The planning team at law firm Irwin Mitchell has advised Millwall FC on its plans to build a new training ground in West Kingsdown, near Brands Hatch in Kent- which has now been granted full planning permission. The Championship football club now has the green light to erect new state
Working with experts from across the housebuilding industry, the Future Homes Hub investigated how, as a society, we can build zero carbon ready homes at the scale needed to guide the Government as it looks to implement its 2025 Future Homes Standard (FHS). By 2025, new homes will be required
Launched in 2015, the Offsite Awards were certainly ahead of the ‘MMC’ curve. Last year the judges reported record entries and claimed the calibre of submissions revealed how far the industry has moved on in just eight years. Taking centre stage on the evening of 19 September 2023, the Offsite
Studio Moren has recently gained a planning consent from Tendring District Council for a scheme of 86 new homes on the edge of the village of Great Oakley, Essex. The 3.7ha development, for Great Oakley Development Ltd, features a mix of bungalows, terraced, detached and semi-detached homes and has been
uvex has released an array of cutting-edge safety footwear that is suitable for use across a range of different work environments. The 14 new styles incorporate the latest uvex technologies to enhance wearability, ensure quality and maximise sustainability. The uvex 3 lace-up boot S3 SRC reliably protects the wearer and provides high levels
Burnley Council have granted planning permission for the £11 million commercial development scheme – Advance Point Business Park – located on Rossendale Road, Burnley. Barnfield Construction, Nelson based contractor, developer and investor will deliver 36 modern industrial units with roller shutter access teamed with 160 car parking spaces on a
Springfield Properties has secured outline planning consent to create a sustainable new neighbourhood in Midlothian. The Lingerwood development, which was recommended for approval by planning officers, will see up to 1,000 new homes delivered within a thoughtfully integrated and well-connected community. Detailed proposals will now be progressed for the first
A £300 million contract has been awarded to Bouygues UK to build Oriel, a new eye care, research and education centre in Camden. Oriel is a joint initiative between Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Charity that will see services move to
The £9.1 million redevelopment of Parsons Vehicle Workshop and Depot in Parsons Road, Washington, a project which began in the summer of 2021 for Sunderland City Council (SCC), is now occupied. Over the coming years, SCC aspires to move towards electric vehicles in lieu of petrol or diesel, therefore electric
Exclusive new homes data released yesterday by the National House Building Council (NHBC) reveals 2022 saw the highest number of new home registrations since 2007 (191,801 in 2022 vs. 198,467 in 2007). Within that, the final quarter of the year saw a 21% drop in new home registrations compared to the
The planning team at law firm Irwin Mitchell has advised Millwall FC on its plans to build a new training ground in West Kingsdown, near Brands Hatch in Kent- which has now been granted full planning permission. The Championship football club now has the green light to erect new state of the art facilities on a 50-acre plot, that the club says will be “amongst the best in the country.” Sevenoaks Council originally approved the plans for the construction of a training academy last October, but full permission was only granted today, following the signing of a s106 agreement. The site, off Fawkham Road will include buildings for groundsman and security, indoor and outdoor football pitches, artificial turf and training areas, as well as car and cycle parking and hard and soft landscaping. The planning team advising on the scheme include Nicola Gooch, Planning partner, and Erica Ives at Irwin Mitchell, working with Joe Selby of Selby Projects and Rebecca Burnhams of Quod. Nicola Gooch said, “We are excited that this project can now proceed and Millwall can create the state-of-the-art training complex which reflects the club’s long-term ambitions. The facility will help the club in its push to the Premier League and to develop the young players that will keep them there. It has been a long and complex process and we wish the club every success going forward.” More information about the new training ground site and the club’s extensive plans is found by clicking here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Working with experts from across the housebuilding industry, the Future Homes Hub investigated how, as a society, we can build zero carbon ready homes at the scale needed to guide the Government as it looks to implement its 2025 Future Homes Standard (FHS). By 2025, new homes will be required to reduce carbon emissions by at least 75 per cent. They will also be expected to be net-zero ready through their use of lower-carbon heating and high fabric standards. Released on Tuesday 28 February 2023, the report was written with involvement from 170 people on behalf of 100 organisations. A variety of industries were included, from housebuilders to manufacturers, planners and architects to warranty providers, and energy networks to green groups. Collectively, they looked at the implications of: The report itself details how different specifications perform in terms of consumer, design, cost, planning, fabric, ventilation, heating, skills, manufacturing, maintenance, grid and metrics. It then considers the factors the Government will need to take into account in refining the Future Homes Standard, including household bills, impact on UK electricity demand, build costs, and the pace at which we can adjust to new building methods and supply and install new technologies. Overall, it recommends what is needed to prepare the industry for change. The findings of ‘Ready for Zero: Evidence to inform the 2025 Future Homes Standard – Task Group Report,’ will provide evidence to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), which is due to begin a formal public consultation this spring. Ed Lockhart, CEO of Future Homes Hub, said: “Collaboration is an absolute necessity as we look towards readying the housebuilding industry for the 2025 FHS and towards net zero. “There are implications for everyone involved. Developers, manufacturers, trades, infrastructure providers, banks, building control, surveyors and valuers will all need to work together to prepare for the changes to come. “The Future Homes Hub was created to assist the industry’s shift to net zero, and we recognise that input from all stakeholders is vital in this journey. Rather than coming to any firm conclusions, we wanted to work together to provide evidence to the policymakers, asking ourselves, ‘What should the Future Homes Standard 2025 look like?” Working together in groups, participants considered five different approaches to fabric and low-carbon heating. These were thoroughly examined over a six-week period and subsequently presented and discussed during wider group sessions. David Adams, Strategic Adviser for The Future Homes Hub and Co-Chair of the report said: “The techniques and technologies that are required to radically lower carbon emissions in houses already exist, so what we needed to do was to identify how, and if, a scale up could be addressed, working through a variety of different scenarios. “While not offering advice, we wanted the report to detail different paths that could be chosen, and their various implications for industry, Government and, importantly, consumers.” The culmination of this research, led by the Future Homes Hub, is 26 recommendations laid out in the report. Key recommendations include ensuring the Government is working alongside the housebuilding industry to carry out the Future Homes Standard, that important updates are communicated clearly and as soon as possible – to both the industry and consumers – and that transitional arrangements provide an effective pathway for introducing new measures and techniques. Additionally, the report highlights the need for a specific focus on small builders who may struggle more to adapt to any new policies. Considering how site layouts might accommodate homes designed to the new standard, and providing workforces with the additional skills required to build them, were also key points identified. Ed Lockhart said: “The implications of whatever final policy the Government decides upon will be different when comparing mainstream housebuilders and SMEs. “Our job at this stage is to help the Government understand the opportunities and barriers presented by each of the scenarios that were outlined in the report. “This process has been a collective effort, and I’d like to thank all the participants, as well as the DLUHC, for their willingness, diligence and enthusiasm. “We found it essential to bring all parties together to understand the options and implications of building zero carbon homes and believe this form of collaboration is a model that should be emulated more widely in the transition to net zero. “With 2025 fast approaching, we must continue this collaborative spirit as we move forward with adapting quickly to significant changes within the housebuilding industry.” Read more from the ‘Ready for Zero: Evidence to inform the 2025 Future Homes Standard Task Group Report’ here.
Launched in 2015, the Offsite Awards were certainly ahead of the ‘MMC’ curve. Last year the judges reported record entries and claimed the calibre of submissions revealed how far the industry has moved on in just eight years. Taking centre stage on the evening of 19 September 2023, the Offsite Awards will once again be returning to the Coventry Building Society Arena, alongside OFFSITE EXPO – creating a dramatic climax to the first day. The Offsite Awards celebrate excellence in precision building design and delivery. By recognising and rewarding outstanding examples of prefabrication and factory-based methods, these awards shine a spotlight on those who are leading the way in developing a more sustainable built environment. The judge’s feedback offers not only plaudits but sometimes useful advice with comments ranging from: “This project articulates many benefits of offsite construction, the net zero ambition and sustainability targets met as a result should be highly commended.” To: “A strong submission which demonstrates carefully considered use of offsite technology but more robust evidence relating to carbon reduction would have increased scoring.” Celebrating projects large and small, its technical innovation and performance details that catches the judge’s eye, together with strong supporting evidence and good images or visuals. Entry Deadline – Friday 26 May 2023 If you have an outstanding project, product or person that is making transformational change in the way buildings are designed, engineered and constructed, now is the time to start planning for the 2023 awards. These awards represent an excellent opportunity to increase profile and credibility in the sector, generate media attention together with gaining accolades and acclaim from a judging panel that includes some of the offsite industry’s most respected figures. Free to enter, there are 25 categories that cover every aspect of the industry from hybrid and modular technology to engineering and installation, ensuring that all phases of the offsite building process is celebrated. The Offsite Awards submission platform is now open for entries with the final deadline confirmed as Friday 26 May. Finalists will be announced in July 2023, with the awards being presented alongside OFFSITE EXPO on the evening of the 19 September 2023. For more information and to enter go to www.offsiteawards.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Studio Moren has recently gained a planning consent from Tendring District Council for a scheme of 86 new homes on the edge of the village of Great Oakley, Essex. The 3.7ha development, for Great Oakley Development Ltd, features a mix of bungalows, terraced, detached and semi-detached homes and has been designed as a contemporary interpretation of the local vernacular of the villages nearby. An emphasis on nature, context and the living community has driven the overall design of the scheme which is complemented by extensive landscaping, including communal open spaces for residents to meet and relax, as well as a woodland walk that extends the length of the site. A community building is proposed, opening out to a new play area and connecting the site to the local village and school. Mark Wood, Partner at Studio Moren comments: “Our design for this development has included involvement from multiple stakeholders such as the Parish Council, Tendring Planning Authority and members of the local community. The result is a highly contextualised extension to the local village, with architecturally rich and varied streetscapes, acting as a positive contributor to the local area. All dwellings meet Essex Design Guidelines and planning and building regulations, whilst being integrated into extensive new landscaping and several pedestrian friendly streets.” Whilst the site, which sits at the south-western end of the village, presented a number of constraints, it was important whilst efficiently accommodating the quantity of residential units required to, at the same time, deliver an architecturally diverse and attractive scheme which maintained a high degree of architectural quality and variation. Studio Moren’s expertise and collaborative approach, working extensively with consultants and the local planning authorities, has provided a scheme which maximises site potential, reinforces commercial viability ultimately has exceeded client expectations. Great Oakley is a historic village that has developed organically over centuries and Studio Moren’s studies of the local vernacular revealed a palette of architectural features such as staggered building lines, varied roofscapes, front-facing gables and multi-coloured façades. Studio Moren has incorporated all these elements into the proposed architecture of the scheme in a contemporary manner. The generously sized and architecturally appealing community hub, comprising parking, community building and play area, extends along the northern part of the site and will offer amenities to the site’s residents, the nearby school and the local village. The design geometry alludes to the patterns of the allotments, with facilities divided up as a patchwork across its length. Sustainability has been a key driver with this scheme, including measures such as electric charging points and air source heat pumps fitted to every dwelling and solar roof panels to power the Community building. Collaborating with landscape architect Turkington Martin, Studio Moren’s site layout incorporates a series of rich and varied landscaping features, connecting the development with the local community and the wider rural landscape, as well as providing a sustainable environment for local fauna and flora. The design makes extensive use of permeable paving for both pedestrians and vehicles, and different types are used throughout the site to create streets which are pedestrian friendly and encourage neighbourly interactions. An existing public right of way has been incorporated into a ‘woodland walk’ complete with new planting, seating, and other woodland features. A new wetland open space will act as a drainage basin and focal point where the community can meet and relax. Surrounded with wildflowers and grasses, the sunny space will support biodiversity with an aquatic habitat for local wildlife. A boardwalk allows people to engage with nature and a paved area with seats, tables and benches set within ornamental planting offers a viewpoint across the open grassland. New trees will be planted across the site and existing hedgerows will be supplemented with native species, with the addition of bird and bat boxes, and insect hotels. Street lighting is sensitively placed to maintain the rural feel of the area while providing safe passages for pedestrians. Project Team Developer: Great Oakley Development Ltd Architect: Studio Moren Planning Consultant: Smith Jenkins Landscape Architect: Turkington Martin Traffic consultants: Campbell Reith Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
uvex has released an array of cutting-edge safety footwear that is suitable for use across a range of different work environments. The 14 new styles incorporate the latest uvex technologies to enhance wearability, ensure quality and maximise sustainability. The uvex 3 lace-up boot S3 SRC reliably protects the wearer and provides high levels of comfort in heavy-duty industrial applications. It combines necessary robustness with a sports-inspired energy-return sole that helps to minimise fatigue thanks to uvex i-PUREnrj technology. uvex anklepro technology provides protection against painful impact due to the shock absorbing foam that encases the ankle area, while uvex climazone climate management system helps regulate the temperature inside the footwear as well as wicking perspiration away from the skin for increased health, comfort and wellbeing. The safety boot is available in black and black/yellow. The new uvex 2 construction has been developed to meet the specific challenges of the construction and engineering industries, where workers and their footwear face extreme weather conditions and high mechanical stress. The leather construction features new uvex waterstop technology, which protects against water penetration for four times longer than required by the European standard without compromising breathability. A penetration-resistant steel midsole also protects against nails and sharp objects. The uvex 1 G2 combines three innovative technologies. The first is uvex i-PUREnrj technology offers increased stability, very high levels of shock absorption as well as energy-return. The recovered landing energy over the entire sole unit is returned to the wearer providing a boost of energy, greater comfort and significantly lower fatigue in the legs and feet. The uvex x-tended grip technology guarantees even more stability and safety when walking thanks to optimised abrasion resistance and slip resistance, while uvex x-dry knit technology combines outstanding breathability with water-repellent characteristics. Five new models include boots and shoes with S1 and S3 protection. Designed for various applications, the new uvex 1 G2 planet shoe S1 P SRC offers sustainability without compromising on comfort or performance. Many of the shoe’s components, such as the upper and insole, are made from 100 per cent recycled materials, and the injected polyurethane midsole contains up to 20 per cent granulate made using PU waste from uvex’ production processes. The uvex 1 sport white safety shoe line combines sporty design, premium comfort and sophisticated functionality for hygienic areas. Key features include a lightweight design, climate-optimised high-tech materials, ergonomically designed outsole with excellent anti-slip properties (SRC). Two shoe styles are available in S2 SRC and S3 SRC. The uvex 1 business safety range places equal value on style, safety and comfort and is the ideal choice for those who work in both office and factory environments. Protective features include an extra-wide robust steel toecap, metal-free penetration-resistant midsole (S3 versions only) and non-slip outsole for excellent protection. Wearers also benefit from a comfortable fit with no pressure points, while uvex climazone technology reduces the build-up of moisture. Now available in black microvelour or black hydrophobic full-grain leather, the new models can be teamed with chinos, a suit or your work trousers for the ultimate business-casual look. The final new style now available from uvex comes from brand partner Heckel. The Heckel MACCROSSROAD 3.0 S3 HIGH META safety boot features ultra-flexible D3O® technology to ensure optimal metatarsal protection against falling objects, particularly for those working in the construction and public works sectors or in heavy industry. Commenting on the launch of the new footwear range, head of marketing at uvex, Clair Weston says: “A big launch like this is always exciting but especially as the pandemic had such an impact on the availability of raw materials used in safety footwear uppers across the whole industry. “This new range is therefore hotly anticipated and, we believe well worth the wait. “We have styles to suit a wide range of applications and our footwear development team have worked hard to ensure that each model has been designed with four key elements in mind: wearability for optimal protection, fit and comfort; quality to ensure optimal cost-in-use; and last but not least, sustainability, so wearers can protect both themselves and the planet.” To find out more about the new range of safety footwear from uvex please visit: www.uvex-safety.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Burnley Council have granted planning permission for the £11 million commercial development scheme – Advance Point Business Park – located on Rossendale Road, Burnley. Barnfield Construction, Nelson based contractor, developer and investor will deliver 36 modern industrial units with roller shutter access teamed with 160 car parking spaces on a site strategically located two miles from junctions 9 and 10 of the M65. The development aims to bring new jobs and investment to the area, with potential for manufacturing, distribution or light industrial use. Tracy Clavell-Bate, Head of Development at Barnfield Group said “We are delighted that planning has been granted and construction can commence in June. Just a stone’s throw away from Rossendale Road Industrial Estate, Advance Point is an attractive location for supply chain partners within the area and the units are designed with these growing businesses in mind.” Commercial property agents Trevor Dawson have been appointed for the sale and lease of the units. Michael Cavannagh, Director of Trevor Dawson commented “It is great to see this scheme coming forward in Burnley. Demand for industrial premises remains strong and given the location and quality of scheme we are confident that there will be a high level of interest as the scheme progresses. Indeed we already have an extensive waiting list for the scheme when prices and timescales are released” Barnfield Group has a strong track record of strategic development schemes, with several currently underway regionally and locally including the Northlight complex in Pendle and the Newtown Mill development in in Burnley. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Springfield Properties has secured outline planning consent to create a sustainable new neighbourhood in Midlothian. The Lingerwood development, which was recommended for approval by planning officers, will see up to 1,000 new homes delivered within a thoughtfully integrated and well-connected community. Detailed proposals will now be progressed for the first 200 homes. Designs will promote low and zero carbon technologies and use sustainable building techniques to minimise environmental impact. The energy efficient homes will include a variety of attractive house types and will be mixed tenure, delivering a range of quality housing options for first time buyers, young professionals, growing families and those setting into retirement. The masterplans show how Lingerwood will embrace the 20-minute neighbourhood model which promotes local living and ensures local people can access services and amenities, such as shops and play parks, easily. Reflecting the local landscape, Springfield’s designs include open, green spaces, woodland planting, meadows and grasslands. Encouraging a sense of community is also a key part of the vision for Lingerwood. Designs include a standalone ‘an clachan’ at the development’s heart, drawing inspiration from the area’s proud mining history to create a vibrant village centre. The proposals demonstrate how residents could come together through the provision of play spaces, allotments, landscaped gardens and seating areas. Martin Egan, Chief Operating Officer for Springfield, commented: “This planning consent marks a major milestone for a significant development that will bring forward excellent quality, energy efficient homes for people in Midlothian. “However, more than this, Lingerwood will see the creation of a thriving village that can sustain the needs of local people for years to come. It will be a best-in-class example of placemaking and we are confident that it will complement nearby established residential areas that already have distinct identities. “We have spent a great deal of time consulting with Midlothian Council and local stakeholders and their feedback has been invaluable so far. We are keen to build on these relationships as we refine our plans and look ahead to the first phase of development.” Springfield is an experienced housebuilder, having already taken forward village communities which prioritise green space, community facilities and supporting infrastructure. The team is currently developing Dykes of Gray in Dundee, Bertha Park in Perth, and Elgin South in Elgin. Planning is also secured for Durieshill in Stirling. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A £300 million contract has been awarded to Bouygues UK to build Oriel, a new eye care, research and education centre in Camden. Oriel is a joint initiative between Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Charity that will see services move to a brand-new integrated centre on part of the St Pancras Hospital site. The two-acre site earmarked for Oriel was owned by Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust (C&I). Moorfields acquired the site on 1 February 2023 through an NHS-to-NHS transaction approved by the Secretary of State for Health. These significant milestones follow final NHS and government approval for the centre in November 2022 and Camden Council granting full planning permission in August 2022. Demolition of six buildings currently on the Oriel site will now begin at the end of February and construction of the 10-storey, 47,000 sq. m, centre will start later in 2023. Preparation work started on the site in autumn last year under an early works agreement with Bouygues UK and they have now developed a full construction programme with the building due to open in 2027. The new centre – part of the New Hospital Programme, the biggest hospital building programme in a generation – will harness the expertise of the partners under one roof and will enable closer collaborative working between clinicians and researchers to speed up the delivery of the highest quality treatments and therapies for patients. Martin Kuper, Moorfields chief executive, said: “These latest developments move us firmly into the construction stage of the project. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to get us to this stage. We are excited to be working with Bouygues UK to build our state-of-the-art centre which will support our reputation for excellence and our ability to deliver outstanding care for our patients.” Professor Alan Thompson, Dean of the UCL Faculty of Brain Sciences, said: “Meeting these milestones is a major achievement and I am incredibly excited about demolition beginning later this month and construction starting this year. Oriel will allow us to drive forward real innovation to support our work in the long-term and strengthen our partnership with Moorfields in delivering real benefits for patients.” Robert Dufton, Moorfields Eye Charity chief executive, said: “This is another major step forward for Oriel and we are very much looking forward to construction starting this year. We’ve been working in partnership with our generous donors because philanthropy is a key part of the Oriel funding mix and has a vital role in securing the future of eye health on a global scale. We believe the new centre will provide patients, who are at the heart of everything we do, with the best treatments, faster.” Fabienne Viala, chair of Bouygues Construction in the United Kingdom, said: “To be partnering on this world-leading centre in eye care, research and education is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Bouygues UK. We are so proud to be the leading contractor for this innovative building which will be an exemplar for accessibility, tailored to the needs of its patients, and designed flexibly to meet their future needs. As with all our projects, social value will be key for us and we are looking forward to working with the Oriel partners, Camden Council and the Knowledge Quarter to unlock training and employment opportunities for local people to create a lasting legacy in the community.” The new centre will be located in the heart of the Knowledge Quarter, an internationally renowned hub for science and innovation. It is close to the UCL Bloomsbury campus and several of our NHS, commercial and charity partners. Oriel will be built on two acres of the five-acre St Pancras Hospital site. The rest of the site is being developed by Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust and King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership. The proposed development will provide modern, accessible and sustainable mental health facilities fit for the 21st century, as well as new offices, homes, retail, leisure and public spaces in a place which is accessible and welcoming to all. For more information about Oriel, the construction programme and upcoming milestones please visit www.oriel-london.org.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The £9.1 million redevelopment of Parsons Vehicle Workshop and Depot in Parsons Road, Washington, a project which began in the summer of 2021 for Sunderland City Council (SCC), is now occupied. Over the coming years, SCC aspires to move towards electric vehicles in lieu of petrol or diesel, therefore electric vehicle charging was a significant element of the project. The building will act as an electrical vehicle charging hub for the council’s fleet of vehicles, utilising a large array of roof mounted solar PVs and battery storage units to obtain maximum efficiency out of the system. To make way for the brand-new, two-storey mixed use vehicle depot building, the existing workshop was demolished to be replaced by one which houses workshop spaces and office accommodation as well as a fuel station, electric charging hub, and a security gatehouse to service the entrance, which leads to parking facilities for fleet, visitors and staff. After a competitive tender Esh Construction (Esh) was appointed as contractor in the summer of 2020. In keeping with its social value strategy to work with local firms whenever possible, Esh appointed Durham-based Howarth Litchfield as architect with shared responsibility for submitting the planning application, which was given the green light in early 2021. Howarth Litchfield Director, Keith Handy, added: “We’re delighted to have been involved with the redevelopment of Parsons Depot which builds on our experience in this vital sector. In this case, the project sets the benchmark on sustainability within the context of local authority fleet vehicle management, providing a new strategic asset for Sunderland City Council, housing frontline services for fleet management, highways operations, refuse collection, horticultural services, and so on. “Specifically, it not only supports the current outgoing fossil fuel vehicles but is also heavily designed around the incoming electrical vehicle fleet both in terms of the vehicles’ everyday maintenance as well as providing a centralised electrical charging hub.” Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and Cabinet Member for Clean Green City, Councillor Claire Rowntree is the council’s Climate Champion. She said: “We are moving towards our aims of being a carbon neutral city and the Parsons Depot is part of this big picture. The hi-tech updates for energy consumption, carbon emissions and its environmentally friendlier facilities allow us to expand our capacity for specialist electric and other low carbon EVs. Parsons helps towards meeting our moves of making the council carbon neutral by 2030 and having a carbon neutral city by 2040.” The co-location of services on this 6.37 acre (2.58 Ha) site has led to greater efficiency and provides flexibility for future reorganisation or expansion if required. The project is very much a first in the North East within local authorities as they look at how they will facilitate and maintain a new fleet of electrical vehicles by 2030. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Exclusive new homes data released yesterday by the National House Building Council (NHBC) reveals 2022 saw the highest number of new home registrations since 2007 (191,801 in 2022 vs. 198,467 in 2007). Within that, the final quarter of the year saw a 21% drop in new home registrations compared to the previous quarter (35,041 in Q4 vs. 44,542 in Q3) as the impact of September’s mini budget and wider economic challenges took hold. In Q4, 10 out of 12 UK regions experienced a decline in new home registrations with volumes down significantly compared to the previous quarter. London was worst affected with a 63% decline, followed by the North East at -47% and Wales, the North West and Merseyside joint third at -33%. Steve Wood, CEO at NHBC, said the data reflects the fluctuating economic climate. “Whilst the final quarter of 2022 was undoubtedly a challenging one, it was off the back of strong market performance in the first half of the year. “Rising interest rates and the cost-of-living crisis have had a marked impact on many areas of the UK economy. House building has not been immune from these factors but the demand for high quality new homes, whether in the private or rental sector, is still holding up. It is too early to judge how long any slowdown is likely to last, house building continues to show resilience. The sector has shown time and time again that it can weather market fluctuations and respond to rising demand.” He added, “we are seeing some early indications that enquiries for new build homes are easing up, which is perhaps a sign that people need to get on with their lives.” The data released by the UK’s leading independent provider of warranty and insurance for new homes is widely recognised as a lead indicator of house building activity. In Q4, private sector registrations were most affected with a decline of 28% (23,203 homes in Q4 2022 vs 32,293 in Q3 2022). New home registrations in the rental sector were less affected, down by only 3% (11,838 homes registered in Q4 2022 vs 12,249 in Q3 2022), as Housing Associations report increased demand for affordable homes amidst the cost-of-living crisis and the Build to Rent sector is still seeing significant levels of investment. David Campbell, Commercial Director at NHBC, commented that the rental sector had been holding up well. “House building in the rental sector has remained steady in the last two quarters, with investors and developers pivoting towards the increasing demand for high-quality rental homes. The diversity of the house-building market and greater focus on Build to Rent is proving to be an important factor in housing supply,” he said. Mr Campbell reflected that while the first quarter of 2023 is likely to be a challenging time for the house-building market, there is some cause for cautious optimism. “Builders and developers have historically held up well in tough economic circumstances, in part bolstered by the imbalance between demand and supply of new homes. As one might expect, many are considering the viability of launching new projects to the market very carefully, particularly in light of the latest Bank of England base rate rise, but there are signs that this will be temporary as enquiry and reservation levels begin to rise.” he said. For more information on the latest figures, please click the image link to the data booklet below. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals