Planning for growth at speed – will root and branch reform deliver?

Planning for growth at speed – will root and branch reform deliver?

By Joanne Neville, National Director of Planning at Harworth Group Plc One area in which the government cannot be criticised for lacking ambition is reform of the planning system.  With a commitment to 12 new towns – construction on three supposedly starting within this parliament – and ambitions to ‘build, baby build’ alongside recent additions to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, there is a clear commitment to get things moving. Delivered through two pieces of primary legislation, the proposed planning reforms are broad in scope. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will see all areas in England covered by a strategic authority.  Separately, the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will mandate these authorities to develop spatial development strategies – bringing the rest of England in line with Manchester and London, which have had these in place since 2024 and 2004 respectively. Sweeping reform is complicated and will take time to have effect, but the government hopes these bills will work in tandem to support development and bolster economies.  Strategic thinking for strategic planning   England’s planning system will work better if we can move away from what can be an overly politicised process, towards a spatial system that facilitates effective cross-boundary working.  This would enable a decision-making framework capable of tackling difficult decisions about how growth is distributed and infrastructure delivered – leaving local planning authorities to focus resources on specific sites. Despite the benefits on offer, this will be a new way of working for most of England’s planning system and require significant attention and resources to establish.  Greater Manchester’s adoption of its regional plan was a gargantuan effort but much needed.  I hope that with support from central government, other combined authorities will achieve the goal quicker. Some, such as West Yorkshire Combined Authority, have already begun work on a plan and will be hoping this will help make the case to government for investment in the region’s proposed mass transit system. The key to delivering an effective spatial plan is starting as early as possible and establishing a shared vision through consistent communication and engagement. Some worry that strategic planning will result in the displacement of planners from local authorities, thereby compounding current resourcing challenges.  The acute shortage of planners is a concern to us all – there is no obvious solution to this other than the requirement for more planners in the system.  Developing a way of working that streamlines systems to ensure work is not duplicated at a local level is also key. A move to unitaries: simplicity is sophistication Putting an end to the current patchwork of administrative make-ups and moving away from two-tier authorities throughout England should, in time, simplify the planning process and largely standardise our political map by bringing all of England under unitary authorities. At our Skelton Grange site, having a strong unitary authority was critical.  Collaborative promotion between Harworth, Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority helped gain interest from globally significant occupiers, with Microsoft ultimately committing to the site. Microsoft’s plan to build northern England’s largest data centre puts Leeds firmly on the map of this booming industry.  Skelton Grange shows the power of strong alignment and clarity of purpose between local authorities, regional authorities and the private sector. The former power station site presented some of the most challenging ground conditions we’ve dealt with – and that’s saying something when you look at the type of the former industrial land we specialise in.  Less than four miles from central Leeds, regeneration of the site is really significant to the city. Greater Manchester and West Midlands are oft-cited examples when it comes to devolution, but we’re also seeing the transition to a major unitary authority play out in North Yorkshire.  This is a particularly interesting example when you consider the challenge and opportunity of creating fertile ground for investment across a large scale and predominantly rural geography.  Time will tell on the specifics, but it’s hard to argue the logic of streamlining eight councils into one, ultimately ensuring planning decisions on housing and employment can be made in the same town hall as transport, waste and social care strategies. Decisions, decisions… A recent report by Lichfields found it now typically takes two years for major applications to secure permission, with just 4% being determined in the statutory timeframe.  The longest wait in 2014 (660 days) was shorter than the average in 2024 (710 days). In 2008, I was the case officer for a major EIA development with a 112-day (16 week) timeframe.  I was able to determine the application (complete with a signed S106), within the target. The ingredients that enabled this included a local authority planning department with a strong chief planner at the helm – a role that the RTPI is campaigning to be commonplace across planning departments.  I was empowered to make a recommendations as planning officer in the planning balance.  Plus we had a pragmatic, solution-based relationship between local authority and applicant. On top of this was a planning committee with a strong chair which recognised the allocation in the local plan and, despite objections, was strong enough to realise the principle of development was not up for debate. Planning professionals are all too familiar with decisions being made at committee against officer recommendation, often leading to delays and costs in bringing forwards new homes and jobs. Recently consulted on reforms to committees include a national scheme of delegation, limiting their size to 11 members and the introduction of mandatory training.  Like the government, I hope a clearer scope and increased professionalism will help to put an end to rolling the dice with committees – particularly where allocated and policy compliant sites are concerned In my opinion, these proposed reforms are a significant step in the right direction to achieving decisions within sensible timeframes again. Don’t let perfection be the enemy of good Planning systems and local government are not a perfect science; we are constantly adjusting to the technological, social and economic conditions around us.  With

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Sustainable packaging for construction materials: how leak testing helps reduce waste

Sustainable packaging for construction materials: how leak testing helps reduce waste

The construction industry has been pushing so hard towards sustainable packaging, and it is all for a good cause. The sector handles, stores and ships a lot of materials every day. So, reducing waste at the packaging level is a low-hanging fruit as far as efforts towards sustainability are considered. In this article, we will cover how leak testing reduces waste in construction materials and why it is arguably the easiest way to enhance sustainable packaging efforts. Why Compromised Packaging is the Real Problem Before we get to the importance of leak testing, it is essential to find out more about compromised packaging and how it weakens sustainability efforts. Issues like a puncture or a leak in the material’s packaging can cause plenty of problems, including the following: In general, compromised packaging can lead to losses, environmental damage and slow down the efforts to make construction packaging more sustainable. And that is why leak testing has become such a crucial part of the materials packaging process. How Leak Testing Can Help Reduce Material Waste Catches Problems Before Materials are Shipped Leak testing is one of the primary steps in the quality testing process, which is done before the materials leave the manufacturing floor. As such, it helps you catch any problematic packaging before they are shipped to a warehouse or the construction site. If you had to rely solely on visual inspection, there are plenty of compromised packages that could easily slip through the quality control process. These are the ones that slowly let the elements in or leak the material out, leading to unnecessary damage to both the products and the environment. Leak testing allows you to assess the packaging integrity. And, any packaging that doesn’t meet the standard can easily be redone or entirely replaced without damaging the product. Increases Shelf Life Not all construction materials produced are used immediately. In fact, most of them are stored in warehouses for months or even years before they are supplied to construction sites. And, without proper packaging, there is a great risk you will be counting losses within a very short time. Once the packaging is compromised, the product starts deteriorating slowly. You will notice things like moisture traces in dry products like cement and air damage in sealant barrels. Leak testing can significantly increase the shelf life of your materials. In other words, you will toss out a few (if any) products when it’s time to make supplies. Conclusion In the end, sustainable packaging can only work if the packaging itself actually does the job. And leak testing is the best way to ensure that. It protects the materials, increasing shelf life and minimising unnecessary waste. So, if you want to reduce waste and prevent your sustainability efforts from falling apart, the first place to start is investing in leak testing solutions designed for construction materials.

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The Pros and Cons of Investing in California Real Estate

The Pros and Cons of Investing in California Real Estate

Investing in California property has always felt a bit like hopping onto a roller coaster. Exciting, full of potential, occasionally nerve-racking, and sometimes a little unpredictable. Still, people are drawn to the state’s real estate market for good reason. Whether you are new to property investing or you have been doing this for a while, it helps to take a clear look at both the upsides and the drawbacks before diving in. Why California Continues to Attract Investors California has an undeniable pull. Some of the biggest reasons investors explore the market here come down to population, job opportunities, and long term appreciation trends. Cities like San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco offer strong demand for rentals, and that naturally keeps property values sturdy most of the time. Another perk is the diversity of markets within the state. You can find everything from luxury coastal homes to more affordable inland properties. This gives investors at different levels room to find something that fits their budget and goals. There is also something reassuring about investing in a state with such a strong economy. Even when one industry slows down, others tend to pick up the slack. Tech, entertainment, agriculture, tourism, and biotech all help keep demand stable. The Potential Downsides to Keep in Mind Of course, no market is perfect. California has some challenges that deserve attention. The first and most obvious one is the cost of entry. The state’s median home prices are much higher than the national average. Many investors find themselves needing larger down payments or partnering with others to make deals work. Another factor that surprises newcomers is the regulatory landscape. California has strict tenant protections, environmental rules, and building codes. These rules are designed to protect residents, but they can add complexity to property management. It is not impossible, but it is important to understand the rules before you buy anything. Then there are the taxes. Property taxes, combined with state income taxes and potential capital gains taxes, can feel heavy unless you plan ahead. This is why many professionals recommend learning about tax strategies early on. The right structure can make a noticeable difference in your yearly returns. Opportunities for Growth Despite the Challenges Even with the obstacles, California still offers opportunities if you know where to look. Some investors focus on long-term rental markets. Others explore short term rentals, although cities vary widely in their rules. There are also pockets of the state that have been growing rapidly, such as the Inland Empire and parts of Sacramento. This is where strategic planning matters. For California real estate investors, understanding how to maximize tax benefits and depreciation can go a long way. Many turn to cost segregation because it can accelerate deductions and improve cash flow. Is California Still Worth It? The big question everyone eventually asks is whether buying property in California still makes sense. The honest answer is that it depends on what kind of investor you are and how much uncertainty you are comfortable with. Some people enjoy the challenge. They like the idea of owning something in a place that stays busy and full of life. Others want a calmer market where the numbers feel predictable from day one. If you lean toward long-term thinking, California can still be appealing. Housing demand rarely takes a real break, and the state keeps drawing new residents thanks to its job market and lifestyle. Even when prices wobble, they tend to settle in a stronger position over time. That steady pressure on demand is one of the reasons people keep coming back to this market. What really matters is finding a strategy that fits your goals. For some, California is a long game. For others, it is a market they admire from a distance. There is room for both approaches, and neither one is wrong.

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From Vacant Office to Premier Inn: Whitbread Fast-Tracks Phoenix House Conversion in Vauxhall

From Vacant Office to Premier Inn: Whitbread Fast-Tracks Phoenix House Conversion in Vauxhall

Work to convert the vacant office into a 180-bedroom Premier Inn hotel begins just eight months after securing the landmark location opposite Vauxhall Underground Station Construction work has begun to convert Phoenix House in Vauxhall, London into a 180-bedroom Premier Inn hotel – just eight months after the parent company to the UK’s largest hotel business agreed terms on a lease for the site. The high-profile location opposite Vauxhall Underground Station was acquired by Whitbread plc, which owns Premier Inn, as part of its London expansion program.   In an innovative arrangement, Whitbread agreed to lease the 10-storey 7,469 sqm former office building from Lambeth Council, the virtual freeholder, and lead the conversion of the space into a latest format Premier Inn. The 30-year agreement between Whitbread and the Council was signed in March 2025 and planning permission for the conversion was secured 20 weeks later in July 2025.  Now, just eight months on from signing the contract, Whitbread has full control of the building and has started strip-out works today [17th November] – with the target to open the new hotel in early 2028. Jonathan Langdon, Senior Acquisition Manager for Whitbread, said: “As an operating hotel business our goal is to open our pipeline development sites as quickly as possible for our customers.  Thanks to a successful partnership with Lambeth Council, we have been able to acquire a fantastic hotel location, secure planning, and move into construction in just eight months, showing what’s possible when everyone comes together. “We have been looking for a suitable location for Premier Inn in Vauxhall for at least ten years.  In a little over two years’ time, we will be welcoming customers to a sensational hotel location, literally opposite Vauxhall Underground Station, and delivering the new location in a very sustainable way through the conversion of a former vacant office building.   There are enormous benefits to expanding our footprint in this way, and we are actively looking for similar opportunities across the capital as we continue to grow.” Phoenix House was formerly occupied by Lambeth Council before being vacated as part of its award-winning Your New Town Hall scheme. This wide-ranging project involved reducing Lambeth Council’s core office buildings from 14 to two, with further community benefits including 219 new homes for rent and sale. Whitbread intends to bring its award-winning hotel proposition to the building, including its popular enhanced Premier Plus rooms and an ancillary guest-focused restaurant on the first floor. Around 25 permanent hospitality jobs will be created on opening, with recruitment expected to begin in autumn 2027. Berkshire based Redhammer Demolition Limited has been appointed to begin the strip-out conversion works which are due to complete by Easter 2026. Whitbread is currently in discussions with several contractors for the fit-out work. The redevelopment of Phoenix House forms part of a city-wide expansion plan for Whitbread as it works to address an undersupply of affordable hotels in the capital. It currently operates more than 100 Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn hotels within the M25 – including five Premier Inn’s within the borough of Lambeth, the newest of which opened at Lambeth Road in January 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Glencar breaks ground on flagship Sustainable Materials hub at Atom Valley

Glencar breaks ground on flagship Sustainable Materials hub at Atom Valley

Glencar has been appointed by Wilson Bowden Developments to deliver the first major project at Atom Valley, with work now under way on the new Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre (SMMC) in Rochdale. The 43,500 sq ft facility will provide a cutting-edge environment for collaboration, research and development in sustainable materials and advanced manufacturing. Designed as a flexible, innovation-focused space, the centre will bring together businesses, academics and technology partners under one roof to accelerate low-carbon solutions and next-generation production techniques. Crucially, the SMMC is intended to act as a catalyst for a wider innovation cluster across the Atom Valley site, supporting high-value jobs, investment and long-term industrial growth in the region. The facility will form an important part of the evolving Kingsway Business Park offer, complementing existing occupiers and strengthening the area’s reputation as a hub for advanced industry. Tom Kearsley, North Regional Director at Glencar, said the business was pleased to be working once again with Wilson Bowden and the wider project team to deliver what he described as a unique, forward-looking facility. He highlighted the opportunity to support “future-facing innovation” by creating a building that encourages collaboration between different disciplines and sectors. Henry Henson, Development Manager at Wilson Bowden Developments, described the start of construction as a landmark moment for the scheme. He said the SMMC would play a central role in the continuing success story at Kingsway Business Park and that the project team was looking forward to turning the vision into reality on site. The Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre is scheduled for completion in September 2026, marking an important early milestone in the development of Atom Valley as a nationally significant innovation location. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Arada to acquire majority stake in £2.5bn Thameside West development

Arada to acquire majority stake in £2.5bn Thameside West development

Unlocking one of London’s largest and most connected new waterfront neighbourhoods… Arada, the UAE’s fastest-growing master developer, announces that it has agreed the acquisition of an 80% stake in Thameside West, a landmark waterfront mixed-use development located at the western end of London’s Royal Docks. Master-planned by Foster + Partners, the vibrant new urban destination will deliver at least 5,000 homes, with half of the site dedicated to green space and a kilometre of active waterfront. Boasting unrivalled transport links, the integration of air, road, rail, river and tunnel links makes this one of the most connected sites in London. Spread over a 47-acre area – twice the size of the Hudson Yards mixed-use development in New York – Thameside West represents one of Europe’s largest and most strategically important regeneration opportunities, with a Gross Development Value (GDV) of £2.5 billion. It occupies central London’s longest stretch of undeveloped riverfront, with views across Canary Wharf and Greenwich Peninsula. Already awarded consent, Thameside West will see 1,000 homes delivered in the first stage of the project, with construction set to begin in 2027. The acquisition from private developer Keystone represents Arada’s second large-scale investment in the London residential market in the space of less than two months, following its purchase of local developer Regal in September. Arada will work alongside the London Borough of Newham, Greater London Authority and Transport for London to transform this former industrial site into a vibrant, new neighbourhood. Keystone’s vision and sustained commitment have been instrumental in progressing Thameside West to this stage, laying the foundations for one of London’s most ambitious masterplans. GLA Land and Property Limited (“GLAP”), as the other major landowner, will work closely with Arada to unlock this significant project. Thameside West is one of the most well-connected sites in London and benefits from the recently completed Silvertown Tunnel, Custom House station (Elizabeth, Jubilee and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) lines), City Airport, and the IFS Cable Car. The site also connects the Lea Valley Regeneration Area and the wider Royal Docks, and Arada aims to additionally deliver a new DLR station, in partnership with Transport for London. His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Arada, said: “Our entry into this market was grounded in our unwavering faith in London and its attractiveness as one of the world’s leading capital cities.  At the time of the Regal acquisition, we articulated our ambition to scale our London residential pipeline to 30,000 units over the next three years, and we have swiftly delivered on growing that pipeline. Thameside West represents a unique opportunity to create a landmark riverside development, and we look forward to working with our partners and utilising our long-standing track record in large-scale, amenity rich residential schemes to unlock the delivery of new housing for London.” Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development said: “I am delighted that Arada is investing in London to transform Thameside West – one of the key sites within the Royal Docks. This really is a fantastic example of how we can unlock London’s potential to deliver the homes our city so urgently needs. “Working together we will be able to deliver at least 5,000 new homes, 35 per cent of which will be affordable as part of a thriving new neighbourhood in the heart of this historic part of East London. “This is a landmark moment as we continue to push ahead with our plans to return the Royal Docks to its former glory and create a better, fairer, greener London for everyone.”  Lord Norman Foster of Thamesbank, Founder and Executive Chairman of Foster + Partners, said: “Thameside West is a place where architecture, nature and infrastructure come together in balance. The stepped design ensures exceptional views from every building, while the integration of air, road, rail, river and tunnel links makes this one of the most connected sites in London. Half the master plan is dedicated to green space, including more than a thousand trees and a kilometre of active waterfront, creating a setting that is both restorative and dynamic. Our goal is to build a truly inclusive community – one that brings opportunity, sustainability and vitality to the heart of London.” Giorgio L. Laurenti, Chairman of Keystone, said: “One of the most significant development opportunities in Greater London, Thameside West is a transformational destination designed to deliver thousands of new homes while generating substantial economic and social value for the wider community. With Arada, we have found an ideal and trusted partner, with tried-and-tested experience in large-scale urban mixed-use districts, to work with as we move closer to bringing this landmark project to life.” The acquisition of Thameside West increases Arada’s London development pipeline to 15,000 homes, supporting its ambition to triple this to 30,000 units over the next three years, building on a 30-year track record in the capital’s real estate market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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