The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) will be writing to the Minister of State for Housing and Planning Rachel Maclean MP, highlighting the need to deliver Government’s planning reform and housebuilding priorities. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “We look forward to working with the Minister, as we
Top ten housebuilder, Keepmoat, secures planning approval for 60 new residential units for the Hulks Farm site in Bramcote following a unanimous decision from Broxtowe Borough Council. Plans for 60 three- and four-bedroom homes, as well as a portion of one-, two-, and three-bedroom affordable homes will be delivered on
Leading property management agent Rendall & Rittner has recently promoted Martin Hellenas to Divisional Director of one of its London divisions. Most recently, Martin has worked as an Area Director at Rendall & Rittner, with a portfolio of developments across London. In his new role, Martin will focus on the
Acting for Wates Developments in probably the biggest land deal to take place within the region since September’s mini budget, Leaders Romans Group (LRG), has sold a residential development site in Windsor from Wates Developments to Crest Nicholson. As a leading residential housebuilder with a track record in creating well
A RAPIDLY expanding housebuilder has restructured its management team to drive its ambitious plans for further growth. Since being founded in 2017, Genesis Homes has grown from a 10 unit per year company to one constructing in excess of 170 new homes during the latest financial year. To continue its
North East contractor Tolent has launched a new service to help support registered providers of social housing improve the energy efficiency of homes across the region. In line with the Governments Clean Growth Strategy, all social housing must attain the minimum rating of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C by 2035,
Residents and workers in the North of Tyne are being urged to take part in a survey on the future of construction and opportunities related to housing retrofit in our region so that our workforce has the relevant skills to deliver housing decarbonisation to address the climate crisis. The Energy
ANDY Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, has been welcomed on site to view the progress of the highly anticipated Cookley Works scheme, which we are developing alongside Lovell Partnerships in collaboration with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). It’s one of many projects in the region helping to regenerate
Qualis Commercial has appointed Davis Construction as its contractor on the former Conder site in Epping Town Centre. The development will provide 45 high quality sustainable new homes consisting of 29 apartments across three buildings and 16 townhouses. These will be centred around the existing pond with extensive landscaping and
Research by debt advisory specialists Sirius Property Finance has shown that it’s not just the housing market that has benefited from the pandemic property market boom, with the estimated total value of the private rental sector (PRS) climbing by 30% since 2019. Sirius Property Finance analysed the current state of
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) will be writing to the Minister of State for Housing and Planning Rachel Maclean MP, highlighting the need to deliver Government’s planning reform and housebuilding priorities. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “We look forward to working with the Minister, as we did with her predecessors to continue building a stronger planning system for the future. “The RTPI has worked tirelessly to help shape planning reform to benefit local communities and unlock economic, environmental and societal opportunities. The Housing Minister has been an important ally in achieving those goals. “However, like many others, we are concerned that the high turnover of Ministers in such a fundamentally important role, to deliver the homes the nation so desperately needs, risks undermining the urgency of the situation, and does not tally with the recognition by the Government in its Levelling Up White Paper for a strong planning system. “Now, more than ever, we need consistency in our leadership as we progress through the National Planning Policy Framework consultations and edge closer to the Levelling U and Regeneration Bill receiving Royal Asset. We hope that Rachel Maclean MP brings the strong leadership and consistency to the position and as ever, offer our assistance in helping to inform decision-making. “We believe that, by working together with the Housing Minister, we can continue to build a strong planning system for communities and businesses to thrive throughout the country, whilst delivering on the Government’s ambitions for achieving net zero.