Kenneth Booth
National planning reforms shaped by Northumbria expert

National planning reforms shaped by Northumbria expert

A leading expert in planning policy at Northumbria University has delivered evidence to help shape the future reform of the National Planning Policy Framework. Alister Scott, Professor of Environmental Geography and Planning, gave evidence and recommendations to the Environment Audit Committee’s hearing in Westminster on the government’s proposed planning reforms

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Simpel Enters UK Market, Transforming Construction Operations from the Ground Up

Simpel Enters UK Market, Transforming Construction Operations from the Ground Up

Delivering a unique ‘high-vis’ data trail, Simpel’s software empowers construction companies to optimise operations and compliance to meet the evolving regulatory environment  Simpel, a leading innovator in construction technology, has announced its recent entry into the UK market. Designed to address the complexities of document management, quality, compliance, safety and

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Beautiful Bold Elegance from Keller

Beautiful Bold Elegance from Keller

This new, elegant, industrial style kitchen from Keller merges traditional and bold features and hues. The Bronzite fronts and bronze-framed glass doors with bronze tinted glass combine with the striking, angled Calacatta black worktop to create a calming clean space. Which is perfect for dining, working and socialising in style. 

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Johnson Controls Announces Strategic Acquisition of Webeasy, Expanding Smart Building Capabilities in the Netherlands

Johnson Controls Announces Strategic Acquisition of Webeasy, Expanding Smart Building Capabilities in the Netherlands

Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, today announced the acquisition of Webeasy, a prominent Dutch provider of building automation and control systems. This strategic acquisition reinforces Johnson Controls’ commitment to driving innovation, sustainability, and energy efficiency, while expanding its capabilities in the growing market for

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CSX offsets Atkinsrealis Decarbonisation event with Woodland Carbon Donation

CSX offsets Atkinsrealis Decarbonisation event with Woodland Carbon Donation

CARBON and biodiversity offsetting solution pioneer, CSX, has announced the donation of 0.15 tCO2e of woodland carbon to AtkinsRéalis, a renowned infrastructure consulting firm, following their recent successful decarbonisation event in Leeds. The donation aims to offset the event’s environmental impact, reinforcing the two companies’ joint commitment to sustainability and

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Albion Land Secures Approval for Catalyst Bicester Expansion

Albion Land Secures Approval for Catalyst Bicester Expansion

New phase promises high-tech growth for Oxfordshire innovation hub Albion Land’s flagship technology park, Catalyst Bicester, is set for significant expansion following Cherwell District Council’s approval of the next phase of development. The green light paves the way for an additional 128,000 sq ft of premium employment space across three

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Latest Issue
Issue 339 : Apr 2026

Kenneth Booth

National planning reforms shaped by Northumbria expert

National planning reforms shaped by Northumbria expert

A leading expert in planning policy at Northumbria University has delivered evidence to help shape the future reform of the National Planning Policy Framework. Alister Scott, Professor of Environmental Geography and Planning, gave evidence and recommendations to the Environment Audit Committee’s hearing in Westminster on the government’s proposed planning reforms and their effect on the natural environment. With the UK desperately needing more homes, the Environmental Audit Committee examined how proposed reforms to the planning system through the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) will promote housing growth and the effects such growth may have on the natural environment. Professor Scott, who is also a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute, outlined some key concerns to the future success of the new policy based on his extensive research into planning and green infrastructure. He said there was a need to remove silo thinking and disintegrated policy across different government departments to bring together disparate policy areas to work strategically on spatial planning. In particular, he highlighted that the Departments of Health, Culture, Media and Sport, Transport, Science and Innovation and HM Treasury need to be more actively engaged, and that land use planning was not solely an issue for Defra and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. “The current priority in planning is stated as economic development and most of the consultation is taken up with issues of housing and economic development,” says Professor Scott. “While I agree this is a priority, having separate governance regimes for urban and rural space puts the emphasis on first establishing the number of houses or jobs before bolting on other considerations afterwards. The economic imperative alone does not make the most effective use of land.” Professor Scott also said there was a need for much stronger wording within policy for nature to avoid it being trumped by economic factors, with trade-offs between economic, social and environmental priorities needing to be fully assessed. He said it was notable that the NPPF had had major amendments in sections relating to housing and green belt, but the natural environment chapter had remained the same despite major policy changes and ongoing declines in nature. Another of his key concerns was the need to rethink how we value nature. Drawing on the HM Treasury 2021 Dasgupta review, he highlighted how the multiple values of nature demand transformative thinking in how prosperity is viewed and measured. Professor Scott also called on the government to review its default answer of ‘yes’ on questions around the development of brownfield sites and said that the policy could not be successfully developed without the active involvement of many government departments, given their major influences and impacts on land use. “In the question of a default ‘yes’ for brownfield development, for example, the default answer should instead always be evidence based. Brownfield sites can have significant biodiversity interest and can also be very costly to develop,” he said. “Before assuming these are preferred development sites, I believe there should be an accurate assessment of their multifunctional potential, and a decision made from there based on the evidence obtained.” In terms of actions to help address these problems Professor Scott recommended that the planning system is rebalanced to ensure that nature, the economy and community are treated equally. “Primacy is given to economic growth with nature, community and equity issues lagging. The planning system has a key role in alleviating poverty and social exclusion as well as providing decent housing. I have called strongly for the policy to explicitly incorporate the UN Sustainable Development Goals to ensure that environmental and equity considerations are not simply bolted on but are incorporated from the start. “If we fundamentally reshape how planning is done it would lead to better spaces where economic, environmental and social limits and opportunities work together. I believe it is important to focus on placemaking and placekeeping, rather than setting targets for having a certain number of houses or trees. These quantity metrics can distort planning practices and lead to outcomes we might not have chosen had we planned more strategically,” he said. Professor Scott, who is based in Northumbria’s Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, has played a key role in national conversations on land use in recent years. He was appointed as the sole special adviser to the House of Lords Select Committee inquiry on how we respond to increasing demands on land in England and he was awarded a Fellowship by the Academy of Social Sciences in recognition of his work to find new ways to improve policy and decision-making across built and natural environments. The Environment Audit Committee hearing is available to view online on the Parliament Live TV channel. Transcripts of the oral evidence and further written evidence provided by Professor Scott are available to download. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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McLaren Construction Midlands and North leads new nationwide laptop donation initiative

McLaren Construction Midlands and North leads new nationwide laptop donation initiative

Providing vital online access and technological support for those in need, McLaren Construction is launching a new initiative to donate repurposed laptops to charities across the UK with the first donation taking place in the Midlands and North. Kick-starting the initiative, 20 repurposed company laptops were donated to the St Helens-based Martin Murray ThinkFAST academy, providing young people with online support to help with educational development. McLaren Construction Midlands and North has a long-standing relationship with the Martin Murray academy, which aims to help young people with high-quality social support and development through the discipline and ethos of boxing. The laptop drop off is the latest support initiative for the academy and it follows a joint donation of £30,000 that was provided in 2023, by the contractor and Miller Developments. As part of McLaren Construction’s commitment to giving back to the communities in which it operates, alongside its sustainability strategy for 2025 – legacy computing assets that are fit for reuse will now go through an IT repurposing programme instead of secure disposal, to enable monthly laptop donations by the McLaren Construction Group. The new scheme will see approximately 250-400 laptops repurposed and donated annually to chosen charities across the UK and drop-offs will include protective equipment alongside the laptops to ensure longevity. The next donation will be a drop-off to Sele SEND School in Hertford and the ‘London & South’ region. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We are proud to be kick-starting our laptop donation initiative with our first drop off of the year at the Martin Murray academy in St Helens – helping young people and offering online and technological support at a fundamental time of their lives. Martin Murray, founder of the ThinkFAST academy, said: “The opportunities that can be harnessed through having laptop access cannot be underestimated and we can’t thank the team at McLaren enough for the laptops and their continued support over the past couple of years. The joint donation that we received from them along with Miller Developments in 2023 has helped to ensure that our academy can keep on doing the much-needed work that we do. “These laptops will provide access to a vast amount of information, enable interactive learning experiences and will be used to personalise learning, dependent on the young person’s individual needs.” Dan Blackman, Group IT and Security Director at McLaren Construction Group PLC, said: “Launching this initiative will enable our high-quality fit-for-use legacy assets to be repurposed and donated to those in need, and we are delighted to be contributing to our communities in this way, providing online access and a resource for educational development, to change lives for the better.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Simpel Enters UK Market, Transforming Construction Operations from the Ground Up

Simpel Enters UK Market, Transforming Construction Operations from the Ground Up

Delivering a unique ‘high-vis’ data trail, Simpel’s software empowers construction companies to optimise operations and compliance to meet the evolving regulatory environment  Simpel, a leading innovator in construction technology, has announced its recent entry into the UK market. Designed to address the complexities of document management, quality, compliance, safety and site access, Simpel’s end-to-end platform is uniquely positioned to support construction organisations as they navigate increasing regulatory obligations and enforcement of the Building Safety Act (2022).    Established in 2018, Simpel has matured quickly, counting many of construction’s largest developers and contractors among its clients. Delivering a breadth and depth of functionality that spans a project’s lifecycle, Simpel is the preferred platform for mid to large tier projects including airports, hospitals, civil infrastructure, high rise residential apartments and commercial developments.  Simpel’s proven success in Australia’s complex construction environment made market expansion into the UK a natural choice. Kurt Robinson, CEO of Simpel, said: “The UK construction sector, valued at over £300 billion annually, continues to evolve, creating significant opportunities for businesses to innovate and streamline their operations. The challenges faced here are similar to those we’ve successfully addressed in Australia, and industry leaders are increasingly requiring a balance of practical innovation, together with platform scalability and the growing need to leverage construction data and AI into the future.”  What sets Simpel apart is its unique project ecosystem- a ‘high-vis’ data trail that connects workers, files and tasks, delivers real-time project insights, and retains a comprehensive audit trail for the life of the project. The appeal for UK construction organisations who are updating their systems lies in the ease with which Simpel can be implemented, and that it is already equipped with the common data environment needed to help them prioritise safety and comply with emerging regulatory obligations.   Cold Clad Limited are a leading installation specialist for insulated and fire rated construction and are the first UK company to adopt Simpel’s construction management platform. The team are adopting the new requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Golden Thread and they sought a software solution that could seamlessly handle the tracking and compliance needs of their business, without adding unnecessary complexity.   Cold Clad’s Contracts Director Gareth Pitman commented: “Managing multiple large, complex projects including data centres, temperature-controlled environments and commercial properties requires a lot of resource. Finding a solution to simplify and automate the process, whilst being user friendly was challenging. We are glad to have Simpel on board. The benefits have been realised immediately.”   Simpel’s robust suite of document management, field and safety tools, including online inductions and RAMS modules save their clients thousands of labour hours on single projects alone – translating to a powerful return on investment that scales across the entire organisation.  Scott Fisher, Group SHEQ Manager at Cold Clad, added: “What appealed to us was that Simpel combined a lot of the functionality that we were looking for within a single platform, which meant that we could more easily meet regulatory requirements as well as eliminate other software and associated costs.   “Due to the ease of use and the level of support we received, we’ve had no issues with rolling the platform out to our site-based teams. It has also proved invaluable to our subcontractors who are using it to manage their own compliance”.   Richard Bray, COO of Simpel, stated: “Our move into the UK reflects our commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the construction industry with practical and adaptable solutions. Simpel’s platform empowers businesses to meet compliance challenges like the Golden Thread, while streamlining operations and enhancing project outcomes. We’re proud to bring our expertise to the UK, equipping construction professionals with the tools to build safer and more innovative projects.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Beautiful Bold Elegance from Keller

Beautiful Bold Elegance from Keller

This new, elegant, industrial style kitchen from Keller merges traditional and bold features and hues. The Bronzite fronts and bronze-framed glass doors with bronze tinted glass combine with the striking, angled Calacatta black worktop to create a calming clean space. Which is perfect for dining, working and socialising in style.  Featured on the back wall are cabinets in Keller’s new Fossil Grey Evia Ultra Matt finish nodding to the eternal popularity of grey. Also featured is the new bronze full cabinet width 627 handle. Keller is well known for offering the widest range of colours (2,050 NCS) and finishes in the kitchen furniture market – along with a vast range of cabinet options, all produced by the most sustainable means possible. The company is proud to have been a Carbon Neutral kitchen manufacturer since 2017.   For further information, please visit www.kellerkitchens.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Johnson Controls Announces Strategic Acquisition of Webeasy, Expanding Smart Building Capabilities in the Netherlands

Johnson Controls Announces Strategic Acquisition of Webeasy, Expanding Smart Building Capabilities in the Netherlands

Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, today announced the acquisition of Webeasy, a prominent Dutch provider of building automation and control systems. This strategic acquisition reinforces Johnson Controls’ commitment to driving innovation, sustainability, and energy efficiency, while expanding its capabilities in the growing market for smart, connected buildings across Europe.   Expanding Johnson Controls’ Global Reach in Building Automation     Webeasy, headquartered in the Netherlands, has earned a strong reputation for delivering innovative building management solutions tailored for small to medium-sized commercial buildings, including offices, educational institutions, hotels, and sports facilities, where simplicity, cost efficiency, and fast deployment are key priorities This acquisition complements Johnson Controls’ leadership in the building automation industry and enhances its ability to address the specific needs of this segment in Europe.     “With the addition of Webeasy’s technologies, we are thrilled to enhance the range of solutions we offer to our customers across Europe,” said Richard Lek, President Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. “Webeasy’s expertise in building automation perfectly aligns with our mission to innovate energy-efficient and sustainable building solutions, empowering our customers to achieve greater operational efficiencies.”     Advancing Innovation and Sustainability   Webeasy’s extensive pre-configured application library simplifies the deployment of building management systems by improving engineering efficiency, operational effectiveness and making building automation easier, smarter and more cost efficient.     The combined capabilities of Webeasy and Johnson Controls will enable businesses and facility owners to better address the growing demands of European sustainability regulations, reduce energy costs and carbon footprints and drive operational excellence.     A Bright Future for Smart Buildings   This acquisition reinforces Johnson Controls’ growth strategy and leadership position in next generation building automation technology and innovation. Webeasy’s trusted customer base in the Netherlands and across Europe will benefit from Johnson Controls’ global resources, robust service infrastructure, and a shared commitment to smarter, more sustainable buildings. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.      Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @Johnson Controls on social platforms.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Urgent warning: ‘Clock running out’ for international claims due to severe backlogs

Urgent warning: ‘Clock running out’ for international claims due to severe backlogs

Lawyers are urgently warning that the ‘clock may run out’ before an international claim is successfully served, as severe backlogs at the UK’s Foreign Process Section (FPS) continue to impact those in the construction industry dealing with overseas clients. The FPS, which handles the service of claims abroad in compliance with the Hague Convention, is grappling with processing times that could take several months. Businesses in the construction industry hoping to serve documents abroad could run the risk of not successfully serving a claim within the Civil Procedure Rules’ (CPR) six-month deadline, potentially prejudicing their position. Sneha Nainwal, partner at law firm Shakespeare Martineau, who specialises in cross-border disputes, said: “The FPS handles a range of international disputes, with commercial claims being the most common. “Typical cases involve a UK-based claimant seeking to recover contractual debts or damages from foreign defendants. “These cross-border claims, regardless of industry, are increasingly subject to delays due to the FPS backlog.” The FPS plays a pivotal role in the initial stages of litigation involving the service of documents overseas. When a claimant issues proceedings in the UK and the defendant resides abroad, the FPS ensures legal documents are served accurately and in compliance with international protocols. This crucial function is central to the ‘international service of claim’ phase – a vital step that sets the stage for the progression of the case towards resolution or settlement. By facilitating this process, the FPS supports the efficient administration of justice across borders. The current backlog stems from the residual effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to global lockdowns and restrictions, the FPS was temporarily suspended, leading to an accumulation of claims waiting to be processed. This delay has compounded over time, with a growing volume of claims requiring international service. Sneha said: “The most pressing risk for businesses issuing a claim is the expiration of the six-month period for serving the claim form. Failure to serve within this timeframe could result in the claim being deemed invalid or struck out. “The best way to mitigate this risk is for claimants to act proactively by ensuring their application to the FPS for serving documents abroad is watertight. “The FPS enforces strict procedural rules, and any oversight or misstep could result in the rejection of the application, forcing the claimant to restart the process and face further delays in an already backlogged system. “To avoid this, ensure all documents are in perfect order and apply promptly for an extension if you anticipate difficulty serving within the six-month deadline. “Don’t leave things to the last minute. For the best chance of success and to avoid unnecessary complications, seek professional advice.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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CSX offsets Atkinsrealis Decarbonisation event with Woodland Carbon Donation

CSX offsets Atkinsrealis Decarbonisation event with Woodland Carbon Donation

CARBON and biodiversity offsetting solution pioneer, CSX, has announced the donation of 0.15 tCO2e of woodland carbon to AtkinsRéalis, a renowned infrastructure consulting firm, following their recent successful decarbonisation event in Leeds. The donation aims to offset the event’s environmental impact, reinforcing the two companies’ joint commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality. The offset stems from Haithwaite on the Barningham Estate, one of CSX’s longest-running woodland projects, located in North Yorkshire. With its roots dating back to 2012, Haithwaite has been carefully designed under the UK Forestry Standard to enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and sequester carbon. Megan Russell, CSX’s quality assurance and compliance lead, said: “We’re pleased to support AtkinsRéalis by offsetting the carbon footprint of their recent event. The Haithwaite woodland project is a great example of how local, nature-based solutions can contribute to carbon reduction while benefiting the surrounding ecosystem. “By providing 0.15 tCO2e carbon offset, we’re helping to ensure that businesses such as AtkinsRéalis can meet their environmental goals while caring for local communities, and we’re proud to be part of this effort.” AtkinsRéalis’ decarbonisation event gathered industry leaders, graduates, and sustainability advocates to discuss pathways to meet the UK’s ambitious net-zero targets. To ensure the event remained carbon-neutral, AtkinsRéalis partnered with CSX, whose expertise calculated the event’s carbon footprint factoring in energy use, catering, and travel. The result:  0.15 tCO2e offset through a localised, nature-based solution. The Haithwaite woodland, comprising over 25,000 trees and spanning 22 hectares, serves as a vital link between neighbouring woodlands, supporting biodiversity and enhancing the regional ecosystem. The project’s ongoing carbon monitoring, supported by CSX’s innovative technologies, ensures the accuracy and integrity of its offsets. Janine Danneker, regional director at AtkinsRéalis, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with CSX on this initiative. Their expertise in carbon offsetting and commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with our goals. The Haithwaite woodland project not only offsets our event’s carbon footprint but also contributes to the local ecosystem, making it a win-win for both the environment and the community.” To celebrate the collaboration, CSX has recently invited AtkinsRéalis to visit the Haithwaite site, providing an opportunity to witness first-hand the tangible benefits of the woodland project. This initiative underscores CSX’s mission to integrate businesses with nature-based solutions, encouraging relationships that contribute to net-zero ambitions and our planet’s health. As industries accelerate their decarbonisation efforts, CSX remains at the forefront of developing trusted carbon and biodiversity markets. This partnership with AtkinsRéalis is a testament to the momentum building in the UK and beyond, as organisations come together to champion innovative, sustainable solutions. For more information about CSX’s work, visit: www.csxcarbon.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Aldi to open nine London stores in 2025 as part of £650m investment

Aldi to open nine London stores in 2025 as part of £650m investment

Aldi is set to open nine stores in the capital this year as part of a £55 million investment within the M25.   Building on its promise to bring unbeatable value to even more Londoners, the supermarket has revealed four of the locations set to welcome new Aldi stores in the next 12 months.  Shoppers in Wimbledon, Fulham Broadway, Caterham and Orpington are all set to benefit from a new Aldi store in 2025. The openings form part of Aldi’s £650 million investment in Britain in 2025. The investment also includes upgrades at some of its existing locations within the M25, including an extension to its Colindale store. Aldi has a long-term ambition to open another 100 stores in London, creating around 3,500 new jobs. Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK, said: “We strongly believe that everyone in Britain should have access to high quality food at our unbeatable Aldi prices.  But we know that there are still thousands of shoppers in the capital that don’t yet have access to an Aldi nearby. “We don’t think it’s fair that so many people still have to make do with big prices at other supermarkets, which is why London continues to be a real focus for us as we work to bring even more Aldi stores to shoppers across the capital.” Aldi has been named by Which? as officially the UK’s cheapest supermarket of the year for 2024, the fourth year in a row the supermarket has picked up the title. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Albion Land Secures Approval for Catalyst Bicester Expansion

Albion Land Secures Approval for Catalyst Bicester Expansion

New phase promises high-tech growth for Oxfordshire innovation hub Albion Land’s flagship technology park, Catalyst Bicester, is set for significant expansion following Cherwell District Council’s approval of the next phase of development. The green light paves the way for an additional 128,000 sq ft of premium employment space across three state-of-the-art, sustainable buildings along the A41. Planning permission for the project, part of Phase 4 of the Catalyst masterplan, was granted at a council meeting on Thursday, 16 January. With eight buildings already completed and fully let to advanced manufacturing, research and development (R&D), and design companies—including notable names such as Evolito, Tesla, and Yasa—Catalyst Bicester continues to establish itself as a hub for innovation and technology. The development also benefits from nearby amenities such as the Holiday Inn Express and David Lloyd Leisure, enhancing the appeal of the park for employees and businesses alike. Simon Parsons, Director of Albion Land, said:“This is fantastic news for Bicester, Oxfordshire, and the high-skills technology and engineering sectors in the region. These bespoke new buildings will provide exceptional workspace for companies eager to join the Catalyst Bicester success story and benefit from our efforts to strengthen Bicester’s tech ecosystem. We’re thrilled with the planning approval and are eager to move forward to meet the strong demand from occupiers.” Construction of Phase 3 is planned for 2025, delivering a further 110,000 sq ft across five buildings. Phase 4 will follow unless accelerated by tenant demand. Phase 4 represents a £55 million investment and could create around 500 additional jobs, depending on the eventual occupiers of the new space. Catalyst Bicester’s development began in 2021, with Phases 1 and 2 now fully built out and leased. The most recent addition, Unit 8 (38,710 sq ft), was completed last autumn and is already home to an international advanced-engineering and design business. Demand for space at Catalyst Bicester is driven by the growth of Oxfordshire’s innovation and technology sectors, as well as the park’s strategic location, high-quality amenities, and integration within the region’s tech and engineering ecosystem. The three new Phase 4 buildings will occupy a prime site fronting the A41, directly opposite the Holiday Inn Express. The site is designated in the Cherwell Local Plan for knowledge-based employment development. Albion Land was supported in the planning process by Quod (planning consultants) and Cornish (architects). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Delivering our housing strategy: boosting the supply of new affordable housing using Council owned land

Delivering our housing strategy: boosting the supply of new affordable housing using Council owned land

The Council’s executive will be asked to consider a report at next week’s committee meeting (Weds 22 January) outlining a range of land disposals across Manchester that will help deliver more than 700 new affordable homes.  In 2023/24 the highest level of affordable housing was delivered for a decade, contributing to the Council’s ambitious housing strategy to deliver at least 10,000 genuinely affordable, Council and Social Rent new homes up to 2032.  To further meet this target Manchester City Council will continue to collaborate within the Manchester Housing Providers Partnership – coordinating support and delivering sustainable affordable housing to meet the city’s needs. New housing will help reduce demand on Manchester’s housing register and will be part of the Council’s approach to help reduce homelessness.  Legal & General Affordable Homes and L&Q have recently joined the Housing Partnership, broadening capacity and complementing the specialty of existing partners, but also expanding delivery resources over the housing strategy period to 2032.  The report outlines the Housing Partnerships plans for ten brownfield sites and how they have been designed to directly address acute local affordable housing demand, providing a broad range of different house types  and tenures ranging from specialist supported accommodation, apartments for key workers and right-sizers, along with larger family houses.  Following Executive approval, all proposals are expected to conclude pre-application engagement with the Local Planning Authority and for public consultation on the design proposals to commence before construction works begin on site as soon as possible.   Various 100% affordable housing land disposals include:  Read the exec paper in full to find out more   Leader of the Council Bev Craig said: “Building more affordable homes for Manchester residents is one of Manchester City Council’s biggest priorities and we have a massive housebuilding programme under way to build at least 10,000 genuinely affordable, council, social homes.   “We know that building these much-needed homes isn’t easy, so we have looked at how we can get the best use from land that the council owns to help us reach ambitious housing strategy. I’m pleased to bring forward the latest examples of where we our building on our land.   “We are on track to meet our target, and we have seen more genuinely affordable homes built in the last year than at any other time in more than a decade. This is being done through programmes like this, our own building company This City, Project 500, large regeneration schemes and working to influence the market. We are committed to building the new homes Manchester residents need to thrive.”  Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “We are constantly reviewing what land opportunities are at our disposal to build much-need housing across a range of tenures and types to meet demand in a local area. These parcels of land will all deliver the homes we know these communities need, including significant affordable and social housing, but also specialist housing too. We really welcome the accelerated delivery of new social and affordable housing that these sites will enable.  “This is in no small part thanks to our strong partnership approach, working closely with Manchester’s housing providers using Council-owned brownfield land, public and government funding, and the expertise of the city’s affordable housing developers to build high quality, low carbon homes for Manchester people.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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