David Wilson Homes Secures Approval for 120 Sustainable Homes in Hertfordshire with 20% Biodiversity Gain
David Wilson Homes has secured planning approval for a new 120-home residential development between Hatfield and Welham Green in Hertfordshire, with the scheme set to deliver more than 20% biodiversity net gain alongside new affordable housing, extensive green spaces and significant investment in local infrastructure. Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has approved the detailed design and layout of the development, which will be located off South Way, following the granting of outline planning permission in autumn 2025. The scheme represents another important addition to Hertfordshire’s residential development pipeline, combining new family housing with environmental improvements, low-carbon building technologies and investment in community facilities. New Homes and Affordable Housing The development will provide 120 new homes, including 90 properties for open market sale and 30 affordable homes, representing 25% of the overall scheme. The open market housing will comprise a mix of two, three and four-bedroom properties, providing accommodation for families and buyers seeking modern homes within the Hatfield area. Two custom-build plots will also be incorporated into the development, offering opportunities for purchasers to create homes tailored to their individual requirements. The affordable housing provision will include a combination of Social Rent, Affordable Rent and Shared Ownership properties, with one to four-bedroom apartments and houses designed to accommodate a broad range of local housing needs. The inclusion of different housing types and tenures is intended to support a mixed residential community, providing opportunities for first-time buyers, families and households requiring affordable accommodation. All properties are planned to meet the Future Homes Standard, incorporating low-carbon heating systems and high levels of energy efficiency. These measures will support the delivery of more sustainable residential accommodation, reflecting the housebuilding sector’s increasing focus on reducing operational carbon emissions and improving the long-term environmental performance of new homes. Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure at the Heart of Development A defining feature of the proposals is the emphasis on biodiversity, landscaping and accessible public open space. Approximately 12 acres of dedicated green space will be incorporated into the development, providing recreational areas for residents while creating new habitats for wildlife. The landscape strategy includes a water meadow, community orchard, birch copse, two ponds and additional meadow areas, alongside two fully equipped children’s play areas. Together, these features are designed to improve ecological connectivity, encourage biodiversity and establish an attractive natural environment throughout the neighbourhood. Council planning officers concluded that the proposed landscaping and habitat improvements would increase biodiversity across the site by more than 20%. This exceeds the statutory 10% biodiversity net gain requirement generally applicable to major residential developments in England, demonstrating a commitment to integrating environmental improvements into the housing scheme. The development will also benefit from its proximity to existing open spaces to the south of Hatfield, helping connect the new neighbourhood with the surrounding landscape. Lauren Potter, Development Director at Barratt David Wilson North Thames, welcomed the approval and highlighted the importance of combining housing delivery with environmental improvements. “This new, sustainable development off South Way will bring forward a new community of quality homes that complement the local area, while also providing much-needed affordable family housing,” she said. “Green space will be at the heart of the plans, with attractive landscaped areas designed to create an appealing setting for residents as well as support biodiversity.” Potter added that the development would provide opportunities for residents to enjoy a greener and better-connected lifestyle, with the landscape proposals expected to deliver biodiversity improvements exceeding 20%. £4m Investment in Education and Community Infrastructure Alongside the new homes, David Wilson Homes will provide a serviced site for a future school, supporting the long-term educational requirements of the growing local community. The development will also generate a £4 million Section 106 contribution towards education and other essential infrastructure and public services. Funding will support primary and secondary education, childcare provision and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) facilities. Additional contributions will be directed towards fire and rescue services, highways improvements, medical facilities and local sports provision. These commitments form an important part of the development’s wider planning obligations, helping ensure that new housing is accompanied by investment in the infrastructure and services needed to support population growth. For the public sector and construction industries, the scheme demonstrates the increasingly important relationship between residential development, community infrastructure and long-term local authority planning. Improved Walking