Building News is an information portal for all professional building specifiers. Here you can find all of the latest construction news from around the UK and the rest of the world.

Reclaimed clay and bricks can cut carbon emissions in cement and concrete

New research confirms UK reclaimed clay and bricks can cut carbon emissions in cement and concrete

 

Using waste clay and brick in cement production could reduce the material’s embodied carbon by up to 30 per cent and boost UK construction’s circular economy, according to a new report.

A two-year study led by the Mineral Products Association (MPA) with funding from Innovate UK has demonstrated that UK reclaimed clays and finely ground brick powder can be used as calcined clays in cement and concrete manufacturing to deliver lower emissions compared to the market-leading CEM I cement.

The findings also confirmed that calcined clays from these sources have the potential to divert 1.4 million tonnes of material from potential waste streams if the materials were adopted by the UK construction industry.

Clay is a naturally abundant material in the UK and can offer an alternative to industrial by-products such as ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) and fly-ash which have been traditionally used to lower the embodied carbon of cement. UK production of both materials is reducing as the power and steel industries decarbonise.

In other parts of the world, calcined clays are used as a secondary cementitious material but until now they have not been officially tested in the UK.

Two heating methods were trialled to prepare the clay for use in cement and concrete: commonly used rotary kilns, and the more innovative ‘flash heating’. Both methods have been shown to produce high-quality calcined clays, and with no significant difference between techniques.

The project has been supported by Heidelberg Materials UK, Tarmac, Imerys Minerals Ltd, Forterra, University College London and University of Dundee.

 

Dr Diana Casey, Executive Director, energy and climate change at the MPA said:

 

“Using brick waste and reclaimed clays will not only lower carbon and reduce waste but has the potential to create a whole new market if these clays become widely used in the construction industry, helping to retain economic value in the UK, secure jobs and attract investment.”

 

The development of low carbon cements and concretes represent one of seven key levers in MPA UK Concrete’s Roadmap to Beyond Net Zero.  The roadmap sets out the UK concrete and cement industry’s own commitments to delivering net zero and builds on its decarbonising the industry by 53 per cent since 1990.

 

CLICK HERE to read the full report on the MPA website

 

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SFS facilitates faster fixing of tapered insulation over steel decks with BSA system launch

 

Ongoing investment in research and development by SFS Group Fastening Technology Ltd has brought the launch of the construction industry’s first ever adjustable fastening system for use with tapered – AKA cut-to-falls – insulation, installed over steel decking.

The SFS BSA adjustable fastening system follows on from the success the manufacturer has enjoyed with its TIA product, introduced a decade ago for use on concrete roof decks. Importantly, it offers roofing contractors a faster, simpler, and more cost-effective solution for securing insulation or single-ply membranes across multiple insulation layers up to 500mm thick.

There are three primary components to the patented system – the choice of a 110mm or 160mm fastener; thermally-broken polyamide sleeves available in lengths from 70-330mm; and five different stress plates which clip onto the sleeves for membrane or insulation securement.

The BSA fastener features two different thread zones separated by a thread-free zone.  To install, the efficient drill point cuts through the steel deck while the lower thread is designed to threadform and also restrict penetration through the crowns of the deck to a maximum 20mm.

The specialist drive bar tool then engages with the locking nut, held captive in the sleeve, to effectively tighten the assembly down into position. Then if the roof is trafficked the nut is free to move within the sleeve, before returning to its original position when the load is removed; this telescopic arrangement making BSA a very safe option for use with PIR and stone wool insulation.

For membrane installation when using BSA with tapered insulation, there is a choice of either the traditional isotak seam (or lap fixing) system or field fixing using the isoweld induction welding system.  Using isoweld, single ply membrane is welded to dedicated stress plates.  No fixings penetrate the waterproofing as a result.  Rather than seam fixing, induction welding uses a field fixing arrangement where the stress plates are installed in a grid pattern.  The Isoweld fasteners provide for both insulation and membrane retention and are evenly distributed, independent of the membrane seams and the result is increased efficiency, security and cost saving opportunities.

The BSA adjustable fastening system is CE-marked, fully tested and carries ETA Approval, while it has been successfully trialled on projects in the UK and Germany, receiving excellent feedback from contractors.

 

Martyn Holloway, Business Development Manager, Flat Roofing for SFS, comments:

“The use of adjustable fasteners for installing tapered insulation and single ply membranes on flat roofs removes complexity and simplifies the install. The BSA system offers up to 85mm adjustability using the same fastener and sleeve combination so this means that with a1:60 fall the same combinations can be used for four separate boards, whilst achieving a consistent 20mm fastener penetration through the deck.

 

“By contrast, using standard fasteners significantly more components and rationalisation of fastener lengths will result in varying penetration depths ranging from 20 to 70mm.  A consistent 20mm penetration across the complete roof significantly cuts the risk of damaging M&E services below the deck.

 

“Compared with adhesive fastening of tapered insulation schemes, the BSA adjustable fastening system will provide for a significantly faster and more cost-effective solution. One fastener will fix through multilayers of insulation and without the need for priming the deck nor expensive bitumen-based Air and Vapour Control Layers. Additionally, mechanically fastening is less weather dependant, especially in terms of temperature”.

 

SFS is pleased to offer project specific technical guidance and specification support, including wind load calculations and site pull-out testing to assist determine the correct number of fixings for either field or seam fixing methods of single ply membrane installation – or alternatively for insulation attachment, for example, where liquid applied membrane systems are specified.

 

 

 

CLICK HERE

further information or call 0330 0555888

 

 

 

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Revolutionary rainscreen retention solution proves less is more

 

SFS Group Fastening Technology and Kingspan Insulation have pooled their respective expertise in rainscreen cladding support systems and insulation materials, to launch an optimum performance solution offering A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire  presenting the potential to optimise envelope design on buildings of any height.

The NVELOPE®NVS-RP range of stainless-steel brackets has been developed specifically to retain Kingspan’s latest insulation development – Kingspan AlphaCore®panel silica-based insulation which offers a thermal conductivity of just 0.020 W/mK, with a Euroclass A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire. The slimline material is available in thicknesses of 20, 25, 30, 40 and 50mm with a weight ranging from 3.6-9.0 kg/m2.  AlphaCore® Pad is also water-repellent.

Crucially, the combination has the potential to create far slimmer façades which will withstand the weather as well as optimising energy performance.  This is because, instead of compromising AlphaCore® Pad’s thermal performance with multiple fixing penetrations, SFS has completely re-imagined established components from its NVELOPE® system to absolutely minimise cold-bridging.

The NVS designation describes the range’s existing stainless-steel L-shaped bracket that is available in single or double format and adds three types of RP Retaining Plates: Single, Double and the End Plate.  Their versatility not only facilitates the retention of all the AlphaCore® Pad thicknesses, without the need for traditional fixings, but remains quick and easy to install.

David Fraser, Business Unit Manager for SFS Subframe Systems, explains, “The NVS-RP features a standard bracket any installer would recognise and know how to fix, and it is now paired with a retaining plate featuring overlapping slots so that it simply slides over the top to retain the insulation and, once you hit the sweet spot, you just put in a rivet to hold it permanently..”

 

 

 

Cameron MacBride, the National Façade Manager for Kingspan Insulation, confirms: “Kingspan AlphaCore® Pad provides a balance of both thermal and fire performance, giving designers greater freedom to achieve compliant systems in tight spaces.  Collaborating with SFS has allowed us to find a solution to maximise the thermal performance of AlphaCore® Pad. The NVS RP range avoids having to fix through the board in multiple places, which reduces thermal bridging. This combination of materials will be used where those pinch-points within a structure occur, in areas where land values are high, and the overall wall thickness becomes more important.  These solutions using newer, optimal technologies are therefore going to offer the designer more flexibility in challenging situations, and hopefully boost the lettable or saleable space to its maximum”

 

A series of technical data sheets explains the configuration and application of the different NVS-RP components, along with the non-compressible thermal pad which helps ensure the assemblies’ performance, while both the bracketry and the Kingspan AlphaCore® Pad insulation will be available to contractors through the two companies’ normal sales channels.

 

CLICK HERE

further information and to view a video case study of the project

 

 

 

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A Century of Swimming Secured

Moseley Road Baths in Birmingham, still open for swimming | © Moseley Road Baths

Moseley Road Baths is one of Birmingham’s most important heritage buildings and one of only two GradeII baths predating 1914 that are still in use.

The first phase of construction works for the restoration and redevelopment of Moseley Road Baths and Balsall Heath library is to begin this month.

Moseley Road Baths is one of the oldest of six Grade II* Listed swimming baths in the UK. This first phase of the project will be in four stages, beginning with crucial roof and façade works, which will see scaffolding erected during September.

This phase will also see:

  • Introduction of a café into the Second-Class Slipper Baths
  • Reconfiguration of the visitor spaces, especially in the reception areas
  • Reinforcement works to the basement and foundations − Installation of renewable energy including air source heat pumps
  • Access improvements, including creating permanent level access on entry and installation of the first of three new lifts to the buildings

Phase 1 works have been funded by UK Government, Birmingham City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project is a partnership between Birmingham City Council and Moseley Road Baths Charitable Incorporated Organisation who took over the operation of the Baths in 2017.

This first phase is a major milestone in the campaign to save the Baths which is supported by a wider coalition of organisations: Historic England, World Monuments Fund, National Trust, and the Friends of Moseley Road Baths.

Councillor Saima Suleman, cabinet member for digital, culture, heritage and tourism, commented: “Swimming, health and wellbeing have always been at the centre of this project.

“It’s vital the future of this amazing building can be secured but as we’ve always said, the project has been about so much more than the building. This is such an exciting project that will have such a positive impact for the Balsall Heath community, which is one of the most deprived wards in the city.”

We are excited to announce that ISG has been appointed as the main contractor to deliver phase 1 building works. ISG has worked on a number of other major city-based projects including the City Council House and University of Birmingham’s global campus, with offices located in central Birmingham.

The building works have been designed by Donald Insall Associates, supported by Max Fordham, Mann Williams and Artelia, and Project Managed by global programme and project delivery consultants and construction experts Mace. Luke Arnold, Regional Director at ISG said “We are delighted to undertake phase 1 major construction work at Moseley Road Baths, an iconic landmark in South Birmingham, supporting the local and city-wide community to realise the full benefits and legacy of this exciting project for current and future generations.”

This first phase of works follows months of public engagement, enabling the community to help shape the plans. This has included widespread consultation locally through drop-in sessions to see and comment on the plans as well as feedback from national organisations and industry experts.

Four pilot activities which took place throughout last year were a major platform for official community feedback made possible through a grant of £477K from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players. The pilot activities created 205 Birmingham-based freelance opportunities and featured collaborations with 33 different local organisations.

36 people had a ‘Slipper bath’. Over 4,000 people visited ‘Balsall Heath’s Living Room’.

Six young people (18-30) were employed to develop their creative and employability skills leading to a podcast series “Bathcasts” interpreting the Baths’ heritage. 6000 people visited Balsall Heath Library’s ‘Imaginarium’ whose centre piece sculpture designed by Intervention Architecture was longlisted for a RIBA McEwen award.

Phase 1 is the beginning of realising the masterplan vision for the Baths. Phase 2 is subject to further funding which will include the restoration of the iconic Gala Pool and converting Pool 2 into a permanent hireable event space.

Moseley Road Baths is one of the oldest of six Grade II* Listed swimming baths in the United Kingdom. For many years, the Baths were under threat of closure.

Faced with the potential loss of a cherished community facility, local people campaigned to keep their pool open. So significant are the Baths that the Friends of Moseley Road Baths secured the interest of World Monuments Fund, who included the Baths on the 2016 World Monuments Watch to call attention to the planned closure.

They also feature on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register. In 2016 a group of organisations came together to form a coalition, to work alongside Birmingham City Council (who owns the building) to reimagine a new future for the Baths with swimming at its heart. Working together, the coalition has developed a masterplan to restore the magnificent Grade II* Baths and Library at the heart of the Balsall Heath community.

The regeneration of both buildings will unite and transform these historic masterpieces into a heritage-led wellbeing, leisure and cultural destination run with and for local people, and open to the world. Since late 2017, the Baths have been operated by Moseley Road Baths CIO.

The coalition comprises Birmingham City Council, Moseley Road Baths CIO, Historic England, World Monuments Fund, National Trust, and the Friends of Moseley Road Baths. Working together, the ‘coalition’ has contributed over £3m of time, expertise and funding. In 2021 the coalition announced it had successfully bid for £15.6m funding from the UK government and in 2022 received £477K in a Development Phase grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Source: The Phoenix Newspaper

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Non-certified polyisocyanurate board on ductwork

Externally located ductwork utilising a correctly certified PIR board and multilaminate cladding system

 

Seven years after the Grenfell Tower tragedy and two years on from the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022, members of the Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) continue to report the use of Euroclass F, non-certified polyisocyanurate (PIR) board, on ductwork.

The trade body originally sounded the alarm over the use of PIR on internally located ductwork in November 2022. However, it is now also highlighting a growing issue over the use of non-certified PIR boards on externally located ductwork. 

An increasing number of TICA members have reported that they are losing work due to competitors using a cheaper non-certified alternative – a situation that is being perpetuated due to the fragmented nature of the construction sector, making it more difficult to establish a ‘golden thread’ of safety data.

Chris Ridge, TICA Technical Director said:

“There are several manufacturers of PIR board operating in the UK and TICA is aware of only one PIR product that is certified for specific use with externally located ductwork. We have witnessed the use of many different PIR brands and clearly many of these have not been certified for the required application. 

“Everyone in the supply chain must ensure that the correct products are being used. Manufacturers, distributors, and installers all have a responsibility.”

He added:

“Manufacturers need to be clear and unambiguous about where their product can and can’t be used. The one manufacturer that has certified their PIR product for use with ductwork is very clear about the fact that its product is only suitable for externally located ductwork.

“The ambiguity that exists elsewhere will only increase the chances of PIR products being used in internally located ductwork applications. 

“Clients also need to take responsibility and ensure that they employ only competent specialist sub-contractors to insulate ductwork.”

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Prototype Footbridge Spurs World Interest

Railways from France, Hungary, the USA, South Korea and elsewhere have expressed interest in the prototype Adaptable Bridge & Lift System. This modular stainless steel footbridge is designed to improve the passenger experience and exploit the latest industrial techniques to lower the environmental impact of production and maintenance and provide opportunities for British manufacturing.

The bridge aims to be ‘simpler, better and greener’ than current designs, according to Hazel Needham, Associate Structural Engineer at Expedition Engineering.

Infrastructure manager Network Rail currently installs about 20 new or replacement footbridges a year, according to Professional Head of Buildings & Architecture Anthony Dewar who has been investigating ways to increase this output. He told Rail Business UK that the modular design developed by the AVA consortium offers the possibility of higher production volumes and a new approach to procurement, with modules prebuilt and stored ready for use.

Construction could begin as soon as a contract is awarded, with an estimated total site time of 15 weeks of which installation would require a 36 h track possession; it is hoped that this can be reduced to 27 h. The target is an overall footbridge project timescale of 20 months from contract award to handover.

‘We anticipate a robust demand pipeline that leverages AVA’s design and construction principles, capitalising on manufacturing efficiencies through batch procurement, economies of scale, and incremental enhancements’, said Eva MacNamara, director of Expedition Engineering.

Seeking fresh ideas

The origins of AVA lie in a Footbridge Design Ideas Competition which Network Rail organised through the Royal Institute of British. Architects in 2018 in an effort to attract some fresh ideas.

Dewar said some existing bridges offer a poor passenger experience, and there has been little innovation in footbridge procurement, design or construction until now.

Network Rail felt there was the potential to further develop the design which had been selected as the runner up in the competition. This led to a spin-off project to produce a prototype which has now been erected on an industrial site at Sittingbourne in Kent.

Modular elements

The AVA bridge is designed to offer an ‘elegant and timeless’ design and to be suitable for ‘any station anywhere’, said Bob Atherton of steel supplier Outokumpu.

The modular approach reduces the time needed on site, ensures quality, is adaptable and provides economies of scale. ‘It should be straightforward to adapt the bridge for the vast majority of station configurations’, said Dewar.

The visible parts of the bridge are the actual structure, not cladding, with the main span being assembled from standard modules made from Forta LDX 2101 high strength duplex stainless steel plates. The steel is produced by Outokumpu using low carbon electricity, and processed by its UK subsidiary in Sheffield. According to Atherton, it has double the strength of typical stainless steel, enabling the thickness to be reduced without impacting on performance and meaning smaller foundations are required.

The steel is suitable for most locations in the UK, but a higher grade such as Forta DX 2205 with higher corrosion resistance could be used in more corrosive coastal or polluted environments.

The sheet steel is laser cut and folded to shape using ‘Industry 4·0’ manufacturing processes which are now well established outside the rail sector. The steel has inherent durability without needing painting, a bead-blasted permanent anti-glare treatment and is graffiti resistant.

The 1 200 mm long modules are joined together to form a maximum span of up to 20 m, with symmetrical custom length modules at each end of the span to provide the precise length required. The stairs are similarly modular, with the span above the landing modified to provide the required height.

The bridge is bolted together with using pre-loaded bolts supplied by Bumax which will not loosen over time. Assembly does not require specialist skills, and this approach simplifies maintenance; the bridge could even be dismantled and relocated if desired.

The walking surface is aluminium, which has a 25-year warranty and 60+ year design life with the ability to be easily replaced.

Network Rail is particularly keen to ensure that all critical parts of the structure are visible or easily accessible for inspection and maintenance. There is integrated lighting, and internal cable routes with hinged access panels.

Options include a roof, not fitted to the prototype, and privacy screens if there is a need to prevent users seeing over the side of the bridge.

The consortium expects the bridge to offer lower capital and whole-life costs than the current generation of footbridges, and even greater benefits over the full life cycle. A traditional bridge needs periodic painting, but there is always a temptation to delay this into the next budgeting period, meaning major work is required when the job is eventually tackled and ultimately leading to a shorter overall life.

The AVA bridge has an expected life of at least 120 years, requiring minimal maintenance which can be undertaken without requiring a track possession. ‘What you see today is what it will look like in 100 years’, said Atherton.

Accesibility

 

The AVA bridge is intended for use at stations, where passengers increasingly expect the provision of lifts for accessibility. However, it could be built without lifts.

The lift shafts are modular units, assembled off-site by ARX and delivered complete and ready for erection. This has reduced installation time from 26 weeks to 2 weeks.

The lifts draw on experience from the industrial lift sector. Features for reliability included two motors for redundancy, and a single section door. The motors are housed at platform level, rather than on top of the structure, facilitating simpler maintenance.

There are two layout options for the lifts. The narrow variant has the lifts in line with the stairs, and is suitable for locations with restricted space on the platform. The preferred wide variant has the lifts alongside the stairs, which takes up more space but eliminates the need for a wheelchair user to change direction. The prototype has one lift of each type.

Because the lifts are separate modular structures, they could be added to an existing bridge of an alternative design; studies are underway for a potential installation at Seven Sisters.

Prototype

The prototype bridge is a ‘version 0·9’, according to the project partners. Changes have been made based on the experience gained during manufacturing and assembly, and would be incorporated into production bridges from new.

One example is the laminated glass, which is designed to provide a more open feel than high steel sides. The glass is it at a slight angle to reduce glare, but this proved complex to install, and a simplified way of achieving the correct angle was developed to reduce costs.

When Rail Business UK visited the prototype on a hot day, the sunlight reflecting from the floor was dazzling, but production bridges would have a different deck surface treatment.

The first production AVA bridge is scheduled to be installed at Stowmarket in May 2025.

 

Source: Railway Gazette

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MMC & GOVERNMENT POLICY

Ahead of a parliamentary debate expected in September, the House of Lords has published a briefing that examines the use of modern methods of construction (MMC) in the housing industry

Published on 9 August, the paper outlines both MMC use and how government policy towards this construction method has developed in recent years, including various strategic reports issued by parliamentary committees in the House of Lords and the House of Commons. It also details the newly elected Labour government’s position on house building and other recent developments relating to MMC.

“The House of Lords Built Environment Committee was critical of the Conservative government’s approach to MMC and called for a coherent strategy to promote MMC use in housebuilding. The new Labour government has said it will publish a new long-term housing strategy in the coming months,” the briefing states.

On 5 September 2024, the House of Lords is scheduled to debate a motion “to move that this House takes note of the role of modern methods of construction in the housing construction sector.”

It follows a short inquiry by the House of Lords Built Environment Committee, which took place between October 2023 and January 2024. In the report’s conclusion, published on 26 January, committee chair, Lord Moylan said:

“We believe that modern methods of construction can have an important place in UK housebuilding, especially in the context of an ageing skilled workforce and the inefficiency of traditional housebuilding methods. This is based on the evidence we have heard about its successful use in the non-housing construction sector, its widespread use in countries overseas, and its potential to drive gains in efficiency and productivity identified by Homes England and others. We welcome the Government’s wish to see these new methods of construction prosper.”

However, the committee also stated that the approach to MMC was in “disarray” and that the then government had “not set out clear objectives for the investments and funding it provided”.

“There is evidence of real barriers to MMC, such as risk aversion on the part of warranty providers, insurance companies, and insufficient clarity for building regulations. However, the government appears to have made limited effort to understand and address these challenges.

“If the government wants the sector to be a success, it needs to take a step back, acquire a better understanding of how it works and the help that it needs, set achievable goals and develop a coherent strategy.”

Homes England has also acknowledged the benefits of MMC’s use in the housing sector. As part of its annual report, published on 29 July 2024, it stated: “We continue to develop a growing evidence base for MMC and the opportunity it provides to create further housing delivery capacity.”

Following Labour’s win in the general election, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner confirmed that a “new long-term housing strategy” would be published in the “coming months”. As part of its election manifesto, Labour had committed to taking steps to ensure the building of “more high-quality, well-designed, and sustainable homes”. However, it is currently unclear what this will entail in terms of MMC use.

You can access the full briefing paper here.

Source: FPA

 

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UK’s first 3D printed village

Forest of Dean-based engineering group Versarien enters into a contract with national not-for-profit organisation, Building For Humanity, to assist in a major project in Lancashire by providing £200,000 worth of 3D printing services.

A huge deal worth £200,000 has been struck between advanced materials engineering group Versarien and national not-for-profit CIC, Building For Humanity, to build a village of new homes for veterans and low-income families in Lancashire using 3D printing technology.

The Forest of Dean-based group will act as a ‘print partner’ for the charity’s flagship project in Accrington, providing a full service from design to construction.

46 ‘high-quality, affordable’ homes will be developed in the project, set in five blocks alongside a community hub led by Building For Humanity for residents to access its range of supportive resources — the building of the hub and the first block will make up phase one of the project, set to commence imminently now that the contract has been signed.

Versarien will provide support to Build For Humanity’s design team, to ensure alignment with its 3DCP printing parameters, before moving on to supply staff and printing services at the construction stage.

3D construction printing (3DCP) involves using 3D printing methods including extrusion, powder bonding and additive welding to fabricate buildings or construction parts.

The method is hailed for being more environmentally-friendly than traditional building practices, as it produces less waste, while also allowing for design flexibility — if successful and properly invested in, the UK could see 3DCP being used more and more in the construction industry as a sustainable alternative that could alleviate the current housing crisis.

CEO of Versarien, Dr Stephen Hodge, said:

‘This initiative is the first 3D printing housing construction project in the UK and one ideally suited to the services we can provide.

This project is a pivotal opportunity to showcase Versarien’s capabilities in enabling low-carbon, efficient construction solutions, exemplifying our commitment to innovation and sustainability.’

 

Source: SoGlos

 

 

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Construction orders on the Up for the first time since 2022

Construction orders in the UK surged 28% from a year earlier in Q2 of 2024, rising for the first time since the third quarter of 2022, and sharply rebounding from a revised 2.5% fall in the previous quarter.

It also marked the sharpest growth in construction orders in two-and-a-half years, as orders recovered for all new work (28% vs -2.5% in Q1), all new housing (5.4% vs -11.4%), while growth accelerated for all other work (38.6% vs 1.1%).

On a quarterly basis, construction orders advanced 16.5%, easing from a revised 17.7% jump in the prior three-month period.

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The UK housebuilding sector is with one voice

Bellway said buyer confidence was improving after a drop in mortgage rates. photo: Rueters

 

UK homebuilders boosted by rate cut and promise of planning reforms

Homebuilder Bellway joined larger rivals on Friday (Aug 9) in offering an upbeat assessment of the sector’s prospects after the Bank of England cut its benchmark lending rate and the new Labour government promised planning reforms.

Bellway said buyer confidence was improving after a drop in mortgage rates.

It comes after rivals Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey also forecast annual housebuilding numbers towards the upper end of their guidance range.

“The UK housebuilding sector is, with one voice, sharing the view that the new Labour government has made a good start in trying to fix the UK’s broken housing market,” RBC Capital Markets analyst Anthony Codling said.

The sector still faces some major challenges.

Many younger potential buyers remain priced out of the market, while changes to planning rules face challenges from environmental campaigners and will take time to implement.

Persimmon has received detailed planning approvals for about 1,000 plots after the government took office in July out of the 6,000 approvals they have received so far in 2024, it said.

In June, Berkeley, which focuses on redeveloping industrial land, became the first homebuilder to boost outlook in more than two years, citing “good enquiries”.

Consumer confidence had been boosted by the Aug 1 interest rate cut and easing inflation, Bellway said after posting a smaller-than-expected fall in annual revenue.

 

Source: Business Times

 

 

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