The City of Edinburgh Council’s retrofit project has taken a major step forward this month with the submission of a planning application by Collective Architecture. Built in the 1960s and now designated as Category A listed buildings, Cables Wynd House and Linksview House collectively provide 310 homes, the majority of
Major milestone reached in the next phase of the Merrion Centre’s evolution Leeds-based property investor and developer, Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), has received planning approval from Leeds City Council for a landmark student accommodation scheme at the Merrion Centre, further cementing the centre’s position as a dynamic, mixed-use city
The Government’s £39 billion Affordable Homes Programme signals a long-term approach to tackling the housing crisis. However, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) warns that, without sufficient planning capacity and access to specialist training, the delivery of sustainable, community-focused places remains at risk. Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the
The Prime Minister has announced a new AI-powered tool, “Extract,” aimed at streamlining administrative processes within the planning system and supporting the delivery of 1.5 million homes over the next Parliament. Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute, said: “While AI tools can help alleviate the
A major regeneration scheme to transform a neglected part of Northampton town centre has taken a significant step forward, as West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and ECF – a joint venture between Legal & General, Homes England, and Muse – have formally entered into a Development Agreement to deliver the Greyfriars
Oxford City Council has approved plans for a new, modern community centre in the heart of Blackbird Leys. The council’s planning committee gave the go-ahead on Tuesday 20 May, paving the way for construction to begin later this year. The new centre is part of a broader redevelopment of the
Cambridge City Council has released updated plans for its Civic Quarter project, which aims to transform three of the city centre’s key landmarks, the Cambridge Market, Corn Exchange, and Guildhall, into more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable spaces. The public is now invited to give feedback on the revised proposals ahead
Keyland Seeks To Deliver 150 New Homes Including Innovative Self-Build Keyland Developments Ltd, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister-company to Yorkshire Water, is seeking consent from North Yorkshire Authority to deliver an innovative new housing development centred around its sustainable approach to development. The plans for 150
The House Builders Association (HBA), the housebuilding division of the National Federation of Builders (NFB) has reignited its campaign for the planning system to adopt five clear site size definitions, replacing the current, arbitrary ones of ‘Minor’ (one to ten homes) and ‘Major’ (ten and above). Richard Beresford, Chief Executive
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has confirmed the delivery of 284 new energy-efficient homes in Enfield, as part of a development on land at North Middlesex University Hospital. The project, being delivered in partnership with Vistry Group and the Hyde Group, is the latest milestone in the Mayor’s ongoing
The City of Edinburgh Council’s retrofit project has taken a major step forward this month with the submission of a planning application by Collective Architecture. Built in the 1960s and now designated as Category A listed buildings, Cables Wynd House and Linksview House collectively provide 310 homes, the majority of which are owned by the Council for social rent. These landmark buildings have served generations of residents, and this project represents a significant investment in securing their future as safe, high-quality homes. The proposed works are being driven by the need to meet the Scottish Government’s Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing – EESSH2. Achieving compliance will require substantial upgrades to both the building fabric and mechanical systems. Alongside this, the Council has identified the opportunity to deliver wider improvements that will bring the buildings in line with modern new-build standards. Key elements of the proposal include: Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Lezley Marion Cameron said: I am delighted that the proposals for the Council’s £69 million investment in Cables Wynd House and Linksview House have now been submitted to the CEC Planning Service, setting out our plans to make our residents’ homes safer, more comfortable and more energy efficient. Cables Wynd and Linksview House residents have long campaigned for this much needed and substantive investment in their homes to happen. Their influence and input into our consultation sessions have shaped these proposals and is hugely valued. I look forward to continuing this positive engagement with Cables Wynd and Linksview House residents and Leith Ward Councillors as the project progresses. Carl Baker, Architect, Certified Passivhaus Designer – Collective Architecture said: Collective Architecture is proud to be working with The City of Edinburgh Council on the retrofit of Cables Wynd House and Linksview House. Our proposals place residents at the heart of the process, aiming to provide greener, warmer homes, while celebrating and sensitively enhancing the unique character of the Category A listed buildings. As part of a just transition, our carefully considered interventions will improve the thermal and environmental performance of the iconic structures – boosting energy efficiency and alleviating the risk of fuel poverty. As with many of our projects, meaningful resident engagement has been central to the design process and will remain a key focus through the final design stage and into construction. Subject to planning approval, the Council will continue to engage closely with residents throughout the design and construction process, ensuring their needs remain at the heart of the project. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Major milestone reached in the next phase of the Merrion Centre’s evolution Leeds-based property investor and developer, Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), has received planning approval from Leeds City Council for a landmark student accommodation scheme at the Merrion Centre, further cementing the centre’s position as a dynamic, mixed-use city destination. The approved plans will see the transformation of Wade House, a 13-storey vacant 1960s office building, into high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation. In addition, the scheme includes a striking new 37-storey new build tower on the adjacent ‘100MC’ site. Together, the buildings will deliver 1,039 student bedrooms in a mix of studio and cluster apartments, complemented by a host of best-in-class amenities, including residents’ lounges, co-working and meeting spaces, a cinema, gym, karaoke room, external terraces, and secure cycle spaces. This exciting project marks the first time in its 61-year history that the Merrion Centre will incorporate residential use, reflecting TCS’s long-term strategy to diversify and future-proof the estate. Craig Burrow, Group Property Director for TCS, commented: “We are delighted that resolution to grant planning approval has now been received for our proposed scheme at the Merrion Centre, marking a significant milestone in the continued evolution of this iconic city centre destination. “It has been over three years since our initial pre-application discussions began, and we have worked closely with Leeds City Council and key stakeholders throughout to carefully refine the design and ensure the scheme is both sensitive and sustainable. “We are proud to be repurposing Wade House in a way that respects its heritage, while unlocking the opportunity to provide high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation that will support Leeds’ growing population. This development is a vital part of our long-term vision to further diversify the Merrion estate, continuing to evolve our retail, leisure, office and now residential offering to meet the changing needs of the city.” Edward Ziff, Chairman and Chief Executive of TCS, added: “The approval of this significant scheme is a pivotal step in our journey to further enhance the Merrion Centre. We have consistently evolved the estate to meet the demands of the city, and this next phase represents a natural progression in our commitment to delivering a vibrant, sustainable mixed-use destination at the heart of Leeds.” The Merrion Centre, which originally opened in 1964, remains one of Leeds’ busiest and most iconic destinations, welcoming over 9 million internal visitors in 2024. The centre offers over 100 retail, office, and leisure units, as well as direct proximity to the first direct Arena and key transport links. This latest scheme builds on TCS’s continued investment in the Merrion estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Government’s £39 billion Affordable Homes Programme signals a long-term approach to tackling the housing crisis. However, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) warns that, without sufficient planning capacity and access to specialist training, the delivery of sustainable, community-focused places remains at risk. Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “The Government has shown a serious commitment to addressing the housing crisis with long-term investment to deliver the homes communities across the UK urgently need. However, planning must be recognised not only as a key policy lever but also as a profession that requires sustained investment to help achieve these commitments. “While the overall increase in local authority core spending power is welcome, it does not guarantee the funding needed for planning services. Targeted investment in planning teams is essential to meet growing demand and deliver on national priorities. “We support the strong focus on education and training, but the key issues around resourcing are only exacerbated by the restriction of funding for Level 7 Apprenticeships to those aged 16 – 21. This will result in the loss of up to 200 future planners a year from RTPI-accredited universities. “With the profession already facing severe skills shortages, it is vital that access to advanced and specialist training, including postgraduate routes, remains open to both new entrants and those looking to upskill.” The RTPI also highlighted the importance of ensuring funding settlements for devolved governments translate into meaningful investment in planning, particularly in areas like Scotland and Wales where local authority capacity is under severe strain. The Institute welcomes the significant investment in public service delivery in Northern Ireland. But notes that infrastructure investment across the nations must also be matched by planning resource if delivery goals are to be achieved. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Prime Minister has announced a new AI-powered tool, “Extract,” aimed at streamlining administrative processes within the planning system and supporting the delivery of 1.5 million homes over the next Parliament. Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute, said: “While AI tools can help alleviate the pressures of a planner’s day-to-day work, they must support, not replace, planners’ local discretion, expertise, and judgement in decision-making processes. “We welcome the use of AI to make admin tasks faster and more efficient, build sound and consistent evidence bases for Local Plans, and free up planners to focus their time and expertise where it is needed most. “Planning decisions require professional expertise to consider subjective, creative and complex considerations. Whilst AI tools no doubt have a helpful part to play, they can be no substitute for professional advice, common sense and emotional intelligence. There’s no value in processing applications more quickly if the developments that follow are low-quality.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major regeneration scheme to transform a neglected part of Northampton town centre has taken a significant step forward, as West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and ECF – a joint venture between Legal & General, Homes England, and Muse – have formally entered into a Development Agreement to deliver the Greyfriars project. The Greyfriars project will see the creation of over 1,000 new homes, green spaces, cultural destinations, and commercial offerings across a 25-acre site. Designed to revitalise the heart of Northampton, the development aims to foster a vibrant, inclusive, and well-connected community that supports economic growth, sustainability, and a stronger sense of place. The regeneration area covers key sites including the former Greyfriars Bus Station, Mayorhold and Victoria Street Car Parks, the Corn Exchange, Belgrave House, and the East and West Islands. Plans include a mix of affordable, build-to-rent, and student housing, along with shops, cafés, restaurants, and leisure facilities to help create a thriving urban neighbourhood. A standout feature of the scheme is the proposed landmark public realm, featuring an outdoor amphitheatre and renewed green spaces designed to enhance Northampton’s cultural life. Improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure will better connect Greyfriars to the wider town and promote sustainable travel options. The economic impact of the scheme is expected to be substantial, with up to 7,000 full-time equivalent jobs created during construction and over £1 billion in economic value generated. Once completed, the development is projected to increase annual local spending by £21 million, delivering long-term benefits for residents and businesses throughout West Northamptonshire. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Oxford City Council has approved plans for a new, modern community centre in the heart of Blackbird Leys. The council’s planning committee gave the go-ahead on Tuesday 20 May, paving the way for construction to begin later this year. The new centre is part of a broader redevelopment of the District Centre, being delivered by Peabody in partnership with Oxford City Council. The wider regeneration project includes 294 new affordable homes, improved retail spaces, enhanced green areas, and upgraded roads and cycle infrastructure. Designed to serve as a hub for local residents, the purpose-built community centre will feature three large halls, office spaces and inviting communal areas. Capable of hosting up to 800 visitors, the centre aims to support a wide range of activities and services, from advice and wellbeing support to community events and celebrations. The development will also introduce a new public square with play areas, a rain garden, accessible equipment and public art. Local residents will have opportunities to contribute to the final design of the artwork, reinforcing the project’s community-led approach. The new community centre has been shaped through extensive public engagement, including exhibitions, walkabouts, and design sessions, ensuring it reflects the needs and aspirations of the Blackbird Leys community. It will be owned and operated by Oxford City Council. This latest decision builds on the planning committee’s earlier approval of the wider regeneration masterplan in 2023. The transformation of Blackbird Leys is being delivered in two phases, bringing new homes to Knights Road and the District Centre, alongside major investment in local infrastructure and public spaces. Construction of the first homes is already well under way, with residents expected to move in from summer 2025. Work on the new community centre is scheduled to begin later this year, with the building due for interior fit-out in 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cambridge City Council has released updated plans for its Civic Quarter project, which aims to transform three of the city centre’s key landmarks, the Cambridge Market, Corn Exchange, and Guildhall, into more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable spaces. The public is now invited to give feedback on the revised proposals ahead of a planning application expected in late 2025. The updates follow a round of community engagement held in summer 