Routes and Public Access The development will also introduce improvements to existing pedestrian and recreational connections across the site. A public footpath and bridleway will be upgraded, while a new ridgeway walk will be created around the perimeter of the development. These improvements will provide enhanced opportunities for walking and outdoor recreation, helping residents access the surrounding countryside and nearby green spaces. The combination of landscaped areas, wildlife habitats and improved public routes is intended to create a neighbourhood where the natural environment forms an integral part of the residential layout. This approach reflects a wider shift in housing design towards creating communities that prioritise accessible green space, active travel and environmental quality alongside the delivery of new homes. Supporting Hertfordshire’s Long-Term Housing Growth The approved scheme forms part of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s wider housing strategy, which aims to deliver approximately 13,400 new homes across the borough by 2036. With housing demand continuing to place pressure on local authorities across the South East, developments that combine market housing, affordable accommodation and supporting infrastructure remain central to meeting long-term residential requirements. The South Way development will contribute 120 additional properties towards these ambitions while incorporating measures intended to improve sustainability and biodiversity. For David Wilson Homes, the approval represents an opportunity to demonstrate how modern housebuilding can combine energy-efficient construction, mixed-tenure housing and landscape-led masterplanning. The scheme’s commitment to more than 20% biodiversity net gain is particularly significant as developers increasingly seek to integrate measurable ecological improvements into residential projects. With detailed planning approval now secured, the development moves another step closer to delivering a new neighbourhood between Hatfield and Welham Green. Once completed, the project will provide 120 homes, substantial public open space
Bidvest Noonan pledges to help 10,000 people into work and training by 2030
Bidvest Noonan, one of the UK’s leading facilities management companies, has pledged to help 10,000 people into employment and training by 2030, with a particular focus on those who face the greatest barriers to work. The commitment was announced today as Bidvest Noonan launched its Purpose in Action strategy. The launch was attended by Mpumi Madisa, Chief Executive of the Bidvest Group, the Johannesburg-listed parent company and the first Black woman to lead a JSE Top 40 company. Bidvest Noonan, which provides cleaning, security and facilities services, marks its 50th anniversary in 2027. The pledge sits at the heart of Purpose in Action, the company’s new social value strategy, launched today. It commits Bidvest Noonan to two goals by 2030: supporting 10,000 people into employment and future skills, and delivering one million hours of community impact through volunteering, fundraising and local partnerships. Those supported will include people with disabilities, refugees, women returning to the workforce and the long-term unemployed, helped through work placements, recruitment mentoring, employability workshops and training. The commitment builds on Bidvest Noonan’s partnerships with organisations such as Tent UK – a network of over 80 major companies that are committed to hiring refugees across the country and helping them become job-ready. Ola is one example of how that support can lead to a real opportunity. Originally from Nigeria, Ola, 33, struggled to find work despite a background in hospitality and IT, unsure how to navigate an unfamiliar jobs market. With support into employment, he received CV and interview support before completing the training, vetting and licensing required to become a Security Officer. He is now building a career with Bidvest Noonan. “When I arrived, I didn’t know anyone and I didn’t know how the system worked here. I kept applying for jobs and hearing nothing back, and I started to wonder if I’d ever get settled. The support I received helped me understand the process and gave me the confidence to go for it. Now I have a job I’m proud of and a future I can plan for.” Ola, Security Officer at Bidvest Noonan. Stories such as Ola’s show what can be achieved through partnerships that help people overcome barriers to employment. Bidvest Noonan works with organisations including Business in the Community Ireland and Tent UK to widen access to work and support sustainable careers. Jen Stobart, Director of Tent UK, said: “Refugees arrive with skills, experience and a determination to rebuild their lives, but too often they struggle to get a foot in the door. Hiring refugees is a win for refugees and it’s also good business. We’re proud to support this pledge by Bidvest Noonan – companies that lead the way can gain motivated and loyal talent while giving refugees the stability to rebuild their lives.” Julie Mernagh, Chief People and Culture Officer at Bidvest Noonan, said: “Talent and potential exist in every community we are part of. Access to opportunity does not. Purpose in Action is our commitment to help close that gap. Through our colleagues and partnerships, we can open doors for people, whether that is a first job, a step up in their career or new skills for the future.” Declan Doyle, Chief Executive Officer of Bidvest Noonan, said: “Bidvest Noonan has grown over almost 50 years because of the people who deliver its services every day. A job can be a first opportunity, but people also need the chance to learn and progress, and this commitment brings the two together. As the company approaches its 50th anniversary, we want it to be known not only for the services it delivers, but for the opportunities it creates.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Reapit celebrates nine years of ESTAS success
