BDC News Team
The True Value of Sustainable Hardware

The True Value of Sustainable Hardware

Sue Corrick of Allegion UK discusses the value points of sustainable door hardware and why its use in construction projects can play an important role in the industry’s environmental evolution. Across the globe, the decarbonisation of our planet has become a focal point for construction. Between legislative requirements and market

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Retrofit skills gap threatens UK’s net-zero target

Retrofit skills gap threatens UK’s net-zero target

Retrofit recruitment must triple if UK is to reach net-zero by 2050, new data shows  Today Reed in Partnership has launched Reed Environment to address the UK’s net-zero skills shortage. It will create a newly trained green workforce to help the UK meet its net-zero targets and spread economic opportunity

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Baxi MD Appointed New Chair of the HHIC

Baxi MD Appointed New Chair of the HHIC

Karen Boswell OBE, Managing Director of Baxi UK and Ireland, has been appointed  the new chair of the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC). Succeeding the outgoing chair Steve Keeton, Director of External Affairs and Future Portfolio at Vaillant, Karen is the first female chair of the HHIC and is

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South Staffordshire Plc’s compliance division welcomes Edward Shepherd as Operations Director for the Omega Red Group and IWS Water Hygiene.

South Staffordshire Plc’s compliance division welcomes Edward Shepherd as Operations Director for the Omega Red Group and IWS Water Hygiene.

South Staffordshire Plc’s compliance division, which includes the Omega Red and IWS Water Hygiene brands, welcomes Edward Shepherd as its new Operations Director. Edward will join the senior management team, overseeing all operational aspects for both businesses. Edward brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having held senior

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CAESAR FURNISHES THE SPACES OF AN IMPRESSIVE SOUTH KOREAN OFFICE BUILDING

Caesar Furnishes the Spaces of an Impressive South Korea Office Building

Seoul, South Korea: almost 10 million inhabitants and an extraordinary economic-financial structure that places it among the world’s strongest economies. This is home to the headquarters of some of the most famous multinationals, embedded in an incredibly high housing and demographic background. Offices, industries, trade centres, banks and financial institutions

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XLCC Secures detailed planning approval to build UK's first HVDC Cable Factory in North Ayrshire

XLCC Secures detailed planning approval to build UK’s first HVDC Cable Factory in North Ayrshire

NORTH Ayrshire Council Planning Committee has granted full planning permission for XLCC’s HVDC subsea cable manufacturing operations in Hunterston, Scotland. The decision paves the way for construction to commence and follows outline planning permission granted last year.   Having received essential management and design support from leading independent construction, property, and infrastructure consultancy Pick

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Latest Issue
Issue 338 : Mar 2026

BDC News Team

HS2 trials automotive design technology to drive down embedded carbon by 10%

HS2 trials automotive design technology to drive down embedded carbon by 10%

In a first for the construction industry, technology originally developed to design and optimise automotive and aerospace structures, is being deployed to engineer some of the largest and most impressive structures on Britain’s new high speed rail network, High Speed 2. As part of its Innovation programme, HS2 Ltd has teamed up with Leamington Spa-based Altair Ltd, to develop a unique, automated civil engineering design process driven by its software tool, OptiStruct®, that can reduce embedded carbon in HS2’s viaducts by up to 10 per cent, as well as shrink viaduct design time from around a month to as little as one hour. Traditionally the engineering design process to set a viaduct’s geometry and quantify the required materials takes around four weeks. Once set, there is almost never any opportunity to revise designs due to the nature of project delivery schedules. However, by harnessing what is essentially the same intelligent design technology that Altair uses to design components and assemblies within modern aircraft and automotive vehicles to minimise the amount of raw material used, the firm’s HS2 collaboration team has tested and refined the OptiStruct-driven process for the civil engineering sector. The technology enables engineers to flex a viaduct’s design. For example, the span length between each supporting pier could be increased thereby reducing their overall number; or the deck carrying the train could be slimmed – all of which reduces cost, carbon and build time. The technology takes a viaduct’s operational requirements, including the speed, frequency, and braking load of the high speed trains it will carry throughout its operational life. It then runs millions of design iterations based on the physical properties of all the materials it will be built with, including concrete and steel, to produce an optimised design. By using building materials in the most efficient way, and without compromising strength or longevity, the two companies estimate OptiStruct could reduce the amount of carbon embedded in the structures by as much as 10 per cent. Commenting, HS2 Ltd Senior Innovation Manager, Charlotte Hills said: “HS2 is the biggest transport infrastructure project in the UK. To help build it we are drawing on the technology developed for other industries to help deliver the new high speed rail network and adding value to UK plc by creating new opportunities for innovative companies outside civil engineering. “Working with Altair as part of our Innovation programme demonstrates the benefits of applying its technology to building HS2, and the potential it offers in the long term as an integral tool to streamline structural designs and reduce embedded carbon by as much as 10 per cent.” Tomas Garcia, HS2 Ltd Head of Civil Engineering Structures said: “Our innovation project with Altair is a game-changer. It gives engineers a tool to explore alternative designs that were not previously feasible due to time constraints. By cutting development time, running automatically dozens of combinations of the design variables, the technology allows to identify solutions that minimises embedded carbon.” Altair Ltd’s Martin Kemp, Senior Technical Specialist said: “Altair’s design and optimisation technologies have been utilised across industry for over two decades. However, we seldom see them deployed on structures as large as rail viaducts due to rigorous codes of practice. HS2 was determined to remove the barriers to adoption by integrating European Codes of Practice directly into the optimization process.  The resulting capability brings cutting edge design and innovation to viaduct designers and opens further adoption in civil structure design.” HS2 Ltd plans to mandate Altair’s technology for designing viaducts and bridges on Phases 2a and 2b for the high speed rail programme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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The True Value of Sustainable Hardware

The True Value of Sustainable Hardware

Sue Corrick of Allegion UK discusses the value points of sustainable door hardware and why its use in construction projects can play an important role in the industry’s environmental evolution. Across the globe, the decarbonisation of our planet has become a focal point for construction. Between legislative requirements and market demand, industry leaders remain under constant pressure to reach environmental targets and upon exploring some of the more distinct routes, it’s important to consider what more can be done with construction materials. Research has shown that approximately 55% of extracted raw materials are used to develop the built environment, with buildings further contributing to 40% of annual global carbon emissions. With that, there is an onus on decision makers to make astute choices, opting for more durable, environmentally conscious building products that reduce the need for repeat manufacturing and improve resource efficiency. Yet, the perceived value and cost of such products remains a stumbling block, where according to an NBS 2022 Sustainable Futures Report, more than a third of construction professionals cite the application of sustainable products is restricted by cost optimisation decisions. While cost will always remain an influencing factor in construction, there is a clear need to change the notion of ‘perceived value’ in sustainable construction, and for that, door hardware can play a starring role. Value added At surface level, architectural ironmongery is perhaps lesser recognised for its potential environmental benefits when compared to its significance in functionality, safety and security. Between fire safety, ease of movement and quality of life, door hardware plays an integral role in the operation of our built environment. Still, with hardware elements constructed from materials such as iron, aluminium and timber, and with many touchpoints found on each construction project, from an environmental viewpoint, there is tangible value to be found when using correctly specified, durable solutions. In high traffic buildings, the day-to-day use of doors can often lead to wear and tear on fittings, which in turn creates the need for replacement hardware. Trusted manufacturers aim to extend the lifecycle of ironmongery, providing more robust door hardware that significantly reduces the need for replacements over time due to wear and damage. The appropriate designated standard for mechanical testing for a controlled door closing devices is EN1154, which ensures closers are tested to endure use for over 500,000 cycles for example – with some manufacturers choosing to extend the testing to above and beyond. The use of these certified solutions incidentally helps building environments moderate the amount of resources being consumed at the manufacturing stage, while also minimising the waste associated with replacement products. Although sustainable construction projects may incur short-term, budget-stretching costs, the potential ROI associated with better-quality products is also much greater over the full building lifecycle. By removing the inevitability of sourcing substitute products on multiple occasions throughout a building’s lifecycle, costs can be kept to a minimum post project completion. As such, decision makers are urged to adopt the use of optimised door hardware at the initial design stages – ensuring products are correctly specified and fit to last from the moment a project’s doors open. Tracing footprints In 2022, research conducted by Allegion UK into the impact of fire doors in education and healthcare sectors revealed sustainability and product traceability to be important to 78% of decision makers in education settings and 50% of decision makers in healthcare settings respectively. Today, more than ever, higher standards are expected throughout the entirety of construction projects as stakeholders continue to place personal value on sustainability, product traceability and transparency. In recognition of this, manufacturers can choose to enrol in programmes that focus on sustainability and product credentials, further assisting decision makers throughout the product selection process by offering transparent and independently verified information. The Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) programme for example, is a complete mapping of a product’s environmental footprint and has become a standardised way for manufacturers to communicate the environmental impact associated with a product. For an EPD to be reported, products are subject to a full Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and must meet Product Category Rules (PCR) in the process, where upon completion, they are declared as acceptable in building rating schemes such as BREEAM. As such, EPD’s have become a signal of intent from manufacturers, highlighting their commitment to measuring and reducing the environmental impact of a door hardware product, and alongside environmental management standards such as ISO 14001, EPD’s are becoming an expected standard for hardware products. A combined effort is needed if the industry is to meet its full environmental responsibilities. Sustainable door hardware is only one piece of the puzzle. Yet, with several value points to offer, decision makers must be willing to look past cost barriers where possible and choose to adopt environmentally responsible door hardware products as a long-term investment for construction and our planet. How Allegion UK is Driving Change Allegion UK is committed to supporting sustainability in construction. We are proud to be helping create a more transparent and sustainable global industry by proactively participating in the EPD programme, with full EPD documentation available for download on Briton products, based on ISO 14025 and EN 15804 environmental declarations, from the Allegion and Briton websites. We continue to focus on making regular improvements in sustainability management systems, enhancing product life cycles through increased hardware durability, reducing natural resource usage and improving the recycling and reuse of materials, all in a bid to help minimise our environmental impact as a manufacturer.

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Retrofit skills gap threatens UK’s net-zero target

Retrofit skills gap threatens UK’s net-zero target

Retrofit recruitment must triple if UK is to reach net-zero by 2050, new data shows  Today Reed in Partnership has launched Reed Environment to address the UK’s net-zero skills shortage. It will create a newly trained green workforce to help the UK meet its net-zero targets and spread economic opportunity across the country.  Reed Environment’s ambition is to create one of the largest networks of green skills training providers in the UK. It will begin by delivering retrofitting training at scale and creating a recruitment pipeline for retrofit. It estimates that this new workforce could reduce the carbon footprint of millions of UK homes, which are responsible for around 20% of the country’s carbon emissions.  Reed Environment has today shared new research which lays bare the urgent need to turbocharge retrofit training and recruitment in the UK. Its modelling estimates that current rates of retrofit recruitment must triple if the country is to meet its 2050 net-zero target. If these rates don’t increase, then the UK won’t achieve its target number of energy efficient installations to meet its net-zero goal until 2105 – a further 55 years beyond 2050*.   James Reed CBE, Chairman of Reed in Partnership,said: “The UK is in a race to reach net-zero by 2050. Meeting this target quickly is not only key to protecting the environment, but it is also a huge economic opportunity to create highly skilled jobs. A lack of skilled workers means we are currently falling behind.  “Nowhere is the UK’s green skills gap more apparent than in the retrofitting of our ageing housing stock. Currently, there is a serious shortage of retrofit training and recruitment pathways, meaning we are unable to embark on the retrofitting revolution that needs to happen. We need urgent action if we are to meet our net-zero targets and that’s why we’re launching Reed Environment to help address this problem.”  Reed Environment has invested in the Oxford Energy Academy, the highly-rated OFSTED training provider, to initially offer training for two retrofit assessment courses – the Domestic Energy Assessor and Retrofit Assessor – both of which form the foundation for undertaking a retrofit project.   Reed Environment will add over 1000 new retrofitters to the market each year when at full capacity – a 94% increase on current yearly recruitment levels**. It will connect the newly trained workers to job opportunities with Local Authorities, Housing Associations, and private landlords.  Reed Environment will combine its experience in delivering training programmes quickly at scale, with the Oxford Energy Academy’s technical expertise and track record of offering courses covering a broad spectrum of the energy industry.   Between now and 2025, Reed Environment will expand its reach by opening new Energy Academies across the UK to broaden the net-zero skills training it offers, including new retrofit courses, as well as solar, Electric Vehicles and heat pump training.   These Academies will provide first of its kind training at scale, job opportunities, energy advice and consultancy solutions to propel the UK along its trajectory to net-zero. These will be created in areas that are most in need of net-zero skills training to ensure access is spread equally.   Reed in Partnership is part of Reed Group, the largest family-owned recruitment company in the world.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Baxi MD Appointed New Chair of the HHIC

Baxi MD Appointed New Chair of the HHIC

Karen Boswell OBE, Managing Director of Baxi UK and Ireland, has been appointed  the new chair of the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC). Succeeding the outgoing chair Steve Keeton, Director of External Affairs and Future Portfolio at Vaillant, Karen is the first female chair of the HHIC and is set to lead the membership following the Council’s recent AGM. Since joining Baxi as Managing Director almost three years ago, Karen has successfully led Baxi at the forefront of innovations in low carbon technology and installer support as the heating industry looks to decarbonise. This includes recent work with Government to make training more affordable and attractive to installers through the Heat Training Grant, which was launched this month. Karen also brings rich experience as a leader in the engineering space across multiple industries – most notably the rail industry heading up Hitachi Rail’s UK division. In her new role as chair of the HHIC, she brings strong focus on business improvement and accelerating growth, is passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion and has extensive experience in manufacturing, supply chain and customer service. As the heating industry continues its progress decarbonisation and develop the skills required to achieve it, Karen’s leadership experience and expertise are set to drive forward the HHIC’s focus on advancing the heating industry to net zero. Karen Boswell OBE said: “I’m delighted and privileged to have been selected to Chair the HHIC Board. I want to thank Steve Keeton, our outgoing Chair, for his leadership during the incredibly difficult lockdown period we’ve all endured, and for his work despite the challenge of the pandemic, with business transformation, innovation and helping shape Government policy. “Our industry is at the forefront of enabling solutions for decarbonising heat and hot water in UK homes and businesses. The next three years are going to be incredibly important and exciting as we help move customers towards their carbon reduction targets and ambitions. “Our members are best placed to provide expert advice to government and support the development of the right decarbonisation policy that benefits everyone. “One of my clear focus areas will be on growing our skills base to deliver this critical, transformational role. We must attract, train and reward new talent from all walks of life, reflecting the customers and communities we serve. The decarbonisation agenda is a great career opportunity and we need to work better at demonstrating how attractive this sector is; delivering clean heat and hot water in homes and buildings is a fundamental component of our national ambition for net zero.” Stewart Clements, Director of the HHIC, said: “We are pleased to announce Karen’s appointment as chair following a commendable tenure from the outgoing Chair Steve Keeton. Our industry is at a pivotal and exciting point. New technologies like heat pumps and hydrogen further down the line mean there is exciting opportunity for jobs and making a difference in the UK’s decarbonisation journey. “However, our research has found that there is a large skills gap that we must fill if we are to make any progress. Encouraging more people into the industry with a focus on improving diversity, equity and inclusion is a next crucial step to attracting more people into this exciting sector at a time of great progress and innovation.” For more information about the HHIC and to see its latest research reports, click here. For more information about Baxi, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Meeting the challenge of increased demand for sustainable cleaning products

Meeting the challenge of increased demand for sustainable cleaning products

By Nick Winstone, Co-Founder & MD of Biovate Hygienics Sustainable cleaning plays a major role  in supporting a company’s overall sustainability goals. It creates a good brand image for your company, slashes energy costs, promotes green procurement as well as care for the planet and its people. According to a 2021 consumer intelligence survey report by PwC, 76 percent of consumers are likely to stop buying from a brand that doesn’t practice sustainability. From the same report 84 percent of employees prefer to work for a company that cares for the environment. (¹) One of the ways a facilities management team can boost sustainability efforts is to adopt a green cleaning strategy. Unfortunately, using traditional cleaning chemicals poses a health risk, whilst sustainable cleaning products will take greater care of your employees and the environment. The best way to clean green is to use a cleaning product that will biodegrade completely within a short time frame, within 28 days. The way the products are packaged is also really important to think about. For commercial cleaning products these should be as concentrated as possible. For example, a multi-purpose 1.5 litre pouch uses 90 percent less plastic than a jerry can and makes 275 spray bottles, massively reducing the carbon footprint and plastic waste generated. Recyclable components Fitting products with trigger heads that are made from 33% PCR plastic with no metal parts, and are fully recyclable, as some of our products are, also helps with sustainability. Their use stops 7.5 tonnes of virgin plastic from entering the supply chain, with CO2 emissions reduced by 13% and wastewater by 17%. Responsible sourcing of cardboard packaging also reduces our CO2 emissions by 25%. Another important factor to consider is the impact a product has on the user. Basically a green cleaning product should not be classified as an irritant to skin or corrosive  in its diluted state. Sustainability high on the agenda Sustainability is high up the agenda for businesses across most sectors, with environmental impact becoming a major driver in procurement decisions. This is sure to accelerate in a post pandemic world. In the liquid product cleaning industry, this is reflected in demand from customers and their distributors for chemical-free and plastic-free cleaning products. They are mindful of the fact most commercial cleaning products are in a ready-to-use format, increasing plastic waste and carbon footprints. Others contain traditional chemical actives which are unkind to the environment, while inhaling some chemical cleaning products is simply unhealthy, especially for cleaners using the products all day. We’re on a mission to establish our company as the UK’s go-to sustainable brand offering a carbon neutral range of liquid cleaning products that will change the way Britain cleans. We’re looking to ensure that all our products are carbon neutral and sustainable inside the packaging, the way they’re packaged, the way they’re produced and the way they’re transported and stored. All our products are designed with these goals in mind – and we like to think we’re leading by example, setting standards for the rest of the sustainable cleaning industry to follow. https://www.pwc.com/us/en/services/consulting/library/consumer-intelligence-series/consumer-and-employee-esg-expectations.html https://www.biovatehygienics.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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South Staffordshire Plc’s compliance division welcomes Edward Shepherd as Operations Director for the Omega Red Group and IWS Water Hygiene.

South Staffordshire Plc’s compliance division welcomes Edward Shepherd as Operations Director for the Omega Red Group and IWS Water Hygiene.

South Staffordshire Plc’s compliance division, which includes the Omega Red and IWS Water Hygiene brands, welcomes Edward Shepherd as its new Operations Director. Edward will join the senior management team, overseeing all operational aspects for both businesses. Edward brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having held senior positions within a service provision business and demonstrating extensive expertise in the engineering industry. Previously, Edward had eight years of experience as Service Operations Director at MSA The Safety Company, a decade of experience at Bristol Uniforms Limited and four years in a senior position at Thales. Known for his dedication to developing individuals and organisations, Edward is committed to delivering operational efficiencies. With a clear focus on optimising processes and improving overall performance, he will play a crucial role in advancing the compliance division’s operational capabilities. “We are thrilled to welcome Ed to our team,” said Neil Shailer, Managing Director of the compliance division. “Ed’s extensive background in service provision and engineering, coupled with his passion for driving operational efficiencies, make him an invaluable addition to our compliance senior management team. We are confident that his leadership and expertise will contribute significantly to our ongoing success.” The compliance division of the Group offers lightning protection services, electrical earthing solutions, height safety solutions, legionella control and water treatment services all of which help clients achieve compliance to a range of relevant standards and regulation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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CAESAR FURNISHES THE SPACES OF AN IMPRESSIVE SOUTH KOREAN OFFICE BUILDING

Caesar Furnishes the Spaces of an Impressive South Korea Office Building

Seoul, South Korea: almost 10 million inhabitants and an extraordinary economic-financial structure that places it among the world’s strongest economies. This is home to the headquarters of some of the most famous multinationals, embedded in an incredibly high housing and demographic background. Offices, industries, trade centres, banks and financial institutions make it the New York of East Asia. Yeouido – the district where most of the banks and the Seoul Stock Exchange are located – is referred to as “Korea’s Wall Street”. A melting pot of cultures and influences, where the Made in Italy flag is also held high by Caesar, which has furnished the floors and walls of the Hall of an imposing Office Building with the quality of its marble-effect porcelain stoneware. The Anima Futura collection, laid in two different colours – Amazing Silver and Majestic White – dictates the majestic and solemn mood of the premises, with its timeless marble look. Astonishing and enlightening are the musts of slabs that change the connotations of the environment, making it shine and extending it. A scenic presence that also imposes itself on the eye thanks to the different features characterising all surfaces: sharp or hinted veins, striking colour transitions, delicate or complex visual textures. If the delicate veins of Majestic White run across the ceramic tile and characterise spaces with their fascination, Amazing Silver stands out for its noble elegance, thanks to its intricate pattern of veins ranging from anthracite to bronze. An impactful combination in the name of refinement and taste, for a memorable and unique environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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XLCC Secures detailed planning approval to build UK's first HVDC Cable Factory in North Ayrshire

XLCC Secures detailed planning approval to build UK’s first HVDC Cable Factory in North Ayrshire

NORTH Ayrshire Council Planning Committee has granted full planning permission for XLCC’s HVDC subsea cable manufacturing operations in Hunterston, Scotland. The decision paves the way for construction to commence and follows outline planning permission granted last year.   Having received essential management and design support from leading independent construction, property, and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard, work on the site will start in early 2024 with cable production slated for 2026.   Development of the brownfield site will create a new UK industry to support global decarbonisation targets. By 2025, the facility will support 900 jobs in the area, with thousands more in the wider supply chain.   Santosh Patel, director at Pick Everard who has been working closely on the project, said: “We’re proud to be involved and at the forefront of this project, helping to create a new high tech green industry for the UK. Reaching this milestone and securing full planning permission is a huge step in realising this cutting-edge project’s potential.   “We want the HVDC cable factory to be a beacon for others and an example of commitment to supporting our country’s drive to net zero. To reach our goals, expanding our solar and wind infrastructure is crucial, and this factory will help massively in accomplishing this.”  Demand for high-voltage cables is set to increase six-fold over the next seven years, as many countries look globally to expand their sources of renewable energy. XLCC’s first order is for four 3,800km long cables to connect solar and wind renewable power generation in the Sahara to the UK for the Xlinks Morocco-UK power project. XLCC has also secured additional MOUs for domestic projects.   XLCC CEO, Ian Douglas, said: “To deliver the energy transition and achieve net zero, the improved global transmission of electricity is critical. Put simply, there can be no transition without transmission. As demand for HVDC cables continues to boom, we are excited to bring such a significant project to an area with a proud industrial pedigree.  “We thank the local community and North Ayrshire Council for their constructive engagement and support during the process, and we look forward to working with them and other local partners to ensure the factory delivers maximum benefits to Hunterston and the wider region.”  To learn more about Pick Everard, visit its website here: www.pickeverard.co.uk  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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House of Commons’ planning reform recommendations sensible and necessary

House of Commons’ planning reform recommendations sensible and necessary

Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute said: “These recommendations are both sensible and necessary, outlining the critical need for greater resources to the planning system and the key steps Government should take to support communities. “The Committee is right to warn that reforms will fail if local authorities lack sufficient resources to implement them. Overworked and understaffed Local Planning Authorities are struggling under unmanageable workloads. While recent planning bursary increases from DLUHC are a positive start, Local Planning Authorities still lack the fundamental resources to deliver the homes, services, and infrastructure communities need. Our research shows that over a quarter of local authority planners have left local government in the last seven years. This position is unsustainable. “We strongly support the Committee’s recommendations on National Development Management Policies. We recently warned that agreed opportunities to consult parliament and the public have been critical to the success of similar policy regimes in other nations. Without these steps, English NDMPs could potentially complicate decision-making and are unlikely to address local needs adequately. “We firmly endorse the evaluation of the National Planning Policy Framework. We conducted our own Location for Development research in 2016, 2018, and 2021 to better understand its impact on planning decision-making.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Casa by Moda appoints Operations Director as it prepares to launch its first neighbourhoods across the UK

Casa by Moda appoints Operations Director as it prepares to launch its first neighbourhoods across the UK

Single-family homes developer operator Casa by Moda has made a key senior appointment as it gears up to welcome its first residents in the coming months, with the addition of new Operations Director Sarah Nelson. Sarah joins the Harrogate-based business, which forms a cornerstone of leading build-to-rent business Moda Living’s single-family rental division, Moda Family Homes, with more than two decades of operational experience at senior leadership level within the property sector. Prior to joining Casa, Sarah was a Director in the Client Relations team at Fresh, a leading third-party management provider of purpose-built PBSA and BTR schemes across the UK. In her new position at Casa, Sarah will be responsible for the strategic direction and management of the operations teams as well as agreeing and implementing the company’s vision to achieve long-term, sustainable, and profitable growth. The role will also see her work with the rest of the senior leadership team to continue to drive the high standards and industry leading innovation that Moda is well known for within the single-family homes market. Sarah Nelson, Operations Director at Casa by Moda, said: “This felt like a very natural move for me. The Casa brand, mission, and values of putting the customer at the heart of everything are aligned to my own personal values, so I feel a very close affinity with Moda Living’s proposition. Straight away I knew I could both passionately commit and add a huge amount of value to the business. “The single-family rental market is growing at speed, so it’s a really exciting time to transition into this emerging sector. I can’t wait to see our new communities come to life later this year as we ensure our future Casa residents have an amazing experience living in our next generation of suburban neighbourhoods.” Stephen Rogers, Associate Director at Casa by Moda, added: “Sarah is a fantastic addition to the growing Casa team at this crucial, exciting moment for the business. With her wealth of experience in the living sector, we’re confident that she will play a pivotal role in the growth of Casa as we look to open our first neighbourhood this year and work towards our goal of securing 5,000 new family homes by 2025. “We know Sarah shares our vision of providing our residents with a best-in-class experience that puts service, technology, wellbeing and sustainability at the very forefront of what we are looking to deliver here.” The news follows Casa’s announcement in May that its first neighbourhood, Casa, Vista Park, will open its doors in Glasgow in the coming months, bringing 156 single-family rental homes to the Glasgow region for the very first time. The brands pipeline is continuing to grow, as it works to revolutionise suburban rental living experiences across the UK for its residents and wider communities with its focus on health and wellbeing, technology, sustainability and best-in-class service. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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