2024 and reflect public input on how best to enhance these much-loved heritage sites while ensuring they remain vibrant, functional, and environmentally responsible. Cambridge Market The latest proposals continue to support a thriving seven-day market with a combination of permanent and demountable stalls, the latter to offer flexibility based on trader demand. Demountable stalls will be trialled with traders in the coming weeks. The plans include new covered seating areas to provide shelter and comfort. In response to earlier concerns about anti-social behaviour, the size of the canopy has been reduced, and additional lighting has been proposed to improve safety. An underground bin storage area will help declutter the space, while the square is also set to host small-scale cultural events like outdoor film screenings and themed markets. Importantly, the existing fountain—originally slated for removal—will now be retained and restored, and the wider area will see increased planting to boost biodiversity. Corn Exchange The Corn Exchange is set to benefit from energy-saving upgrades, including insulation and solar panels, as well as full accessibility throughout the venue. Improved sound quality and updated audiovisual systems are part of the plan to meet higher standards for performers and audiences alike. More concessions and bar areas will be introduced to reduce queues and expand food and drink options. Event capacity will also increase to allow for larger audiences and a broader range of events. The Guildhall The Grade II-listed Guildhall will be conserved and upgraded to operate at net zero carbon, following EnerPHit standards. This includes the installation of Air Source Heat Pumps and solar panels. On the ground floor, a new customer service centre and a public café will be introduced, along with a Changing Places toilet to improve accessibility. The Council Chamber, currently hampered by fixed furniture and limited accessibility, will be made more flexible and inclusive. The historic furniture will be retained for use elsewhere in the building, and the reconfigured space will accommodate future needs such as increased councillor numbers and varied community use. Workspaces for council staff, commercial tenants, and bookable public rooms are planned across the other floors. Modern yet sensitive updates will also be made to the large and small halls to enhance their usability. Responding to community concerns, a previously suggested hotel development within the Guildhall has been removed from the latest proposal. The council is inviting residents to view the detailed plans and provide feedback by Sunday 22 June. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Keyland Seeks To Deliver 150 New Homes Including Innovative Self-Build Keyland Developments Ltd, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister-company to Yorkshire Water, is seeking consent from North Yorkshire Authority to deliver an innovative new housing development centred around its sustainable approach to development. The plans for 150 homes in Pickering, North Yorkshire include a mix of housing to deliver a diverse and inclusive community. The circa 12.4 acre site is located north of Whitby Road on the north-eastern edge of the market town of Pickering between existing communities and a new county park. The vacant site has been identified by Keyland as prime for a high-quality, sustainable development guided by its ‘Six Capital’s’ approach ensuring positive environmental, social and economic outcomes. The masterplan has been devised by award-winning architects Tate + Co, whose past projects include working with The Eden Project, and seeks to create a holistic community and sustainable development of 150 homes including areas of public space and a large-scale ‘green corridor’ for Pickering. The proposed housing mix of 1-4 bed homes includes SME builder plots, self/custom-build opportunities and volume-built homes to reflect a forward-thinking approach to housing delivery. This innovative strategy is aimed at supporting local builders, encouraging architectural diversity and meeting a wide range of needs including up to 35% affordable housing. Matthew Turnbull, Land & Planning Manager at Keyland, said; “Following our recent community consultations, this development represents a significant opportunity to deliver much-needed new homes for the Pickering area. The sensitive and sustainable design supports inclusive community growth, promotes active and healthy lifestyles, enhances ecological networks and positively contributes to Pickering’s economic and social fabric. We look forward to receiving feedback on our plans which we are confident will make a valuable and lasting addition to the town.” Laurence Pinnfire, Director at Tate + Co, added; “Working to Keyland’s ‘Blueprint for development’, the proposed scheme will be an exemplar of sustainable design. Demonstrating our commitment to Regenerative Architecture, the sympathetic masterplan takes into account the nature of the site, the character of its surroundings and the location’s existing areas of biodiversity to create a diverse and inclusive, community environment. New green links will provide improved connections with the local town and new county park. The masterplan will also deliver high-quality, ecological habitat. The team here at Tate + Co is delighted to be part of such an important – and positive – project for North Yorkshire.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The House Builders Association (HBA), the housebuilding division of the National Federation of Builders (NFB) has reignited its campaign for the planning system to adopt five clear site size definitions, replacing the current, arbitrary ones of ‘Minor’ (one to ten homes) and ‘Major’ (ten and above). Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the NFB, said: “In order to build 1.5 million new homes and save our SME builders, we need a planning system that is fit for purpose, prioritises placemaking, and enables builders of all sizes. Our proposal for five different site sizes based on development impact would end the arbitrary, problematic two site size approach and aligns with what is already going on in local planning, while ensuring the Government’s planning reforms can deliver growth and good planning outcomes.” In 2018, the HBA was successful in inserting a paragraph into the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to support small and medium-size sites. However, with the then Conservative government focusing on tweaks rather than reforms, the HBA scaled back it’s ask to a ‘Medium’ sized site of between 10 and 50 homes. Although this was never taken up by the Conservative government, the term ‘medium’ was added to the NPPF, alongside a site size of ‘up to one hectare.’ NPPF reforms did not achieve their intended ambition. Data shows an increasing reliance on large site allocations, while non-allocated ‘windfall’ sites, typically under one hundred homes, are not given as great planning focus, however they can make up more than 50% of new local supply. To address this, the NFB and HBA are calling for the following site sizes to be included in planning policy: Rico Wojtulewicz, Head of Policy and Market Insight for the NFB, said: “Smaller sites of 1 to 10 homes support projects best targeting local demand. Sites of 10 to 50 are focused on organic growth. Sites of fifty to one hundred support almost all SMEs and do not greatly impact existing infrastructure. Meanwhile sites of 100 to 249 and 250+, whether urban or rural, create a threshold which ensures planners can strategically build out their communities or boundaries. Different site sizes also allow planning reform to avoid unintended consequences, such as making planning more expensive for SMEs, creating more burdens for non-allocated sites, or to target support, for example streamlining planning for sites creating the lowest levels of local impact. Although redefining site size is not a silver bullet to fix planning, it ensures that from the outset the system and reforms are set up to succeed, so we can achieve a planning system that supports better placemaking and recognises the value of all builders, whether micro, small or large.” The NFB’s ‘Size Matters’ report will available in the ‘Research and Political’ section of Ask NFB https://ask-nfb.builders.org.uk/documents-category/research-and-political/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has confirmed the delivery of 284 new energy-efficient homes in Enfield, as part of a development on land at North Middlesex University Hospital. The project, being delivered in partnership with Vistry Group and the Hyde Group, is the latest milestone in the Mayor’s ongoing drive to tackle the capital’s housing crisis. The homes will be a mix of social rent and shared ownership, set within a development that includes low-rise flats and terraced properties ranging from one to four bedrooms. “I’m determined to do everything in my power to make housing more affordable and sustainable for Londoners, which is why I’m partnering with Vistry Group to deliver 284 new homes at North Middlesex University Hospital – a 100 per cent genuinely affordable housing scheme,” said the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. “In addition to delivering much needed new homes, this landmark development will feature new green spaces and first-class community facilities – including a nursery and café – serving not only future residents, but the wider community as a whole. “Tackling housing pressures in the capital and delivering affordable new homes for Londoners remains a top priority for me as we work together to build a better, fairer London for everyone.” The homes will meet high standards of energy efficiency and design, including triple glazing, dual aspect layouts, and advanced ventilation systems. They will be connected to Enfield’s new borough-wide low-carbon energy network, which removes the need for individual boilers and is expected to reduce energy costs for residents. In addition to housing, the scheme will provide 1,500 square metres of green space, a community café, nursery, and a 3,000 square metre office building to support local jobs and services. The development is designed to integrate with the hospital campus and benefit the wider community. Kevin Delve, Managing Director of Vistry East London, said: “We are thrilled to partner with the GLA and Hyde to deliver 284 homes in Enfield, of which 100% will be affordable, meeting a crucial need for high-quality housing. “Drawing on our extensive experience in delivering transformational residential-led projects in London, this mixed-use development will not only provide much-needed homes but also new office space. “We will also deliver a new park, café, and nursery, ensuring long-term benefits for the wider community and helping to create a thriving, well-connected place for people to live and work.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
