More Comment – Page 15
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CommentCentralised pool of experts could solve local authority planning crisis
A bold, fresh approach is needed to tackle the shortcomings of a system under so much strain that it is damaging the sector and wider economy
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CommentThe fight to achieve gender equity starts at home
On International Women’s Day, Fiona Fletcher-Smith reflects on the housing crisis’ impact on gender equity
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CommentWe are heading in the wrong direction on housing delivery
Working out how many homes we will need is tricky, but one thing’s for sure we are not going to build anywhere near enough under current policy, warns Paul Smith
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CommentBeware of beauty as a utopian cure-all for development
The lessons from history show us that single-minded zealotry can have unintended consequences for housing developments, warns Ben Derbyshire
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CommentBiodiversity rules risk a delivery slowdown but there are opportunities too
The government has published details of new biodiversity net gain rules coming into force later this year. Alice Davidson explains the likely impact
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CommentHow ready are we for the Future Homes Standard?
The new standards will be with us in just two years – but to meet them, the industry is going to need a lot more government support, argues Laura Reeve
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CommentGovernment inaction on retrofit leaves housing caught in the Jevons Paradox
The newly created department of energy security and net zero needs to take urgent action on to make heat pumps a widespread technology or it will fail to bring homes up to the standard needed to meet the UK’s net zero targets, writes Chris Brown
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CommentRisk and responsibility: unpicking the first post-Grenfell court decisions
Recent High Court decisions suggest contractors will struggle to successfully challenge the costs of an implemented and effective remedial cladding solution
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CommentWe need a more effective procurement model based on trust
Basing procurement on matching skillsets and objectives - with less emphasis on cost - can drive more housing development, argues Richard Jones
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CommentIt's time to return rent-setting to housing associations
Registered social housing providers understand the need to balance financial viability with fairness for tenants without the need for government intervention, argues David Orr
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CommentWhat Gove’s Responsible Actors scheme is likely to mean for building safety
The housing secretary has given housebuilders six weeks to sign a remediation contract or be blocked from trading. Charis Beverton and Bora Mina look at the legal questions this raises.
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CommentMaking leasehold work better for residents is doable, here’s how
As Michael Gove pledges to abolish leasehold, Geeta Nanda explains measures housing providers can take to make it work in a fairer way
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CommentMinisters must intervene to stop a prolonged dip in affordable housing supply
It feels like we are on the cusp of a downturn in affordable housing delivery, but the government has the tools to prevent if from happening, argues Paul Hackett
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CommentThe unanswered questions about the £3bn building safety levy
A consultation on a £3bn levy on housebuilders runs until next Tuesday. Lindsay Garratt and Colette McCormack set out the key issues.
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CommentPlanning overhaul will merely entrench the ‘no development’ status quo
The government’s proposed new national planning policy fails to provide for an adequate supply of homes and is a dereliction of duty, writes Paul Smith
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CommentProspects for mortgage lending on cladding blocks have improved but questions remain
True confidence in the flat sales market is still a way off despite new approach from lenders argues Charmaine McQueen-Prince
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CommentWhat should a new ‘school of place’ look like?
Michael Gove’s backing for a new architecture school has drawn criticism but Ben Derbyshire believes it could also offer opportunities. Here he looks at what should be on its curriculum
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CommentGove’s retreat into nimbyism spells political trouble for the Tories
The pre-Christmas consultation on reforms to national planning policy will lead councils to plan for fewer homes - and contributes to the sense that the government has all but given up on helping those not yet on the housing ladder, writes Joey Gardiner
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CommentChanging the building safety culture
Rebuilding loss of trust following Grenfell is crucial for the construction sector and signing up to the non-profit Building A Safer Future’s charter is a good step towards this, writes David Thomas
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CommentHow will housebuilding fare in the economic slowdown?
Richard Jones explains the findings of Arcadis’ recent market report and what they may indicate for residential development in 2023