Customers have once again put Reapit at the top of the industry at the ESTAS, the UK’s largest residential property awards, with its automated client accounting solution, PayProp, among the night’s big winners. PayProp was named Best in Sector – Payment Services again in 2026, extending its extraordinary run to nine consecutive ESTAS titles. Unlike many industry awards, ESTAS winners are determined by verified customer reviews collected throughout the year. For Reapit, the awards represent recognition from the people who use its technology every day. Nine years at the top Nine consecutive ESTAS victories is a milestone few PropTechs can claim. For Reapit’s PayProp client accounting platform, it reflects a continued focus on helping letting agents reduce manual payment admin, protect client money and operate more efficiently. In a sector facing growing operational and regulatory pressures, agents continue to rely on the PayProp platform to automate one of the most important functions within their business. The industry’s biggest celebration As the headline partner of the ESTAS Awards, Reapit also welcomed customers and industry leaders to the event, hosting three VIP tables during one of the property sector’s biggest annual gatherings. The evening brought together agents, suppliers and industry experts from across the sector and highlighted the important role customer feedback continues to play in shaping products, services and standards across the industry. “First and foremost, thank you to our customers. Awards decided by industry panels are always welcome, but recognition from the people who use your technology every day carries a different weight,” said Steve Richmond, Reapit’s General Manager. “For our PayProp platform to secure a ninth consecutive ESTAS title is an incredible achievement and a reflection of the consistency, expertise and commitment of our team. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pensdown named ECA Contractor of the Year at 2026 Industry Awards
Pensdown has been named ECA Contractor of the Year – in the category up to £5 million turnover – at the 2026 ECA Industry Awards, recognising the company’s achievements in electrical contracting, engineering innovation and sustainable technology installation. The awards ceremony took place at Hilton London Bankside on Friday 9th October, bringing together businesses and individuals from across the electrotechnical and engineering services industry, an event that formed part of the Electrical Contractors’ Association’s (ECA) 125th anniversary celebrations. Pensdown’s entry highlighted its delivery of a 765kW rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) installation and 0.5MW battery storage system at a large distribution facility in Lutterworth, Leicestershire, during 2024/25. The project demonstrated Pensdown’s ability to undertake technically demanding work within a live operational environment, combining electrical engineering expertise with bespoke design solutions and a rigorous approach to health and safety. The Lutterworth installation involved fitting 1,512 solar panels across a large industrial rooftop while the distribution facility remained operational. The work required careful coordination of logistics, installation activities and safety measures, with Pensdown reporting no incidents throughout the project. To achieve the required precision when positioning the mounting brackets, the team designed and fabricated a bespoke timber template rig. This supported the setting-out and installation of 4,356 individual brackets, helping ensure accuracy across the rooftop arrays. The project also presented a challenge below the roof. With limited wall space available for the solar PV infrastructure, Pensdown designed and constructed a bespoke, freestanding modular steel-framed structure known as the PV Pod. Using a Sikla system, the solution accommodated the required infrastructure within the available plant area. A second phase introduced 0.5MW of battery storage. Associated works included preparing a concrete base for a new GRP enclosure, installing distribution switchgear to connect the battery storage container to the building’s main low-voltage panel and fitting Armco barriers to provide physical protection around the container. The phased energisation of the systems enabled the project to progress in line with the programme and the availability of the building’s new electrical supplies. Safety and quality at the centre of delivery Working at height across an extensive industrial roof required a structured approach to managing risk. Pensdown installed and maintained scaffold access stairs, an electric materials hoist and skylight protection systems throughout the project. Daily reviews of risk assessments and method statements, alongside toolbox talks, formed part of the site team’s working practices. Quality assurance checks were also carried out at each stage of the mounting system installation, including verification that fixings were tightened to the manufacturers’ specified torque requirements. The project provided an example of how detailed planning, practical engineering and consistent safety procedures can support the delivery of complex electrical installations in operational environments. The award entry also highlighted Pensdown’s wider work in sustainable technologies and energy efficiency. Alongside its growing involvement in commercial solar PV and battery storage, the company also completed a significant LED lighting retrofit project in Edinburgh during the same period. The installation incorporated bespoke Zumtobel LED luminaires and Helvar intelligent lighting controls to support lighting and energy optimisation. It demonstrated that Pensdown’s services extend beyond conventional electrical installation to include structured cabling, audio-visual systems, EV charging, LED lighting and renewable energy technologies. This broad, predominantly in-house capability enables the business to coordinate multiple disciplines through a single contractor. The company’s approach also includes the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and the reuse of existing infrastructure where appropriate. Pensdown’s award reflects the contribution of its team to delivering complex projects while maintaining a focus on quality, safety and client requirements. The Lutterworth installation demonstrated the scale and technical complexity of projects that can be delivered through specialist knowledge, careful planning and resourceful engineering. Winning the ECA Contractor of the Year Award provides industry recognition for Pensdown’s work and its continued development across electrical contracting, renewable energy and integrated building technologies. For more information: www.pensdown.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cityscape Qatar brings real estate leaders and global experts together for 4th Qatar Real Estate Forum
From how investors assess opportunities to how cities are designed and experienced, Cityscape Qatar 2026 will put the questions shaping Qatar’s real estate market at the centre of the 4th Qatar Real Estate Forum. Powered by Cityscape, the Forum will take place from 27–29 October at the Doha Exhibition & Convention Center (DECC), bringing together leading voices from Qatar and around the world. Headline speakers include H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Talal Al-Thani, CEO of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company; H.E. Sheikh Nasser Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, CEO of Qetaifan Projects; H.E. Sheikh Jassim Bin Jabor Al Thani, CEO of Ariane Projects; and Eng. Ahmad Mohamad Al-Tayeb, Group CEO of Barwa Real Estate Group. International speakers include Jan Vapaavuori, Chairman of Finnvera, Finland’s export credit agency, former Mayor of Helsinki and member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Cities; Nikki Greenberg, CEO of Real Estate of the Future; and Professor Carlos Moreno of IAE Paris-Sorbonne, creator of the ‘15-Minute City’ concept. Alexander Heuff, Group Director, Cityscape, said: “Strong real estate markets need to work for both investors and the people who use them every day. Investment decisions may begin with confidence in the market, but long-term performance is ultimately tested by whether a place continues to attract people, businesses and activity. That is why this year’s Forum looks at investment and the way cities are planned and experienced as part of the same conversation. Bringing those perspectives together gives visitors a fuller understanding of what can sustain opportunity over time, rather than looking at individual projects in isolation.” The programme will open on 27 October with a focus on Qatar’s investment outlook and the market’s next phase of growth. Senior leaders from Qatari Diar, Qetaifan Projects and Barwa will discuss the priorities behind some of the country’s largest developments, how projects move from masterplan to delivery and what international investors now look for before committing capital. Technology will also take the spotlight, with Nikki Greenberg exploring how AI and smart infrastructure are changing the way investors assess markets and assets across the Gulf. Professor Carlos Moreno will then examine how cities work for the people who live in them, looking at how access to work, education, healthcare, retail and public space within a neighbourhood can strengthen its appeal and resilience over time. Day one will also examine regulation and the investment environment, with perspectives from the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Aqarat), alongside sessions on Qatar’s economic diversification, sustainable development and the changing role of retail and hospitality. The day will conclude with the Qatar Real Estate Awards ceremony. Across the following two days, the focus will move to investment decisions. Sessions will cover how investors evaluate opportunities, diversify portfolios and secure financing, alongside real estate tokenisation and what first-time buyers in Qatar should understand before investing. The programme will also look ahead to the next generation of development in Qatar, examining how wellness, healthcare, education, connectivity and community design are influencing where people choose to live and where investment follows. Under the theme ‘Where Vision Meets Investment’, Cityscape Qatar 2026 and the 4th Qatar Real Estate Forum will connect the projects and opportunities across the event with the wider market conversations shaping Qatar’s real estate sector. Visitor passes are free for all three days, with registration now open here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Celnor Group Announces New Investment from Goldman Sachs Alternatives
Goldman Sachs Alternatives to acquire a majority stake in Celnor, a fast-growing international built environment-focused testing, inspection, certification and compliance (“TICC”) platform, with Inflexion, Founder and Management reinvesting Celnor Group (“Celnor”), a leading provider of risk, safety, compliance and testing services across the built environment, announced that the Private Equity business within Goldman Sachs Alternatives (“Goldman Sachs”) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in the Company. Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Simon Parrington, and members of the wider management team will remain invested alongside Goldman Sachs, together with existing shareholder Inflexion Private Equity (“Inflexion”). The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in Q1 2027. Founded in 2023, Celnor has rapidly grown into a leading platform in the TICC market. Today, the Group supports more than 20,000 clients, employs over 2,750 colleagues across 60 locations and generates annual revenues exceeding £300 million. With a national footprint across the UK and a growing international presence in the US and Europe, Celnor supports customers in meeting increasingly complex regulatory, safety and environmental requirements across the built environment. The investment from Goldman Sachs will support Celnor’s next phase of growth, accelerating its international expansion strategy, particularly in the United States and Continental Europe, while further strengthening its technology, operational and acquisition capabilities. Celnor will continue to pursue targeted acquisitions, invest in talent and innovation, and support its growing customer base. Simon Parrington and the existing management team will continue to lead Celnor, supported by Goldman Sachs and Inflexion. Simon Parrington, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Celnor Group, said: “In three years, we have built a strong international platform, underpinned by exceptional people, trusted brands and a shared commitment to our customers. Partnering with Goldman Sachs is an important next step in our long term strategy and will enable us to invest further in our people and capabilities, strengthen our proposition for clients and create new opportunities for colleagues across the Group. I would like to thank Inflexion for its invaluable support since day one and am delighted they will continue as a partner in our next chapter.” Jose Barreto, Partner within Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, said: “Having built a close relationship with Simon and the management team since Celnor’s formation, we are delighted to invest in the business at this hugely exciting stage in its evolution. We’ve been very impressed by Simon and the management team’s track record of building and scaling the Group via M&A, while maintaining a clear focus on its customers, its service quality and importantly, its people. We look forward to partnering alongside Inflexion and management to drive future growth, both in the UK and internationally.” Harry Wilson, Investor within Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, added: “Celnor has established a differentiated position in an attractive end-market underpinned by deep technical expertise, compliance requirements and trusted customer relationships. We look forward to drawing on Goldman Sachs’ global network and value creation capabilities to support the Company’s continued development, both organically and through targeted acquisitions.” Tom Pemberton, Partner and Head of Enterprise Fund, Inflexion, commented, “Celnor is a great example of how Inflexion can provide huge flexibility and generate significant value. We backed an entrepreneurial founder to start from scratch to build a high quality, scaled business in an attractive, fragmented market. Simon and the team have executed the strategy incredibly and we look forward to continuing to support them as a minority shareholder.” Dominic Clark, Investment Director, Inflexion, added, “Celnor is an example of buy-and-build done well: a clear strategy, a disciplined and relationship-led approach to acquisitions, and sustained investment in the businesses once they joined. That combination has developed deep technical expertise across the Group, delivered at scale, and there is significant runway ahead – particularly in the US and Continental Europe – and we are proud to remain part of Celnor’s story alongside Simon, the team and Goldman Sachs.” Celnor and Inflexion were advised by Rothschild & Co (Corporate Finance), OC&C (Commercial), Alvarez & Marsal (Financial, Tax), and Addleshaw Goddard and Slaughter and May (Legal). Goldman Sachs Alternatives was advised by Houlihan Lokey (M&A), Linklaters (Legal), and EY (Financial and Tax). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals