New research released during Gas Safety Week finds that over half of Brits are open to owning a hydrogen boiler – but despite 90% knowing they are more sustainable than existing natural gas units, most would rather someone else try one first… Sustainability is a huge topic, and we are
Network Space has revealed its plans for the redevelopment of the former Cartwright headquarters on Atlantic Street in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. Re-branded as Broadheath Networkcentre, the proposals include a mixture of high quality refurbishment alongside new builds, creating a modern, multi-let industrial site which will appeal to a variety of
A new poll from C|T Local, Sir Lynton Crosby’s real estate advisory business, and the Adam Smith Institute, finds that Conservatives could achieve majority-securing electoral boost by building more homes ● 1.6 million vote boost for Conservatives building more homes in a way that levels up, securing the 2019 majority
RED Construction, the specialist main contractor, has announced a new group structure and two distinct operating companies to facilitate the next stage of the company’s growth. The new structure comprises RED Construction Group, RED London, and the newly formed RED South West. Founded in 2016, RED Construction Group has fast
Find out how you can use picture frames to encase colorful fabric and bring your living space to life in six simple steps. Whether you’re decorating your new home or renovating your old one, you may find out there’s a huge wall space that’s in dire need of decor. Now,
The North-West office of family run business, Caddick Construction, has been appointed by Redsun to deliver AVIATOR Phase II, which comprises two new build warehouses with integral mezzanine offices. Caddick Construction successfully completed phase one in February last year, delivering a 125,000 sq ft warehouse which was let to Survitec
Proposals worth £750m to further transform Swansea city centre and develop new homes and attractions along the coast and riverfront have taken a major step forward. Swansea Council has now appointed award-winning regeneration company Urban Splash as its preferred development partner for a number of key sites, including the Civic
In an exclusive opinion poll, conducted on behalf of the not-for-profit trade association Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), in the middle of the current energy crisis, the public have blamed the government for the current gas crisis and have demanded the fast-tracking of alternative energy sources to heat their homes.
Due to a number of factors, including the lack of rented accommodation which is available for longer than six months, an excessive rise in house prices due to second home-owners, the conversion of properties to Airbnb’s and people moving into the District since the pandemic: South Hams District Council says
Work will shortly begin on two multi-million-pound affordable housing developments in Glasgow. Housing provider Home Group Scotland appointed Cruden Building West, part of the Cruden Group, to deliver two key housing developments at Kennyhill Square in Dennistoun and in East Balornock (Phase 6). The contracts have a combined value of
New research released during Gas Safety Week finds that over half of Brits are open to owning a hydrogen boiler – but despite 90% knowing they are more sustainable than existing natural gas units, most would rather someone else try one first… Sustainability is a huge topic, and we are all aware of the need to be more sustainable in our own lives to help protect the future. However, new research launched to coincide with Gas Safety Week has found that many consumers in the UK are wary of welcoming hydrogen gas fired boilers in their home, while over half of Brits quite accepting of this technology and its environmental benefits. Our findings also revealed that almost 9 out of 10 homeowners are influenced by the sustainable credentials of a hydrogen boiler to have one installed in their home. However, over half (51%) stated they would rather someone else tried one out before getting one themselves. As well as their greener environmental credentials, another advantage of a hydrogen boiler is the cost vs other energy efficient technologies. Saving £6,400 versus an electric heat pump was enough to sway over half of Brits (51%) to opting for hydrogen as their future home heating solution. However, whilst the intentions are good, more education is needed still as a significant 59% of Brits do not feel they know enough about the emerging green technology to make a decision about buying one. Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Communication & Product Management commented; “With around 24mhomes on the gas grid, hydrogen boilers will be a key player in the technology mix for decarbonising our homes. “However, if Government targets are going to be reached and we as a nation are to ‘go green’ in our homes, it is clear from these stats that more education and reassurance around hydrogen gas is needed. “Knowing that over 50% are accepting of hydrogen, it is a big wake-up call that we all need to debunk concerns for the remaining 42% who have doubts– which comes from further education – and move forward to a greener future. There have been several really successful trials in the UK confirming the safe application of hydrogen gas, so it’s now on all of us as a nation to open our minds and homes to the concept of a hydrogen future.” For more information on hydrogen boilers and the future of home heating visit: https://www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/future-of-heating.
