Residential : Housing News News
Blueprint for truly affordable homes could slash 1.2 million council waiting lists

Blueprint for truly affordable homes could slash 1.2 million council waiting lists

The Housing Finance Institute (HFI) and Localis published a 30-page blueprint designed to stimulate a new generation of council homes. ‘Public Rental Homes – fresh perspectives’ provides a solution to the challenge that just 6,000 of the 52,000 new homes listed as ‘affordable’ in 2020/21 by local councils were truly affordable by 1.2 million households on

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Aston University showcases developments

Aston University showcases developments

Aston University has hosted the Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology on a tour of Birmingham’s growing Knowledge Quarter. The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aleks Subic and Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street led the visit. They were joined by Rob Valentine, Birmingham director of

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Crest Nicholson appoints Bradley Stone as the Head of Land and Planning

Crest Nicholson appoints Bradley Stone as the Head of Land and Planning

Award-winning housebuilder, Crest Nicholson, has announced the internal appointment of Bradley Stone as Head of Land and Planning for the South West division, as it prepares for further growth across the region in 2023. Bradley, who has worked for Crest Nicholson for over 18 months, was previously Associate Development &

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Equans to transform Winsford brownfield site into 99 net zero homes

Equans to transform Winsford brownfield site into 99 net zero homes

Energy and regeneration specialist, Equans, has been appointed by Cheshire West and Chester Council to transform a brownfield site in Winsford into 99 net zero carbon family homes. Equans has been granted planning consent to demolish and redevelop a former highways depot on Clough Lane, into a mixed-tenure development, where

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Housebuilder secures planning approval for 60 new homes

Housebuilder secures planning approval for 60 new homes

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

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RENDALL & RITTNER PROMOTES NEW DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR

Rendall & Rittner promotes new divisional director

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

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Latest Issue
Issue 344 : Sep 2026

Residential : Housing News News

Blueprint for truly affordable homes could slash 1.2 million council waiting lists

Blueprint for truly affordable homes could slash 1.2 million council waiting lists

The Housing Finance Institute (HFI) and Localis published a 30-page blueprint designed to stimulate a new generation of council homes. ‘Public Rental Homes – fresh perspectives’ provides a solution to the challenge that just 6,000 of the 52,000 new homes listed as ‘affordable’ in 2020/21 by local councils were truly affordable by 1.2 million households on waiting lists. Local authorities would have the opportunity to develop plans to slash council waiting lists and galvanise local housebuilding by partnering with private developers to build homes by adopting this new-generation PRH model, that flips the traditional approach to negotiations on ‘affordable’ provision. Currently councils negotiate with developers to determine the percentage of affordable homes a scheme can provide, based on the total private unit sales. ‘Affordable’ rents can vary from 50% of local market rents up to 90%. Subsidised sales are included in the percentages. The PRH model flips the question to ‘what percentage of private homes are needed to produce sufficient PRH homes? Under the PRH model – which deals in ‘bottom up’ plans, not top-down targets – local authorities would be responsible for identifying sites that might meet PRH criteria and initiate discussion with developers. For their part, developers would assume 100% of the risk and a 20% margin on both the PRH homes as well as their own private units. Report author, Peter Bill, said: “Families on council waiting lists are squeezed to the bottom of pile by financial pressures on councils and developers trying to agree the percentage of affordable homes. A new perspective is needed to ensure the needs of these families become the top priority on sites where PRH is viable. “The PRH approach addresses that need and provides fresh impetus to councils looking to house those on their waiting list and to developers looking for better, simpler, ways to build. Site by site viability is the key. Developers take 100% of the risk and therefore deserve a 20% profit margin.” Co-author, Jackie Sadek, said: “We need to get on and deliver. Stop arguing about the whys and the wherefores. Delivery only happens on the ground, not from Whitehall. Let’s try to crack this massive crisis, not top down, but bottom up. Every council should be supported in drawing up a 10 year Plan to deliver Public Rental Homes.” Chair of The Housing and Finance Institute Board, Sir Steve Bullock, said: “Thousands of families and individuals, both young and old, are caught in the trap of being unable to afford to buy or rent privately but finding no alternative that they can possibly afford either. More people are falling into this trap each month yet the supply of new affordable homes is actually diminishing. “The impact of the cost-of-living crisis makes finding a response ever more urgent and the HFI has commissioned this research to offer a way forward that can attract support on a cross party basis. “Putting the emphasis on building new social homes has the potential to be a win–win with homeless people having a better chance of moving to decent properties that they can afford and make into homes while the economic impact of the construction will have wider benefits. “Doing this at pace will need a different mindset at all levels of government and the HFI will press for that and work with councils, government and developers in the coming weeks to make this happen.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Aston University showcases developments

Aston University showcases developments

Aston University has hosted the Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology on a tour of Birmingham’s growing Knowledge Quarter. The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aleks Subic and Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street led the visit. They were joined by Rob Valentine, Birmingham director of property firm Bruntwood, and Paul Kitson, Birmingham City Council’s strategic director of place, prosperity and sustainability. The Knowledge Quarter is a fast-growing part of the city centre housing small, medium, and large technology businesses, universities, colleges, hotels, and two conference centres. It is also home to the main HS2’s Birmingham terminal. Commercial activity within the Quarter has led to it being identified as an area with the potential to grow into a nationally significant ‘innovation zone’. This will attract further global investment and encourage local businesses and new start-ups to thrive and expand. Crucially, it will support regeneration in some of the city’s most deprived wards. During the visit, held on 23 February, Professor Aleks Subic shared his plans with the Secretary of State to establish Aston University’s Digital Health Innovation Campus, which will bring together academic, technical, commercial and financial resources to boost digital health innovation and health tech, and contribute towards improving health equity and access in the region while creating new job opportunities in the city. “With this strategic development positioned in the heart of the Knowledge Quarter, we are taking a “triple helix” approach, involving a strategic partnership between Aston University, Bruntwood and Birmingham City Council – as well as with NHS and other digital tech businesses – working together effectively to deliver inclusive growth and innovation and attract investment. I have seen first-hand how this approach works in Australia and was pleased to have the opportunity to discuss this with the Secretary of State,” said Professor Subic. “The Knowledge Quarter is an asset-rich area, with Aston University playing a unique role, due to our proven expertise and track record in bringing together industry and academia to solve real world problems through applied and translational research.” Michelle Donelan MP leads the newly formed Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). The government department was set up to position the UK at the forefront of global scientific and technological advancement and to promote a diverse research and innovation system that connects discovery to new companies, growth and jobs. “Science and technology has the power to create jobs and opportunities across each and every region of the UK. It was exciting to see the plans for Birmingham’s Knowledge Quarter being developed by Aston University with the backing of Mayor Andy Street and I know it will have a hugely positive impact on the area,” she added. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Crest Nicholson appoints Bradley Stone as the Head of Land and Planning

Crest Nicholson appoints Bradley Stone as the Head of Land and Planning

Award-winning housebuilder, Crest Nicholson, has announced the internal appointment of Bradley Stone as Head of Land and Planning for the South West division, as it prepares for further growth across the region in 2023. Bradley, who has worked for Crest Nicholson for over 18 months, was previously Associate Development & Investment Director. With over 10 years’ experience working in the property industry, he brings a wealth of experience to the role. Bradley will be responsible for overseeing the growth of Crest Nicholson’s portfolio of developments in the region, coordinating planning applications and site acquisitions to deliver much needed, high-quality homes in the South West. Bradley Stone, Head of Land and Planning for South West, said: “After a successful 18 months, I am pleased to be progressing my career with Crest Nicholson by taking on a new role as the Head of Land and Planning for the South West region. It’s an exciting time of growth for the region, and it will be great to continue to work with such a brilliant team to unlock more opportunities and deliver further growth in 2023 and beyond.” Mark Foyle, Managing Director of Crest Nicholson South West, said:“Bradley has been instrumental in strengthening the South West region since he joined Crest Nicholson, thanks to his vast expertise and knowledge within the region. The expansion of the existing divisions and acquisition of new sites plays an important role within the company’s overall growth strategy and Bradley will play a pivotal role in this as Head of Land and Planning.” For more information, please visit www.crestnicholson.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Equans to transform Winsford brownfield site into 99 net zero homes

Equans to transform Winsford brownfield site into 99 net zero homes

Energy and regeneration specialist, Equans, has been appointed by Cheshire West and Chester Council to transform a brownfield site in Winsford into 99 net zero carbon family homes. Equans has been granted planning consent to demolish and redevelop a former highways depot on Clough Lane, into a mixed-tenure development, where homes will be delivered with high environmental credentials and designed to meet net zero carbon status. Recognising both the climate emergency and cost of living crisis, the development will also provide in-use zero-carbon housing to future homes standard. This means that the new homes will not be connected to the gas network and will instead be equipped with energy-efficient insulation and heated by a low-carbon heating source such as an air source heat pump together with solar PV panels. A new pedestrian and cycle access onto Weaver Street will also enhance the connectivity and legibility of the development, encouraging sustainable travel. This builds on Equans’ presence in the area, with the developer already working on two low-carbon housing developments in Winsford. One of these – Wharton Green – is seeing 138 two, three and four-bedroom homes, constructed along with improvements to local highway infrastructure and a community open space. Five of these homes are set to be zero-carbon, a pilot which Equans will roll out across all 99 homes on the Phoenix scheme. Steven Gregory, Regional Director at Equans, said: “We’re delighted that planning permission has been awarded for this exciting scheme as it’s our first 100% in-use zero carbon homes project.  It’s a pleasure to see our good work continue in Winsford and surrounding areas and to also support the Council in meeting their sustainability targets. “All stakeholders have worked collaboratively and enthusiastically to move this scheme on and I can’t wait for it to get underway.” The scheme will be undertaken with Equans as the lead contractor, in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Torus. Demolition will start on 6th March this year, and the build is anticipated to complete in May 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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RTPI calls for consistency in leadership to deliver Government’s planning reform and housebuilding priorities

RTPI calls for consistency in leadership to deliver Government’s planning reform and housebuilding priorities

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

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Housebuilder secures planning approval for 60 new homes

Housebuilder secures planning approval for 60 new homes

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

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RENDALL & RITTNER PROMOTES NEW DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR

Rendall & Rittner promotes new divisional director

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

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Sale of Land in Windsor from Wates Developments to Crest Nicholson

In Landmark Deal Leaders Romans Group Confirms Sale of Land in Windsor from Wates Developments to Crest Nicholson

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

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New management structure to drive housebuilder’s ambitious growth plans

New management structure to drive housebuilder’s ambitious growth plans

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

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Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Tolent gears up to support net-zero-carbon targets on social housing with new service

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

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