More Comment – Page 3
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CommentHousing is not enough: why PfP is partnering with the Ramblers
The £1bn-turnover provider will introduce 60 organised walks this year as part of plan to improve health and wellbeing of its residents. Scott Black explains more
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CommentLifting the grant cap on regeneration can help meet the Government’s housing targets
Strategic partnership bids outside London are subject to a 10% cap on applications for regeneration. Mel Barrett calls for greater flexibility
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CommentWe must tackle the tax and regulatory burdens on developers to boost housebuilding in London
Building new homes reduces housing costs, boosts productivity and generates jobs. We should let housebuilders get on and build, writes Chris Weaton
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CommentNew partnership models: We now need to move from ‘optioneering’ to actual delivery of new homes
The last year has seen much discussion about investment partnerships between public and private sector organisations - this should soon translate into new projects, writes Richard Jones
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CommentMental health support doesn’t begin in a clinic, but in our homes and communities
Housing associations can often be the first to spot when something is wrong. They should be part of the solution when it comes to tackling the country’s mental health challenges, writes Amy Lawson
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CommentNo more delay – the government must act urgently to provide clarity and ambition on older people’s housing
It has been 18 months since the Older People’s Housing Taskforce’s plan to tackle barriers to delivery of later living homes, but ministers have yet to provide clarity through its National Housing Strategy. The taskforce’s former chair Julienne Meyer warns the delay has consequences
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CommentThe Future Homes Standard will be challenging but sharing knowledge is the key to success
New requirements confirmed last month are a positive opportunity for the housebuilding sector, writes David Thomas
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CommentWhat the Renters’ Rights Act means for build-to-rent and PBSA operators
Possession will take longer, rent reviews likely to be more contentious and administrative burdens increased. Lauren Fraser and Laura Bushaway look at the potential impact of the new legislation for landlords.
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CommentWhat housebuilders and developers should do to prepare for the Building Safety Levy
A new tax intended to raise £3.4bn for remediation comes into force in October. Michael Weissman explains what the sector must do to prepare.
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CommentLeasehold ban looms but housing developers still lack answers
Housing developers are having to nabigate the transition to commonhold without a clear roadmap, argue Ruth Barnes and Laura Stephens
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CommentHeat pumps and solar panels could be the straw that breaks the sector’s back
New measures are a good policy but the timeline is ambitious at a time of rising costs and added regulation, writes Lucy Haynes
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CommentHow Watford Community Housing increased income from overlooked assets
Revitalising garages enabled the Hertfordshire landlord to generate half a million in additional income over nine years while boosting its welfare fund for residents. Tina Barnard explains more
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CommentBuilding homes that last: Why regulation must ensure quality matches quantity
The government is not going far enough in ensuring quality and sustainability across all tenures of new homes, writes Chloe Fletcher
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CommentTackling social housing stigma must be taken out of the ‘too difficult to deal with’ box
Nic Bliss calls on the government and the Regulator of Social Housing to do more to combat the issue
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CommentThe ‘missed middle’ of medium-density housing could unlock delivery
Medium density is often overlooked but it has untapped potential, argues Katja Stille
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CommentAn extension of cash in lieu of affordable housing could unlock sites but it must be used carefully
The draft NPPF proposes making it easier to use off-site sums instead of providing on-site affordable homes on medium-sized sites. Chris Green weighs up the pros and cons
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CommentA crucial role for building safety – if the government gets it right
Applications have closed for the government’s first chief construction and scientific adviser, but can anyone realistically fulfil the job spec, wonders Chloë McCulloch
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CommentFuture Homes and Buildings Standard: what housebuilders need to do
From a greater focus on roof design, to the importance of early discussions with distribution network operators and the need to review development proposals at an early stage, the government’s response to proposed changes to building regulations has given the sector lots to think about, writes Megan Coulton
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CommentPlanning commttee decisions are increasingly becoming politicised – the new national scheme of delegation should help combat this
The planning process should be quasi-judicial and about professional judgement rather than political choices, writes Paul Smith
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CommentError reduction can help satisfy housebuilders’ need for speed
Changing ways of working that are ingrained into this industry is vital if we are to reduce costs and increase productivity, says GIRI’s Cliff Smith