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Top ten housebuilder, Keepmoat, secures planning approval for 60 new residential units for the Hulks Farm site in Bramcote following a unanimous decision from Broxtowe Borough Council. Plans for 60 three- and four-bedroom homes, as well as a portion of one-, two-, and three-bedroom affordable homes will be delivered on the derelict farmland off Sidings Lane and Coventry Lane in the picturesque suburban village of Bramcote in Nottinghamshire. Obtained from a private landowner, the site is currently occupied by old farm buildings and outhouses. Upon the completion, Keepmoat will carry out a period of remedial works prior to delivering the much-needed homes, the first of which are due to be available to buyers in December 2023. At the development, 30% of the homes will be allocated as affordable homes, of which 30% will be available under the government-backed First Homes scheme, that allows for local and key-worker first-time buyers to get onto the property ladder with homes available to them at a discounted price. As part of Keepmoat’s sustainable housing pledge, the 60 new energy-efficient homes have been designed to reduce carbon emissions by 31% and are complete with increased insulation and solar PV panels, with the addition of DV charging points, to encourage the use of electric vehicles. Thanks to the site’s idyllic location, plans for the development also include the retention of greenspaces that will result in a 27% net gain in biodiversity, as well as the regeneration of an existing tree-lined pond that will provide residents an attractive communal amenity space. “It’s with great pleasure that we can announce the planning approval of 60 new energy-efficient homes in Bramcote, with thanks to Broxtowe Borough Council. As a housebuilder, we are aware of the need for modern, eco-friendly homes that are fit for the future, and with this development, we aim to deliver a collection of contemporary designed homes complete with all the latest in energy-preserving technology, in an idyllic semi-rural setting with access to the stunning greenspaces of the region,” said Shaun Fielding, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat. Work on site at Hulks Farm is set to commence imminently, with the first homes due to complete in December 2023. The development will take around two years to complete. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading property management agent Rendall & Rittner has recently promoted Martin Hellenas to Divisional Director of one of its London divisions. Most recently, Martin has worked as an Area Director at Rendall & Rittner, with a portfolio of developments across London. In his new role, Martin will focus on the strategic management of the division. As a Divisional Director, he will continue to develop relationships with leaseholders and residents, whilst working alongside internal departments. With plans to hire a new Area Director, Martin will work collaboratively to continue to build upon Rendall & Rittner’s success and to further develop the company’s portfolio. After joining the Erinaceous Group (later part of RMG) as a Property Manager in 2008, Martin has worked his way up in the industry. Following 6 years and a promotion to Senior Property Manager, he took on a new role at Premier Estates as it set up its London office, where he worked as an Associate Director. Since joining Rendall & Rittner in 2019, Martin has been an Area Director supporting a portfolio of London developments for clients, residents and leaseholders. Martin comments: “I joined Rendall & Rittner having previously met Matt Rittner and Richard Daver at networking events. Since joining, I have had the opportunity to develop myself and to work with amazing people. The senior management team at Rendall & Rittner is incredible and I am able to learn new things from them. The company culture here makes Rendall & Rittner a great place to work and I am excited to see where the company goes next.” Richard Daver, Group CEO at Rendall & Rittner said: “Since joining Rendall & Rittner, Martin has proven his commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and has gone above and beyond to resolve issues. Martin’s promotion to Divisional Director reflects this and I look forward to seeing how he continues to support our London portfolio in this new role.” For further information please visit: www.rendallandrittner.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Acting for Wates Developments in probably the biggest land deal to take place within the region since September’s mini budget, Leaders Romans Group (LRG), has sold a residential development site in Windsor from Wates Developments to Crest Nicholson. As a leading residential housebuilder with a track record in creating well designed, high quality homes in sustainable communities, Crest Nicholson is ideally placed to deliver much needed homes in this popular location. Wates Developments secured release of the site from the Green Belt through an allocation in the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Local Plan. They worked closely with the community, key stakeholders and Local Authority to develop plans for the residential development and subsequently obtained outline planning consent on part of the site. The scheme includes 135 much-needed homes, (40% of which will be affordable housing), for the 5.4ha site. Plans also include landscaped open spaces, (including recreational space), blue-green infrastructure and sustainable technologies, with a 30.69% net gain in biodiversity that will far exceed local and national planning policy. The site will also deliver improvements to walking and cycling routes into Windsor and other local destinations, as well as improvements to the A308 network to increase capacity. David Brocklebank, Executive Managing Director at Wates Developments Group commented: “We are delighted to have completed this sale of a portion of our land interest in Windsor to Crest and with great support from LRG. This is a truly exceptional new homes site and a fantastic location for a new community in Windsor. We expect to secure planning for the remainder of the wider site early in 2023 to allow the whole scheme to come forward quickly. A great performance by Crest”. Nicholas Daruwalla, Land Director at Crest Nicholson South, commented: “The acquisition of this site in Windsor plays a key role in the expansion of Crest Nicholson’s footprint in the region and allows us to respond to local demand for high-quality homes in the area. We look forward to offering a variety of homes for a range of buyers within the local community, helping to support the Windsor and Maidenhead Borough Local Plan.” Ian Barnett, National Land Director for Leaders Romans Group, who is based in the Group’s Wokingham head office, commented: “This is a significant land deal which will help deliver much-needed homes, including affordable housing. It is one of two substantial land deals that Leaders Romans Group has facilitated in this region in the last month and as such, demonstrates considerable strength in the local market in spite of the wider economic conditions.” Boyer (part of Leaders Romans Group) managed the planning process on behalf of Wates and is now instructed by Crest Nicholson to prepare and submit a reserved matters planning application in the first half of 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A RAPIDLY expanding housebuilder has restructured its management team to drive its ambitious plans for further growth. Since being founded in 2017, Genesis Homes has grown from a 10 unit per year company to one constructing in excess of 170 new homes during the latest financial year. To continue its rapid growth, with ambitions to build 300 properties each year by 2028, founder Nicky Gordon has promoted current Land Director John Blue to the position of Managing Director with the responsibility for overseeing the daily operations of the company. As a result, Nicky has moved into the newly created post of Chief Executive Officer and will be responsible for strategic planning, stakeholder relationships and expanding the business across the North West. Nicky said: “Genesis Homes has grown exponentially, even during the most difficult times of our generation, and we are absolutely thrilled with the progress the company has made and the positive impact it has had on local communities. “With Cumbria at our heart, we have ambitions to continue our expansion across the North West region and to realise this dream we need a new management structure in place to ensure we can concentrate fully on our growth plans, whilst maintaining the high standards of build quality we have earned a reputation for. “John has proven himself as an incredibly competent, reliable and integral member of the team, and his knowledge and understanding of the sector, and the company itself, has been instrumental to our growth to date. “I have the utmost faith in John’s ability to take control of the day-to-day business operations of Genesis Homes, and I look forward to seeing the company continue to progress under his direction.” John has worked at Genesis Homes since January 2018, having previously worked at Gleeson Homes, North Associates and PFK. He joined the company as Land and Planning Manager and was promoted to Land Director within two years. Throughout his time at Genesis Homes, he has been responsible for identifying and acquiring suitable land for development across Cumbria, and then working to ready the land for construction work. John said: “I was immediately excited about Nicky’s ambitions to grow Genesis Homes when he started the company in 2017, and the journey over the past five years has been one that we have all enjoyed sharing. “Despite the housing market being severely interrupted during Covid-19, we have grown well beyond our initial expectations and we’re all looking forward to the next five years, and beyond, as we target further growth. “I have enjoyed having such a hands-on role in helping Genesis Homes to become one of the largest homebuilders in Cumbria in terms of volume of units built per year, and I am honoured that Nicky has shown such faith in me by promoting me to the position of Managing Director. “The company has huge ambitions for the future, and I am excited to be leading the daily operations to make these goals a reality.” Genesis Homes is currently operational across nine developments throughout Cumbria and Lancashire, with its pioneering EcoGen carbon net zero emitting pilot development in Calthwaite commenced last year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
North East contractor Tolent has launched a new service to help support registered providers of social housing improve the energy efficiency of homes across the region. In line with the Governments Clean Growth Strategy, all social housing must attain the minimum rating of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C by 2035, or 2030 for ‘fuel poor’ households. Launching its new retrofit and decarbonisation service, Tolent is already underway with a number of retrofitting projects, which also support the longer term target of making all homes ‘net-zero-carbon’ by 2050. Adrian Veitch, retrofit and decarbonisation manager, said: “We’ve set up our business to act as a one-stop-shop for clients to engage us at any part of this process from acquiring funding, developing tailored designs to retrofit measures, to installation and aftercare. “From fitting external wall insulation, PV panels, air source heat pumps and loft insulation, we have experience of delivering refurbishment and energy retrofit projects to over 50,000 properties. We see how much the end result of these works positively impacts residents and wider communities and it’s something we want to continue to play a part in.” All registered providers of social housing across the UK are able to secure funding through a number routes, set to enhance the energy efficiency of socially rented homes across the country. The net-zero-carbon targets also extend to private sector rents to attain EPC C ratings on new tenancies by December 2025, and on all rented properties by December 2028. Paul Webster, CEO for Tolent, said: “This is a long term strategy for our business as we look to support the entire housing sector in this area of work. “The net-zero-carbon 2050 target is an ambitious and challenging aspiration, but with the current cost of living crisis and rising energy bills, we understand the true value of what this work can do to provide some relief to those suffering the most in our communities. “As a responsible contractor, we’re also taking necessary steps to look at our own impact on the environment and setting our own targets to reduce carbon emissions.” Tolent is now a TrustMark accredited contractor, as is required by Government to be able to carry out this work, and has secured a place on a number of national frameworks including The North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO) and Prosper Retrofit and Decarbonisation Works frameworks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Residents and workers in the North of Tyne are being urged to take part in a survey on the future of construction and opportunities related to housing retrofit in our region so that our workforce has the relevant skills to deliver housing decarbonisation to address the climate crisis. The Energy Democracy Project in conjunction with the North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA) want to hear the views from people across the region about the future of the construction sector in the North of Tyne. While newly constructed buildings are more energy-efficient, it is estimated that 80% of the homes we will live in by 2050 have already been built, so a major priority is decarbonising our current building stock. Retrofitting homes has the potential to create multiple benefits – linking action on climate change with improving current homes and addressing health inequalities as well as creating jobs and supporting local economic regeneration. The Future of Construction in the North of Tyne Region survey can help inform the NTCA’s work on the potential of the construction sector in our region to generate new, good-quality ‘green’ jobs and the opportunities related to retrofit for our transition to net zero. Leading the project is Dr Helen Coulson, Just Transition Project Coordinator at the Energy Democracy Project. She said: “We know from our Just Transition stakeholder interviews that retrofit has the potential to create new local ‘green’ jobs across our region – but we need to ensure that our workforce has the relevant skills to deliver housing decarbonisation. At the moment, there is a shortage of retrofitters, in both professional and trade roles. “We need homes that keep us warm and help lower emissions. One of the biggest challenges that we face over the next decade is making sure that our homes are fit for the future – and this will entail upgrades to the majority of homes to reach required energy efficiency standards. That is why it is more important than ever to open a space up for citizens to tell us what obstacles they experience when considering retrofitting their home, find out if they are interested in learning new skills or upskilling to work in building retrofit, and what they would like to see the NTCA do to support the retrofitting agenda and help achieve a zero-carbon built environment. “Getting a comprehensive view of people in the North of Tyne about the opportunities and challenges related to housing retrofit will help to ensure our work will be evidence-based and decision makers locally are aware of what support and actions are needed to address climate change and improve the quality of life of residents.” The survey is open to everyone who lives in the region, not just those working in the construction industry, so we encourage anyone with an interest in making properties more energy efficient to fill out the survey, have their say, and ensure their voice is heard. The survey can be found at https://bit.ly/3Y5p6iZ The information we collect from the surveys will directly inform the North of Tyne Just Transition project and report (to be published later this year). For more information about the project, please contact the team at helen.coulson@northoftyne-ca.gov.uk and ben@energydemocracyproject.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ANDY Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, has been welcomed on site to view the progress of the highly anticipated Cookley Works scheme, which we are developing alongside Lovell Partnerships in collaboration with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). It’s one of many projects in the region helping to regenerate acres of derelict industrial land for affordable new homes, supporting the region to meet its housing needs. When complete, Cookley Works will become a thriving community offering a mix of affordable rent and low-cost home ownership. Platform will look after 71 of the homes, providing affordable rent and shared ownership opportunities. Marion Duffy, chief operations officer at Platform Housing Group, said: “We are really pleased to deliver much needed affordable housing for the community. It’s especially pleasing that this site uses remediated land as a solution, protecting vital green space in the area. I’d like to thank our partners, notably Lovell and the WMCA for their work towards bringing this project to fruition.” The Mayor said: “Cookley Works is another great example of the commitment of the WMCA, alongside partners Dudley Council, Lovell and Platform Housing Group to continue delivering good quality, affordable homes for our communities. “Despite the challenges of the last couple of years, we’ve continued to make significant investments into the regeneration of brownfield land, unlocking previously difficult to develop sites for new homes, helping to protect our precious green belt in the process. “This is also helping to drive our economic recovery by creating vital new jobs and apprenticeships and I look forward to seeing local people move into these new homes and create a thriving, attractive new community.” Stuart Penn, regional managing director for Lovell Partnerships, said: “Having begun work to prepare the site for building, it was a great opportunity to welcome Andy Street and show him around this area where this fantastic project will come to fruition. Partnerships such as the one between Lovell and WMCA are vital to help meeting the housing demand for communities and aligns with our mission to create a lasting legacy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Qualis Commercial has appointed Davis Construction as its contractor on the former Conder site in Epping Town Centre. The development will provide 45 high quality sustainable new homes consisting of 29 apartments across three buildings and 16 townhouses. These will be centred around the existing pond with extensive landscaping and tree planting. Simon Rutter, Managing Director for Qualis Commercial comments, “This is a significant milestone for Qualis Commercial and we are pleased to be working with Davis Construction on our first residential development in Epping Town Centre. Demolition has recently been completed and I am looking forward to seeing activity on site. “ The new homes have been designed with sustainability in mind, with air source heat pumps, increased insulation to prevent heat loss in the winter and keep them cooler in the summer months, photo voltaic panels, charging for electric vehicles and green and blue roof systems. Tom Davis, Managing Director of Davis Construction said, “Davis Construction (South-East) Ltd is delighted to be working with Qualis Commercial on what will be a significant development in Epping town centre to create 45 new homes. “We take the role of main contractor very seriously and will endeavour to listen and be sensitive to the needs of local community as construction progresses.” Work will be starting in February, and we are expecting to complete in phases from the Spring 2024. As part of its developments in Epping Town Centre, Qualis will be making contributions of over £3 million to improve healthcare, education, enhancements to green spaces and other community wide benefits. With this project it will take the total contributions so far to over £750,000. Funding has already been used for improvements to Lower Swaines Playground and Stonards Hill recreation ground. For further information about Qualis Commercial please visit www.qualiscommercial.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Research by debt advisory specialists Sirius Property Finance has shown that it’s not just the housing market that has benefited from the pandemic property market boom, with the estimated total value of the private rental sector (PRS) climbing by 30% since 2019. Sirius Property Finance analysed the current state of the PRS, looking at the level of stock, the current market value of this stock, the average yield available and how this has changed since 2019. The latest figures show that, despite the government’s best efforts, the overall size of the PRS has grown by 2.4% across England since 2019, with 4.876m properties helping to house the nation’s tenants. The South East has driven this growth with a 9.1% increase, along with the South West (+7.4%) and the North West (+3.8%). However, the East Midlands (-9.9%), Yorkshire and the Humber (-0.4%) and East of England (-0.3%) have all seen a decline in PRS stock when compared to the pre-pandemic market. What’s more, the analysis by Sirius Property Finance shows that the current total value of PRS stock is estimated to sit at a staggering £1.536 trillion across England, having seen a 30% increase since 2019 alone. At an estimated £575.7bn, London remains home to by far the most valuable PRS where total stock value is concerned. However, when compared to the pre-pandemic market, the capital has seen the smallest increase in this total value at 16%. The South West has driven PRS market performance in terms of the increase in total value, up 41% when compared to 2019. The total value of PRS stock has also increased by more than 30% across the North West (+39%), South East (+37%) and West Midlands (+31%). Finally, the analysis by Sirius Property Finance shows that of the 4.876m rental homes across England, just 130,272 are currently listed online as available to rent, equating to just 2.7% of all PRS stock, highlighting the pivotal role the sector plays in today’s society. Managing Director of Sirius Property Finance, Nicholas Christofi, commented: “Despite the government’s sustained attempts to dampen the enthusiasm of buy-to-let investors, the private rental sector has continued to grow in size over the last few years. This growth, combined with the high rates of house price appreciation seen throughout the pandemic, have pushed the total value of the sector to a quite remarkable level. However, previous whisperings of a hike in capital gains tax will remain a worry for those who have benefited from an increase in the value of their buy-to-let portfolio. Should these changes come to fruition in the future, we may well see many landlords scramble for the exit to avoid the government’s latest cash grab.”View full data tables online here.
