More Comment – Page 18
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Let’s turn the commercial property crisis into a positive for housing
Converting vacant retail units can plug the gap that new builds are failing to close
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Let’s pull together to end poor practice
Better inspection protocols and data sharing are key to improved safety – and landowners must join in pushing for change
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Myths and half-truths are plaguing the debate about planning reform
Those opposed to government proposals are exploiting a natural nervousness about change, says Paul Smith, but this is no developers’ charter
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We are on the verge of a housing design renaissance
Larger housing developments would greatly benefit from proposed design codes, says Stephen Taylor
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Time for a more targeted approach to building safety
The Building Safety Bill is a step forward, but there’s much more to do to solve this crisis once and for all, argues Geeta Nanda
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Bringing nature home
Ben Derbyshire on the launch of a website offering practical advice to built environment professionals who want to protect biodiversity
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Why is cladding remediation taking so long?
Residents and housing professionals alike are becoming increasingly frustrated by the slow progress being made on the replacement of faulty cladding on unsafe high-rise buildings. Peter Johnson sheds some light on why progress is slow
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The secret to low carbon housing developments: less is more
Scott Crease at Max Fordham has some tips for minimising the amount of materials used in new residential schemes
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Why the North-west is a promising region for developers
Housing delivery statistics can be hard to follow at times but the latest data shows some interesting trends, says Deborah Aplin
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‘Use it or lose it’ threat is built on shaky foundations
Proposals to force developers to speed up housing build rates are based on a false premise. They are likely to make the problem worse, says Paul Smith
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By-election defeat deepens government dilemma over planning reform
Conservative backbenchers are putting the government under pressure following Sarah Green’s shock Chesham and Amersham victory, writes Tom Lowe
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Section 106 has promoted mixed communities for decades, but not for much longer
Planning reforms do not compel developers to provide affordable housing on-site, which could reverse years of progress
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Government action on overheating is needed. Now.
The scandal of highly insulated newbuild homes that overheat in summer has been evident for years, climate advisers’ warnings can no longer be ignored
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Strategic relationships are the way forward
Clients who are focused on more than just profit are increasing looking for long-term like-minded partners, says Arcadis’ Richard Jones
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House prices are about to get walloped by energy ratings that brand homes sub-standard
The housing sector may not be fully aware of the risks but the world of finance is already moving to reduce its exposure, says Igloo’s Chris Brown
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Beware the legal differences when a home is built using MMC
Standard construction contracts are often unsuitable for MMC projects, so housing providers should have the right protections and agreements in place, Ruth Phillips and Louise Ingram write
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Government must hold its nerve on the Planning Bill
The proposed reforms are an opportunity to produce a cost-effective and more predictable system that delivers better outcomes and maintains public involvement, says Paul Smith
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We need to get to grips with the Fire Safety Act
The passing of the controversial bill last month was a step towards wider reform. It is now time to prepare for the bigger changes to come, says Nattasha Freeman
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Planning reforms: a positive message, but the devil will be in the detail
The key issue will be how growth zones will be decided, says Clive Docwra