July 31, 2025
Glencar Breaks Ground on Sustainable Industrial Scheme in Rugby

Glencar Breaks Ground on Sustainable Industrial Scheme in Rugby

Glencar has been appointed as the main contractor for a major new logistics and industrial development in Rugby, as French developer Barjane expands its UK footprint. Known as Rugby 106, the 106,196 sq ft facility will be constructed at Central Park on a five-acre site that previously housed a 45,000

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Edgware Regeneration Moves Forward with £1.7bn Masterplan Approval

Edgware Regeneration Moves Forward with £1.7bn Masterplan Approval

A major milestone has been reached in the transformation of Edgware town centre, as a joint venture between Ballymore and Places for London secures outline planning permission for its ambitious masterplan. Approved by Barnet Council’s Strategic Planning Committee, the regeneration scheme covers a 10.3-hectare site, including the Broadwalk Shopping Centre,

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Planning approved for Sandle Park development

Planning approved for Sandle Park development

Pennyfarthing Homes has received detailed planning approval for the first 74 homes at Sandle Park, a new residential development forming part of the wider Forde Valley neighbourhood, located just a mile northwest of Fordingbridge town centre. The approval, granted by New Forest District Council’s Planning Committee, marks the start of

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LSH appointed by Transport for Greater Manchester to support next phase of infrastructure programme

LSH appointed by Transport for Greater Manchester to support next phase of infrastructure programme

Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has been appointed to Transport for Greater Manchester’s recently announced £120m four-year professional services framework, as the city region delivers the next phase of its transport infrastructure programme. This includes the Bee Network, Metrolink, active travel (walking and cycling), and bus stops and stations across the

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Muse appoints development director to growing North West team

Muse appoints development director to growing North West team

Muse, the nationwide placemaker, has appointed Laura Percy as Development Director to strengthen its growing North West team.   The new hire joins the business with over 15 years’ experience delivering complex urban regeneration, mixed-use, and innovation projects across the UK and Asia. Laura was most recently at Landsec U&I,

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Latest Issue
Issue 331 : Aug 2025

July 31, 2025

Glencar Breaks Ground on Sustainable Industrial Scheme in Rugby

Glencar Breaks Ground on Sustainable Industrial Scheme in Rugby

Glencar has been appointed as the main contractor for a major new logistics and industrial development in Rugby, as French developer Barjane expands its UK footprint. Known as Rugby 106, the 106,196 sq ft facility will be constructed at Central Park on a five-acre site that previously housed a 45,000 sq ft office and workshop unit. The old structure has been demolished to make way for the high-spec development. Barjane, already known in the UK for owning Decathlon’s distribution hub in Northampton, is aiming to cement its presence in the Midlands with this state-of-the-art scheme. The new facility will be designed to meet the highest sustainability standards, targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certification and an EPC A+ energy rating. Once complete, the unit will feature 87,000 sq ft of warehouse space, two floors of offices and welfare areas, a flexible operational mezzanine, and a clear internal height of 14 metres. Additional amenities will include a first-floor terrace, generous car parking, service yards and landscaped external areas designed to support wellbeing and environmental performance. Peter Goodman, managing director at Glencar, said: “As a business renowned for its sustainable and forward-thinking logistics projects, Barjane sets high standards and we’re proud to have been selected to help realise their vision for this strategically important site.” Patrick Batten, UK commercial director at Barjane and former Segro director, added: “We are delighted to have appointed Glencar and to have started on site to deliver this prime Midlands site, which will showcase Barjane’s unique approach to premium quality sustainable development.” Construction is now underway, with completion anticipated in the first quarter of 2026. The development will cater to a wide range of logistics and industrial occupiers, reinforcing Rugby’s position as a key hub in the UK’s distribution network. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Edgware Regeneration Moves Forward with £1.7bn Masterplan Approval

Edgware Regeneration Moves Forward with £1.7bn Masterplan Approval

A major milestone has been reached in the transformation of Edgware town centre, as a joint venture between Ballymore and Places for London secures outline planning permission for its ambitious masterplan. Approved by Barnet Council’s Strategic Planning Committee, the regeneration scheme covers a 10.3-hectare site, including the Broadwalk Shopping Centre, Edgware Bus Station and Garage, a Sainsbury’s supermarket, Redhill Medical Centre and Deans Brook Nature Reserve. The £1.7 billion redevelopment will deliver around 3,500 new homes, alongside 460,000 sq ft of commercial space. This is expected to include a mix of retail, leisure, and community uses such as an integrated healthcare hub and library. One of the cornerstones of the plan is the creation of a modern public transport interchange, complemented by 11.9 acres of green and open spaces to enhance liveability and biodiversity in the area. Designed by leading architectural firm Howells, the masterplan offers a comprehensive approach to urban regeneration, seeking to make better use of brownfield land while supporting London’s ongoing need for housing, infrastructure and inclusive growth. Savills, which advised Barnet Council, played a key role in navigating the planning process. Iyabo Johnson, associate director in Savills’ London Planning team, commented: “The Edgware masterplan offers a sustainable, plan-led response to London’s pressing need for housing and growth. It unlocks a significant package of public benefits that will shape the future of the area for generations to come.” Next steps include the finalisation of the Section 106 Agreement and securing Stage II approval from the Mayor of London. Stakeholders hope to see the first phases of the development move forward in the near future, helping to breathe new life into one of North London’s key town centres. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Planning approved for Sandle Park development

Planning approved for Sandle Park development

Pennyfarthing Homes has received detailed planning approval for the first 74 homes at Sandle Park, a new residential development forming part of the wider Forde Valley neighbourhood, located just a mile northwest of Fordingbridge town centre. The approval, granted by New Forest District Council’s Planning Committee, marks the start of a major new phase in the housebuilder’s expansion in the area. Development is expected to begin later this year. Sandle Park will eventually comprise 342 homes, with 25% allocated for affordable tenures including shared ownership, affordable rent and First Homes. The first phase will deliver 74 properties, made up of 56 homes for private sale and 18 affordable homes. The scheme offers a wide range of housing options, from one- to three-bedroom apartments in a manor-style building to two- and three-bedroom bungalows and larger family houses with two to four bedrooms. The new neighbourhood has been designed with a strong focus on green infrastructure and community wellbeing. Plans include more than a kilometre of new pathways, 1,700 newly planted trees, informal open spaces, a children’s play area and a 2.4-hectare Alternative Natural Recreational Greenspace to benefit both residents and the wider community. Ben Arnold, Land and Planning Director at Pennyfarthing Homes, said: “We are delighted to have received overwhelming support from New Forest District Council’s Planning Committee for the first 74 homes at Sandle Park. Members of the planning committee praised the layout and appearance of the development, including the feature apartment building and the use of bungalows in the layout. The mix of properties will serve a range of homebuyers’ needs here in Fordingbridge, creating a diverse community with a deep sense of connection to nature, thanks to its abundance of greenspaces. We look forward to commencing development work at Sandle Park later this year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Planning application and new design code submitted for Graven Hill development

Planning application and new design code submitted for Graven Hill development

A new hybrid planning application has been submitted to Cherwell District Council (CDC) for the remaining residential development at Graven Hill. The original outline planning permission was granted in 2014. The new planning application seeks permission as follows: Hybrid planning application comprising: It has been prepared by Graven Hill Village Development Company (GHVDC) and its technical team, for the remainder of the development. It is called a hybrid planning application as it is both a full planning application for part of the site and an outline planning application for the remainder; apart from one small site adjacent to Anniversary Avenue East, where full planning permission is applied for 34 residential units, the application is in outline. There are currently up to 1,329 dwellings under the hybrid/outline, including the 34 applied for in full. An outline application does not determine the location, design or layout of each individual building, play areas or space, it simply seeks a decision on the general principles of how a site can be developed. The application includes parameter plans and a masterplan; this is indicative and is subject to change as part of the subsequent Reserved Matters planning application processes for each phase. These later Reserved Matters applications will provide details on the appearance, means of access, landscaping, layout and scale. Extensive public consultations were held regarding the new hybrid application. These ran from November 2022 to February 2023, and during February 2024 and March 2024, culminating in consultation feedback in October and November 2024. As well as public events, respondents could review, comment and ask questions via an online portal. There were also presentations and meetings with CDC, Oxfordshire County Council, Create Streets, the Graven Hill Residents’ Association (GHRA) and the independently appointed team of experts on the Design South East design review panel. In order to respond to feedback received during this pre-application consultation process, updates have been made to the masterplan and a comprehensive Design Code accompanies the Design and Access Statement and establishes site-wide and street type character area design requirements. This Design Code provides a framework for the detailed design, materials, layout, scale, access and landscaping of development irrespective of the designer, or whether the housing is self-build, market or affordable housing. It also supports the Design Review Panel’s feedback that, while not over-restricting architectural freedom, it sets guidance and design requirements for how building lines, car parking, boundary treatments, landscaping, planting and trees should be coded. It is an extensive update to the previous Stage 1 document and includes: Other changes made to respond to feedback as the masterplan evolved included: Adrian Unitt, Managing Director of GHVDC, said: “We’ve welcomed the opportunity to engage with the local authority, GHRA, residents, Create Streets and the independent Design Review Panel.  The team has worked hard to respond to the feedback we’ve received through the design process, with LSH preparing a comprehensive Design Code. “This is an outline application which sets out key parameters for the remaining development rather than determining the detail and we look forward to further engagement through the application process.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Government Overhauls Building Safety Regulator to Accelerate Housebuilding

Government Overhauls Building Safety Regulator to Accelerate Housebuilding

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has unveiled a significant reform package aimed at transforming the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), with the goal of reducing project delays and driving forward the construction of 1.5 million high-quality homes. Announced on 30 June 2025, the reforms include a new fast-track review process, strategic leadership changes, and major investment in regulatory capacity. The initiative is intended to streamline safety assessments without compromising the protection of residents—a critical issue in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Former London Fire Brigade Commissioner Andy Roe KFSM has been appointed as the non-executive chair of a new board within MHCLG, which will oversee the functions of the BSR. This appointment signals the government’s move toward establishing a single, integrated construction regulator. Roe will be supported by Charlie Pugsley, Deputy Commissioner of the LFB, who takes on the role of Chief Executive Officer of the restructured BSR. Minister for Building Safety, Alex Norris, said: “The establishment of the Building Safety Regulator has been fundamental to centralising safety in the construction process. It’s time to take the next steps—building on that precedent to create a system that works for the sector while keeping residents and their safety at the heart of the process.” The new fast-track system will bring building inspectors and engineers directly into the BSR to help expedite decisions on both new builds and remediation projects. The MHCLG has pledged to hire over 100 new staff members to support these efforts, enhancing capacity and reducing backlogs that have frustrated developers and housing providers alike. Andy Roe commented: “The creation of the BSR was a watershed moment for housing and construction. But the system must continue to evolve to meet the urgent need for safe, new homes. I look forward to working with industry partners to tackle delays and support the delivery of much-needed housing.” The reforms will also see the BSR transition from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to a new arm’s-length body within MHCLG. HSE Chair Sarah Newton acknowledged the milestone, saying: “We are proud of the work we’ve done to establish the BSR. We always recognised that the regulator might move on once fully operational. Our focus now is to ensure a smooth and successful transition.” With these changes, the government hopes to unlock critical housing delivery, speed up safety reviews, and improve trust and transparency within the construction sector—all while ensuring the lessons of past tragedies are never forgotten. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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LSH appointed by Transport for Greater Manchester to support next phase of infrastructure programme

LSH appointed by Transport for Greater Manchester to support next phase of infrastructure programme

Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has been appointed to Transport for Greater Manchester’s recently announced £120m four-year professional services framework, as the city region delivers the next phase of its transport infrastructure programme. This includes the Bee Network, Metrolink, active travel (walking and cycling), and bus stops and stations across the city region. Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) Professional Services Framework, which comprises sixteen specialist lots, will fulfil the advisory requirement of the city region’s ambitious 2040 transport strategy. It will also ultimately help Greater Manchester to deliver the UK’s first fully integrated, zero-emission public transport network by 2030, following significant government funding. LSH has been appointed to a new Lot that covers Estates advisory. Estates advisory services that LSH will provide include strategic advice, valuation, lease advisory, rating, planning, land assembly, disposals, and development consultancy, in order to support the delivery of TfGM infrastructure projects within the city region. LSH’s appointment builds on the firm’s long history of working in the transport sector including transport projects in and around Manchester and the north of England. LSH clients include HS2, Northern Trains, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, LNER, Network Rail and West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Paul Shuker, Director (Planning, Regeneration and Infrastructure) at LSH, said: “Manchester is now widely recognised as one of the UK’s – and Europe’s – success stories when it comes to leveraging infrastructure – not only to accelerate growth, but also to unlock the city region’s potential, create new jobs and better connect our communities. “The latest pipeline of projects is set to bring even farther-reaching benefits – by making travel easier and more affordable; facilitating new Metrolink lines to key settlements; and supporting the delivery of new homes and employment areas. “We at LSH – and our specialist multi-disciplinary land, infrastructure, planning and regeneration teams – look forward to working with TfGM and other stakeholders. We are committed to supporting Greater Manchester’s 2040 vision to create a world class public transport system and deliver the Bee Network.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Muse appoints development director to growing North West team

Muse appoints development director to growing North West team

Muse, the nationwide placemaker, has appointed Laura Percy as Development Director to strengthen its growing North West team.   The new hire joins the business with over 15 years’ experience delivering complex urban regeneration, mixed-use, and innovation projects across the UK and Asia. Laura was most recently at Landsec U&I, where she oversaw the businesses’ investments and developments across the North. This included MediaCity UK, the transformative mixed-use development in Salford Quays, Greater Manchester, and Mayfield, the large-scale £1.4bn regeneration project in Manchester City Centre. Prior to this, Laura was Head of Development at Bruntwood SciTech. Over the course of a three-year period she led the development of ID Manchester, the £1.5bn joint venture project with the University of Manchester, alongside holding responsibility for the master planning and delivery of the £750m mixed-use Circle Square development in Manchester. With a deep-rooted connection to the region, Laura is also a Board Member of the Greater Manchester Business Board (LEP), which brings together the public and private sectors to support business growth, develop local skills and innovation, and direct investment. The appointment of the strategic development lead continues to boost Muse’s growth trajectory in the North West, with the Development Director supporting the delivery of a strong regional pipeline. This includes Crescent Innovation Zone, a pivotal element of the £2.5bn Crescent Salford Masterplan, by ECF – the joint venture between Muse, Homes England and L&G, Salford City Council, and the University of Salford, and the £100m transformation of Prestwich Village in partnership with Bury Council. Steven Knowles, Director of Development Management at Muse – North West, said: “Laura brings a wealth of placemaking experience to our team. She will play an important role in supporting our exciting and ambitious pipeline in the North West.   “Her knowledge of innovation-led regeneration and experience working in partnership with the public and private sector will be crucial as we push forward with our plans for Crescent Salford and the sustainable regeneration of Prestwich Village. “The last six months have been excellent in terms of growth, and Laura’s appointment puts us in a strong position to continue to progress over the forthcoming period.” Laura Percy, Development Director at Muse – North West, said: “I am delighted to be joining Muse and look forward to playing my part supporting the team in the North West. “The company is amongst the industry leaders who are working in partnership to deliver outstanding new places across the country. Joining the team in the North West is an opportunity to support an ambitious pipeline which will be transformative for the region. “By bringing my own experience, and working with the established and expert team, we will continue to deliver outstanding regeneration and placemaking and have a real impact on communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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