Network Space has revealed its plans for the redevelopment of the former Cartwright headquarters on Atlantic Street in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. Re-branded as Broadheath Networkcentre, the proposals include a mixture of high quality refurbishment alongside new builds, creating a modern, multi-let industrial site which will appeal to a variety of businesses. The development will deliver 196,000 sq ft of accommodation across eight buildings, with workspace available from 2,100 sq ft to 28,000 sq ft. A sustainable development, Network Space will seek to reuse and recycle existing structures and is proposing the use of photovoltaic panels for renewable energy provision, as well as electric vehicle charging on all units. Simon Eaton, senior development manager at Network Space, explains: “Given its location within South Manchester and proximity to Manchester Airport, the M60/M56 and city centre, Broadheath Networkcentre will appeal to a wide range of occupiers, from local businesses and trade occupiers, to last mile and urban logistics firms. “The development has also been designed with sustainability at the top of the agenda and, by recycling existing steel frames and concrete structures, we are able to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the scheme. This, in addition to the renewable energy generation and re-use on site, means that Broadheath Networkcentre will score very highly in its green credentials.” A planning application has been submitted and Network Space hopes to start on site early next year, with some of the high quality refurbished units being ready for occupation in summer 2022 and new builds by the end of the year. The development will revitalise the site, creating new jobs and providing much needed speculative workspace in the region. Jonathan Williams at Savills and Will Kenyon at B8 have been appointed as letting agents for Broadheath Networkcentre. The wider professional team includes Walker Sime, project management and quantity surveying, AEW architects, Tetra Tech engineering services and Spawforths is the planning advisor.
A new poll from C|T Local, Sir Lynton Crosby’s real estate advisory business, and the Adam Smith Institute, finds that Conservatives could achieve majority-securing electoral boost by building more homes ● 1.6 million vote boost for Conservatives building more homes in a way that levels up, securing the 2019 majority at the next general election ● 75% of those who would like to purchase a home in the next 5 years say they cannot afford to or are unsure if they can ● 71% would back housebuilding if local residents had the power to agree when they were confident it would benefit their community ● 52% back higher national targets for house building, 18% disagree ● 60% back a ‘zoning system’ with ‘Protection,’ ‘Renewal,’ and ‘Growth’ categories, 10% oppose ● 52% support building more homes if it will reduce wealth inequality between older people and younger people Members of Parliament (MPs) from across England and planning reform advocates have backed new research which shows how to fix the housing crisis with popular local support. “Housebuilding is a key driver of levelling up. It’s not just about building more homes, it’s about building for sustainable local economic growth,” said Ben Everitt MP for Milton Keynes North and Chair of the APPG for Housing Market & Housing Delivery. “Houses are the hardest, slowest and most expensive part of the recipe for success, but having the right homes in the right place, at the right time will be fundamental to delivering levelling up. It’s too important to not get right.” The polling and analysis, outlined in Build Me Up, Level Up: Popular homebuilding while boosting local communities from C|T Local and the Adam Smith Institute (ASI), presents a roadmap for how to restart the stalled planning reform process by linking it closely to rejuvenating local communities. ● 67% back housebuilding if it would bring benefits to their family ● 68% back housebuilding if it meant local services would see an improvement ● 64% back housebuilding if it would help protect their local high street ● 64% back housebuilding if it led to people living closer to better paying jobs, reducing income inequality and boosting wages ● 62% back housebuilding if it meant greater investment in local health and education services “This powerful research demonstrates that we won’t be able to build the houses that Britain needs unless we ensure that communities benefit,” said Mark Jenkinson MP for Workington, “It starts with using new housing developments to invest in community-wide infrastructure like roads, public transport, broadband, hospitals, and schools. Turning development into a win-win for locals.” The research indicates that the Conservatives have the most to gain from housebuilding, or to lose if they fail. ● The Conservatives could get a 5 percentage point boost at the ballot box, the equivalent of 1.6 million people switching their vote, if they commit to building 2 million new homes. ● If Labour made a similar housing commitment, they would receive a 4 point bounce, and there would be a 3 point decline for the Conservatives. “Housing reform is absolutely essential if Britain’s long-held dream of a property-owning democracy is going to succeed, and this research by the Adam Smith Institute shows it can, providing it’s done the right way,” said John Penrose MP (Weston-super-Mare). “There are plenty of people who will support building more local homes if it helps their friends and family afford to live where they want, and if local residents control where they’re built and how they look.” The research also found that it is possible to win over many ‘Nimbys’ — Not In My Back Yard opponents of local house building — by delivering local benefits from development. Nimbys can be persuaded to support more building in their area if the homebuilding leads to: ● more investment in local services; ● more young people to move out of their parents’ homes; ● more people living and working in the community; ● a reduction of the overall cost of housing in the area; and ● a reduction of the cost of rents in the area. C|T Local and the ASI find strong support for a range of initiatives to tackle the housing crisis, including: ● 60% support a ‘zoning system’ proposed in the Government’s Planning for the Future white paper; ● 52% support for the ‘Infrastructure Levy’ replacing affordable housing requirements ● 58% support reducing red tape to help smaller and medium-sized builders ● 75% support building on brownfield (former industrial) sites ● 63% support allowing villages to build new homes nearby, if they choose ● 58% support automatic permission for converting offices and 48% support converting high street shops ● 58% back automatic permission for mansard extensions, just 22% disagree ● 48% support ‘street votes’, just 22% disagree Other key findings include: ● 52% have an incorrect understanding of what the Green Belt, 14% cannot say what it is at all ● 54% of those who feel their area has improved in recent years support more homebuilding in their local community ● The polling shows that Nimbys are louder, but less electorally impactful than politicians believe. They are more likely to attend town halls and send a letter / email to their local councillor, but Yimbys are more likely to vote for a party that will build more homes locally, and they outnumber Nimby’s by more than two-to-one C|T Local Managing Director, Gavin Stollar said: “This research is the most explicit roadmap ever produced for both Government and the real estate sector. The public tell us how they can be persuaded to come on the (house building) journey but also, crucially, why that journey is so important and fascinatingly, why it is in all political parties’ interest to deliver. Communities across the UK are there to be convinced, the question now is, are developers prepared to listen and respond and are the Government prepared to legislate to ‘get it done’?” ASI Head of Research Matthew Lesh said: “The future of the
RED Construction, the specialist main contractor, has announced a new group structure and two distinct operating companies to facilitate the next stage of the company’s growth. The new structure comprises RED Construction Group, RED London, and the newly formed RED South West. Founded in 2016, RED Construction Group has fast become an established market leader in the London region. The company has a reputation for working in partnership with clients to deliver complex, high profile landmark projects in the capital. The new group structure creates a series of connected businesses with shared values and operating methodologies. Each is led by respected industry experts, with RED Construction Group’s main board providing strategic input. Based in Bristol, RED South West offers unparalleled expertise and market knowledge and can deliver across a wide range of markets in line with regional requirements. These include commercial, residential, education and industrial buildings. The RED South West team is led by Derek Quinn, who has been appointed as managing director. Derek has 35 years of experience, most recently as Executive Director at Bristol-based Midas Construction, where Derek worked closely alongside other key members of the RED team. Derek qualified as a quantity surveyor at John Laing, following which he worked internationally before holding a senior position at a FTSE250 construction company. Born in Bristol and with extensive experience in the South West, Derek brings a detailed understanding of construction solutions specific to the region’s needs and client base. Graham Sturge, Managing Director of RED Construction Group, commented: “Our strong, consistent and considered growth is creating a number of exciting new opportunities for the business in and out of the capital. The creation of the group structure, including the launch of RED South West and the appointment of the highly regarded Derek Quinn as MD, will allow us to continue our expansion, but without over-reaching or compromising on the quality of what we achieve with our clients. Derek and his counterparts in RED London are experts in their fields with unique insight, with the support, innovation and values that drive everything RED Construction does.” RED South West Managing Director, Derek Quinn, added: “It is fantastic to be joining RED Construction Group to lead RED South West. The new business has been created to respond to the significant need in the region for a main contractor with the depth, breadth and reliability that RED is renowned for from its work in London. I look forward to working with Graham and the board to grow another successful business as part of the Group, drawing on the team’s experience in high-profile projects in the region.” Graham Sturge continued: “We are very proud of what we have achieved as a team throughout 2021. Our new structure will continue this momentum with the focused operating companies and their highly motivated, client-focused, and effective leadership. There are very exciting times ahead for the business.” Sitting alongside RED South West in the new structure is RED London, established experts in complex construction in the capital. Current RED London projects include the restoration and redevelopment for Lore Group of 100 High Street in Shoreditch to create a new independent hotel concept, the redevelopment of 80 New Bond Street for Hines to deliver a flagship mixed-use destination in the heart of the West End, and the construction of the Brent Cross Town visitor pavilion for Argent Related and Barnet Council.
Find out how you can use picture frames to encase colorful fabric and bring your living space to life in six simple steps. Whether you’re decorating your new home or renovating your old one, you may find out there’s a huge wall space that’s in dire need of decor. Now, while shopping, have you come across a printed fabric, rich in colors, that you want to buy? Or how about you have gorgeous fabric leftover and don’t know what to do with it? Whether leftover or new, follow these simple steps to encase that beautiful print, preserved neatly in a picture frame, and bring your living space live with vibrating colors. Step 1: Purchase and Iron the Fabric The first step is to purchase that stunning fabric or bring out the leftover ones. The secret to having a picturesque view is to make sure the fabric is not wrinkled. Iron it well before encasing it on the picture frame. If you are purchasing a piece of fabric, make sure it’ll accentuate the interior designs of your living space. A specific color or pattern that complements your rug or couch pillows will give an appealing look to your overall space. Likewise, the wall color will become too prominent, creating a distraction. You can hire professional painters if you’re renovating and choose a color that will enhance the beauty of your fabric wall art. Step 2: Measure Your Wall Space You do not want a picture frame that is small compared to the size of the wall unless you want to mount multiple fabric pieces of art on your wall. You also do not want a frame that is too big and takes up a lot of space. Therefore, it is wise to measure the area, leaving a little space on every side, to make it look more breathable, elegant, and classy. When measuring your wall space, check the surrounding elements and furniture in the room, including shelves, mirrors, and lighting fixtures. Doing so ensures the fabric wall art and picture frame harmonizes with the existing elements, creating a cohesive and visually pleasing arrangement. Additionally, leaving space around the fabric art on every side allows the artwork to breathe and interact with the surrounding area. This negative space acts as a visual buffer, preventing the piece from feeling cramped or crowded against the wall. It also adds a sense of balance and openness to the composition, contributing to your living space’s overall elegant and classy atmosphere. Step 3: Purchase Your Desired Frame Picture frames come in all sizes and shapes. There are mirror frames that can also work for your project. The only difference is the frames contain mirrors instead of pictures. These frames also come in different colors. So depending on the interior of your living space, you can choose a variety of designs and colors for the frame. If you want a modern feel, you can choose black or white frames. Black frames offer a more regal, formal look, whereas white ones are more casual. The design and color of your picture frame also depend on the printed fabric. Select your fabric and frame in a way that corresponds to each other. For a heavily designed fabric, you can opt for a simple frame. Likewise, for a simply designed fabric, you can look for expensive or vintage frames. Just remember, your fabric wall art should accentuate the beauty of the fabric, the frame, and your home. Step 4: Measure and Cut Fabric This is a crucial step! Measure the fabric with a fabric marker and cut it according to the size of the picture frame. How to use fabric markers? Simple! It’s like any other marker but with more precision when it comes to textiles. All you need to do is lay the fabric on flat cardboard or any hard, flat surface and place the back cover of the frame on it. Then, like using a scale, trace and draw straight lines to measure the exact sides. And voila! You can now easily trim the fabric to the perfect size. You can also add your designs to the fabric such as writing your name or a positivity quote you want to wake up to every day! Step 5: Stick ‘em If you’re using a hot glue gun, position the fabric accurately on the back cover of the frame, the wrong side facing up. Make sure the portion of the fabric you want to be featured is in place before sticking. If you find this difficult, you can leave a few inches of the fabric and then glue them the same way you’d wrap a gift. Fold the corners first, glue them and then deal with the sides later. You can trim out extra fabric once you have them neatly folded on the back cover. You can also use a light spray adhesive or double-faced tapes if you do not want the fabric to slide around. Step 6: Assemble Now it’s time to put everything together. After ensuring your fabric is strongly glued in place, clean the glass that comes with the frame and put it back on. Then, position the fabric back cover on the frame and close the tabs to secure it in place. You can leave the glass out for a more regal look however, with the glass, it’ll be easier to clean. Now mount your art project on the wall and see the difference it makes to your overall living space. Some Tips So if you’re looking for an easy and inexpensive DIY project, you can try this framing fabric wall art and show it off to your friends and family. It is a quick and creative way to decorate your living space using minimum materials. And when you’re finished, mount it on your wall and stand back to admire a job well done! Takeaways Framing fabric wall art is a beautiful way to add color, vibrancy, and personal expression to your living space. With these
The North-West office of family run business, Caddick Construction, has been appointed by Redsun to deliver AVIATOR Phase II, which comprises two new build warehouses with integral mezzanine offices. Caddick Construction successfully completed phase one in February last year, delivering a 125,000 sq ft warehouse which was let to Survitec Group on a 20-year lease just after reaching practical completion. It was subsequently acquired by Arrow Capital Partners, who will be funding Phase II of the Development as part of its €3bn Strategic Industrial Real Estate (SIRE) joint venture with Cerberus. This latest phase responds to the significant rise in demand for quality industrial accommodation and will see two warehouses of 200,000 sq ft and 80,000 sq ft delivered, alongside service yard, parking and landscaping, on a 15-acre plot. The Caddick Construction team will start on site next month, with completion expected in summer 2022. The client, Redsun, is behind the AVIATOR project, which will ultimately provide up to 450,000 sq ft of industrial space. The popular site is already home to DHL, Jaguar Land Rover and Vauxhall Motors assembly plant. Nick Wightman, director at Redsun, said: “We worked collaboratively with the Cheshire and Warrington LEP on the first phase and it was a huge success. This second phase will help plug the chronic gap in high quality stock in the region. This thriving location, close to the motorway network, will appeal to both occupiers and investors.” Ian Guildford, contracts manager at Caddick Construction, said: “The first phase of development was a huge success and the team is delighted to be working with Redsun again. It is testament to our vast experience in delivering high quality industrial premises and we looking forward to starting the two warehouses next month.” Located off North Road, the 22-acre site forms part of the Cheshire Science Corridor and benefits from the enhanced capital allowances towards fit out costs offered by its Enterprise Zone status. Just five miles from Junction 12 of the M56, 24 miles from the M6, AVIATOR is also within easy reach of Liverpool Superport and Manchester Airport. The project team includes Fletcher Rae Architects, Muir Associates and Crookes Walker Consulting. B8 Real Estate and M1 Agency are joint letting agents. The Caddick North West team employs more than 70 staff and operates from offices in Warrington and Cumbria. The team has successfully delivered a range of projects including the £154m Angel Gardens’ Scheme in Manchester, a flagship car showroom at TraffordCity, Liverpool Shopping Park and a range of industrial developments including Mere Grange and Central 23 in Merseyside on behalf of Network Space.
Proposals worth £750m to further transform Swansea city centre and develop new homes and attractions along the coast and riverfront have taken a major step forward. Swansea Council has now appointed award-winning regeneration company Urban Splash as its preferred development partner for a number of key sites, including the Civic Centre, Swansea Central north and a plot of land running alongside the River Tawe in the St Thomas area of the city. Early ideas for each site have been proposed, which will now be worked up in more detail before plenty of opportunities for local people to give their feedback and help shape the plans. To be delivered by the private sector, the early proposals include: • The transformation of the 23-acre seafront Civic Centre site into a new city waterfront district for Swansea. A mixed-use destination anchored by the beach is proposed, with new homes and a strong leisure and hospitality focus, generous civic spaces and plenty of greenery. Other proposals include a new walkway to the beach and a mix of permanent and seasonal uses and events to create an all-season visitor destination. • New office buildings, new apartments for residents and shared workspaces on the 5.5-acre Swansea central north site located at the former St David’s Shopping Centre site. Capitalising on the major growth across the UK in demand for craft-based goods, space for small creative businesses to make and sell their products could also feature. • A residential-led regeneration of a 7.5-acre riverfront site in St Thomas, featuring family homes, apartments, new public spaces and a new terraced river walk providing direct access to the river for the first time in over 150 years. The council’s appointment of Urban Splash follows an extensive search for a preferred development partner as part of the Shaping Swansea initiative. The council’s appointment of Urban Splash follows an extensive search for a preferred development partner as part of the Shaping Swansea initiative. Urban Splash will deliver future plans with the support of partners including mixed-use developer Milligan Ltd who will work in joint venture with Urban Splash on the St David’s site, together with Pobl Housing Association, Coastal Housing Association and Swansea Council. Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “The appointment of Urban Splash is a significant private sector vote of confidence not just in Swansea’s enormous potential, but also in the huge amount of regeneration work led by the council that’s already happening in the city, including our £135m Copr Bay phase one district. This work has acted as a catalyst to attract a company of Urban Splash’s quality and experience, and is part of a £1 billion regeneration story unfolding across Swansea that’s transforming the city into one of the UK’s best places to live, work, study and visit. “The regeneration of these three key sites will help take Swansea to the next level by creating thousands more jobs for local people, hundreds more new homes for local families and a mixed-use, vibrant city centre destination with the footfall it needs to thrive. “Although subject to consultation in future to ensure people’s views are taken on board, the early proposals will help realise these goals, while also giving the stunning Civic Centre site on our world class bay back to Swansea people and visitors to the city. “We look forward to working with Urban Splash on further developing these exciting proposals for the people of Swansea to consider, along with ideas on how best to regenerate other key sites forming part of our Shaping Swansea plans.” Urban Splash have developed over 60 regeneration projects throughout the UK in the last 25 years. These include the Royal William Yard project in Plymouth where the company has transformed a collection of Grade I and Grade II Listed waterfront structures into apartments, workspaces, galleries, bars and restaurants. The company is also undertaking the redevelopment of the Grade II Listed Park Hill in Sheffield into a mixed-use cultural quarter, featuring hundreds of homes and workspaces – many of which are complete and fully occupied. Jonathan Falkingham MBE, Urban Splash co-founder, is an award-winning architect who helped establish the regeneration company in 1993. He said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working alongside Swansea Council and all of the partners involved in this fascinating project. “I’m have a longstanding affiliation with this brilliant city, attending school here in my younger days. I’m pleased to be back in Swansea to help deliver such an exciting new era for the city. We have plans for a world class environment of great architectural quality, that recognises and enhances the existing historic fabric of the local area and its beautiful location. We hope to achieve this through multi-authorship and partnering with brilliant designers to evolve the most appealing and sustainable designs for each area of this new neighbourhood.” Tom Bloxham MBE, Urban Splash Chairman, said: “For almost three decades now, Urban Splash has worked hard to transform the fortunes of towns and cities, breathing new life into places through applying great design ideas, and working with the local community to create beautiful buildings and spaces that are sustainable for all. “We have been really impressed with the ambition and vision of Swansea Council and look forward to working in partnership with this amazing city on the beach using our experience, capital and resources to strengthen their vision and deliver exceptional living, working and leisure spaces to help more people live well by design.” Further proposals in future will also cover opportunities to develop other key sites across Swansea.
In an exclusive opinion poll, conducted on behalf of the not-for-profit trade association Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), in the middle of the current energy crisis, the public have blamed the government for the current gas crisis and have demanded the fast-tracking of alternative energy sources to heat their homes. The 2,000 respond representative sample of the UK population when asked who was to blame for the current crisis, said the government and energy suppliers shared responsibility, with 26.4% blaming the energy suppliers; 24.9% the government; 12.9% the regulator Ofgem. 40.5% of respondents blamed all three. Overwhelmingly, three out of four people asked (74.4%) agreed that the government should keep the price cap for energy bills in place, placing a limit on bill increases, rather than allowing the market to determine the price for energy. What’s more, two-thirds of those asked (66.1%), confessed to being worried about being able to afford to keep warm this winter and 64.9% believe any increase in household energy bills above £10 a month was unacceptable. Crucially, UK homeowners are now looking for government action on energy to prevent a repeat of the gas crisis. More than nine in ten (95.8%) thought it important for the government to invest in alternative sources of energy such as zero carbon hydrogen and only one in four (24.6%) wanted to see gas central heating removed from homes to be replaced with electric appliances. Commenting on these results, Mike Foster the CEO of Energy and Utilities Alliance said: “These results are shockingly clear. The government cannot be comfortable knowing that two-thirds of people are genuinely worried about being able to keep warm this winter. “But consumers don’t want to pay higher energy bills and are blaming the government and energy suppliers for the problems they now face. Any increases above a tenner a month are seen as unacceptable.” “There is also a very clear message being sent about future energy policy. Consumers expect, actually they are demanding, that the government invests in alternative sources of energy, such as zero carbon hydrogen, to avoid a repeat of what we are going through. When 96 per cent of the public support something, politicians had better listen.” “The current crisis is further proof that we need to decarbonise our gas network, using zero carbon gases such as hydrogen and keep costs down by adopting hydrogen-ready boilers. “What our politicians must avoid at all costs is a ‘dash for electricity’. These results clearly show that there is real concern over electricity prices and the consequences for consumers if we try and convert homes from gas for heating. What’s more, the electricity grid will not be able to withstand the extra demand being placed upon it in winter months.” For more information on renewable heating and to see the EUA’s latest report, Too Close to Home, visit: https://eua.org.uk/too-close-to-home/
Due to a number of factors, including the lack of rented accommodation which is available for longer than six months, an excessive rise in house prices due to second home-owners, the conversion of properties to Airbnb’s and people moving into the District since the pandemic: South Hams District Council says it has no choice but to declare a Housing Crisis. The District does have a five-year supply of land for housing, an adopted Joint Local Plan with Plymouth and West Devon, and an adopted Housing Strategy that they consulted on last year, but local leaders say that due to recent events, there is just not enough properties for local people and those people wanting to work in the District. Cllr Judy Pearce Leader of South Hams District Council Said: “We are all very aware of the problems that have been created this summer, because so many properties have been turned into Airbnb’s. We have every sympathy with people wanting to come and visit the South Hams, but we have to look at the sustainable future of our district and if people can’t afford to live here for work, then the system is going to break down. We can’t have innumerable tourists here if there is nobody here to service the businesses that they are using. “We do have the Joint Local Plan, it is working well, but it has been drawn up on government guidelines, and whilst we are building the right number of houses, we are not building the right kind of homes that are needed in the South Hams. It is becoming more and more evident that the housing policy which is promoted nationally is not working in areas like ours. “That is why, with Cllr Bastone, I brought a motion to the Council. It has a number of actions in it, which are complemented by and are in addition to our plan “Better Lives for All” and our housing strategy. This is a list of actions and I am suggesting that we do not do a lot of talking, but we get on and take action.” At a meeting of their full Council, Cllr Judy Pearce, Leader of South Hams District Council and Deputy Leader Cllr Hilary Bastone, laid out ten actions that they asked the Council to take urgently in order to address the crisis; two further actions were added during the meeting. They are: 1. The District Council will lobby government, through MPs and the Local Government Association, to allow a Council Tax charge on housing plots with planning permission if they have not been built after a specified period of time. This would encourage developers to get on and build their sites without delay. 2. They will also lobby Government to review all holiday accommodation. This would ensure that it is properly regulated, complying with local planning policies and taxes. This could include an extension of the 90-day short let legislation, a proper planning class for short lets and proper licencing for them. This would prevent people finding loopholes in the taxation system and prevent too many local homes being converted to holiday accommodation. 3. The Council should also immediately review all holiday letting in the District to ensure that the owners are paying the correct amount for the removal of waste and recycling. Businesses should not be on the normal domestic recycling and waste collection. 4. South Hams District Council will also ask the Joint Local Plan project team to review the amounts of affordable housing in the Joint Local Plan and see if this can be increased, so that the percentage of “First Homes” on a development is in addition to the existing requirement for 30% affordable housing. 5. The District Council already runs a letting agency to encourage landlords to make properties available for local families in need. There should be further promotion of this and regular landlord forums to encourage more properties to become available. 6. The District Council works closely with registered providers on many housing projects across the District; they will now be working with them to ensure the best use of those properties, such as to encourage tenants to downsize where possible and make larger properties available for larger households. 7. In addition to this, the District Council is proposing to use some of the affordable housing revenue to increase payments made to those tenants downsizing to make the move more attractable and affordable. 8. The Council are committed to using Section 106 affordable housing contributions as soon as possible, to help fund developments anywhere in the District where the terms of the Section 106 agreements will allow. 9. The Council also wants to campaign for changes to the Broad Market Area, to better reflect the costs of rents in the South Hams. 10. The Council would encourage the development of an exemplar site of low carbon modular housing such as ZEDpods, to show that developments like this can be both stylish and great to live in. 11. South Hams District Council also agreed to actively seek opportunities to invest in Council owned social housing with highly sustainable specification. 12. To lobby Government to allow local councils to be able to charge 200% Council Tax on second / holiday homes, as they do in Wales. Cllr Hilary Bastone, South Hams District Council’s Deputy Leader added: “It is so very important for our residents, their families and their future generations that we tackle this problem now and do everything in our power to enable local residents to have a decent home. If people move away because they cannot afford to live here or they cannot find affordable rented properties, then our towns and communities will collapse. “I am pleased that our motion was passed by full Council, but now is the time for us to stop talking and take action.”
Work will shortly begin on two multi-million-pound affordable housing developments in Glasgow. Housing provider Home Group Scotland appointed Cruden Building West, part of the Cruden Group, to deliver two key housing developments at Kennyhill Square in Dennistoun and in East Balornock (Phase 6). The contracts have a combined value of £12.5m. The new £6m Kennyhill Square development will provide much-needed mid-market rental housing in Glasgow’s East End with 36-, one- and two-bedroom apartments built on the site of a former nursing home. The development, which has been designed by Grant Murray Architects, offers energy-efficient, high-quality homes and many of the properties benefit from a terrace with stunning views overlooking Alexandra Park. Cruden Building West was also awarded a £6.5m contract by Home Group to develop the latest phase at East Barlornock – creating 35 highly sought-after affordable homes at the site on Broomton Road. Home Group Scotland and Cruden Building West have been working with Glasgow City Council on this development which has been built over five phases to date, and this marks the beginning of phase six of this £50m regeneration of the East Balornock area. Allan Callaghan, Managing Director of Cruden Building East said: “We are delighted to begin working on this exciting new development at Kennyhill Square in Dennistoun which will bring all important sustainable, affordable homes to the area. We will also begin work on phase six of building the East Balornock development – a significant milestone as we get closer towards delivering this landmark regeneration which will create around 320 new homes in total. As is the case with all our projects, we are committed to giving back to the local area by providing significant community benefits, work placements and apprenticeship opportunities.” Stuart Dixon, Head of Development at Home Group Scotland, said: “Over the past few years Home Group has played an integral part in helping to energise parts of Glasgow through its development programme. The next phase of East Balornock and the development at Kennyhill Square in Dennistoun are a continuation of that programme, with more to follow. Working with Cruden Building West, we know these developments will deliver exactly what we and our customers want.”