enforcement actions Total enforcement actions (%) 1 Newham 991 193 19.48% 2 Brent 2,050 241 11.76% 3 Colchester 1,370 137 10.00% 4 Slough 728 71 9.75% 5 Bromsgrove 603 50 8.29% 6 Ealing 2,402 196 8.16% 7 Barking and Dagenham 786 60 7.63% 8 Newark and Sherwood 938 70 7.46% 9 Isles of Scilly 54 4 7.41% 10 Broxbourne 632 44 6.96% But planning breaches don’t only affect builders – they can cause significant problems for homeowners themselves. Matthew Harwood, home and lifestyle expert at Confused.com home insurance, warns against skipping planning permission: “Rushing home improvements without proper permissions risks severe consequences, especially with your home insurance. Here’s why you should stick to proper planning procedures: 1. It could affect your home insurance policy “Tell your home insurer if you’re doing major work on your house. Let your insurance company know if you’re planning big changes like an extension or building a conservatory. Such adaptations can influence your home’s value and possibly your insurance costs. “Smaller updates like painting or putting up shelves don’t usually need to be shared with your insurance company. However, it’s smart to record all home improvements, big or small, in case you need to make a claim later. 2. Legal repercussions and devaluation “Without proper permission, you may be forced to undo any changes. This can often be expensive and a big hassle. “Unpermitted modifications can devalue your home, making it harder to sell. People may avoid buying a house without proper permits, fearing future legal issues. 3. Potential safety hazards “If unapproved work on your house causes problems, like a fire, your home insurance might not cover it. “Having proper permission, though seeming like extra work, is vital to keep you safe and legal. It also helps your home’s value and could save you from extra costs and legal issues later. Always consult your insurer and obey local regulations for a safe home and peace of mind.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Today (1st December 2023) sees the launch of Operation Limit – a nationwide crackdown on drink and drug driving which will see all 43 UK police forces step up efforts to catch motorists who disregard the law. The 4-week long campaign is being coordinated by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and National Roads Policing Operations and Intelligence (NRPOII). Results from every police force will be analysed and ranked – last year, the same campaign saw an 18% rise in arrests with 6,130 drivers caught compared with 5,186 during the same period in 2021. The initiatives ‘National Campaign Status’ will help to mobilise national mainstream media and local television and radio to help to create a greater deterrent, to save lives and serious injuries on our roads. In July this year, drug driving made the headlines when latest government statistics were published showing that drug driving convictions have trebled in five years with a record high of 77 prosecutions a day on average. Owing to the success of these nationally coordinated efforts, NPCC and NRPOII have indicated their intentions to plan and manage an annual Summer Drink Drug Drive Campaign starting in 2024. Previously, efforts throughout the year have largely been confined to police forces with a strong focus on roads policing. National coordination will ensure that every force in the UK will be doing more to catch drink and drug drivers going forward. Ean Lewin, Managing Director of D.tec International, the UK’s sole distributor of DrugWipe, the global leader for police roadside driver drug screening, used by all 43 police forces in England, Wales and Scotland as well as hundreds of corporate clients said; “Drink and drug driving remains the biggest strategic threat to roads policing, and I am delighted to see that NPCC and NRPOII are extending their support for Operation Limit beyond the festive period. Some police forces have started to increase their focus on drink and drug driving even before Operation Limit officially gets underway. Merseyside Police caught 25 drink and drug drivers within the first 24-hours of their campaign. According to their official X (formally Twitter) account, the force has made 172 arrests in 7-days, 47 for drink drive and 125 for drug drive. This clearly isn’t a problem confined to ‘party season’ which hasn’t even started yet.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon has completed the once-in-a-generation £132 million transformation of Bristol Beacon, one of the most iconic cultural landmarks in the South West of England. It has taken five years and involved more than a million hours of time to create a flagship venue that will attract thousands of people each year to see some of the world’s best entertainment acts. Described by Arts Council England as “one of the great cultural icons of modern-day Britain”, the largest concert venue in the region also represents the second largest investment in the arts in England by the Arts Council in the last 10 years. Thanks to the structural refurbishment led by Willmott Dixon, Bristol Beacon now boasts four new world-class performance spaces, allowing it to deliver over 800 events a year and generate an estimated £13 million annually to the economy. Its music education centre in the transformed and previously inaccessible cellars, called Bristol Water Sound Studios, will enable 30,000 children a year to use new state-of-the-art practice and rehearsal spaces. As well as having some of the best acoustics of any concert hall in Europe, it will also have some of the highest levels of physical accessibility throughout making it truly accessible to everyone, both artists and audiences. Sustainability has also been built in – the environmentally conscious design of the transformed venue will contribute to its net zero goal by 2030 and adapt Bristol Beacon for a lifetime of sustainable use. Richard David, director who led Willmott Dixon’s team at the Bristol Beacon, said: “I can’t emphasise enough just how proud Willmott Dixon is to be a part of Bristol Beacon’s renewal. Its complexities and challenges have been like nothing the team has ever undertaken, yet everyone has risen to the challenge and both our team and our supply chain partners deserve recognition for their commitment and dedication. “The project has required intricate planning at every stage, and we have ensured that since the start we have truly respected the heritage of the building, its conservation, restoration and renovation, as well as understanding the building structure and fabric. An extraordinary amount of work and skill has been required to resolve the issues we faced; archaeological, historical, logistical and technical. “The building that has been delivered is incredible. Bristol Beacon is so much more than a construction project and will have a fantastic impact on the city for generations to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The operation was carried out through a pioneering partnership with specialist kiln manufacturer Keramischer Ofenbau. This initiative will position Roca Group as the first player in the world with a net-zero sanitary ceramics production plant, with a significant knock-on effect over the whole sector. Roca Group, the world leader in the design, production and commercialisation of bathroom furnishings and LAUFEN’s parent company, has invested in the world’s first electric tunnel kiln for sanitaryware. In an effort to decarbonise the inherent energy and carbon-intensive production of ceramic goods, the company has taken a decisive step towards electrifying its production processes at its Laufen plant in Gmunden (Austria) thanks to the cutting-edge technology from Keramischer Ofenbau, world technology leader in the manufacture of ceramic kilns. The German kiln manufacturer has been focusing on sustainable innovation for over 25 years and is a market leader in energy efficient ceramic kilns, making it the ideal partner for Roca Group’s decarbonisation project. Electricity, no gas: a revolution for the sanitaryware industry Albert Magrans, CEO at Roca Group, said: “We have a long-term goal to decarbonise our operations and we have been working hard to find solutions that will help us achieve this. This new pan-European partnership not only helps us on our way to net-zero but is also a clear step forward for the industry as a whole”. The first production results of the new kiln system show great potential for the entire industry, because not only sanitaryware production can benefit from this new technology, but also other ceramic sectors such as structural and technical ceramics or tableware. This kiln proves that the complete decarbonisation of ceramic production is not only possible, but also realistic and economically feasible. The new tunnel kiln is highly efficient, decarbonised, and automated and provides a valuable alternative to conventional production dependent on fossil fuels. It is a key milestone in ensuring that Gmunden becomes the world’s first net-zero sanitaryware production facility by 2024. This investment is also central to Roca Group’s decarbonization strategy. The Group closed 2022 with a 39% reduction in direct CO2 emissions compared to the 2018 baseline, approaching its SBTi target of carbon neutrality by 2045. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Striking mirrored design combined with illuminated panel and five-spray handset delivers a luxurious experience from an electric shower Bathroom specialist Aqualisa has announced Lumi+™: a stunning new series of premium electric showers that combine sophistication and performance. Available in three power options (8.5kW, 9.5kW or 10.5kW), the Lumi+ electric shower features a mirrored fascia that reflects light to enhance and brighten any bathroom environment, and two easy-turn brushed-chrome dials to control power and temperature. An illuminated strip on the front panel displays the status of the shower. Each Lumi+ model comes complete with a 1.5m long satin smooth hose to complement the mirrored finish. A generous 105mm Harmony handset with adjustable head delivers five different spray modes to suit all showering preferences, with rub-clean nozzles for an easy maintenance routine. With an A rating for energy efficiency, the Lumi+ takes water from the cold mains supply to deliver an instant, invigorating shower with no demand on stored hot water tanks. As the Lumi+ provides control over both temperature and power, users can minimise their consumption of both electricity and water. With safety in mind, each Lumi+ shower incorporates an over-temperature protection system, meaning that water will always remain at the desired temperature level. In addition, the low pressure indicator function warns the user if the water pressure drops lower than required. Engineered for durability, the Lumi+ features Aqualisa’s innovative phased shut-down technology, ensuring limescale build-up remains minimal over time. Starting and stopping the shower is controlled with a simple press of a button. Designed for flexibility and convenience, the Lumi+ shower is equipped with eight water and electric entry points, allowing straightforward installation in a new bathroom, or when replacing other brands of electric shower. All three models are supplied with a chrome rail, handset holder and handset kit, with shower gel hanger. Stuart Clark, head of new product design at Aqualisa, commented, “With the new Lumi+, we have reimagined the electric shower, with a blend of innovative mirrored design and exceptional performance, combined with the eco-friendly benefits of water and energy conservation. Delivering full control over both power and temperature, these showers are both efficient and flexible in operation, while the beautifully modern styling will make a statement in any bathroom setting.” The Aqualisa Lumi+ shower comes with a two-year parts and labour guarantee, and is BEAB, CE, WRAS and UWLA approved. Availability and pricingThe new Aqualisa Lumi+ range is available from December 2023. For pricing and more information, trade partners can contact their Aqualisa representative or the Aqualisa Customer Support Team on 01959 560020 or 01 864 3363 (Republic of Ireland). For more details, please visit: https://www.aqualisa.co.uk/products/type/electric-showers.html Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
