Planning approval granted for first phase of forthcoming development in Hitchin
Barratt Homes has secured reserved matters approval for Phase 1 of its forthcoming 700-unit development at Highover Farm, Hitchin. The approval covers the first 236 homes and an area of open space containing a play park for local children and will enable work to commence this summer to deliver much-needed market and affordable housing. The development will bring one to five-bedroom new homes, approximately 40% of which will be affordable, to the local area. The overall scheme will deliver 500sqm of neighbourhood-level facilities including a community hub, a new two-form entry primary school, open space including the creation of the new centrally located Highfield Park, play areas, green infrastructure and associated access. The hub will be accessible by public transport and provide a focal point for residents and the wider community. The new homes to be built on the site will support North Herts Council’s current Local Plan, which aims to create at least 13,000 new homes between 2011 and 2031.[1] Mark Osborn, Senior Planning Manager at Barratt David Wilson North Thames, comments: “We are pleased to announce that we have secured planning permission for our upcoming development in Hitchin, which will bring much-needed new homes and community infrastructure to the area. Following the grant of outline planning permission in 2024, we have worked closely with North Herts Council to ensure our plans for this first phase work for the local area, both now and for future generations. “We have a proven track record of success in Hitchin, including at our Lavender Grange development which completed in 2023, so look forward to returning to the area for our latest development.” Biodiversity and sustainability have been carefully considered at every stage of the scheme design, with the proposals set to achieve a biodiversity net gain of 10%. Energy efficient new homes built to the latest Part L standard will help reduce carbon emissions and generate lower energy bills for residents. Section 106 contributions agreed with North Herts Council at the outline planning stage will see more than £30m contributed to education, healthcare, sports facilities, a community centre, sustainable transport and other improvements in the Hitchin and surrounding area. Mark Osborne concludes: “Sustainability and access to green space are at the heart of our plans, with the creation of Highfield Park – a new public green space and play area – alongside an extensive network of tree-lined streets and attractive greenways throughout the development. In addition to increasing access to high-quality local housing opportunities, we are also proud to support employment and economic growth by creating job opportunities throughout every stage of the development’s lifecycle. Barratt North Thames is currently building across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. To find out more, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk. [1] https://www.north-herts.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2022-12/North%20Hertfordshire%20Local%20Plan%202011-2031.pdf Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Homes connected to nature keep garden city dream alive in Letchworth
Housebuilder David Wilson Homes has secured reserved matters approval from North Hertfordshire Council for a new Garden City-style 120-home development in Letchworth, known as Heritage Gardens. The homes will be built on a 13-acre site at Talbot Way, formerly owned by Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation. David Wilson Homes has partnered with the foundation to develop a contemporary interpretation of traditional Garden City housing, rooted in the area’s historic character while meeting modern expectations. The development has been designed around Garden City principles, with green space and landscaping integrated throughout the site. Plans include two main public green spaces, retained woodland, tree-lined streets, pocket parks and dedicated play areas. The development will include one and two-bedroom apartments, alongside two, three, four and five-bedroom houses. Plans also include 48 affordable homes, comprising a mix of affordable rent, shared ownership and social rent properties, with an emphasis on larger family homes and wheelchair-accessible housing. The development will be arranged across four character areas intended to reflect local architectural styles, with features including asymmetrical catslide roofs, dormer and bay windows, and decorative crease tile detailing. This development follows outline planning permission for the site, which was secured by the previous landowner in December 2024. Reserved matters approval has now been granted by North Hertfordshire Council, with a show home expected later this year and first occupations anticipated in spring 2027. Under the planning agreement, David Wilson Homes will contribute more than £1m towards local infrastructure, including walking and cycling improvements, allotment facilities, libraries, schools and youth provision. Lauren Potter, Development Director at Barratt David Wilson North Thames, said: “Heritage Gardens on the edge of Letchworth will take the very best principles that founded this beautiful Garden City and update them for a new generation. Homes here will be surrounded by green spaces, sustainably built and designed to facilitate healthy and active lifestyles.” For more information about Heritage Gardens or David Wilson Homes, visit www.dwh.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Installation excellence celebrated at 2026 BIFIS awards
The British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists hosted it’s fifth annual awards, the BIFIS Awards, last night, 23 June 2026 at the NEC Birmingham, in partnership with InstallerSHOW. The BIFIS Awards programme, which launched in 2021, has seen continuous year-on-year growth, attracting more than 200 entries in its fifth year, from both businesses and individuals, across eighteen categories, including the introduction of the Installer’s Choice awards, with installers voting for the best products and retailers in the sector. There was also the presentation of the Special Recognition Award which was presented to Simon Acres of the Simon Acres Group. The 2026 BIFIS Award winners are: Young Installer of the Year 2026 Ethan Houghton, Ken Beard & Son Community Champion of the Year 2026 Steve Redding, SR Home Installations Customer Service Champion of the Year 2026 Regal Kitchens Limited Apprentice of the Year 2026 Skye Rayer-Chu, Miles Bathrooms & Kitchens Limited Environmental Champion of the Year 2026 Rehome Industry Newcomer 2026 Miles Bathrooms & Kitchens Limited Bedroom Installer of the Year 2026 Andrew Gallimore, C H Joinery Solutions Limited Bathroom Installer of the Year 2026 James Johnson, Johnson Design & Installation Kitchen Installer of Year 2026 Andy Snelson, That Kitchen Fitter Installation Manager of the Year 2026 Gurpreet Singh Sudan, Easy Bathrooms Installation Business of the Year 2026 Ken Beard & Son Limited The Installer’s Choice Awards : Installer-friendly product of the Year 2026 Affinity Magnetic Track Lighting, Sensio Lighting Group Independent Bathroom Retailer of the Year 2026 Christian Andrews Interiors Independent Kitchen Retailer of the Year 2026 Lima Kitchens Bedroom Retailer of the Year 2026 JLC Interiors National Bathroom Retailer of the Year 2026 Easy Bathrooms National Kitchen Retailer of the Year 2026 Wren Kitchens Limited Special Recognition Award 2026 Simon Acres The evening was a great success, with some of the industry’s most prominent brands and businesses in attendance, alongside shortlisted finalists from the fitted interiors installation sector. The evening was hosted by TV presenter and writer, Philippa Forrester, and guests were also entertained with a pre-match Q&A session with ex-England footballer, Steve Hodge, before a live screening of FIFA World Cup match between England and Ghana. BIFIS CEO, Damian Walters commented “The BIFIS Awards are now an established fixture in the fitted interiors industry calendar. Recognising and rewarding the dedication, skill and professionalism of installers is essential, as they are often the driving force behind successful fitted interiors projects. The BIFIS Awards not only celebrate excellence but also help promote higher standards across the sector and inspire the next generation of installation professionals and businesses. It was fantastic to see so many deserving individuals and companies receive recognition, supported by the businesses they work alongside. The level of engagement from across the industry continues to be outstanding, whether through nominations, sponsorship or attendance and last night’s event reflects the importance and growing influence of the fitted interiors installation community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
STARK UK champions regional builders by backing “Game-Changing” new Foundation
STARK Building Materials UK Ltd is backing The Regional Building Foundation (RBF), which launched on 8 June, describing the new initiative as “game-changing” for the regional builders who shape Britain’s communities. The Foundation has been created by The Kings Foundation and the University of the Built Environment following a government backed Knowledge Transfer Partnership. Its mission is to build a new ecosystem for Place Building, coordinating regional builders, landowners, funders, materials suppliers, and professionals to deliver the walkable, locally distinctive, and resilient communities people want to call home. Through its actions, STARK UK is walking the talk and reflecting a clear commitment from the senior leadership to invest in its regional builder team. Over the last year, the company has built a dedicated taskforce of seven Business Development Directors (BDDs), supported by 14 Key Account Managers (KAMs) in back-office and operational roles. These specialist teams provide a uniquely tailored service that meets each customer’s bespoke needs, taking the time to really understand their businesses. They are developing a community of local suppliers and service providers that can, together with the extensive Jewson branch network, deliver each business solution with precision and care. As part of this commitment, as STARK UK has developed its unique proposition for regional builders, it has also supported its Business Development Director Edwin de Silva’s work to develop the framework of the Regional Building Foundation, and he now sits on its Board. Commenting on the way STARK UK is helping to build and create thriving local communities, Edwin de Silva said: “The concept we have developed for regional house builders is in complete harmony with the Regional Building Foundation; both are game changers for the housebuilding sector and particularly for the smaller and regional builders, who are in dire need of support. “For us, it’s all about understanding that the SME sector is totally unique. These are often family-run businesses who are creating homes in the communities where they live, and that responsibility weighs heavily on them as their name is above the door. Today they face an unprecedented number of challenges, so by helping them to overcome some of those and giving them security of supply, we can play our part in ensuring that not only do these businesses survive but thrive in the years to come.” Kieran Griffin, Jewson’s Divisional Managing Director for Southeast and Central England and Wales, added: “We’ve hand-picked colleagues who are great at looking after regional builders and their businesses, and who know how to lead the operations management needed to create and deliver bespoke solutions for our customers on time, in full, every time. “With the depth and breadth of experience within this taskforce, alongside our great Jewson branch colleagues, who are also very much part of the concept, I’m delighted to see how our customers are responding to a proposition that grows stronger with every regional builder who partners with us.” As the Regional Building Foundation establishes itself, STARK UK’s backing is the latest example of the industry coming together in new ways to demonstrably support and champion the trades, and to promote the benefits of a healthy, thriving and sustainable UK economy and society. Coupled with this, STARK UK, led by its Jewson brand, continues to drive the Let’s Get Britain Building – NOW! campaign, a petition aimed at putting the voice of regional builders at the heart of Government and securing the relief and support needed to fund a national pro-building stimulus package. With 100,000 signatures needed to trigger a public, action-focused Parliamentary debate, and a deadline of this November, Jewson is calling on the industry and the general public to get behind a petition that will benefit everyone, through greater affordability, improved planning, skills-building and job creation. https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/766641 #LetsGetBritainBuildingNOW Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction completes flagship Panattoni Park Swindon development
McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) has completed the flagship industrial and logistics facility at Panattoni Park Swindon, delivering the major scheme and marking a significant milestone in the regeneration of the site. The 545,000 sq. ft. speculative development has been delivered within a 39-week construction schedule, forming part of the wider regeneration of the former Honda manufacturing site, transforming a historic brownfield location into a high-quality logistics and employment hub for the South West. The project was designed around a structured and collaborative delivery strategy to meet timescales, with early supply chain engagement across key packages including steel frame and cladding, to ensure all partners were aligned to the programme from inception. The programme involved working to ensure successful on-time completion, supported by planning and consistent communication with key contractors, maintaining momentum throughout every stage of the build. During the delivery, the scheme set a new internal benchmark for quality and sustainability achieving a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating and targeting net zero upfront embodied carbon. A range of sustainability measures were integrated without impacting the programme, including the use of cement replacement in concrete, the incorporation of recycled steel and the use of modern methods of construction such as precast concrete walling, lift cores and stair units. The team also implemented robust environmental practices, including segregated waste streams and smart waste management, while reusing excavated materials through a carefully engineered cut-and-fill balance refined at design stage. Alongside delivery, McLaren Construction maintained a strong focus on social value and responsible construction, and the project achieved an excellent score of 43 out of 45 in its Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) assessment, with a high score for community engagement environmental management, and workforce wellbeing. The report highlighted the team’s proactive communication with stakeholders, robust environmental processes, and a strong commitment to workforce welfare including mental health support and high-quality site facilities. McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) also supported skills development throughout the programme with apprentices across multiple trades, including five scaffolders and two electricians, as well as work placement opportunities. The completed building offers high-specification logistics space with premium office accommodation, including a main reception area, feature link bridge and high-quality internal finishes including bespoke kitchenette areas with custom Corian worktops, glass splashbacks and feature staircases with glass balustrades. Luke Arnold, Regional Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Delivering Panattoni Park Swindon is a fantastic achievement and a real credit to the entire project team. From the outset, this was an ambitious schedule, and through careful planning, strong collaboration and the commitment of our trusted supply chain, we’ve been able to complete the project on time and to an exceptional standard. “I’d like to thank Paul, Gareth and the wider project team, along with our supply chain partners, whose dedication and coordination were critical to maintaining momentum throughout. This project demonstrates what can be achieved when the right team is aligned behind a clear programme and shared goal.” Peter Carter Wall, Construction Director at Panattoni, said: “McLaren Construction delivered the first building on our flagship development site which is the first to implement our new interior design concept and finishes. The team took an aspiration to create something special and delivered an impressive reality that has been widely admired. It has been a pleasure working with the team, and this building stands as a showpiece achievement everyone involved should be very proud of.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans approved for nearly 1,200 homes across Derby city centre
‘Derbion Masterplan’ will bring forward new homes, commercial space and public space improvements at Eagle Quarter and Bradshaw Way Shopping centre owner Derbion has secured planning permission for two major regeneration sites in Derby city centre, paving the way for 1,152 homes and around 3,500 sq m of commercial space on under-used land around Derbion. The Derbion Masterplan covers the former Eagle Market site, now known as Eagle Quarter, and Bradshaw Way Retail Park. Together, the schemes will bring new homes, public space, commercial uses and improved links across two prominent city centre locations. National planning and development consultancy Lichfields led the planning process and secured consent for both regeneration schemes on behalf of the owners of Derbion Shopping Centre, having advised on the site since 2014. Both schemes required careful consideration because of their city centre locations, nearby listed buildings and the need to ensure new development sat comfortably within views connected to the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Eagle Quarter, granted outline permission in June 2026, will redevelop the former Eagle Market site to provide building up to 19 storeys, 674 homes, new commercial space and a large public square, creating a new entrance to the retained Derby Theatre and improving links towards the River Derwent. The scheme includes the Green Heart, a new landscaped space connecting Derbion, Derby Theatre and Morledge through a green boulevard. New walkable streets, ground-floor food and beverage, leisure and town centre uses are also planned, alongside a landmark building at the eastern corner of the site. Bradshaw Way, which was approved in October 2025, will replace an existing retail park, currently dominated by low-rise retail units and surface parking, with buildings up to 14 storeys, with 478 homes and ground-floor commercial units. The professional team behind the project includes Leonard Design Architects, Eurofund Group, Currie & Brown, Bidwells and Waterman. Alison Bembenek, Associate Director, Lichfields, said: “These approvals mark an important step in the major city centre regeneration around Derbion. “The sites are important city centre sites, and the planning case had to deal carefully with heritage, townscape, design, viability and public benefit. Our role was to bring those strands together, working closely with Derby City Council and Historic England, and provide a clear route through a complex planning process. “The permissions show how a joined-up planning strategy can support new homes, commercial space and public realm improvements. The development will bring new footfall and revitalisation to Derby Centre, supporting its longer-term success, whilst respecting the city’s historic context.” It builds on the Eastern Gateway scheme, approved in May 2024, which forms the first phase of Eagle Quarter. Supported by the Future High Streets Fund, the scheme is delivering public space improvements at East Street and Morledge. It has also brought the former market hall back into temporary use, with padel courts and a skatepark helping to attract people to the area ahead of longer-term redevelopment. Alberto Esguevillas CEO UK, Eurofund Group, which is acting as development manager, said: “The Derbion Masterplan is about making better use of land in a key part of Derby city centre. Eagle Quarter and Bradshaw Way will introduce new homes, public spaces and commercial uses in locations that are well placed to support the wider city centre. “Lichfields has played a central role in guiding the planning strategy and helping us bring forward proposals that respond to Derby, its heritage and its long-term growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals