Kenneth Booth
Increasing Adoption of AI Tools Promises Efficiency Gains in Property Management, Latest MRI Software Report Reveals

Increasing Adoption of AI Tools Promises Efficiency Gains in Property Management, Latest MRI Software Report Reveals

MRI Software, a global leader in real estate solutions and services, has released its latest Voice of the Property Manager report for the EMEA region. The findings reveal key insights into AI adoption, technology satisfaction, and training priorities that will impact the sector’s future. Ongoing economic pressures, regulatory changes, and

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Jewson launches first sustainability centre at Norwich branch

Jewson launches first sustainability centre at Norwich branch

Leading national builders’ merchant Jewson has opened the doors to its first sustainability centre within its newly refurbished branch in Cringleford, Norwich. The sustainability centre contains a dedicated Building for the Future product range, including everything tradespeople and builders need to comply with the upcoming Future Homes Standard, such as

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GAP Hire Solutions Expands Hoist Services with 2T GEDA Hoists

GAP Hire Solutions Expands Hoist Services with 2T GEDA Hoists

GAP Hire Solutions, the UK’s largest independent hire company, has launched its new Hoist Services Brochure, showcasing an expanded range of lifting solutions designed to improve efficiency, safety, and productivity on construction sites. With demand for reliable hoisting solutions at an all-time high, GAP has strengthened its offering with a

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Europe’s largest cloud and AI data centre gets approved

Europe’s largest cloud and AI data centre gets approved

DC01UK’s planning application for a new state-of-the-art data centre has recently been approved by Hertsmere Borough Council’s planning committee. The new facility has been given the green light just one week after the Government launched its AI Opportunities Action Plan. The Plan outlines the economic growth opportunities presented by the

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Aldi to Pump £67m into Store Upgrades in 2025

Aldi to Pump £67m into Store Upgrades in 2025

Aldi is set to invest £67 million into upgrading its existing stores in 2025, aiming to enhance the shopping experience for customers across the UK. The supermarket chain, which has already poured nearly £700 million into store improvements since 2017, plans to create more space for fresh, chilled, and food-to-go

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Latest Issue
Issue 326 : Mar 2025

Kenneth Booth

Increasing Adoption of AI Tools Promises Efficiency Gains in Property Management, Latest MRI Software Report Reveals

Increasing Adoption of AI Tools Promises Efficiency Gains in Property Management, Latest MRI Software Report Reveals

MRI Software, a global leader in real estate solutions and services, has released its latest Voice of the Property Manager report for the EMEA region. The findings reveal key insights into AI adoption, technology satisfaction, and training priorities that will impact the sector’s future. Ongoing economic pressures, regulatory changes, and shifting tenant and owner expectations have tightened profit margins and created challenges for property management professionals, highlighting the need for operational efficiencies. “Property managers work long hours to navigate ongoing economic pressures, regulatory changes, and shifting tenant and owner expectations,” said Marcus Scholes, Managing Director, EMEA Commercial Property Management Solutions[MM2] [CJ3] [JM4]  at MRI Software. “AI-powered technology offers unprecedented opportunities to address these challenges through increased automation, efficiency, and insights.” Key findings from the EMEA Voice of the Property Manager report: “The Voice of the Property Manager survey paints a picture of a committed and resilient group of professionals who are ready to tackle the challenges ahead,” concluded Scholes. “While many are investing in new technology and training, there is still further opportunity for efficiency and optimisation—particularly in leveraging AI and ensuring better system integration. As the industry evolves, property managers must stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive.” To watch the webinar recording and pre-register for the report, visit https://www.mrisoftware.com/uk/resources/voice-of-the-property-manager/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Balfour Beatty starts construction on £61 million secondary school in the Scottish Highlands

Balfour Beatty starts construction on £61 million secondary school in the Scottish Highlands

