Southwark Council officially opened its brand new homes development in south Bermondsey on Tuesday 23 July 2024. The development is named Folajimi Apartments, to commemorate the life and bravery of Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole (Jimi), who tragically drowned in the River Thames in April 2021 after jumping in to rescue another person
Michael Holmes, property expert for the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show and Vice Chair of the National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA), says: 1. High VAT Costs for London home improvements Ensure your contractor is VAT-registered and can apply the reduced rate for eligible works. Take advantage of the
Carter Jonas to analyse the Green Belt’s composition, purpose and potential to address future housing need Throughout the general election campaign, the Green Belt was central to the debate about the housing crisis. The new Labour government has committed to building 1.5 million homes during the next parliament and has
A petition with over 3700 signatures has been handed to Shropshire Council as Albrighton Village Action Group (AVAG) steps up its campaign to protect over 50 hectares of beautiful green belt. Mark Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin, joined concerned residents at The Shirehall to reinforce calls for Boningale Homes’ plans
A national planning and development consultancy has urged the Labour government to clarify national planning policy guidance, enabling local planning authorities (LPAs) to develop bespoke local policies that support investment and growth at developed Green Belt sites. Following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent announcement on Green Belt development, Lichfields highlights the
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has noted the emphasis on the planning system’s pivotal role in the government’s plan to revive the UK economy, as outlined in the King’s Speech. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, commended the government’s efforts to increase the capacity of local planning authorities
Principle Estate Management has announced the completion of significant works at a highly prestigious London development, overseen by the firm’s London office. York Terrace West and Nottingham Terrace are widely regarded as among the finest addresses in Regent’s Park. Principle’s latest project for the residents involved constructing a new, enlarged
Propertymark is keen to see the UK Government clarify how it intends to deliver more homes following the King’s Speech. The professional body has previously argued that the new UK Government would need to build a large, new housing estate with over 1000 homes every day to hit its
New government figures reveal a significant decline in Right to Buy (RTB) sales, with overall sales down by 43% in London, reflecting a decrease across all UK regions last year. The data shows that there were 6,275 RTB sales in London last year, a sharp decline from the 14,085 sales
Liverpool City Council is set to receive a £55m investment boost from Homes England to accelerate the regeneration of Liverpool’s historic northern docklands. A report to the Council’s Cabinet today is recommending the council enters into an agreement with Homes England to accept Brownfield Infrastructure Land (BIL) grant funding.
Southwark Council officially opened its brand new homes development in south Bermondsey on Tuesday 23 July 2024. The development is named Folajimi Apartments, to commemorate the life and bravery of Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole (Jimi), who tragically drowned in the River Thames in April 2021 after jumping in to rescue another person who had fallen in. The Folajimi Apartments development provides 56 new homes, made up of 26 council homes and 30 homes for private sale. Folajimi’s family attended the opening ceremony to celebrate the opening of the building and to remember Folajimi, alongside Southwark councillors and developer Higgins. Cllr Helen Dennis, Southwark’s Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, said, “I’m delighted to see these fantastic new homes completed and ready to open their doors to residents. This is a high-quality, spacious new development which will provide wonderful new homes for the local community here. “I’m also incredibly proud to be here today with the Olubunmi-Adewole family to commemorate Jimi and the selfless act of bravery he displayed which is an inspiration to all of us, and which the name of this new building represents.” Ayodeji Olubunmi-Adewole, Jimi’s brother said, “Southwark and Bermondsey in particular was really significant to Jimi because he grew up in this area. This community was Jimi so when we heard that the building would be named after him we were full of joy as a family. “Seeing the building from the start to the finish today means a lot to us and when we are gone this development will still be here and be a testament to what Jimi has done. I know he will be smiling down on us today. We are really grateful and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” Will Higgins, Group Executive Director from Higgins Group, said, “We are really proud of what has been accomplished here and are honoured that Jimi’s family could join us today to witness the naming of these new homes after him. “Alongside providing these much-needed new homes, we have actively engaged with the local community throughout the development process. This engagement includes delivering meaningful initiatives such as employment and training opportunities, volunteering with local charities, and engaging with schools.” As a family-owned business with over 60 years in the industry, Higgins is committed to building better, stronger, safer and more sustainable communities, that not only deliver high-quality homes for local residents, but also leave a legacy of positive impact. Through its partnership with organisations such as Joe Brennan Training, Southwark Construction Skills Centre, and Southwark Works, Higgins has provided employment and training opportunities, giving residents a foot in the door into the construction industry or the chance to return to it. This includes three local apprentices, seven long term unemployed residents into sustained jobs and training for eight local residents. The company has also engaged with 13 Southwark schools and colleges, achieving 127 school engagement hours. Working closely with partners like the Construction Youth Trust, Higgins has participated in a variety of beneficial employability events that support and prepare young people for the world of work. It has also given back to the local community and the wider borough by working with local charities and schools to deliver beneficial initiatives and offer our support to those in need, including supporting Southwark homeless charity Robes through financial and volunteering and providing additional support across the borough through 157 community and volunteering hours. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Michael Holmes, property expert for the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show and Vice Chair of the National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA), says: 1. High VAT Costs for London home improvements Ensure your contractor is VAT-registered and can apply the reduced rate for eligible works. Take advantage of the 5% VAT rate for installing energy-saving materials like insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps. If converting a non-residential building into a home or renovating a property that has been empty for 2+ years, you may qualify for a reduced 5% VAT rate. Projects that increase or decrease the number of dwelling units, such as splitting a house into flats or vice versa, can attract a reduced 5% VAT rate. Renovating properties that have been empty for 10 years or more, or changing the use of a building, may also qualify for the reduced 5% VAT rate on all eligible labour and materials. 2. Substantial property taxes for London househunters First-time buyers can benefit from Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) relief on properties up to £500,000. If you are transferring equity (ownership) of a property, SDLT may only be payable on the portion being transferred. Purchasing a property that includes both residential and commercial elements can qualify for the non-residential SDLT rates (often lower than residential rates). If you are purchasing multiple properties in a single transaction, such as a house with an annex, you may qualify for Multiple Dwellings Relief, which can lower the SDLT payable. Try to negotiate the purchase price to fall just below an SDLT threshold to benefit from lower SDLT bands. If possible, structure the purchase agreement to include deferred payment arrangements, which can spread the SDLT liability over a longer period. When buying through a shared ownership scheme, you can choose to pay SDLT in stages based on the share you purchase, which can reduce the initial SDLT burden. 3. Air Pollution A mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system ensures a consistent supply of warm fresh air no matter the temperature outside. It also has filters to clean the incoming air of pollen, dust and other particles so it’s constantly replenishing your home with fresh, filtered air. 4. Climate Change Impact An architect using the Passivhaus design software will be able to predict how much overheating your home will experience in summer and advise on measures to bring this down. For example, external blinds can be very effective at reducing solar gain (which causes the temperature to rise in your home) by between 80 and 100%. The most effective systems should be fixed or need intervention to be effective such as brise soleil and overhangs. But shutters blinds or awnings can also be effective. Other useful measures include optimising the size of your windows, doors and rooflights, and deep window reveals. 5. Lack of skilled labour We have a real shortage of skilled labour in the UK Construction industry. However, there are still good trades and builders out there. You will have to wait for the good ones as they’re booked up, so do not be tempted to rush into using someone who can start on Monday. They aren’t busy for good reason. Use social media to follow their jobs, you can build a good understanding of their company without getting off your sofa. 6. Planning delays The current planning system is flawed and needs a radical overhaul to get London building again. If the new government looks at this as a matter of urgency it will hopefully reduce the delays homeowners are currently seeing with planning applications which means their build can start quicker and with less red tape. 7. Fitting an air source heat pump Due to the nature of London buildings which are close together and often have a high number of occupiers, a lot of the properties are not immediately suitable for heat pump installation procedures. Also, some of the permitted development rules and regulations can make it more difficult to fit new technology… One long-term effect will be that the ‘spark gap’ – the difference in price between the cost per kw of electricity and the cost per kw of gas, for heat – is getting bigger as gas gets harder to find. So, there will be a cost burden going forward, as we’ll have carbon emissions, but it’ll also be more expensive in the future to run gas. And it’ll be much more expensive than to do the conversion to a heat pump because, potentially, the boiler upgrade scheme grant won’t be there. If these could include hybrid systems (where you keep the boiler but have a heat pump as well), this might also become a solution for congested areas. 8. The cost and complexity of the energy efficiency upgrades As we’ve seen in the past with solar photovoltaic panels, the moment that you make it easier for people to get them, the turnover increases and the cost comes down. So, what we need to do is increase the adoption rate by making it simple for people to adopt new energy efficient technology. Then from that perspective, the cost comes down and more people can implement energy efficiency upgrades. And what starts as a snowball rolling down a hill becomes an avalanche of change. 9. Understanding what can be done without needing a full planning application Permitted development rights are what allow you to do things to your house without having to make a planning application. Each of these rights has a different set of criteria that your project needs to meet in order to qualify for the exemption. Many of these criteria are super complicated. Luckily the government has pushed out a technical document that explains them. Just put “Permitted development rights for householders: technical guidance” into a search engine. Again, a planning consultant can advise on what it means, but the only way to obtain a legally binding confirmation that what you want to do doesn’t require a planning application is to get a lawful
Carter Jonas to analyse the Green Belt’s composition, purpose and potential to address future housing need Throughout the general election campaign, the Green Belt was central to the debate about the housing crisis. The new Labour government has committed to building 1.5 million homes during the next parliament and has pledged to adopt a strategic approach to the use of Green Belt land as part of the delivery solution, including building on poor quality so-called ‘grey belt’ land. In a new report, Rethinking the Green Belt, national property consultancy Carter Jonas has moved the debate on a stage, by considering what land might be used and how it will be released. The analysis by takes an in-depth look at the subject, determining to what extent land within the Green Belt differs from land outside it; how much of the Green Belt is protected by other (and perhaps more appropriate) designations, and exploring options for using Green Belt land in order to achieve more sustainable patterns of development. The composition of the Green Belt The amount of land designated as Green Belt has recently increased: in the two years to April 2023, it rose by 25,443 ha (1.6%), returning Green Belt coverage to 2004 levels. A closer look reveals that there is not a huge difference in land use when a comparison is made between Green Belt and non-Green Belt areas, suggesting that Green Belt land is not especially unique, as is commonly assumed. 6.8% of Green Belt land has been developed, compared to 9.0% for non-Green Belt land. Of that, the majority is used for transport and hardstanding, such as car parks, paved or tarmacked areas, accounting for 5.2% and 6.1% of Green Belt and non-Green Belt land, respectively. Land developed for buildings accounts for just 1.2% of Green Belt land, and 2.5% of non-Green Belt land. Furthermore, while 18.9% of the Green Belt is in the form of forest, open land and water, the proportion of land outside the Green Belt within this classification is only slightly greater, at 20.3%. These statistics emphasise that the Green Belt is no more than a planning policy tool to be deployed for specific purposes rather that a landscape or ecological designation as some might incorrectly assume, and which might result in markedly different land use data. The purpose of the Green Belt The original purposes of the Green Belt were numerous: to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas; prevent neighbouring towns from merging into one another; assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment; preserve the setting and special character of historic towns; and assist in urban regeneration by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land. Although commonly seen as a means of preserving ‘green’ land, the Green Belt was not created with the primary purpose of protecting the natural environment: that role is fulfilled by environmental designations including National Parks, National Landscapes (previously AONBs), SSSIs and Ramsar Sites. Only 21% of all Green Belt land is covered by an environmental designation. This percentage ranges from 38.7% of London’s Green Belt, 33.6% for Bournemouth / Poole and 26.3% for Bristol / Bath, to just 3.8% for Cambridge, 3.6% for York and 2.8% for Stoke on Trent. Just as environmental protection is not an objective of the Green Belt, neither is recreational use. Land used for outdoor recreation accounts for 5.5% of Green Belt land, ranging from 21.9% of London’s Green Belt to just 3.3% in the North East. There would seem to be clear scope to improve on this. So, as the Green Belt is increasingly a feature of planning debate and discussion, should its original objectives be reviewed? David Churchill, Partner at Carter Jonas comments, “The Green Belt is primarily a planning policy tool with the original objective of preventing urban sprawl. “Priorities for green open spaces are changing. Unsurprisingly, there is mounting pressure to allow more development on Green Belt land in response to the housing crisis. In most cases such developments can generate considerable new recreational space. Consequently, new communities may be better provided for by addressing today’s priorities for open spaces, such as providing for health and wellbeing and biodiversity net gain, as opposed to leaving the land in its current unbuilt state.” Meeting housing demand The Labour government has committed to building 1.5 million homes, or 300,000 per annum over five years. Assuming an average plot size of 0.033 hectares (Carter Jonas research), and on the (doubtless erroneous) assumption that all of these homes would be built in the Green Belt, this would only equate to 3.0% of the current extent of Green Belt. The reality is that any Green Belt ‘land take’ will be far lower, with brownfield and non-Green Belt locations being prioritised. Hence the quantum of land to be removed from the Green Belt is likely to be pretty modest in the overall scheme of things. David Churchill comments, “Our research shows that housing need can be met without substantial loss to the Green Belt. We are not advocating all new homes being located on the Green Belt but are suggesting that there are strategic benefits in releasing some Green Belt land for housing. For example, it could reduce the number of ‘leapfrogging’ developments – those located further from urban areas than is desirable, which increase residents’ carbon footprints through extensive commutes and impacts on both businesses’ and residents’ proximity to urban centres.” Carter Jonas’ research shows the extent of Green Belt release required by region if housing stock was increased by 6% (to align with Labour’s 1.5m housebuilding target over the next 5 years, and again provided solely on the Green Belt): in London, a 6% increase in housing stock would require 21.1% of Green Belt land. In contrast, in five regions (South East, North West, North East, East of England, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber), a 6% increase in housing would equate to less than 3% of Green Belt land being released. David Churchill continues, “While
A petition with over 3700 signatures has been handed to Shropshire Council as Albrighton Village Action Group (AVAG) steps up its campaign to protect over 50 hectares of beautiful green belt. Mark Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin, joined concerned residents at The Shirehall to reinforce calls for Boningale Homes’ plans to build 800 homes and change crucial road infrastructure to be rejected. Members of AVAG have said that nearly 83% of the Shropshire village’s eligible population has backed the petition, highlighting the overwhelming anger at the speculative overdevelopment. The campaign group, which is made up of local volunteers, is now urging local people to turn signatures into official objections via the Shropshire Council planning website (https://pa.shropshire.gov.uk/online-applications/) – with 194 already lodged ahead of the current August 8th deadline. To make things as easy as possible, AVAG has created two video guides (available on www.albightongreenbelt.co.uk) on how to register an objection and compiled nearly 40 key reasons why the overdevelopment should not take place and how it will change the village forever. It is also hosting eight-drop-in sessions at the Red House, Melville Club and Scout Den, where volunteers will be available in person to help villagers go through the objection process. “The campaign to protect our green belt really starts now and we are urging people who are opposed to Boningale Homes’ plans to strongly object – this is one of the best ways for us to win,” explained Charlie Blakemore, co-chair of the Albrighton Village Action Group. “You can see the overwhelming feeling from local residents, with over 3700 signing the petition asking the council to reject this unneeded overdevelopment. There have also been 194 objections to the planning application already and this is growing daily. We are delighted to present this petition to Shropshire Council today on behalf of the village.” He continued: “Our group supports appropriate development, and we have 771 new homes being built as part of the Local Plan that we support – that’s more than our fair share and will help support Labour’s housing push. “Our village’s infrastructure, roads and amenities will not cope with another 800 houses. Location and scale of this speculative proposal is just not right. “AVAG was also delighted that all general election candidates – across the complete political spectrum – recognised this and said they would object to the plans.” Albrighton Village Action Group believes the Boningale Homes plan is just an attempt to make a quick profit on large swathes of green belt, a lot of which is currently being used for productive farming. It will turn the village, referred to as the home of the English rose, into a town and put even more pressure on stretched infrastructure, including doctor’s surgery, roads and the train station. Talk of economic benefit is misguided as the distance between the development and the high street could have a detrimental impact to independent retailers, whilst a new school is not needed and will just make other established nearby schools unviable. Mark Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin, added his support: “I want to reiterate my support for the green belt and in protecting Albrighton against the overdevelopment proposed by Boningale Homes. “My objection to this speculative green belt grab, which has little thought of how it may affect the village, has already been lodged and I will work with AVAG to fight these proposals.” Charlie concluded: “The deadline for objecting is getting closer. We must translate this strong feeling into official objections and by donating to our fundraising campaign. This will cover the fees of the legal and planning specialists we are using to help fight these proposals and the green belt grab. “It is important that our group and local residents fight greedy developers to ensure that future generations have rural villages and green spaces to live in and enjoy. There are so many brownfield sites that lie decaying that are in desperate need of development, and this is where the focus should be and not on permanently destroying beautiful countryside. “We have the chance to be on the right side of history and protect our village for generations to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A national planning and development consultancy has urged the Labour government to clarify national planning policy guidance, enabling local planning authorities (LPAs) to develop bespoke local policies that support investment and growth at developed Green Belt sites. Following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent announcement on Green Belt development, Lichfields highlights the potential economic and social benefits of planning reform. Their newly published research points out the challenges posed by current national Green Belt policy guidance, which could hinder investment and prevent existing businesses from enhancing their facilities, remaining competitive, and delivering a range of essential services. The report, titled ‘Major Developed Sites in the Green Belt – The Land That Policy Forgot?’, reveals that a portion of the Green Belt, which encompasses about 12.6% of England’s land area, is used for various purposes, including leisure and tourism with theme parks and other major attractions, education, medical institutions, business parks, and transport infrastructure. Lichfields notes that pre-2012 national policy recognised many of these areas as Major Developed Sites (MDS), providing clearer guidance on how LPAs should assess development proposals. However, this was removed by the 2012 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which established more subjective, generalised guidance. This change removed the detailed guidance on how LPAs could identify, define, and guide development at such sites in local plans, potentially limiting these sites’ ability to evolve and contribute to local economies and services. Ian York, a Planning Director at Lichfields and co-author of the report, stated: “Our research shows that the majority of LPAs are adopting generalised policies that repeat national guidance. We must move away from a one-size-fits-all approach and adopt local, bespoke policies that recognise the unique characteristics of these sites. The report urges LPAs to engage with landowners and operators to create detailed policies that clearly define development parameters, ensuring these sites can thrive without compromising Green Belt integrity.” The research indicates that of the 180 LPAs with Green Belt land, only a third have adopted criteria-based, bespoke policies, while two-thirds rely on generic NPPF guidelines. This local policy context creates uncertainty for owners and operators planning for their sites’ future, especially where there is a continuous need to renew and refresh attractions and overnight accommodation to remain attractive to visitors and competitive. Additionally, there is a regional disparity in the policy approach, with the North West of England having the highest reliance on generic NPPF-based Green Belt policies, while the South East of England leads in bespoke policies. York added: “National Government has a very important part to play. With the new Labour government’s commitment to update the NPPF within its first 100 days, there is a crucial opportunity to reintroduce policy guidance akin to the previous MDS framework. This will provide much-needed clarity and support for LPAs and developers alike.” Lichfields urges policymakers to consider these recommendations seriously. Tailored local policies are essential to unlocking the full potential of developed Green Belt sites, enabling them to significantly contribute to local economies, enhance community services, and support sustainable growth across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has noted the emphasis on the planning system’s pivotal role in the government’s plan to revive the UK economy, as outlined in the King’s Speech. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, commended the government’s efforts to increase the capacity of local planning authorities and underscored the potential impact of these measures on restoring trust in the planning system and fostering thriving communities. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “The government has laid the groundwork for achieving its housing and infrastructure ambitions by setting plans to increase the capacity of local planning authorities. We believe that these measures will not only restore trust in the planning system but also demonstrate that with sufficient resources, the planning system can effectively create spaces where communities can thrive. “It is essential for planners to make a significant impact within the government’s first parliamentary term. To achieve this, measures such as ringfencing resources, allowing councils to set their own fees at an appropriate level for their area, and enabling full cost recovery for their services need to be implemented quickly.” On modernising planning committees: “The Institute believes planning committees need modernisation and could include a national scheme of delegation, allowing planning officers to make some decisions themselves. Qualified planners should be able to implement agreed planning policy, freeing up councillors’ time to focus on the most challenging planning cases. This change would help to unblock many applications and speed up the planning process.” “The RTPI will also be considering how our experiences running the Politicians in Planning network (PiPN) can inform any new training for politicians on planning committees. We will also examine how the hybrid or virtual planning committee models, which we successfully advocated for, can help to open up the planning process to a more diverse and inclusive range of people.” On Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects: “We have repeatedly emphasised the importance of clearer, more spatial and up-to-date national infrastructure policy to speed up project delivery and clarify where projects should be delivered. This involves updating our National Infrastructure Strategy and requiring National Policy Statements to be reviewed at least every 5 years.” On devolution: “We have long called for metro mayors to have strategic planning powers. We welcome today’s announcements as an essential step in ensuring that the new housing developments are well located and well integrated with industrial strategy, to deliver the billions in economic growth that our research has shown is possible. We believe it will not only enhance cooperation across housing market areas and diminish local political obstacles, but provide certainty to investors.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Principle Estate Management has announced the completion of significant works at a highly prestigious London development, overseen by the firm’s London office. York Terrace West and Nottingham Terrace are widely regarded as among the finest addresses in Regent’s Park. Principle’s latest project for the residents involved constructing a new, enlarged Porters’ Lodge in the centre of the estate. The works were managed by Principle consultant Bob Myhill, who has been involved in the development’s management for 17 years. Rachael Hornby, associate director and head of Principle’s London office, said: “In recent years, we have completed our five-year cycle of external decorations for the entire estate. This was followed by a complete refurbishment of the communal areas of Nottingham Terrace, incorporating new lighting, modern signage, new carpets, and redecoration with bespoke wallpaper, reflecting the connection with Regent’s Park. “Our most recent project – the new, enlarged Porters’ Lodge – was undertaken after consultation with the residents, and planning permission and Crown Estate approval were obtained. Construction was carried out in the second half of 2023 and completed in early 2024.” The new lodge has been brought forward to the pavement edge and designed to improve visibility for the Porters. It accommodates the modern needs of the security and porterage team, and Principle also upgraded to fibre optic cabling, renewing the entire CCTV monitoring and video entry phone access systems to all apartments. The Grade I-listed York Terrace West is one of the original John Nash-designed terraces fronting the iconic green space of Regent’s Park. Originally built in 1823, it was completely refurbished in 1970 when Nottingham Terrace was constructed. A spokesman for York and Nottingham Terraces Management Ltd said: “The new Porters’ Lodge and upgrades to the entire estate were needed to provide modern facilities, with due regard to the surrounding history and aesthetics. We worked closely with Bob Myhill and Rachael Hornby to ensure the new, completed Porters’ Lodge was designed not to compete with the historic York Terrace or the more modern Nottingham Terrace, but to blend in with oak slatting and a green roof. “It has produced a highly satisfactory facility, and the estate, under Principle’s astute management, is maintained to a very high standard, as befits a property on the Crown Estate.” Chris Green, commercial director at Bloomsbury Construction Group Ltd, which led the contractors’ work on the project, said: “The Porters’ Lodge is a project we can all be proud of. Despite the fast-track programme duration, the project maintained high standards of design and sub-contractor coordination and integration. “We formed a collaborative and forward-thinking relationship with Jak Studios, BlokBuild and other stakeholders to deliver a brilliant space that is visually stunning and environmentally conscious, yet highly functional for the Porters, and this will serve the estate for many years to come. We appreciate the support and quick decisions from Principle, which culminated in the successful delivery of this project.” Mrs Hornby of Principle added: “One of the most rewarding aspects of property management is working with our clients and customers to see major works projects through to completion, especially when they improve facilities and amenities for residents.” Founded by Brett Williams in 2018, Principle Estate Management is based in Birmingham and acquired London firm Myhill Newman in August 2022, expanding its services into London and the South East. Principle now has more than 65 staff looking after a portfolio of over 16,500 units at around 375 developments across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Propertymark is keen to see the UK Government clarify how it intends to deliver more homes following the King’s Speech. The professional body has previously argued that the new UK Government would need to build a large, new housing estate with over 1000 homes every day to hit its target of 1.5 million new homes by 2029. During the King’s Speech yesterday, His Majesty said: “My ministers will get Britain building, including through planning reform, as they seek to accelerate the delivery of high-quality infrastructure and housing (Planning and Infrastructure Bill).” Prior to the King’s Speech, the new UK Government pledged to study reform of the national planning framework, including restoring compulsory housing goals for local authorities, as part of their plan to construct 1.5 million new homes by the end of this parliament. Propertymark has also previously called on the UK Government to redefine what the green belt is so that there can be a focused programme of building on brownfield sites first. Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, comments: “Pledges from the new UK Government to build 1.5 million new homes and to reform the national planning policy framework to restore compulsory housebuilding targets for local authorities are welcome, as this country desperately needs to ensure supply meets increasing demand and ultimately make home ownership more affordable. “However, Propertymark has previously highlighted that for the new UK Government to meet its ambitious housing targets there must be a full review and wide-ranging stakeholder engagement to ensure there is sensible infrastructure in place to enable new developments to flourish and compliment the areas they are built within. “It is imperative that existing areas which are available for use are strategically prioritised for redevelopment above greenbelt land – moving forwards there must be a ‘connected communities’ approach and one which integrates and enhances already established metropolitan areas.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New government figures reveal a significant decline in Right to Buy (RTB) sales, with overall sales down by 43% in London, reflecting a decrease across all UK regions last year. The data shows that there were 6,275 RTB sales in London last year, a sharp decline from the 14,085 sales the previous year. The report indicated that nine stock-owning authorities, including some with substantial housing stock, did not submit their figures in time for publication. However, even with these additional figures, the total is estimated to only increase to between 6,750 and 6,820. This year’s figures are comparable to the sales during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic when there were 6,861 sales. Although sales had increased in the subsequent two years, they have now dropped again. The data also reveals a fall in sales across all regions last year. Despite London having one of the highest numbers of RTB sales, the year-on-year decline is evident. The number of sales in the capital was 1,081, the lowest since 2013. London also has one of the lowest rates of sales relative to its housing stock, just above the South East and the South West. The number of sales per 1,000 social housing properties in London was just 2.8%, a significant drop from the 2015 peak of 10%. Since the RTB scheme started in 1980 until 31 March 2024, there have been over 2,026,893 sales across the country. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government commented: “As part of our mission to get Britain building again, we will build 1.5 million homes over this parliament and create the biggest wave of social and affordable housing in a generation. Our ambitious plan to increase overall supply will make homes more affordable, and we will work with councils to replace the homes sold under Right to Buy.” The Labour Party’s manifesto includes a commitment to prioritise the building of new social rented homes and to better protect existing stock by reviewing the increased RTB discounts introduced in 2012 and increasing protections on newly built social housing. One expert believes the significant drop in RTB sales could be due to higher borrowing costs, which is also believed to have contributed to a decline in overall house sales last year. Alex Diner, senior housing researcher at the New Economics Foundation (NEF), stated: “While higher borrowing costs are likely behind this reduction in Right to Buy sales, the scheme still requires serious reform. Right to Buy continues to have a chilling effect on councils’ ability to build new homes. Powers should be devolved to councils, who know their areas best, to tailor the policy to local circumstances. The receipts system should also be reformed to allow councils to replace homes that are sold. These reforms would allow Right to Buy to help resolve the housing crisis, rather than contribute to it as it currently does.” The NEF has previously called for the devolution of the Right to Buy scheme following research published in May, which provided an update on how many homes sold under the policy are now owned by private landlords. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Liverpool City Council is set to receive a £55m investment boost from Homes England to accelerate the regeneration of Liverpool’s historic northern docklands. A report to the Council’s Cabinet today is recommending the council enters into an agreement with Homes England to accept Brownfield Infrastructure Land (BIL) grant funding. The public funding relates to Central Docks, the largest neighbourhood within Liverpool Waters, and the city’s largest brownfield site. The site, owned by waterside regeneration specialists Peel Waters, is projected to unlock more than £500m in private investment. The Central Docks scheme includes the establishment of a public park and vital infrastructure to accommodate approximately 2,350 new homes. The funding for this site, which is subject to final approval from HM Treasury, comes just a week after Rachel Reeves MP, referenced the scheme in her first speech as Chancellor of the Exchequer in which she set out the new Government’s commitment to unlock stalled housing schemes. The Central Docks scheme was also identified by the Liverpool Strategic Futures Panel, chaired by Mayor Steve Rotheram, and forms part of Liverpool’s ambitious 20-year plan for the whole of its iconic waterfront. Liverpool City Council has also made a similar brownfield site commitment in its draft housing strategy, currently subject to a public consultation, which supports the delivery of 2,000 new homes every year to 2030 and to double the number of affordable homes across the city. Peel Waters has stated that the key infrastructure within the 10.5 hectare scheme, which would comprise of utilities, thoroughfares, green spaces, and public amenities, would lay the groundwork for future investments and the development of housing and commercial ventures would also support new community, retail and leisure facilities. With full planning approval for the site preparation work, the comprehensive plans for Central Docks include the creation of an interconnected network of public spaces. The proposed new landscape will be enriched with the planting of hundreds of trees, with the centrepiece being ‘Central Park,’ a sprawling 2.1-hectare oasis, set to become one of the city’s largest urban green spaces. Central Park’s design will celebrate the site’s industrial heritage and coastal location, blending coastal and woodland plantations, wetlands, community gardens, and open parkland. Embracing inclusivity and sustainability, the park will feature amenities such as shelters, recreational facilities, and wildlife habitats, to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors. The development will also significantly enhance connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists, with the aim of creating seamless open access between the city centre, Princes Dock, Central Docks and Everton’s new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
