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
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 major regeneration scheme that will transform Orchard Wharf on the north bank of the River Thames has been approved by Tower Hamlets Council. The plans, agreed at a council meeting on 3 September, will redevelop the safeguarded wharf into a new neighbourhood providing hundreds of affordable homes, purpose-built student
Dorchester Living has submitted an outline planning application for the next phase of Heyford Park – marking a major step in the transformation of the former RAF Upper Heyford airbase into one of Oxfordshire’s most ambitious new communities. The vision is to create a self-sufficient, sustainable settlement offering up to
Wiltshire Council has formally granted planning permission for up to 2,500 new homes at Ashton Park, south-east of Trowbridge. The Council’s Strategic Planning Committee resolved to approve the outline plans on 29 July, following the completion of legal agreements with developers Persimmon Homes and Barratt Redrow. The housebuilders will now
Oxford United’s proposed 16,000-capacity stadium has moved a step closer to reality after Cherwell District Council granted planning permission for the project. The new venue, planned for land north of Oxford, is intended to provide the club with a permanent home and serve as a hub for the wider community.
Plans to redevelop a deteriorated stretch of shops and housing at 4–16 Filwood Broadway have been granted permission, marking a major milestone in the wider ‘Transforming Filwood Broadway’ regeneration project. The approved scheme will see the demolition and rebuild of the site to deliver 18 new council homes, modern commercial
Heathrow Airport has submitted its proposals for a third runway, promising to deliver a 100% privately funded expansion that could be operational within a decade. The plan, which Heathrow describes as “shovel-ready”, aims to support the UK’s economic growth and secure its position as a leading global aviation hub. The
Vistry Group, one of the UK’s leading providers of affordable and mixed-tenure homes, has received planning approval for the final phase of its major residential development in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex. Under the plans approved by Rother District Council, the latest phase will deliver 354 new homes, including 87 affordable homes
Planning permission has been granted for a landmark £70m residential development in Stockport town centre, paving the way for construction to begin early next year. The scheme, designed by AEW Architects, will provide a new community in the heart of Stockport, delivering 245 high-quality homes on a currently vacant 0.4
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
A major regeneration scheme that will transform Orchard Wharf on the north bank of the River Thames has been approved by Tower Hamlets Council. The plans, agreed at a council meeting on 3 September, will redevelop the safeguarded wharf into a new neighbourhood providing hundreds of affordable homes, purpose-built student accommodation, and the reintroduction of waterborne freight operations. The masterplan sets out seven buildings ranging from 8 to 24 storeys, with a mix of uses including: Seventy per cent of the affordable homes will be delivered at Tower Hamlets and Mayor of London Affordable Rent levels. The housing mix includes 65 family-sized units and 21 wheelchair-accessible dwellings. All homes will meet or exceed minimum space standards and provide private outdoor space, podium gardens, and views over the Thames and East India Dock Basin. At ground level, a flexible Wharf Box logistics facility will support the sustainable movement of goods by river. This will enable last-mile deliveries by low-emission vehicles in line with the London Plan’s commitment to low-carbon freight. The scheme will also operate on a car-free basis. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Dorchester Living has submitted an outline planning application for the next phase of Heyford Park – marking a major step in the transformation of the former RAF Upper Heyford airbase into one of Oxfordshire’s most ambitious new communities. The vision is to create a self-sufficient, sustainable settlement offering up to 9,000 homes – 2,700 of which will be affordable – alongside 900 assisted living units and 180 homes for key workers. These homes will be supported by new schools, community facilities, employment space and extensive green infrastructure. The housing crisis is not abstract. The housing crisis has a direct impact on homelessness, with more people pushed into temporary accommodation and rough sleeping because they cannot access secure and affordable homes. Across the county, over 164,000 children are homeless or living in temporary accommodation.[1] Without new, well-planned communities that provide genuinely affordable and accessible homes, housing insecurity will only deepen. Heyford Park is already a thriving place to live and work. More than 1,200 homes have been delivered to date, together with Heyford Park School for children aged three to-16, a supermarket, pharmacy, hotel, barbers, restaurant and a growing commercial cluster. Dorchester has focused on creating a place where people feel connected and supported. A wide range of social facilities bring neighbours together of all ages, including play areas, a pump track, outdoor football tables, tennis courts, and mini libraries. Heyford Park is home to a growing list of community activities, including the Heyford Makers Shed, yoga sessions, parental groups, a running club, and a thriving football club. This is just the start of the long-term vision for a vibrant, inclusive and active community. Building on this momentum, the pioneering masterplan will expand the community offering, delivering a new health hub, primary schools, a secondary school, dedicated sports facilities and employment space to support over 5,000 new jobs – many in CleanTech, low-carbon and creative sectors, providing sustainable jobs for the future. Improved connectivity and sustainable travel will underpin the settlement’s continued growth. A short journey from Heyford Station to Oxford, Heyford Park acts as a relief from housing pressure from Oxford City and supports regional growth. Plans include upgrades to Heyford Station and improvements to the Cherwell Valley Line service providing connections between Banbury and Didcot, alongside enhanced bus routes and walking and cycling routes to encourage residents to choose sustainable travel. Looking ahead, there is also an ambition to reopen Ardley Station, strengthening regional links to both London and Birmingham. Sustainability is at the heart of the masterplan. Dorchester Living will achieve a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain, with approximately 60% of the site dedicated to green infrastructure – connecting nature corridors, public parkland, walking trails and an area set aside as a Local Wildlife Site. The expansive Runway Park will serve as a multi-functional destination, offering a wide range of leisure opportunities. Framed by new woodlands and extensive landscaping, the park will be enriched by the planting of 65,000 trees, creating a vibrant and sustainable environment for generations to enjoy. The long-term ambition is for Heyford Park to become the UK’s first energy surplus town, generating more energy than it consumes through a combination of solar and wind power generation, energy-efficient design and low-carbon transport. This commitment to climate-conscious placemaking also responds to a wider regional need. According to the Housing and Economic Needs Assessment (HENA), Oxfordshire requires over 26,000 new homes by 2040 – with more than 16,800 needed outside Oxford City itself. While the city plans to deliver just over 10,000 homes by 2036, developments like Heyford Park are essential to meet demand while ensuring new communities are properly supported by jobs, infrastructure and local services from the outset. The plans have been shaped through extensive public consultation, with input from residents, schools, local groups and stakeholders. The masterplan has been developed by the award-winning practice, Proctor & Matthews Architects and renowned Landscape Architect Kim Wilkie, with sustainable movement strategies from Mode Transport Consultants. Paul Silver, CEO of Dorchester Living, said: “This is a pivotal moment in the evolution of Heyford Park. The masterplan we’ve submitted is the result of years of careful thinking and extensive collaboration with a variety of different groups including Heyford Park Parish, Great Western Rail, Heyford Park Schools and the wider local community. This is underpinned by our genuine belief that growth can be delivered in a way that’s community-led and environmentally conscious. Our goal is to deliver something exceptional and exemplar for Oxfordshire, and a national blueprint for how towns can and should be delivered in the UK, a place that not only provides homes and jobs but supports a way of life that is healthier, greener and genuinely future proof. From green energy and biodiversity to education, care and connectivity, we’re laying the foundations for a community that will thrive for generations to come.” Stephen Proctor, co-founder of Proctor & Matthews Architects, commented: “Heyford Park presents a rare opportunity to rethink how large-scale development can respond to the social, environmental and economic challenges of our time. Our masterplan is built around a series of distinct neighbourhoods, each shaped by the site’s unique history and landscape. These new places will be connected by green corridors, walkable streets and shared public spaces – creating a sense of identity, belonging and long-term sustainability from the outset. Central to the masterplan design is the innovative reuse and integration of existing airfield infrastructure and historic structures. This approach will create a distinct urban landscape that reflects the site’s rich heritage.” Eleanor Wills, Great Western Railway added: “We’re always keen to work with communities to support growth in a way that helps more people choose rail over the car. We’re pleased to be working with Dorchester Living to strengthen sustainable rail connections at Heyford Park. The proposed improvements to Heyford Station will make rail travel more accessible, integrated and appealing for both new and existing residents. “ Subject to approval, Dorchester Living hopes to gain planning consent in early 2026. For more details and to
Wiltshire Council has formally granted planning permission for up to 2,500 new homes at Ashton Park, south-east of Trowbridge. The Council’s Strategic Planning Committee resolved to approve the outline plans on 29 July, following the completion of legal agreements with developers Persimmon Homes and Barratt Redrow. The housebuilders will now bring forward detailed proposals covering design, layout, scale, appearance, and landscaping. Construction is expected to begin early next year, subject to approval. The development represents one of the largest housing schemes in the county and will deliver significant investment in local infrastructure. Developers have committed £25.6 million in capital contributions, including £14.1 million for education, £3.3 million for healthcare, and £1.1 million to improve bus services. A further £7.5 million will be raised through the Community Infrastructure Levy to support local projects, with a share distributed to parish and town councils. A key feature of the plans is a £36.5 million relief road, including a new section of the A350 to bypass the congested West Ashton crossroads. The long-term vision for Ashton Park also includes new schools, early years facilities, local centres, and an ecology visitor centre. Around 13.6 hectares of land will be set aside for employment use, designed to support economic growth in Trowbridge and the wider county. Housing provision is also central to the scheme. Alongside 27% of homes reserved for local housing association partners, £5.4 million has been ringfenced to deliver affordable housing off-site. The development is expected to help address the needs of the more than 4,000 households currently on Wiltshire’s housing waiting list. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Oxford United’s proposed 16,000-capacity stadium has moved a step closer to reality after Cherwell District Council granted planning permission for the project. The new venue, planned for land north of Oxford, is intended to provide the club with a permanent home and serve as a hub for the wider community. The decision was made at a council planning committee meeting, following speeches from Oxford United Chief Executive Officer Tim Williams and lifelong supporter Roland Clements, who both highlighted the scheme’s potential benefits. Jonathon Clarke, Development Director at Oxford United, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured planning approval. We’re now one step closer to delivering on our goal of creating a once-in-a-generation venue for supporters and the wider community. “Getting to this point wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible stadium project team. I’d also like to place on record my thanks to the Cherwell District Council planning officers for their constructive engagement throughout this process.” Club chairman Grant Ferguson described the approval as a “crucial step forward” in safeguarding Oxford United’s future. “With approval secured, our focus can now move to the next phase of the project plan. I’d like to thank Jonathon Clarke and our stadium project team for their unrelenting dedication and professionalism to enable us to reach this stage. “Thank you also to Cherwell District Council for approving our application, and to all stakeholders, consultees and everyone else who has supported our vision.” The planning application will now be referred to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government for consideration before construction can begin. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans to redevelop a deteriorated stretch of shops and housing at 4–16 Filwood Broadway have been granted permission, marking a major milestone in the wider ‘Transforming Filwood Broadway’ regeneration project. The approved scheme will see the demolition and rebuild of the site to deliver 18 new council homes, modern commercial units, community space, and a communal garden for residents. The development is designed by architects RCKa, drawing inspiration from the architectural character and heritage of Filwood Broadway. All homes will be built to national space standards, ensuring good-sized, high-quality accommodation. The site falls within the area covered by the Knowle West Local Lettings Policy, meaning that 50% of the new affordable homes will be prioritised for people with a local connection. The decision to rebuild rather than retrofit follows a thorough sustainability review, which concluded that new construction would provide better long-term energy efficiency and lower running costs for residents while balancing overall carbon impact. As part of the project’s community-led approach, the design of the retail units incorporated ideas developed with students from E-ACT Merchants’ Academy and Bedminster Down School. A new commercial lettings process is also being shaped with input from the Filwood Broadway High Street Working Group. Enabling works at 4–16 Filwood Broadway are scheduled to begin in late August 2025, with construction expected to start in spring 2026. This scheme is one element of the broader Transforming Filwood Broadway initiative, which includes: The regeneration programme aims to revitalise Filwood Broadway into a vibrant hub for housing, retail, and community life, while delivering affordable homes for South Bristol. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Heathrow Airport has submitted its proposals for a third runway, promising to deliver a 100% privately funded expansion that could be operational within a decade. The plan, which Heathrow describes as “shovel-ready”, aims to support the UK’s economic growth and secure its position as a leading global aviation hub. The expansion would increase flight capacity by 50%, enabling up to 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers annually. It includes the construction of a 3,500-metre north-western runway, already backed by Parliament, a new terminal dubbed T5X, three satellite terminals, and significant upgrades to Terminal 2, while Terminal 3 would eventually be decommissioned. The proposed £48 billion investment is split across three major areas: £21 billion for runway and airfield infrastructure, £12 billion for new terminal and stand capacity, and £15 billion for modernising existing terminals. Heathrow says this investment would be fully funded by private capital, contingent on government policy support and a regulatory framework that encourages growth while keeping passenger charges affordable. Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye called on the Government to act swiftly, said: “It has never been more important or urgent to expand Heathrow. We are effectively operating at capacity to the detriment of trade and connectivity. With the right policy support and regulatory model, we are ready to mobilise this year.” According to Heathrow, the third runway could boost the UK’s GDP by 0.43%, and enhance the airport’s role as Britain’s most valuable trading port, already facilitating over £200 billion in trade annually. It would also unlock tens of thousands of jobs across design, construction, and operations, with 60% of the supply chain spend going to businesses outside London and the South East. Heathrow also reaffirmed its environmental commitments, promising to reach net zero by 2050. The airport has already reduced ground carbon emissions by 15% and flight-related emissions by around 10% since 2019. Its expansion plan includes increased use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), further carbon-cutting measures, and improved noise and air quality standards. The airport’s noise footprint has shrunk by 41% since 2006, and all surrounding air quality monitors are reportedly within legal limits. A redesigned airspace under the new expansion would provide more reliable and predictable flight paths for communities. An expanded Heathrow would offer at least 30 new daily routes, improved domestic connectivity, and more flight options to key global destinations. The new infrastructure is expected to ease congestion, reduce delays, and offer passengers more competitive fares through greater airline choice. Plans also include upgrades to public transport, such as enhanced rail access, cycling and walking routes, and improved road links. Heathrow is proposing a new tunnel and two dedicated parkways, alongside enhancements to what is already the UK’s busiest bus and coach station. Heathrow is seeking government feedback by September to meet the current expansion timeline. If supported, the airport plans to begin formal consultation with airlines, communities, local authorities, and stakeholders in 2026, with a planning application scheduled for 2028. The expansion is backed by national and regional Chambers of Commerce, trade unions, educators, and construction firms, who see it as a transformative opportunity for both economic and employment growth across the UK. Without expansion, Heathrow warns, the UK risks falling behind international competitors, such as Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam, all of which have room to grow. Currently, Heathrow connects UK exporters to 92% of the global economy via direct flights. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vistry Group, one of the UK’s leading providers of affordable and mixed-tenure homes, has received planning approval for the final phase of its major residential development in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex. Under the plans approved by Rother District Council, the latest phase will deliver 354 new homes, including 87 affordable homes – comprising 31 for affordable rent and 56 for shared ownership – which have been forward sold to CBRE Investment Management’s UK Affordable Housing Fund. The remaining 267 homes will be for open market sale and delivered under Vistry’s Bovis and Linden Homes brands. Enabling and infrastructure works for the final phase are due to begin later this year, with the first homes expected to be completed in 2026. The development will offer high-quality housing across a range of tenures, designed to meet local needs. A strong focus has also been placed on green infrastructure and placemaking, with access to existing and new open spaces, walking and cycling routes, and connections to local services. Located to the east of Bexhill, the wider strategic development will now provide a total of 1,001 homes. It forms part of a long-term plan to support housing growth across the region and contribute to the creation of a sustainable new community. Brendan Evans, Managing Director at Vistry Kent, commented: “Securing planning for the final phase of our Bexhill development is a landmark moment for our team. This scheme has already made a significant contribution to meeting housing demand in East Sussex, and this final phase will bring even more high-quality, energy-efficient homes to the area. We’re proud to be delivering a mixed-tenure community that supports local people, in partnership with CBRE Investment Management.” Andrew Davey, Fund Manager, UK Affordable Housing Fund at CBRE Investment Management, added: “This latest acquisition of 87 affordable homes builds on the 153 homes we secured in Bexhill last year, reinforcing our long-term commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable housing in the local community. Through our UK Affordable Housing Fund, we are proud to be deploying institutional capital to address the chronic undersupply of affordable homes, while generating long-term, stable returns for our investors. We’re pleased to be extending our partnership with Vistry on this important scheme, which aligns with our ambition to create sustainable, inclusive communities across the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Planning permission has been granted for a landmark £70m residential development in Stockport town centre, paving the way for construction to begin early next year. The scheme, designed by AEW Architects, will provide a new community in the heart of Stockport, delivering 245 high-quality homes on a currently vacant 0.4 hectare brownfield site. Spanning two buildings of eight to 20 storeys, the development will deliver a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, designed in line with Passivhaus Low Energy Standard principles. Comprising 12 townhouses and 233 apartments, 10% of the apartments are designed to M4(3) wheelchair-adaptable standards. In addition, the surrounding public realm has been carefully planned to ensure accessibility, making the development as inclusive as possible. The design puts people first, with features that make everyday living better. These include clever positioning to make the most of natural sunlight, bright and airy staircases, shared laundry areas, and a rooftop garden with community allotments and solar panels. At the heart of the development sits a 100m² flexible space which can be used for various events and workshops for residents and non-residents. The site presented several challenges, including a significant 6-metre level difference and a large retaining wall between the parcels. Additional complexities include the varied scale of neighbouring properties, which range from one to twelve storeys, as well as consented and emerging proposals on nearby sites. The approved plans aim to revitalise a key gateway site while supporting Stockport’s wider regeneration strategy for Stockport East and ambitions to create a vibrant, urban residential community in the heart of the town. Phil Hepworth, director at AEW Architects, said: “We’re extremely pleased to have reached this milestone in bringing forward innovative, flexible, age-friendly and contextually-appropriate accommodation in the centre of Stockport. In collaboration with the wider design team, we have conducted detailed site analysis, engaged in public consultation activities, and liaised closely with key stakeholders to shape our proposals. “Since initial designs in 2020, we have worked with the local planning authority to refine the building form, adjusting massing to respond to a changing brief, the evolving context, and the need to address the site’s topographical and contextual constraints with a robust design solution. “The buildings are conceived as two interconnected blocks lined by a double-height atrium. To address the site’s topography and the surrounding built context, we have adopted a design strategy that breaks the development into distinct forms, each responding individually to the streetscape they face.” Euan Kellie, founding director at Euan Kellie Property Solutions which lodged the planning application, added: “Stockport is going great guns in terms of its evolution and we’re all very pleased to have reached this important milestone in the delivery of a major new development. “We’re firm believers that future schemes are not a one size fits all and this project demonstrates that in spades.” David Fairclough, director at Progressive Living, concluded: “This approval represents a major milestone for a project that’s been six years in the making, and we’re proud to play our part in shaping the next chapter of the town centre’s transformation.” Brought forward by Manchester-based developer Progressive Living in partnership with residential operator Picture This, the development is backed by a highly-experienced team, including Re-Form, renaissance, Zerum, OFR, GIA, Novo, Our Studio, Jameson Acoustics, SK Transport, Turley, Oxford Archaeology, Euan Kellie Property Solutions and AEW Architects. It is hoped demolition and enabling works can start this year with construction expected to begin in spring 2026, following BSA Gateway 2 approval. Completion is targeted for Summer 2028. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals