HBD, part of Henry Boot, and Barnfield Group have secured planning approval for three additional industrial units at their APTUS logistics scheme in Preston, Lancashire. The £100 million development is set to create up to 1,500 jobs and will deliver a total of 800,000 sq ft of high-quality, sustainable industrial
Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme in the UK, and Ridgelift, its development partner, have secured consent from Cambridge City Council for 230 Newmarket Road, a 157,000 sq ft six-storey Grade A office building in the city. Outline consent has also been granted for 10,000 sq ft of
Manchester City Council (MCC) and Salford City Council (SCC) are working in collaboration on the ambitious long-term regeneration proposals for the Strangeways and Cambridge areas ahead of public consultation. The draft Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) reports will be heard by both Councils’ respective executive and cabinet committees outlining the vision
Hartwell Plc, the automative and property development company, has unveiled £100 million regeneration plans to deliver Phoenix Yard, a landmark mixed-use scheme at the heart of Digbeth, Birmingham. The proposals will seek to transform an outdated and under-utilised brownfield site which totals 2.8-acre (1.134 hectare) and is beside Coventry Street,
Adventure Leisure, the company behind Mulligans, BUNKERS, Total Ninja, and Ninja Warrior UK, is bringing its popular crazy golf concept to Guildford town centre. Set to be the 14th Mulligans venue in the UK, the new site will span 17,000 sq ft on North Street. It will be created by
Taiwan’s Fubon Life Insurance Company has appointed development and leasing specialist Fabrix to lead the refurbishment of Bow Bells House, a 216,000 sq ft office building in the heart of the City of London. Fubon acquired the eight-storey building from Mitsubishi Estate in 2015 for £197 million. Located next to
From the 54th floor of Icon Tower at One West Point, west London’s tallest residential building, the potential for transformation around Old Oak Common Station is clear. This area, once dominated by old warehouses, ageing offices, and scattered residential blocks, is now set for a major revival. Earlier this week,
Landsec is planning a major shift in strategy, announcing plans to sell £2bn worth of office assets to fund its expansion into the residential sector. The move marks a significant pivot for the FTSE 100 property giant, which aims to establish a £2bn+ residential platform over the next two to
Charles Wilson Engineers (CW Plant) has expanded their hire fleet of Trime lighting towers with a further investment of sixty X-ECOLED and twenty-four X-ECO LITHIUM HYBRID sets. CW Plant’s site lighting fleet is entirely made up of Trime lighting towers, totalling six hundred and fifty sets all spread throughout their
The ‘Climate and Nature Private Members’ Bill’, brought forward by Dr. Roz Savage MP, seeks to set new legally binding targets for climate and nature, as well as give the Secretary of State a duty to implement a strategy to achieve these targets. The National Federation of Builders (NFB) has
HBD, part of Henry Boot, and Barnfield Group have secured planning approval for three additional industrial units at their APTUS logistics scheme in Preston, Lancashire. The £100 million development is set to create up to 1,500 jobs and will deliver a total of 800,000 sq ft of high-quality, sustainable industrial space just off Junction 31A of the M6. The latest phase includes two adjoining units of 26,507 sq ft each, alongside a larger detached unit spanning 53,841 sq ft. Ed Hutchinson, Managing Director of HBD, said: “We’re pleased to have secured planning for a further 108,000 sq ft at APTUS. Its prime location, combined with strong sustainability credentials and power capabilities, continues to attract significant interest from potential occupiers.” Tracy Clavell-Bate, Head of Development at Barnfield Group, highlighted the benefits of the approval: “Having planning permission allows us to go to market with a ready-to-go scheme, making it highly attractive to occupiers. With limited supply in the region, we are ahead of the curve.” The scheme will incorporate a range of energy-saving features, including electric vehicle charging points and photovoltaic panels, as well as a 15-acre landscaped wildlife area designed for occupiers to enjoy. Across the wider APTUS development, units ranging from 25,000 sq ft to 500,000 sq ft will be available. Property agents Gerald Eve, Young & Co, and Eckersley Property have been appointed to market the scheme. The first confirmed occupier at APTUS is Kerakoll, with construction set to begin this summer on its 145,000 sq ft unit. HBD is one of the UK’s most established property developers, with a strong financial track record and a £1.3 billion development pipeline. The company focuses on industrial and logistics, urban regeneration, and residential projects, working in partnership with local authorities, investors, and developers. Barnfield Group, a Lancashire-based contractor, developer, and investor, has been delivering projects across the UK for more than 40 years. With a turnover of £80 million, the company is currently involved in more than 30 live developments, spanning a diverse range of sectors. With the latest approvals in place, APTUS is on track to become a major industrial and logistics hub in the North West, offering state-of-the-art facilities in a prime location. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme in the UK, and Ridgelift, its development partner, have secured consent from Cambridge City Council for 230 Newmarket Road, a 157,000 sq ft six-storey Grade A office building in the city. Outline consent has also been granted for 10,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space in a separate single-storey building adjacent to the office. Designed by Leonard Design Architects, 230 Newmarket Road is in a prominent position on a major thoroughfare into Cambridge. It has been conceived as a multi-occupier headquarters building, providing exemplary quality and amenities. The ground floor contains a generous reception area and extensive cycling and end-of-trip facilities, with space to park 438 bikes. Moving up through the building, the first floor includes an elevated lobby café and offices, with the floors above providing flexibility of configuration to reflect varied occupier requirements. The top floor features two pavilion-style office spaces designed for co-working, both opening onto an inside-outside terrace. Externally, the consent includes a new carpark with 45 spaces, 26 with EV charging. Railpen also has strong ambitions for 230 Newmarket Road’s sustainability credentials, and is aspiring for BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and at least 20% biodiversity net gain. The design follows the principles of the London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI) and RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge, with targets including net zero enabled in operation, low embodied carbon (800 kg/CO2e/m2), and a maximum operation energy performance of 55 KwH/ m2. More widely, 230 Newmarket Road is a gateway to Railpen’s proposed 1m sq ft Beehive, which will blend modern workspace, retail, leisure, entertainment and community spaces, and is currently going through planning, along with proposals to enhance the neighbouring Cambridge Retail Park through the introduction of new retail and leisure facilities. Together, the developments will create a new business district in Cambridge to serve the innovation and STEM sectors as part of the UK’s Golden Triangle, which was recently ranked by Savills as a top three life sciences hub globally. Matthew Howard, Head of Property at Railpen, said: “We’re delighted with the council’s decision to grant consent for 230 Newmarket Road, with the development adding to the quality of offices available to accommodate growth in a world-leading city for innovation. As importantly, it is the first stage of a new business district for the city that will bring more long-term employment and prosperity to one of the UK’s most important economic areas.” 230 Newmarket Road is the latest of Railpen’s investments in Cambridge. Part of its strategy of supporting the UK’s economic and social growth through the clustering of assets in key sectors and locations, it joins Mill Yard, its 180,000 sq ft mixed-use campus adjacent to Cambridge rail station, and the nearby Botanic Place, Railpen’s 500,000 sq ft headquarters office development. Railpen also has a number of other significant proposed developments in the city, including its 1m sq ft Beehive scheme, which has been called in by the Secretary of State. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Manchester City Council (MCC) and Salford City Council (SCC) are working in collaboration on the ambitious long-term regeneration proposals for the Strangeways and Cambridge areas ahead of public consultation. The draft Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) reports will be heard by both Councils’ respective executive and cabinet committees outlining the vision that will guide wide-scale investment and development across the 130hectare city fringe location over the coming decades. The draft Strangeways and Cambridge SRF presents a high-level vision for the area, building on the work of the Operation Vulcan policing operation, to provide a platform for legitimate businesses to grow and thrive, alongside a major new urban park, significant new housing – including affordable homes – and significant commercial and employment opportunities. The programme of investment estimates the combined development areas could see up to 7,000 new homes across seven distinct ‘neighbourhood’ areas, increased commercial floorspace of around 1.75m sqft, and the regeneration could support an additional 4,500 jobs. The draft SRF presents a development approach that will support Manchester’s target to become a zero-carbon city by 2038 and reacts to other environmental factors in the areas, including potential flooding linked to climate change. The SRF also reflects how HM Prison Manchester – formerly Strangeways Prison – remains a significant barrier to the regeneration ambitions in this part of the city and the framework will act as an engagement tool with the Ministry of Justice around the long-term future of the prison. The key themes of the SRF include: This draft Strangeways and Cambridge SRF document has been prepared on behalf of MCC and SCC by Avison Young with Maccreanor Lavington Architects, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Schulze+Grassov, Civic Engineers, Useful Projects and PLACED. Salford’s Cabinet will meet on Tuesday 11 March. Find the Salford City Council Cabinet Report Manchester’s executive will meet on Friday 14 March Find the Manchester City Council Executive Report – see agenda item 8 Following the respective Council approvals, consultation around the SRF document will begin at the end of March, the results of which will be reported to future Executive and Cabinet meetings. Further information on the SRF can be found here. The draft SRF was in part delivered using Government Funding. Leader of the Council Bev Craig said: “This framework is our shared long-term vision, alongside our colleagues in Salford, to deliver a transformation in the Strangeways and Cambridge communities. “We have an opportunity to create a platform for development and investment, enabled by the successful work carried out by the Operation Vulcan partnership, to support businesses to grow and prosper in these neighbourhoods – creating thousands of new jobs and support the ongoing growth of our city – alongside a major new public park and new homes, including Council, social and genuinely affordable housing. “We know this area has challenges, including the prison that presents a key barrier to the regeneration of the area, but we also know that there is energy and a community brimming with potential. “We will deliver huge change in Strangeways in the coming years, working alongside the people who live and work there, and as we move to consultation in the coming weeks, we want to speak to local people and businesses about how we can make this part of the city thrive.” Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett added: “We’ve been on a journey of growth and regeneration in recent years, and our work has changed the landscape in different parts of Salford for the benefit of our residents. It’s now time to focus on the Cambridge area and working with colleagues in Manchester, this framework provides us with a once in a lifetime opportunity to do that. “This framework proposes options for the Salford part of the SRF, taking into account the requirements of residents and local businesses, and the need for quality housing in the area. The key will be to balance these needs with what the long-term flood data is telling us and how we future-proof the area against climate change. “The proposals in the framework seek to identify the best possible options for this area. These include the exciting opportunity to create a new city park for all, with an option for appropriate levels of mixed-use development, to continue to drive sustainable growth. “I’d urge everyone with a vested interest in this area, whether you’re a resident or business to engage with the consultation process and work with us help shape the future of this part of the city.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hartwell Plc, the automative and property development company, has unveiled £100 million regeneration plans to deliver Phoenix Yard, a landmark mixed-use scheme at the heart of Digbeth, Birmingham. The proposals will seek to transform an outdated and under-utilised brownfield site which totals 2.8-acre (1.134 hectare) and is beside Coventry Street, Oxford Street, Meriden Street, and Digbeth High Street to deliver a new gateway to Digbeth. The site has the potential to provide 260,000 sq ft (24,228 sq m) of media and educational space, commercial floorspace, 240 new homes units, retail, public realm and high-quality landscaping. The proposals have been sensitively developed by award-winning architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris to pay homage to the site’s industrial history as Phoenix ironworks. This is combined with ambitious sustainability targets across the site which include BREEAM ‘Excellent’, WELL certification, WiredScore Platinum, SmartScore, NABERS and a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain. Phoenix Yard proposals will respond to Digbeth’s recognised potential as a growth area in Birmingham, which contributes to its ongoing transformation into a thriving and vibrant creative area. This includes the BBC’s new multi-million-pound Birmingham HQ at Typhoo Wharf and approval of the £1.9 billion Smithfield Market masterplan. The proposed Phoenix Yard is forecast to create circa 200 construction jobs and has the potential to create upwards of 500 FTE jobs, as well as attract a range of new residents to the area and provide a meaningful boost to the economy to support the area’s social and economic growth. Joanne Churchill, group property manager, Hartwell Plc said: “We are delighted to unveil our vision to transform an under-utilised brownfield site to deliver Phoenix Yard, a new mixed-use neighbourhood at the heart of Digbeth. Through unlocking the potential of this site, our plans promise to positively contribute to the area’s ongoing transformation into a thriving and vibrant part of Birmingham, delivering an exciting range of new opportunities and living space for the future. “In recent years Digbeth has benefitted from significant investment and is recognised by Birmingham City Council as a key growth area. This scheme has been designed with this investment and the wider ambitions for Birmingham in mind. The potential delivery of media and educational space will support the continuing growth of BBC Midlands HQ and its ecosystem following the BBC’s multi-million-pound investment into the area. Similarly, new homes will complement the site’s location in Digbeth’s creative centre. This will be supported by excellent connectivity, which is enhanced by nearby major transport investments including HS2’s Curzon Street Station and the Metro Eastside Extension. “We look forward to receiving comments on the proposals from local residents and businesses, with feedback set to help inform our final planning application.” Ahead of submitting a hybrid planning application to Birmingham City Council, Hartwell Plc has launched a public consultation for local residents and businesses to see and comment on the plans. A dedicated consultation website is now live at https://www.phoenixyard-digbeth.com/ with the deadline to provide feedback to close at 12pm on 31st March 2025. Acting on behalf of Hartwell are Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, Ridge, Cundall, Hoare Lea, Macfarlane + Associates and Newmark. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Adventure Leisure, the company behind Mulligans, BUNKERS, Total Ninja, and Ninja Warrior UK, is bringing its popular crazy golf concept to Guildford town centre. Set to be the 14th Mulligans venue in the UK, the new site will span 17,000 sq ft on North Street. It will be created by combining two vacant units – the ground floor previously occupied by TGI Fridays and a basement space that formerly housed a nightclub and later a pop-up leisure venue, Slice. The Guildford venue will offer two 9-hole crazy golf courses alongside a variety of interactive games, including electronic darts, American pool, and electro-shuffleboard. Sports-themed arcade games such as air hockey, skeeball, and basketball will also be available. In addition to the gaming experiences, Mulligans Guildford will feature a family-friendly sports area with booth seating and TV screens, as well as a food and drink offering to enhance the overall visitor experience. Stephen Brown, chief operating officer of Adventure Leisure, said: “We can’t wait to open our latest Mulligans venue in Guildford. We’ve had our eyes on the town for some time and have some exciting plans for the golf courses in particular. It’s fantastic to be working with Zachary Pulman to bring everything to life. “We’re in a really exciting period of growth for Adventure Leisure, following our new venue in Hemel Hempstead last year and with Mulligans Guildford opening soon.” Adventure Leisure currently operates 13 Mulligans locations across the UK, including sites in Basildon, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cheltenham, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Norwich, Sidcup, Stevenage, Tonbridge, Worcester, and Hemel Hempstead. The Guildford opening marks another step in the company’s expansion, bringing its unique mix of crazy golf, arcade games, and social entertainment to a new audience. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Taiwan’s Fubon Life Insurance Company has appointed development and leasing specialist Fabrix to lead the refurbishment of Bow Bells House, a 216,000 sq ft office building in the heart of the City of London. Fubon acquired the eight-storey building from Mitsubishi Estate in 2015 for £197 million. Located next to St Mary-le-Bow Church and Bow Churchyard, the property includes 197,000 sq ft of office space and 19,000 sq ft of retail space. It was previously occupied by the Bank of Ireland. The planned upgrades will transform Bow Bells House into an all-electric, fossil-free workspace, featuring state-of-the-art amenities such as enhanced end-of-trip facilities, a tenant business lounge, and landscaped terraces. Designed by Fabrix in collaboration with White Red Architects, the refurbishment will draw inspiration from the historic character of Bow Churchyard and its surroundings. While Fabrix has not disclosed the total investment in the project, the works are expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026. Fabrix CEO Clive Nichol said: “Fabrix is delighted to be working with Fubon on this exceptional building, drawing on our team’s extensive experience in repositioning assets. The City is evolving, and our focus is to bring Bow Bells House back to life with a sharp emphasis on decarbonisation and enhancing the occupier experience.” Nichol added: “Partnering with an international investor in a development and leasing management capacity allows us to apply our expertise in both technical and creative solutions, ensuring Bow Bells House is income-generating once again. With its strong foundations, this building has the potential to be a market leader through a sensitive revitalisation that enhances services, amenities, and environmental performance to meet modern standards.” The redevelopment of Bow Bells House is set to play a key role in the City’s ongoing transformation, blending sustainability with high-quality office space in one of London’s most historic locations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
From the 54th floor of Icon Tower at One West Point, west London’s tallest residential building, the potential for transformation around Old Oak Common Station is clear. This area, once dominated by old warehouses, ageing offices, and scattered residential blocks, is now set for a major revival. Earlier this week, HS2 Ltd, the organisation behind the multi-billion-pound high-speed rail project, released a report on its expected economic impact on west London. Despite delays and cost overruns, the report, titled From Trains to Cranes: HS2 and the West London Development Boom, projects that HS2 will generate £10 billion for the local economy over the next decade. It is expected to create more than 22,000 new homes and nearly 19,000 jobs, with 7.5 million square feet of new commercial space. Since HS2 received royal assent in 2017, planning applications within 1.5 miles of Old Oak Common have increased by 22%, with a combined value of £3.41 billion—an astonishing 325% rise compared to the previous seven years. Mark Wild, chief executive of HS2 Ltd, believes the focus on extending HS2 into central London has overshadowed its impact on west London. “At Old Oak Common, we’re building the best-connected new station ever constructed in this country,” he says, describing it as a “superhub” that will provide direct links to over 100 UK destinations. One company that invested early in the area is City & Docklands, the developer behind One West Point. In 2018, it demolished a former furniture warehouse in North Acton, just a mile from the Old Oak Common site, and began construction the following year. Six years later, the development has delivered 701 apartments across four buildings, with Icon Tower fully let within just three months of opening in 2022. Gary Sacks, chief executive of City & Docklands, recalls the risks of investing in the area back in 2018 but remains confident in the decision. “We knew the Elizabeth line was coming—it was too far along to be stopped—and HS2 was potentially happening. When we looked at rental yields, it made sense,” he explains. The section of HS2 between Birmingham and Old Oak Common is scheduled to open between 2029 and 2033, but the timeline for the London Euston extension remains uncertain. A recent report by MPs on the Public Accounts Committee heavily criticised the project’s management and estimated its total cost could approach £80 billion—almost double the government’s 2023 estimate. Despite ongoing scrutiny and delays, developers remain optimistic about Old Oak Common’s future. Barratt London has acquired a 10-acre site north of One West Point, where it plans to replace an existing Asda with a new store and 1,500 homes. The company hopes to secure planning approval by the end of the year. Craig Carson, managing director of Barratt West London, sees the area’s potential. “West London is a strong part of the city with great connectivity. This project allows us to unlock underutilised land and bring forward much-needed homes,” he says. Of the planned homes, 35% will be affordable, alongside new green spaces and commercial units. Imperial College London is also expanding its presence in Old Oak Common. Since 2014, the university has developed student accommodation and residential projects in the area. Now, it is preparing to transform a brownfield site near the station into One Portal Way, a mixed-use development featuring seven buildings, 1,300 homes, and two million square feet of workspace. Alice Sewell, investment director at Imperial College London, says the site will become part of the university’s West Tech Corridor, designed to support tech and science firms. “We knew the new station was coming, making it a prime investment location. It’s also just two stops from our White City campus,” she explains. With limited space at its existing sites, the university sees Old Oak Common as a natural expansion area for the next 10 to 15 years. Sewell hopes the area will become an innovation hub, similar to King’s Cross. “We need more homes for our talent if we’re going to grow London’s innovation sector,” she says. Carson believes major infrastructure projects such as HS2 give developers the confidence to invest in up-and-coming areas. “King’s Cross thrived on the back of infrastructure upgrades. The same happened at Nine Elms with the Northern line extension to Battersea Power Station. Large-scale transport projects create a ripple effect,” he notes. Sacks remains confident in Old Oak Common’s appeal, regardless of HS2’s final destination. “The area is already well established—HS2 is just the cherry on top. If it terminates here, people will stop. If it goes to Euston, they’ll have a three-minute train ride. It’s a win either way,” he says. With billions set to be invested and new developments rising across the area, Old Oak Common is on track to become one of London’s most exciting regeneration stories. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Landsec is planning a major shift in strategy, announcing plans to sell £2bn worth of office assets to fund its expansion into the residential sector. The move marks a significant pivot for the FTSE 100 property giant, which aims to establish a £2bn+ residential platform over the next two to five years while also growing its retail-focused portfolio. The company intends to reduce its exposure to office-led assets, releasing £2bn of its current £6.5bn capital in this sector and scaling back investment in new office developments by at least half once its existing pipeline is completed. Landsec said this strategic rebalancing aims to create a more stable, high-growth portfolio, with a focus on residential-led projects offering strong returns with lower risk. It noted that while net effective income returns for offices and residential properties are broadly similar, residential offers higher income growth and fewer lease incentives. To support the transition, Landsec plans to release half of its £0.7bn capital tied up in pre-development assets over the next three years and will also exit its remaining £0.8bn in retail and leisure parks to fund investment in key retail-led destinations. The strategy will roll out in two phases: the first, over one to three years, will focus on maximising returns from its existing retail and office assets, exiting low-yielding properties, and reducing overheads by £12m. The second phase, spanning two to five years, will see a significant reallocation of capital towards assets offering stronger income growth and long-term stability. By 2030, Landsec expects to have built a more balanced portfolio, better positioned for sustainable growth in an evolving property market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Charles Wilson Engineers (CW Plant) has expanded their hire fleet of Trime lighting towers with a further investment of sixty X-ECOLED and twenty-four X-ECO LITHIUM HYBRID sets. CW Plant’s site lighting fleet is entirely made up of Trime lighting towers, totalling six hundred and fifty sets all spread throughout their nationwide network of twenty-nine depots. Graham Pollard, CW Plant Director, said, “We made this new investment to top up our existing fleet of X-ECOs and to continue to grow a sustainable hybrid fleet. Trime products are tried and tested. They are the market leader and, in our opinion, the most reliable tower light in the hire industry and that’s also agreed by our customers.” The Trime X-ECO HYBRID LITHIUM is an LED lighting tower that is powered by a combination of a lithium battery and a small fuel-efficient diesel engine. X-ECO Hybrid Lithium can be fully recharged in less than 3.5 hours. This means that for 80% of operation, the X- ECO HYBRID LITHIUM is powered exclusively by its batteries and therefore emits zero noise and zero carbon emissions. Noise-sensitive areas will profit from the X-ECO HYBRID LITHIUM as it operates silently for up to 11.5 hours. The Trime X-ECO LED features 6 no. 160W, 48V multi-directionally adjustable LED lights floodlights, with safe 48V power between the generator and the lights. The vertical hydraulic mast has seven sections, rising to a maximum height of 8.5m with 340° rotation and wind stability up to 110 km/h. Easy lifting is via a central lifting eye with longitudinal and transversal forklift pockets for safe handling and transportation. Charles Wilson Engineers began trading in Harpenden, Hertfordshire in 1979 and the company remains a privately owned rental business. They offer a plant hire and tool hire service in London and all across the South East, South West, the Midlands, and North West, and in the North East. CW Plant also provides PASMA and IPAF training, alongside a comprehensive line of forklift and manual handling courses. Full details can be found at www.cwplant.co.uk Trime is regarded as the leading manufacturer and supplier of sustainable lighting towers to the UK and Ireland construction rentals markets. Their UK offices are based in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, and their production facility is near Milan, Italy. Aside from its lighting tower range, the company also manufactures a wide range of water-recycling wash bays and dust suppression products. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The ‘Climate and Nature Private Members’ Bill’, brought forward by Dr. Roz Savage MP, seeks to set new legally binding targets for climate and nature, as well as give the Secretary of State a duty to implement a strategy to achieve these targets. The National Federation of Builders (NFB) has worked closely with Government’s old and new to ensure they understand the impact of their environmental and climate policies. Unfortunately, many of these decisions have resulted in increased taxation, lower growth, and have achieved little or nothing for the climate and environment. The Labour Government is therefore correct to take stock and ensure the direction of travel delivers for nature, business, and society. The following outlines a few examples of where industry warnings were ignored by the Government. The Treasury’s decision to remove the construction industry’s access to red diesel increased project costs and fuel theft, while also creating new maintenance expenses for the plant hire sector. Three years on, most machinery remains diesel fuelled, with the limited availability of electric plant machinery still to be charged by diesel generators. DEFRA’s Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) approach, which is championed as an ‘onsite first policy’ but for most developments cannot be delivered onsite, is creating offsite habitats miles from original development sites. Their strategy also neglects local biodiversity and, if projects can afford the sky-high mitigation costs, means new developments do not build in biodiversity but instead, can create physical barriers within a wildlife corridor. Due to being a statutory requirement, BNG is also reducing levels of affordable housing. Sticking with DEFRA, Nutrient Neutrality schemes attempt to reduce the pollution entering our waterways, not by targeting the polluters but the new build sector, which in some areas accounts for less than 1% of total pollution. Like BNG, Nutrient Neutrality leads to farming land being taken out of use to provide mitigation credits via habitat creation and in the process reducing the UK’s food security. In the MHCLG, vital grid investment, such as pylons and substations, continue to be stopped by NIMBY sentiments, while the Government obsesses over the energy efficiency of new homes, despite these new homes accounting for only 1% of stock and already being 65% more efficient than old homes. These outcomes exist because somebody tried to use policy levers to do the right thing but, in the process, ignores the broader impacts. This consequently damages sustainable environmental and climate improvement, stifles maintainable change, and embeds zero sum outcomes. Worse still, those businesses, our SMEs, that have historically offered the solutions that many champion, such as building within communities and so reducing car dependency, installing renewable energy solutions within buildings, and working with local communities on nature conservation and access, have been leaving the sector at an alarming rate due to the above and many other policy changes that have made doing business impossible and unprofitable. While well intentioned, the Climate and Nature Bill (CAN) is a Bill of unexplored and unintended consequences, far eclipsing the policy harms exampled above. The Government is therefore correct to head off CAN and reassess the UK’s role in solving a global challenge, while balancing the many competing domestic needs, from renewable energy and biodiversity to growth and healthy societies. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