Balfour Beatty today announces that it has commenced construction on the new Nairn Academy school, having been awarded the £61 million contract by The Highland Council at the end of 2025. The company will be responsible for the design and construction of the new 9,767 square meter school and new 3G artificial grass sports pitch, which will replace the existing Nairn Academy secondary school and accommodate 745 students. The school will become Balfour Beatty’s second Passivhaus certified school building in Scotland – a quality assurance certification for the design and construction of low energy buildings – having been awarded the contract to design and build a new campus for Liberton High School in Edinburgh. To achieve Passivhaus certification, Balfour Beatty will install high-performance windows and doors as well as mechanical ventilation with heat recovery to reduce carbon emissions, improve indoor air quality and reduce energy demand. In addition, as part of its commitment to leaving a lasting, positive legacy in the communities in which it operates, Balfour Beatty is working with the Construction Industry Training Board and Inverness College UHI – a partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands – to create ten new apprenticeships positions for local young people. Hector MacAulay MBE, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s regional business in Scotland said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver this latest new school, further enhancing our legacy in delivering state-of-the-art, sustainable educational facilities across Scotland. “With works now underway, we are working closely and collaboratively with the Highland Council to successfully deliver this new school which will provide an exciting and inspirational learning environment for hundreds of students and teachers, serving both current and future generations.” Works commenced at the start of 2025 and the campus is expected to be complete in 2026. At construction peak, the project will employ 170 people. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Jewson launches first sustainability centre at Norwich branch

Jewson launches first sustainability centre at Norwich branch

Leading national builders’ merchant Jewson has opened the doors to its first sustainability centre within its newly refurbished branch in Cringleford, Norwich. The sustainability centre contains a dedicated Building for the Future product range, including everything tradespeople and builders need to comply with the upcoming Future Homes Standard, such as low-carbon materials, energy efficient systems and renewable energy solutions. As well as an expanded product range covering over 1,500 SKUs from more than 30 suppliers, the Cringleford branch has dedicated sustainability ambassadors who can provide resources, training and expertise on a range of sustainability topics. The launch presents another significant milestone on its transformation journey to bring the UK’s hard-working professional tradespeople what they need to grow their own businesses and to become the leading builders’ merchant in the UK. As part of its parent company STARK Building Materials UK’s ‘Trust in Better’ strategy, Jewson is implementing a comprehensive investment programme to optimise its branch network across the nation, including major refurbishment projects and investments in sustainability centres, such as the Cringleford branch. Matthew Handley, Category Innovation Manager at Jewson, says: “We know sustainability can be a daunting topic for many of our customers, but it also presents an opportunity to upskill and work towards a greener future for the industry. We’re making it easy for customers to meet requirements such as the Future Homes Standard, by offering a wide range of products and by sharing our own knowledge. “Our in-house sustainability ambassadors have been specially trained to guide our customers through everything, from material selection to installation advice. We are also partnering with our suppliers to deliver expert-led sessions and practical workshops from the sustainability centre, helping our customers to build sustainably, with confidence.” Connor Laskey, Branch Manager at Jewson, says: “I’m proud to be launching Jewson’s first sustainability centre from the Cringleford branch, bringing the region’s builders everything they need for a greener future, right here in Norwich. I’m looking forward to welcoming local tradespeople, businesses and partners to the new-look branch, where our expert team is on hand to talk through the latest products and services for a more sustainable future.” The sustainability centre is open now at Newmarket Road, Cringleford, Norwich, from 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 12pm on a Saturday. Jewson’s Building for the Future product range – formerly known as the Making Better Homes range – is also available nationwide via www.jewson.co.uk/building-for-the-future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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GAP Hire Solutions Expands Hoist Services with 2T GEDA Hoists

GAP Hire Solutions Expands Hoist Services with 2T GEDA Hoists

GAP Hire Solutions, the UK’s largest independent hire company, has launched its new Hoist Services Brochure, showcasing an expanded range of lifting solutions designed to improve efficiency, safety, and productivity on construction sites. With demand for reliable hoisting solutions at an all-time high, GAP has strengthened its offering with a comprehensive selection of GEDA construction hoists capable of lifting up to two tonnes or transporting up to seven people. These high-performance hoists provide construction teams with the power, precision, and reliability needed for modern projects, ensuring seamless vertical transportation while reducing downtime and enhancing site safety. GAP’s specialist hoisting division operates nationwide, providing full installation, maintenance, and expert support to meet the varied demands of construction sites across the UK. Karen Greenshields, Managing Director – Technical and Environmental Services, commented, “This is another exciting development for GAP Hire Solutions. We own more than 100 of our depots nationally and remain family-owned. This allows us to plan for the long term with the flexibility to continue to diversify and meet our customers’ demands, which is unique in our industry. Hoist Services is the latest example of GAP’s commitment to investment in people, premises and products. We have been delivering lifting and up to 850kg hoisting solutions for over 10 years, so bringing a fleet of new Goods and Passenger Hoists up to 2T into the market is exciting for both our customers and our expanding Hoist Services Team.” Explore GAP’s brand-new Hoist Services Brochure here. For more details, contact GAP on 03330 094 096 or email hoist.services@gap-group.co.uk.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Scottish heat pump rollout falling behind: Urgent action needed, says Federation

Scottish heat pump rollout falling behind: Urgent action needed, says Federation

Plumbing and Heating Federation warns funding delays and high electricity costs are stalling Scotland’s decarbonisation progress The Plumbing and Heating Federation has raised concerns over the slow pace of heat pump installations following newly released Freedom of Information figures. Data from the Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant and Loan Scheme and the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Landlord Loan Scheme reveal that fewer than 9,000 heat pumps have been installed since 2019. Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of the Plumbing and Heating Federation, said: “While it is encouraging to see growing numbers of homeowners and landlords making the switch to clean heating solutions, the Scottish Government’s ambition of over one million homes converted to low or zero-emission heat by 2030 is simply not achievable under current conditions. The data highlights the urgent need for clearer policy direction, greater financial certainty and stronger industry support.” Financial strain on installers must be addressed The Federation has also raised serious concerns over the Home Energy Scotland scheme’s payment structure, which places a heavy financial burden on installers. Many installers must absorb substantial upfront costs, leading to cash-flow pressures and administrative challenges that threaten business sustainability. “Installers are at the heart of Scotland’s green heating transition, but they need a stable, transparent funding framework to remain viable. Addressing cash-flow pressures and streamlining payments is critical to scaling up heat pump adoption at the pace required.”, said Hodgson She added: “Today’s CBI report highlights the significant economic benefits of investing in the net zero economy. In Scotland alone, the sector contributes £9.1 billion, 4.9% of the country’s total GV, and supports nearly one in 25 Scottish workers. However, the financial strain of this transition cannot fall solely on already stretched businesses, especially as they face mounting pressures, including the upcoming National Insurance hike.” ‘Spark gap’ must be closed to drive consumer uptake and confidence Beyond funding and administrative hurdles, the Federation is calling for urgent action on the wider policy challenge of energy pricing. The significant disparity, known as the ‘spark gap’, between electricity and gas costs remains a major barrier to heat pump adoption. Fiona Hodgson, concluded: “Even with various funding schemes, the fundamental cost imbalance between electricity and fossil-fuel heating remains a deterrent for households. Closing the spark gap will require close coordination between Westminster and the devolved administrations. “Only by working together can we provide the financial incentives and market certainty needed to boost consumer confidence and achieve Scotland’s net-zero targets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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£7.5m expansion scheme unveiled for Salford school to meet growing demand

£7.5m expansion scheme unveiled for Salford school to meet growing demand

A specialist school in Salford has unveiled plans for a £7.5m expansion scheme to meet growing demand. The project will enable Aim Habonim Special Educational Needs School in Broughton to increase pupil numbers from 75 to 125. It will involve creating a three-storey extension, which will more than double the school’s floor space from 1,500sq metres to 3,400sq metres, alongside a remodelling and refurbishment of the existing building. Aim Habonim is an independent specialist day school which caters for Jewish children and young adults aged four to 25 who are severely disabled or have profound and multiple learning difficulties and autism. The school also offers childcare and early years provision. Planning permission has been granted by Salford City Council for the scheme, which school governors hope will begin next year. A large percentage of the cost has been raised and fundraising efforts are continuing to enable the project to be completed. The school was established on the site on Rigby Street in 2012. The current building is the former Broughton Library. David Leaman, chairman of governors, said Aim Habonim has outgrown its existing premises and has bought vacant neighbouring land to develop its facilities across the two plots and provide room for future growth. He said: “We currently have insufficient space to cater for growing demand in the community to meet the needs of children whose requirements cannot be met by mainstream schooling. “Our new, purpose-built modern facility will increase the number of our teaching and therapy spaces and will include a hydrotherapy pool, sensory rooms, provision for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, oxygen therapy, a gym, quiet rooms, one-to-one reading rooms and music rooms, with the goal of helping the children with their physical and mental development and to maximise their potential. “There will also be greatly improved staff facilities and support spaces, including a new reception area, staff rooms, meeting spaces, dining and food preparation facilities where pupils can learn about healthy food and culinary skills, and a school hall. “The expansion and refurbishment of the school will greatly enhance the delivery of education and therapy for the pupils, and some of the facilities will be offered for community use, outside of school hours.” The new extension will be developed in phase one of the scheme. It will be built in red brickwork and the façade will feature colours and patterns in keeping with the natural colours and textures of nearby Kersal Wetlands and Kersal Dale. Phase two will involve the refurbishment of the existing building and a new single-storey extension, plus external works such as landscaping, the creation of play spaces and a sensory garden, a nature garden and tree planting. The expanded site will also feature additional parking spaces, a bus drop-off area and a covered zone for cycle stands. Hawkins\Brown is the architect for the scheme, and the team of professionals also includes Civitas Planning, C4 Projects, Curtins and Waterman Group. Mr Leaman added: “The dedicated new premises and refurbishment are going to transform the performance and landscape of special needs education and care in the community. “The school has set sterling standards and this project will enable us to set the bar even higher and be of even greater benefit to our precious children.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Landlord licensing extends to 1,900 more properties across Manchester

Landlord licensing extends to 1,900 more properties across Manchester

Selective Licensing is one way that cities can drive up standards in privately rented properties – a key priority for Manchester City Council.   Since 2017, more than 3,500 homes across the city have been fully licensed making sure that those homes are safer and better managed for the tenants living in the properties.   Now, from this week (week commencing 24 Feburary) the owners and managing agents of 1,863 more flats and houses will be required to be apply for a landlord licence that will make sure these homes meet the necessary safety requirements, have the correct gas and electrical safety certification, and that they can demonstrate good management standards.  Currently, private sector homes have fewer regulations protecting residents and Selective Licensing provides Councils to require landlords of all private rented properties to obtain a license in a particular area and is intended to address the impact of poor-quality housing.   Following public consultation, licensing can be introduced if an area is experiencing significant and persistent problems caused by antisocial behaviour (including environmental and waste management issues), poor property conditions, high levels of migration, high levels of deprivation, high levels of crime, low housing demand – or is likely to become such an area.  For the latest designated licensing areas, the Council has specifically targeted homes on the basis of property condition and antisocial behaviour linked to waste management problems.  The new licensing schemes across six Manchester wards, include:   Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said:   “We know that there are currently fewer regulations and therefore less protection against poor housing in the private sector than other forms of rental homes – such as social rent properties. This means that there a minority of landlords who we have found do not take the responsibility for their property, the safety of their tenants, nor the impact of their property on the wider community seriously enough.    “This is by no means every landlord and most work hard to make sure the properties they let are safe and of a good standard. But Selective Licensing is one of the ways we can hold landlords that don’t to account and drive up standards for our residents.    “We believe that everyone in Manchester deserves a safe and secure home. This is a basic right and through Selective Licensing we can work directly with landlords and their tenants to make sure this is their reality.  “And we are seeing the impact of our interventions, and more than 3,550 homes have already been licensed, removing 1,700 hazards from Manchester’s private sector homes that would otherwise still be a blight on tenants in the city.”  Impact of previous licensing schemes  Enforcement Action on non-compliant landlords    Enforcement action has been undertaken where necessary to target landlords who have failed to comply with the licensing scheme and notices to improve property conditions.    So far, these include:    Find out more about Selective Licensing  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Europe’s largest cloud and AI data centre gets approved

Europe’s largest cloud and AI data centre gets approved

DC01UK’s planning application for a new state-of-the-art data centre has recently been approved by Hertsmere Borough Council’s planning committee. The new facility has been given the green light just one week after the Government launched its AI Opportunities Action Plan. The Plan outlines the economic growth opportunities presented by the AI revolution, in which new data centres will play a pivotal role. The new Plan sets out long term plans for AI infrastructure needs, mitigates sustainability and includes security considerations for AI infrastructure. Last September, DC01UK’s planning application was widely reported on, when it featured exclusively in the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology’s announcement of the sector-wide reclassification of data centres as Critical National Infrastructure, which significantly bolstered the importance of data centres within the UK. DC01UK, when built, will be Europe’s largest cloud and AI data centre, with up to two million square feet of space, and the location of the data centre brings together the key pillars needed to fulfil the existing cloud shortfall and cater for the large increase in demand expected in future years. This includes a power reservation of 400MVA from National Grid, owing to its proximity to the Elstree (Letchmore Heath) substation and proximity to national and international fibre optic routes as well as nearby Availability Zones in the region. Economic projections estimate the construction value of the project at £3.75bn with a year-round generation of £21.4m in business rates once the data centre is operational. The positive economic impact of the data centre would also see the creation of 500 skilled on-site jobs during the construction phase, 200 permanent, skilled jobs once up and running and a further 13,740 indirect jobs, 10,900 of which would be in the South East. DC01UK is also estimated to generate approximately £1.1 billion per annum GVA (Gross Value Added) indirectly per year. This landscape-led scheme is set in 85 acres of grounds, 54 per cent of which will be retained as green, open space, with a 10 per cent net biodiversity gain. The approved plans also include a suite of local benefits, including the confirmed expansion of the local cycle hire programme, £2m of upgrades for new and existing bus routes, and improvements to cycle paths, footpaths and crossings. There is also a significant financial contribution to local employment skills and opportunities included within the plans. A spokesperson for DC01UK, commenting on their successful planning application, said: “We want to thank Hertsmere Borough Council for their open and pragmatic approach to DC01UK’s plans. They understand our ambition for both the project and the borough. It will bring huge benefits for local people through a stronger local economy, more skilled jobs and better opportunities. Our plans also include a raft of upgrades for local transport, including new and existing bus routes, expansion of the local cycle hire scheme and road improvements. “This approval will also solidify Hertsmere’s status as a leading region in the South East as a tech and media superhub, complementing other established, large technology-driven organisations and film studios in the area. “With planning for this important piece of Critical National Infrastructure now approved, the site stands ready to power the needs of tomorrow bringing a much-welcomed boost to the UK’s digital economy. “Our plan will put Hertfordshire at the epicentre of the new data centre revolution, as well as creating £3.75bn for the economy during construction and almost 14,000 indirect jobs once operational.” Minister for Telecoms, Sir Chris Bryant MP, said: “Data centres are the beating hearts of this modern age, powering the digital infrastructure that we can no longer live without. “That is why I am thrilled to see that Hertsmere Council has granted planning permission to one of the largest data centre projects in Europe. “Data centres like this will not only play a pivotal role in our AI Opportunities Action Plan, but drive economic growth through the creation of skilled jobs across the South East.” Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council and Chair of the Hertfordshire Growth Board, said: “This is a momentous development for our borough. Hertsmere has cleared the way to becoming the home of a data centre which will be integral to serving Britain with cutting-edge technology. It’ll be a piece of critical national infrastructure needed for many generations to come. “The project, which is aligned with the council’s vision, is set to deliver hugely significant growth and economic benefits for the area, creating jobs during and after the construction phase, as well as new businesses. This news clearly reinforces Hertsmere’s status as an extremely attractive location for business and industry, with a reputation that is getting even stronger. “The data centre will provide critical synergies for our significant local film and TV sector, with three major sets of studios in Borehamwood. “The Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, which was announced earlier this month, shows the impact that the AI revolution is likely to have for many years to come and data centres, such as this, will play a major part. “While outline planning permission has been granted, we will, of course, continue to listen to and engage with residents about these exciting plans as more details are firmed up. As I’ve said before, I’m sure local people will see the massive value this development could bring to our area.” Stephen Beard, Head of Data Centres at Knight Frank who is advising on the project, said: “DC01UK is a first of its kind. The largest data centre development in Europe in the world’s second largest market, which is perfectly positioned in its ability to service the ever-increasing cloud demand today whilst accommodating the AI needs of tomorrow. A first and great example of the UK’s shift towards becoming a dominant superpower in cloud, AI and general digital infrastructure.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Aldi to Pump £67m into Store Upgrades in 2025

Aldi to Pump £67m into Store Upgrades in 2025

Aldi is set to invest £67 million into upgrading its existing stores in 2025, aiming to enhance the shopping experience for customers across the UK. The supermarket chain, which has already poured nearly £700 million into store improvements since 2017, plans to create more space for fresh, chilled, and food-to-go ranges. The revamp will also introduce simpler layouts, improved fixtures, and energy-efficient LED lighting. Shoppers can expect further in-store enhancements, including upgraded bakery sections, revamped health and beauty aisles, and improved CO2 refrigeration systems. Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, said: “Aldi’s £67 million investment is a major step forward in our commitment to delivering an even better shopping experience for our customers across Britain. “Building on the success of our previous upgrades, we’re enhancing store layouts as part of our dedication to providing customers with more sustainable stores, convenience, and an improved shopping experience nationwide.” This announcement follows Aldi’s recent pledge to invest £650 million in opening new stores across the UK in 2025. Locations set to benefit from new stores include Fulham Broadway in London, Billericay in Essex, and Cheadle in Stoke-on-Trent. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Arbtech calls for an environmental ‘Data Hub’ to speed up the planning process

Arbtech calls for an environmental ‘Data Hub’ to speed up the planning process

By Robert Oates, CEO of leading UK ecology consultancy, Arbtech Having spent the last few weeks providing responses to the Government’s Planning Reform working paper ‘Development and Nature Recovery’ both in writing and in person at the House of Lords, one opportunity we keep pressing is the need for greater knowledge sharing and the exploitation of technology to drive decision quality. Any new measures to assist the process of simplifying the ecology workstream for developers to speed up housing delivery will depend heavily on the readiness of accurate data, and AI certainly has a part to play. Having worked with tens of thousands of developers around the UK for the past 20 years, we know that it’s not necessarily the requirement for ecological assessments that causes frustration, but rather the delays and uncertainty that often accompanies the processing of assessments once they have been submitted. In order for the right decisions to be made there has to be detailed baseline data across planning authorities so that the impacts of a particular development can be accurately assessed.  Presently, Ministers are claiming that bats and newts are “blockers” to development, but there is a lack of clarity on where that information is coming from. In the last five years there have been almost 2,000,000 planning applications made. That is a colossal amount of data, all in the public domain, that is completely untapped. This data could be used to help drive up the quality of decision making and speed up policy reform. By having a model with all the data linked to particular planning applications, a ‘super baseline’ could be created to understand the matrix of species and habitats within each LPA, using the best available evidence. At Arbtech, we have existing proprietary data (taken from 12,000 planning applications in 2024 alone) that could be made available to speed up the creation of the new super-baseline understanding for decision makers; an essential pre-requisite for any change, let alone radical reforms. This is where AI will be a game changer. For example, it could be mandated that all ecology reports contain a strictly formatted summary appendix that a machine learning tool could easily exploit the constant stream of fresh data as it is generated by the sector. This would greatly assist data collection. In fact, at Arbtech we are developing an AI application to translate all our data into actional insights for the public and private sectors in the hope that this will speed up the planning process and avoid preventable outcomes such as the irreversible decline of habitats and species. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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