The comprehensive transformation of a major site on London’s Oxford Street, designed by KPF, has received the green light from Westminster City Council. The Strategic Planning Committee unanimously resolved to grant planning permission for the scheme at its meeting last night. The redevelopment, designed by KPF for Berkeley Estate Asset Management (BEAM), involves the former BHS and UAL College of Fashion site. The plans will deliver state-of-the-art office accommodation, flagship retail units, and flexible cultural space. The design strategically combines innovative retrofitting with new construction, retaining over half of the existing structure. This approach aligns directly with Westminster City Council’s emerging ‘retrofit-first’ policy and serves as a strong guardian of embodied carbon. The completed building will be fully electric and net-zero aligned, and will feature over 1,000 cycle parking spaces, underpinning its commitment to environmental sustainability. The new workplace environment is intended to attract top talent and support high levels of productivity, wellbeing, and sustainability. Key features include nearly 23,000 sq ft of terraces offering panoramic views across London. John Bushell, KPF Principal, expressed his delight at the decision: “We are delighted to have received unanimous planning approval for 33 Cavendish Square. This development will be a distinctive expression of everything that makes the West End exceptional: world-class retail on one of the world’s most iconic shopping streets, cultural spaces designed to host events from major product launches to conferences, and contemporary workspaces that continue to attract and inspire leading businesses. It will enhance the area’s long-standing reputation for creativity, commerce and culture, delivering lasting benefits for businesses, residents and visitors alike.” Mr Bushell further detailed the design philosophy: “33 Cavendish Square is a thoroughly modern building, designed to resonate with the best of the large buildings along Oxford Street, responding to their composition, scale and materiality. We carried out extensive analysis of the existing buildings to create a scheme that restores a coherent urban form and is an exemplary guardian of embodied carbon. This comprehensive agenda of keeping, adding to, improving, and reimagining the existing building has been an exciting process with a very productive dialogue with Westminster Planning officers and a wide expert team. At KPF, we believe this approach will play an increasingly significant part in the renewal of cities. 33 Cavendish Square will become a powerful exemplar of what this approach can achieve.” Construction works are currently anticipated to begin in 2029, with the development slated for completion in 2033. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A planning application has been submitted for a distinctive new neighbourhood at Northstowe that is set to become a national first: two cohousing communities delivered side-by-side as part of a planned new town. The unique development, designed by Mole Architects, is a project by the new joint venture between TOWN and The Hill Group, in partnership with Homes England (masterdeveloper for phases two and three of Northstowe). The neighbourhood will deliver 145 homes across four compact urban buildings. Crucially, 40% of the homes will be affordable, including Affordable Rent and Discount Market Sale. The new joint venture aims to scale the delivery of cohousing across the south of England, building on the success of the multi-award-winning Marmalade Lane cohousing neighbourhood in Orchard Park, also delivered by TOWN and Mole Architects. The Northstowe neighbourhood, situated near the emerging town centre, will include two distinct groups that have been deeply involved in a year-long codesign process: The design is centred around a car-free play street linking directly to the Greenway park. It is framed by shared gardens, play spaces, and two ‘common houses’—shared spaces where residents can cook, eat, and spend time together. The homes, which range from one to four bedrooms, are designed to be highly energy-efficient: The Cambridge Quality Panel praised the development as “a high-quality, innovative proposal that brings diversity and social richness to Northstowe.” Subject to consent, construction is expected to begin in summer 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Housebuilder Bellway has received detailed planning consent from Darlington Borough Council for the first phase of its new neighbourhood in the sought-after West End of Darlington. The consent permits Bellway to build 428 homes on the 56-acre site off Staindrop Road. The development, to be called Baydale Village, will include 300 homes for private sale and 128 affordable homes. This phase is part of a wider project to construct a neighbourhood of up to 985 properties, with proposed community facilities such as a GP surgery, a shop, sports pitches, and land allocated for a primary and early years school. Mark Gabriele, Head of Land for Bellway Durham, commented that Baydale Village is the largest project yet undertaken by Bellway Durham and is a “landmark moment.” He highlighted that the development will provide high-quality, modern, and energy-efficient homes, with 30 per cent of the properties designated as affordable homes for local people through low-cost rent, shared ownership, or the First Homes discounted sale scheme. The private homes will range from two- to five-bedroom designs and include 20 bungalows suitable for elderly purchasers or those with disabilities. Work is anticipated to start on site in December 2025, with the first homes expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The project is set to deliver a significant boost to the local economy by creating jobs and supporting local businesses. Baydale Village will feature extensive green open spaces and ponds. A commitment has been made to plant trees, mixed shrubs, and hedgerows to help provide wildlife habitats. Nest boxes, including swift boxes and sparrow/starling terraces, will be placed at more than 70 of the properties to increase the availability of nesting sites near open spaces. Baydale Village will be built by Bellway Durham and Ashberry Homes North East, which is part of the Bellway Group. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The largest element of funding needed to overhaul Plymouth Civic Centre has been secured, following the signing of a major grant agreement. Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency, signed a £18.4 million grant funding deal with Plymouth City Council. The agreement begins a busy spell ahead of a refreshed planning application, with residents encouraged to comment on proposals, get involved and share their stories about the landmark building. Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet Member for Finance and City Centre champion, said: “Complicated is an understatement when it comes to this project, but the goals are pretty simple and incredibly exciting for the city. “It’s about City College Plymouth creating a campus for up to 2,000 students, from school leavers to adult learners, to learn new skills. “It’s about creating 144 new homes within the tower as part our city vision to create thousands of new homes in the city centre. We want this landmark building to come to life once more. “The Civic Centre has always been a landmark of ambition. Once a beacon of post-war renewal, it has stood too long as a reminder of decline. Now, we have the chance to breathe new life into it. “This project is not simply about restoring a building, it is about securing the Civic Centre’s place at the heart of Plymouth’s future.” The Civic Centre scheme is part of a wider regeneration push to unlock thousands of new homes, enhance public spaces and build a resilient city centre economy. The investment is also framed as a vote of confidence in Plymouth’s future growth. A decision has been published to enter into the Brownfield Land and Infrastructure Agreement with Homes England. The funding, aimed at housing-led brownfield projects, will support remediation to bring the building to a stage where residential units can be fitted out and delivered by a private developer. The grant will fund concrete frame repairs and fire protection, strengthening of upper floors, roof works, new facades, and demolition and renovation of existing structures. An initial phase already under way has included identifying and removing asbestos-containing materials, vegetation clearance and improved on-site security, including replacement hoardings. This stage is due to complete shortly. Works will proceed in phases, with Phase 3 converting the block into residential apartments and an education centre for City College Plymouth. The Council plans to appoint a principal contractor before the end of the year to deliver the remediation programme. A package has been assembled from several public sources, including the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, the Future High Streets Fund, a District Heating Grant and the Council’s own borrowing. The Council said extensive legal and funding work had been progressing behind the scenes for months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

While planning reforms are positive steps forward, Lanpro planning professionals believe systemic challenges will prevent the government from meeting its 1.5 million homes target While two-thirds say that planning permission is harder to achieve than last year As World Town Planning Day approaches on Saturday 8 November, a new survey of planning professionals at Lanpro reveals a cautiously optimistic yet realistic view about the government’s housing ambitions, even as the Planning and Infrastructure Bill progresses through Parliament. Planning becomes more difficult  In the run-up to World Town Planning Day, Lanpro surveyed its planning team on two key questions: whether gaining planning permission has become easier or more difficult compared to this time last year, and whether the government will achieve its objective of delivering 1.5 million homes this Parliament. The results paint a sobering picture. More than half of respondents (62%) reported that it has become more challenging, principally due to the transitional period for changes to be reflected, to secure planning permissionthan a year ago. More strikingly, every single respondent believes the government will not achieve its 1.5 million homes target. This unanimous scepticism comes despite the government’s reform agenda. In her Scene Setter speech delivered this week ahead of the Autumn Budget on 26 November, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves acknowledged that planning reforms are expected to add £6.8bn to the economy over the next five years, but emphasised that “the next part – our planning bill – must complete its passage through Parliament before it can make a difference”. Demand-side measures needed to build confidence  Several respondents also stressed the need to balance supply-side planning reforms with demand-side interventions. “Many of the announcements by the government to achieve the 1.5 million new homes relate to supply-side solutions such as planning reform, which I agree are vital,” one noted. “However, this must be complemented by effective demand-side solutions to give the housing sector the confidence that the market exists for the homes to be delivered. Such demand-side policies must balance affordability whilst providing greater access to affordable lending and financial interventions for first-time buyers.” Support for first-time buyers was mentioned by multiple respondents as essential to creating market confidence. One policy change isn’t enough  When asked what single policy change would most effectively get development moving, Lanpro’s planners identified a range of interconnected barriers that no single reform can address. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill featured prominently in responses. One member of the team noted that if the Bill “truly reforms the planning and infrastructure system as intended, it could be a game-changer for unlocking development. But actual delivery and implementation will determine how successful it is.” Another simply urged: “Deliver on promises made around the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.” Resourcing pressures in local authorities  However, many emphasised that legislative change alone will not suffice without adequate resources to implement it. “There are not enough professional planners within local planning authorities (LPAs) to process applications,” one respondent observed. “The government should make sure it enforces its national scheme of delegation. Many schemes are being refused at committee despite officer approval and then getting overturned at appeal, sometimes with costs. This wastes time and money for all parties.” This resource challenge extends beyond planning teams to include other essential consultees, such as highways officers and environmental health officers, whose input is critical to the process but can be delayed due to capacity constraints. One respondent highlighted delays caused by statutory consultees, noting that: “The need for bodies such as Natural England, the Environment Agency, Highways England, Sport England and Lead Local Flood Authorities to be involved to the extent they are at present is problematic given their lack of resources and long response times.” The solution proposed was straightforward: “Enforce statutory deadlines for consultee responses.” Another reinforced this point: “Any policy change will not work unless there is the resource to implement it. I believe it’s more important to adequately resource LPA planning departments.” Environmental constraints and consultant delays Environmental constraints emerged as another significant concern, particularly in areas affected by nutrient neutrality. “No longer having to deal with nutrient neutrality through the planning system would remove a significant barrier to development,” one respondent suggested. “More broadly, a relaxation of the biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirements for small- and medium-sized developments would significantly improve things.” Development under viability strain Development viability was repeatedly mentioned as a critical issue. “Development viability has been affected by high build costs, low sales rates, nutrient neutrality, BNG and other associated costs,” one planner explained. “Relaxing Community Infrastructure Levy, Section 106 and affordable housing requirements would assist in getting development moving.” The emergency measures announced for London in October 2025, including temporary CIL relief and enhanced mayoral powers, represent the kind of pragmatic viability support that could benefit the rest of England as similar strategic planning powers are rolled out to other combined authorities. The same issue came up again, with another respondent calling for the government to either “reduce affordable housing requirements or increase the flow of money to registered providers.” Local government reform creating uncertainty The ongoing process of local government reform and the establishment of combined authorities with directly elected mayors emerged as a concern affecting planning decision-making. Many noted that the political uncertainty created by structural changes can result in delays and intransigence, as decision-makers may be reluctant to commit political capital to planning decisions when their positions may not be secure in the near future. One team member highlighted the political dimension of planning, suggesting that “greater weight should be given to housing need when balancing competing interests in the planning process”. Another argued for “empowering local authorities with enhanced decision-making autonomy and compulsory purchase powers – delegating the majority of planning decisions to reduce political delays and enable more effective land assembly. Local authorities need power to act with greater accountability to help drive delivery; otherwise, any other related changes may just remain gridlocked.” Some warned against adding further complexity to an already burdened system. “The introduction of new policies runs

The Government has announced several major amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which further streamline the planning process. They include reducing the length of consultation, stripping uncooperative councils of the right to make certain decisions, and paring back the impact and ability to raise legal disputes. Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders said: “Planning reform was never going to be a quick endeavour because our sclerotic, siloed system needs careful analysis to unpick and understand. The Government should be commended on recognising this and taking a proactive approach to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill because it will be an integral piece of legislation in ensuring all projects can be delivered more quickly.” Proposed amendments to Planning and Infrastructure Bill, include: The Bill, announced as part of the King’s Speech in July 2024, is designed to fast-track major infrastructure projects deemed to be of national significance, make grid connections and pylon construction easier, and give greater compulsory purchase and planning fee setting power to local authorities. The Government believes these new tweaks will remove barriers to their plans for economic growth and fulfil their 1.5 million homes target by the end of the Parliament. Rico Wojtulewicz, Head of Policy and Market Insight at the National Federation of Builders said: “Tweaks to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will help deliver the water and grid capacity that projects require to get planning permission. They will stop councils finding loopholes to avoid building homes. This is a clear indication that the Government understands that ‘Build, baby, build’ is a mantra, not a slogan.” The 11th-hour rewrite to the Bill was demanded by the Prime Minister, with ministers working over the weekend on drafting the amendments. The amendments, while backed by the Government, need to be approved by Parliament in a vote on Monday 20 October 2025. Once the Bill is approved by the House of Lords, it will go back to the Commons. Ministers hope it will become law by early November 2025, meaning that the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) will be able to consider the economic benefits that will come from it in time for the Autumn Budget. The amendments are laid out here. The Government’s press release is available here.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Hill Group has completed the purchase of Whalebones Park in Barnet, North London, with construction on a new housing development set to begin this October following planning approval. The scheme will deliver 115 homes on land adjoining the Grade II listed Whalebones House, designed to balance modern housing needs with the character of the surrounding landscape. Of these, 54 will be built in partnership with Sovereign Network Group (SNG) to provide affordable housing through a mix of shared ownership and affordable rent. The development will retain around half of the site—approximately two hectares—as public open space. This will include meadows, healing gardens, ponds, play areas, a woodland walk, a smallholding for the existing agricultural tenant, and new studio facilities for artists and beekeepers. On-site parking will also be provided. Andy Hill OBE, Founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, said: “Whalebones Park is a site of outstanding beauty, and we’re proud to be entrusted with its future. Our plans respect the heritage of Whalebones House and the character of Barnet, while delivering a sustainable new neighbourhood. The development will include high-quality, spacious, modern family homes for private sale, designed for open-plan living with generous gardens, alongside much-needed affordable homes delivered in partnership with Sovereign Network Group to support the local community. With planning approval now secured, we look forward to creating a thriving, inclusive community that brings lasting benefits to Barnet.” As well as delivering new homes, the scheme aims to enhance community life through natural play areas, accessible green routes, and improved cultural facilities. Environmental measures form a significant part of the project. Plans include planting 200 new trees and 750 metres of hedgerow, achieving a 10% biodiversity net gain. Sustainable features such as air source heat pumps, solar panels, and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) will ensure the neighbourhood is low carbon and energy-efficient. A long-term management plan will also safeguard habitats and green infrastructure. Matthew Bird, Regional Managing Director at SNG, said: “We are proud to be partnering with The Hill Group at Whalebones Park, a scheme that demonstrates how affordable homes can be integrated into high-quality, sustainable developments. Our 54 homes here will provide much-needed opportunities for local people to access affordable rent and shared ownership in Barnet, supported by the wider benefits of new open space and community facilities.” Construction at Whalebones Park is scheduled to begin in October 2025, with the first homes expected to be completed by summer 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A £33.5 million expansion of film and television production facilities in Hartlepool has been approved, marking the start of a transformative development set to create over 130 new jobs and drive significant investment into the local economy. The project will see The Northern Studios expand with larger studios and state-of-the-art equipment, alongside the creation of a Screen Industries Production Village. The new village will repurpose nine disused buildings into modern pre- and post-production spaces, workshops, and collaborative hubs for creative professionals. Among the heritage properties to be revitalised is the Grade II-listed Shades Hotel, which will be restored as part of the scheme. Led by Hartlepool Borough Council in partnership with The Northern School of Art, Tees Valley Combined Authority, and North East Screen, the development has secured funding from the UK Government and the Tees Valley Investment Zone. It is being delivered with support from industry specialists Leonard Design, Stace, and TIME + SPACE. The Northern Studios, which opened in 2022, have already hosted productions including ITV’s I Fought the Law, comedy series Transaction, and the feature film Jackdaw. The expansion aims to build on this success, attracting both national and international productions to the Tees Valley. With planning approvals now granted and funding in place, construction is expected to begin in the coming months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Plans for a major new housing development in Kings Langley have been given the green light, with 150 homes set to be built on the edge of the Hertfordshire village. Dacorum Borough Council has approved outline planning permission for the scheme, put forward by The Hill Group, which will create a new neighbourhood between Kings Langley Secondary School and the A41. The development will deliver a mix of one- to five-bedroom properties, with half designated as affordable housing. Developers say the range of homes is designed to cater for all stages of life, from first-time buyers to families and older residents, helping to address local housing needs. The site, north of Chipperfield Road, has been classed as “Grey Belt” land — an area within the Green Belt but judged to make only a limited contribution to its purposes. Plans outline a landscape-led scheme with extensive green and community spaces. Features will include woodland walks, meadows, ponds, play areas, and a community orchard, alongside new walking and cycling routes planted with edible hedges. The scheme promises a biodiversity net gain of at least 10%, with existing trees and hedgerows retained wherever possible. At the heart of the project will be The Farmstead, a new education and community hub. It will provide growing spaces, therapy gardens, and animal-assisted activities, as well as a café and farm shop offering training and employment opportunities. The facility is being developed in partnership with Kings Langley Secondary School and Sunnyside Rural Trust, a local charity supporting adults with learning disabilities. The homes will be built to high sustainability standards, using energy-efficient designs, air-source heat pumps, and electric vehicle charging points. The company highlights the site’s location close to schools, existing housing, and transport links as key advantages. Construction is expected to begin following detailed planning approvals. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals