Last summer, the acronym RAAC was launched into the spotlight overnight.

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete suddenly appeared on every news channel and at the top of the agenda of every staff meeting, days or hours before the start of the new school term in September 2023. Most commonly found on ceilings, wall panels and floors, RAAC was a remanent of brutalist industrialism from the 60s and 70s; buildings were being built quickly and contractors had to choose materials that were readily available and cost effective.

Accompanying the media attention was an obvious and urgent need for an emergency response to ensure pupils remained in face-to-face learning. Schools and Trusts had learned the harsh reality and impact of remote learning following the pandemic and were keen to ensure the quality of teaching was not disrupted.

The Portakabin team reacted with its characteristic tenacity, contacting Trusts, Councils and the Department for Education to ensure schools had access to expert advice as quickly as possible.

With schools across the country, who had been preparing to welcome pupils back in September 2023, suddenly learning they had to close upon the discovery of RAAC in the structure of their buildings, speed and quality were at the forefront of requirements.

Andy Perry, Headteacher, Myton School “About a third of our school, had confirmed RAAC. We were told to close on 1 September. A day before term started, we immediately lost a third of our teaching space including our library, canteen, music and drama. We could only fit in five of our seven year groups initially but thanks to our timetabler we managed to get six out of seven year groups in, but that still meant some of our children were learning remotely at the start of term.”

Fortunately, the team at Portakabin already had relationships with many of the schools impacted so were able to mobilise teams quickly around its sites across the UK.

Maria Perez Garcia, Regional Project Manager, Portakabin:

“When the enquiry came in, the first thing we did was get the right people at the initial site visit. We sat down with the school and the DfE to understand what requirements they had. We then had an in depth walkaround the site to see what we were working with so we could react as quickly as possible and provide the best possible emergency solution.”

While the DfE supported schools and helped them confirm the scale of their RAAC problem, Portakabin was able to assess what was required, when and how, leaving the DfE to set out a long term plan to remove RAAC permanently from buildings which were affected.

Adam Ealden, Head of Maths, Myton School,

“We learned through Covid that when students are at home, they don’t learn as well and some students don’t learn at all. They fall behind and their learning suffers. We couldn’t afford for that to happen again, we needed them back in and we needed them back in quick.”

At any one time, Portakabin was managing up to 30 contractors on the Myton School site to ensure the tight programme was met. Myton School was featured heavily in BBC reporting of the RAAC crisis, and all eyes were on Portakabin to deliver in time. Phase 1 of the project involved the team working in three separate areas of the school to deliver 31 individual buildings, which required detailed organisation with the school to avoid lesson changeovers as well as school start and finish times.

Jane Burrows, Finance Director, Myton School:

Portakabin worked swiftly and effectively with Myton School to deliver emergency classroom accommodation and welfare units in a very short period of time. Due to the accelerated nature of the solution from Portakabin, Myton School was able to minimise disruption to learning with all students back in classrooms by the end of October 2023.”

What the RAAC crisis started to uncover was a tragically aging estate, a School Rebuilding Programme well behind schedule and the gradual decline of quality teaching spaces.

Nick Griffin, Managing Director at Portakabin comments:

“Out of over 20,000 schools and colleges in England alone, over 200 had confirmed RAAC by the end of the autumn term, which is around 1%. Over 100 of these schools will in time need one or more buildings rebuilt or refurbished where work to remove RAAC is more extensive and complex. This is incredibly important to protect education for our young people.

“Our prerogative during the initial crisis was to deliver quickly, with as little impact as possible to day-to-day learning. Our teams operate with a level of care, quality and professionalism which comes from working with educational providers day in, day out. Of all the schools we were working with last year, over 33% were specifically impacted by RAAC so our project delivery teams around the country were able to continually evolve the service and speed of our response.

“We were delighted to join the team at Myton School last month to handover Phase 2 of their buildings, a modular village which provided specialist classrooms and learning environments meaning the school can continue to deliver the same opportunities to its students, regardless of the impact of the RAAC crisis.”

While a long-term solution to the RAAC crisis is devised, Portakabin continues to offer solutions when and where they are needed most, providing a variety of buildings, both temporary and permanent.


VIEW THE VIDEO’S

Parterning with Portakabin – CLICK

 

Responding to the RAAC Crisis – CLICK

 

Delivering Exceptional Learning Environments – CLICK

 

Challenging Projects – CLICK

 

 

 

 

  

Rinnai has released another whitepaper – “Optimizing Domestic Hot Water Systems for Archetype Care Homes: A Value Engineering Approach” which, within the main body of the analysis, is a case study demonstrating the optimal solution for DHW provision in an archetype care home with specific requirements including a 20% reduction in carbon footprint, OPEX considerations and available space for only 2 heat pumps.

 


CLICK HERE FOR THE RINNAI HELP ME CHOOSE A PRODUCT PAGE


There are five main solutions presented in this case study for optimal DHW requirements in an archetypal care home:

  1. Electric immersion cylinders
  2. Heat pumps
  3. High efficiency gas water heaters
  4. Hybrid system comprising of 20% heat pump and gas water heaters
  5. Hybrid system comprising of 40% heat pump and electric immersion cylinders.

Due to the requirements of the care home and assessing all possibilities against the pre-determined criteria, solutions 3,4 and 5 were viewed as being worthy of further analysis.

Step 4 of the value engineering methodology proposed by Rinnai UK, analyses solution against the current installed system of three non-condensing storage water heaters.

Figure 1 showcases the carbon performance of solutions 3, 4 and 5 as well as the currently installed system of three storage heaters. The colours of each system are highlighted at the top of the graph in blue (Solution 3), orange (Solution 4) and grey (Solution 5).

Figure 1: Carbon Emissions forecasted over 5 years.

Figure 2 shows operating costs over 5 years for all three solutions (blue, orange and grey) and the currently employed gas storage system (yellow) is also provided below. Solution 3 highlighted in blue, the gas system costs £52,806. Solution 4, the hybrid system will cost £56,746, whilst solution 5, the all-electric system costs £149,666.

Figure 2: Operating costs forecasted over 5 years

 

Of note is the costs of electricity in the UK which are being targeted by the government to fall by 2035 and be an integral part of cleaning the grid – and note that Figure 2 utilizes Govt forecast statistics.

Figure 3, below, is a graph that illustrates the CAPEX costs associated with each solution. Solution 3 (blue), high-efficiency gas water heaters will cost £25,500. Solution 4 (orange), the hybrid system comprising of 20% heat pump and gas water heaters costs £63,913 and finally, solution 5 (grey) the all-electric system comprising of 40% heat pump and electric immersion cylinders will cost £81,600.

Figure 3: Capital Expenditure required for each solution

 

Figure 4 is the final graph that gives the 5-year life cycle costs associated with each system. Solution 3, the gas system (blue) will cost £78,306. 30. Solution 4, the hybrid system (orange) will be £120,658.54. And finally, Solution 5 (grey) – the all-electric system will cost £231,266.35.

Figure 4: Lifecycle costs forecasted over 5 years

Therefore, the decisive question for the site is whether the reduced carbon emissions of Solution 5 is perceived as far more valuable than the lower lifecycle costs of Solution 4.

Due to the customer’s brief of requirements to include: –

  • 20% reduction in carbon footprint
  • OPEX considerations
  • space for only two heat pumps –

The optimal solution for DHW provision is the hybrid system that includes the 20% heat pump and gas water heaters. It delivers reduced carbon emissions and financial expenditure and can operate within a space limited environment.

 

Rinnai aims to demonstrate to specifiers, consultants and system designers that the company’s technology provides practical, technical and economic solutions for businesses and sites who wish to significantly reduce their carbon emissions.


RINNAI OFFERS CLEAR PATHWAYS TO LOWER CARBON AND DECARBONISATION PLUS CUSTOMER COST REDUCTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC AND OFF-GRID HEATING & HOT WATER DELIVERY  

  • Rinnai’s range of decarbonising products – H1/H2/H3 – consists of hot water heating units in gas/BioLPG/DME, hydrogen ready units, electric instantaneous hot water heaters, electric storage cylinders and buffer vessels, a comprehensive range of heat pumps, solar, hydrogen-ready or natural gas in any configuration of hybrid formats for either residential or commercial applications. Rinnai’s H1/2/3 range of products and systems offer contractors, consultants and end users a range of efficient, robust and affordable low carbon/decarbonising appliances which create practical, economic and technically feasible solutions.
  • Rinnai is a world leading manufacturer of hot water heaters and produces over two million units a year, operating on each of the five continents. The brand has gained an established reputation for producing products that offer high performance, cost efficiency and extended working lives.
  • Rinnai products are UKCA certified, A-rated water efficiency, accessed through multiple fuel options and are available for purchase 24/7, 365 days a year. Any unit can be delivered to any UK site within 24 hours.
  • Rinnai offer carbon and cost comparison services that will calculate financial and carbon savings made when investing in a Rinnai system. Rinnai also provide a system design service that will suggest an appropriate system for the property in question.
  • Rinnai offer comprehensive training courses and technical support in all aspects of the water heating industry including detailed CPD’s.
  • The Rinnai range covers all forms of fuels and appliances currently available – electric, gas, hydrogen, BioLPG, DME solar thermal, low GWP heat pumps and electric water heaters More information can be found on Rinnai’s website and its “Help Me Choose” webpage.
RINNAI FULL PRODUCT AVAILABILITY 24/7 FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY of
ALL HOT WATER HEATING UNIT MODELS INCLUDING 48-58kW UNITS-
 SAVINGS OF
    20%    REDUCTION of opex cost
30%   REDUCTION of initial cost
15%   REDUCTION in carbon
75%   REDUCTION of space

Lewis Tandy, Marketing Manager and Allan Randall, National Specification Manager, GEZE UK

GEZE UK, a leading manufacturer of door and window control systems, has welcomed two new members to its management team; Allan Randall as National Specification Manager and Lewis Tandy as Marketing Manager.

 Leading the GEZE UK Specification team

Allan will lead GEZE UK’s specification team, playing a critical role in supporting architects, engineers and end users to deliver innovative technical solutions for all GEZE products. With a proven track record of success in specification management, project coordination, and client relations, Allan will ensure compliance with all the latest legislation and regulations.

 

“I’m looking forward to starting my journey with GEZE UK, bringing over 20 years of commercial experience in the A&D sector. I will carry on taking the GEZE name out to the specification marketplace and continue to offer the best product, provide the best service and constantly improve everything we do.” – Allan Randall, National Specification Manager GEZE UK

 

Welcoming our new Marketing Manager

As the new Marketing Manager, Lewis is set to lead our marketing efforts and drive innovative campaigns that resonate with our customers. His expertise in digital marketing, content creation, and market analysis will be invaluable as GEZE UK continues to grow and adapt in today’s dynamic marketplace.

 

“I am very excited to be joining GEZE UK. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team here to create impactful marketing initiatives that inspire our customers and strengthen our brand presence.” – Lewis Tandy, Marketing Manager GEZE UK

 

Andy Howland, Sales and Marketing Director of GEZE UK, added:

“We are delighted to welcome both Lewis & Allan to the GEZE UK Management Team. I am confident that with both their previous experience and market knowledge we will continue to grow our market presence within the UK.”


CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE WEBSITE

 

A PERTHSHIRE construction business has shipped eight of its specialist SIPs (structural insulated panels) home kits on an 8,000-mile journey to the Falkland Islands.

Family firm JML SIPs, based in Auchterarder, is more accustomed to dispatching materials UK-wide including some of Scotland’s remote islands, and its founding director John Langley said the initial enquiry from a developer in the South Atlantic came “out of the blue”.

The developer assessed several potential suppliers before giving its business to JML. Now, the initial £500,000 order has been loaded into shipping containers for the six-week voyage to Port Stanley, with a stopover in the Uruguayan capital Montevideo to transfer to a smaller vessel.

“The developer wants to deliver high-quality, low-energy housing for the island community,” Mr Langley explained. “Housing is in high demand but we have been told there is limited choice and costs are very high.

“We developed the designs and took things forward to the construction phase at our Auchterarder factory.”

Until now, the business has sent SIPs the length and breadth of the UK, the furthest being to Shetland and Land’s End.

SIPs director at JML, Derek McIntyre, explained:

“The kits are ideal for remote locations where access can be challenging. In addition to using all manner of ferries, we have called on helicopters and landing craft to reach inaccessible peninsulas.

“SIPs are ideal to erect on-site because you can quickly get them wind and watertight. They are very well insulated, warm and airtight.

He added: “The climate in the Falklands is much like the Orkney Islands. Our units are up to seven times stronger than standard timber frame construction, so they’re ideal for coping with the fierce winds which whip in off the South Atlantic.

“In addition to the initial eight SIPs kits we are also supplying all the finishings, including doors, kitchens etc, which have been sourced from companies in Perth and Kinross and Fife wherever possible.

“These are currently being loaded into a second batch of containers heading for the Falklands later this month and we are hopeful to dispatch even more kits to the islands for other sites which are at the development stage.”

JML Contracts marks its 20th anniversary next year and employs more than 60 permanent staff, doubling numbers in the last five years.

Its designs have featured on TV programmes such as Grand Designs, and a property in Torridon, which JML supplied and erected a SIPs kit for, won the RIBA House of the Year in 2018.

A home completed on the northwest coast of Scotland sees the firm shortlisted for the National Build It magazine awards, with the ceremony being in London on November 8.

Source: The Herald

Tesco PLC and Shell PLC  have struck a deal to buy energy from the UK’s biggest solar farm, providing up to 10% of the supermarket chain’s UK electricity from next year and helping power the oil giant’s electric vehicle charging stations.

The 15-year deal for electricity from the 560,000 solar panel-strong Cleve Hill Solar Park site in Faversham, Kent is Tesco’s largest power purchase agreement to date, the FTSE 100 grocer said.

It will power the equivalent of 144 of Tesco’s large stores, with the 373-megawatt solar farm, currently under development by Texas-based Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, set to open in 2025.

“We’re delighted to be announcing such a significant step in our journey towards carbon neutrality across our own operations by 2035,” Tesco chief executive Ken Murphy said.

“With its ability to provide vital energy storage infrastructure, it’s a key part of the renewable energy strategy in the UK.”

Clean power purchase deals signed by Tesco, with the likes of ScottishPower, Schroders Greencoat and EDF, will collectively provide 45% of Tesco’s anticipated electricity demand by 2030, the UK’s largest supermarket added.

Shell, meanwhile, arranged a 10-year agreement with Quinbrook to manage the capacity secured under a contract-for-difference in the UK’s 2022 renewable power auction.

Some controversy surrounded the deal, however, as the project gained planning permission despite local opposition, where it was hoped the electricity from the site would be for residential use, with the output enough to power more than 100,000 homes.

Tesco’s deal covers 65% of the output from the site, with Shell taking the remaining 35%.

“This project was approved on the premise that it would power homes, not petrol stations and supermarkets,” Vicky Ellis, of the Kent branch of countryside charity CPRE, told the Telegraph.

“The irony of a major supermarket such as Tesco and a prominent oil producer such as Shell buying into the green energy market to run their petrol stations and supermarkets is not lost on us.

“We suspect this is another example of greenwashing,” said Ellis.

After years of local protests, the 860-acre scheme was approved in 2020, currently under construction on farmland near Graveney salt marshes.

An application for a 150-megawatt battery storage facility at the UK’s biggest solar farm was refused earlier this year, as campaigners raised safety concerns about the lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) batteries used to store the energy.

LFP batteries are “more subject to explosion risk than other types,” according to a Swale Borough Council report.

Source: Proactive Investors

 

Credit: Los Angeles World Airports

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has begun the process of relocating all nine segments of the Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC) South project from the offsite construction location to the airfield at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Upon the project’s completion, MSC South will serve as an extension of the West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal, offering approximately 13,500m2 of space and eight gates for narrowbody aircraft.

This relocation began as the airport marked the successful delivery of the project’s third segment to the project site, which is located south of the West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal.

The MSC South project is being built using a technique called offsite construction and relocation (OCR), which enables segments of a project to be constructed at a different location before being transported to the final site for installation. Construction of the segments began earlier in 2024 just north of LAX’s northern runways and outside of the airfield operations area, allowing for an unprecedented level of operational flexibility and workforce inclusion, with minimal impacts on airport operations.

“LAX’s modernization applies to more than just the projects we build. It includes taking on bold and modern construction methods like offsite construction and relocation that will enable us to deliver incredible facilities like MSC South, while saving time and money and allowing us to create jobs for our local workforce,” said Michael Christensen, chief airport development officer of Los Angeles World Airports. “The partnership and collaboration between LAWA, W.E. O’Neil [general contractor] and the entire project team is what brought us to this milestone, and I look forward to the project’s final completion next year. Together, we are setting a new standard for innovation in airport infrastructure.”

Each scheduled segment relocation begins around midnight, following the temporary closures of Runways 24R and 24L. Segments are transported using two self-propelled modular transporters (SPMT) from Mammoet, which are placed under each side of the segment. After final checks and verifications, the segment begins its 2.8km trip to the project site at a speed of approximately 2.4km/h, escorted by LAWA and project staff members in vehicles and on foot, who also monitor for foreign object debris or possible unforeseen issues. The runways are immediately reopened following thorough inspections by LAX airport operations staff.

The construction team delivering MSC South under W.E. O’Neil is comprised of local workers, with more than 30% representation from the Los Angeles workforce. Because the segments were constructed using the OCR method, contractors were able to include workers who may not have been eligible to perform work on an active airfield. The project includes 374 local hires and two HireLAX Apprenticeship Readiness Program graduates. More than 32% of total work hours to date have been completed by local workers, surpassing the project’s goal of 30%.

“I am so proud of our team on achieving this project milestone,” said Michael Byrne, executive vice president of W.E. O’Neil. “There is still a lot of work to be done from now until MSC South is complete, but there is no doubt in my mind that the team assembled on this project includes some of the best professionals our industry has to offer, and we will be back to celebrate the completion of this landmark project with our partners at LAWA.”

Overnight relocations of the remaining six segments will continue throughout the month. Once all nine segments are in place, project crews will assemble them together and continue construction at the site through 2025.

 

Source: Passenger Terminal Today

  

Futurebuild, in partnership with Innovate UK and the National Home Decarbonisation Group (NHDG) has launched its Big Retrofit Challenge, a bold new competition aimed at unearthing game-changing solutions in home decarbonisation.

 The Big Retrofit Challenge offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and companies to showcase their innovations in front of key industry players and get their ideas to the market. The innovations that come through the competition should aim to either directly address central challenges to the sector or improve wider processes for the delivery of projects that help consumers live in healthier homes, tackling issues such as exposure to damp and mould and alleviating fuel poverty.

The judges are looking for innovations that go beyond just products, including new systems, approaches, solutions, and processes that contribute to creating healthier homes. Entries are open to UK-registered businesses that have an annual turnover of £15 million or less, with priority being given to less established organisations. The submitted solutions must be suitable for retrofitting or renovating existing homes or non-residential properties. While solutions designed for new builds are also welcome, they must demonstrate applicability to retrofit projects as well.

Six shortlisted winners will have the chance to pitch their solutions on stage at Futurebuild’s National Retrofit Conference, and attend a networking morning to showcase their innovation to NHDG members with each winner having allocated slots to network directly with its members. Winners will also be given the exciting opportunity to discuss with NHDG members the potential of piloting their technology on a live decarbonisation scheme, accelerating their path to market and turning ideas into reality. It offers shortlisted winners a unique opportunity to actively work with the private sector to deliver retrofit.

Martin Hurn, Event Director at Futurebuild, said:

“The Big Retrofit Challenge is about turning bold ideas into impactful solutions. We are excited to partner with Innovate UK and the National Home Decarbonisation Group to create a powerful platform where innovators can showcase their game-changing technologies that will accelerate the decarbonisation of homes across the UK.”

Mat Colmer from Innovate UK, and Senior Innovation Lead for Construction and Net Zero Heat at UK Research and Innovation, also commented on the competition:

“Innovation is key to solving the complex challenges we face in home decarbonisation. The Big Retrofit Challenge provides a crucial opportunity for cutting-edge solutions to be tested and scaled, ultimately helping the UK meet its net zero targets while improving the quality of housing for consumers.”

Paul Rogers, National Decarbonisation Manager at CLC Group, and member of the National Home Decarbonisation Group who are managing The Big Retrofit Challenge on behalf of the team, said:

“By collaborating on the Big Retrofit Challenge, we are supporting the discovery and implementation of solutions that address the urgent need for greener, healthier homes. This competition will help unlock innovations that reduce fuel poverty, improve living conditions, and advance the UK’s decarbonisation agenda.”

The Big Retrofit Challenge is an inspiring step towards transforming the UK’s housing sector and achieving net zero goals. By fostering bold innovation and collaboration, the competition aims to deliver real-world solutions that will make an impact on the environment and communities across the country.


CLICK HERE NOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO MAKE A REAL IMPACT

Further criteria and guidelines are found on the application form.
The competition will close at 11am on Thursday 28th November 2024.

 

Two construction business owners in Northamptonshire have joined forces to launch a sector specific networking event for the county.

 

The event – PropConnect – was created by Parm Bhangal, managing director of Bhangals Construction Consultants, and Matthew Abraham, managing director at FormFive after the duo kept bumping into each other attending events in London and realised there was demand for a networking event closer to home for those working in the construction industry.

 

Matthew (left) and Parm at the launch of PropConnect

 

The inaugural PropConnect event took place on Thursday, October 3 at Bhangals Construction Consultants’ recently refurbished offices at Grange Park, Northampton and attracted more than 80 guests from the construction industry who were based in Northamptonshire. This included structural engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, contractors and modular build specialists.

 

Those who attended the early evening event were treated to speeches by Parm and Matthew, a free bar and buffet, and three hours of informal networking.

 

 

 

Matthew said:

“We wanted to create an event that brought together businesses in Northamptonshire, small and large, from many different but related disciplines, and see them grow in the property and construction sector through building local connections and meeting people they have never met before on their doorstep.”

 

Parm added:

“Construction is all about collaboration and communication and you can only do that by having conversations with people about the business sector you working are in. When I looked around the room at the first PropConnect event, I could see some incredible businesses specialising in all areas of construction and property, talking to each other. I’m really proud of what we are doing with PropConnect and I hope that the group grows and those who attend continue to benefit from the connections they make and relationships they build.”

 

PropConnect will be a quarterly networking event going forward, with the next meeting taking place in the new year. Visit prop-connect.co.uk to find out more.

It is said that over 300,000 new homes a year are needed to be built in order to keep up with the UK’s growing population. Between 2022 and 2023, just over 200,000 were built – a 60% increase from the 125,000 new homes a decade ago. This increase, described as the ‘race to build new homes’, isn’t just about numbers either, as new builds are also rapidly adapting to meet modern demands.

More than ever before, there is a focus on new-builds reaching higher standards in technological advancements, sustainability, and modern lifestyles, but what exactly has changed? The following article from property and construction specialists Watts reveals how housing priorities have changed over the past decade, and what we can expect in the years to come.

Environment and sustainability

Although the UK formally incorporated sustainability into its building regulations in the early 2000s, the past decade has seen a larger commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of new-builds; highlighted by the new regulations introduced in June 2022. These new regulations, set to help the UK deliver net zero, require that CO2 emissions from new build homes must be around 30% lower than current standards, bring the banning of gas and oil boilers, and outline that each new build must come with EV charging points, among many others.

As house-building policies become increasingly linked to net-zero goals, new-builds are progressively being made from responsibly sourced materials, low-VOC paints, and modular building methods to reduce waste and promote efficiency. Additionally, modern homes are being designed to promote energy conservation, whilst reducing the reliance on non-renewable energy. For instance, In Fife in Scotland, 80 new builds were set to be Gas free, allowing homeowners to rely less on energy consumption to fuel, heat, and light their homes.

Thanks to modern building practices, just under 1 million homes in England and Wales have an EPC of C++, compared to just 661,000 homes a decade ago.

Smart technology

This decade has witnessed the rise of the smart home, where an emphasis on smart technology such as lighting, smart security systems, HVAC controls, and pre-installed energy-efficient appliances – all integrated into one main tech ecosystem – have become commonplace. According to Samsung’s Smart Home Buyers Index, nearly 80% of people looking to move home in the next five years want their next home to be a smart one.

Smart technology has revolutionised modern living, with it offering not only more practical ways of living, but also its ability to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and reduce costs on the consumer.

 

Lifestyle and well-being 

Finally, developers have recognised the importance of health and well-being in a competitive market. In contrast to more compartmentalised and function-focused layouts from previous decades, there is a growing demand for multipurpose spaces, open-plan living, home offices, outdoor spaces, alongside increased access to community – especially post-pandemic.

A study conducted by Natural England demonstrated that city parks, community gardens, playing fields, and other urban sites were the most visited type of green space in England, and that living within 100 metres of such an area can raise house prices by an average of £2,500, demonstrating that addressing the housing crisis while focusing on both economic and social well-being adds significant value.

This emphasis on well-being has also brought biodiversity into focus, as specialist hedgehog fencing, bat boxes, and native tree planting are being incorporated into developments.

To conclude, in the face of growing challenges, new house builds are being looked at with a long-term vision. In 2024, looking forward to 2030, homes are evolving from simply providing basic shelter, to addressing both national and global needs. Compared to a decade ago, modern homes are not only a band-aid to accommodate a growing population, but they are also becoming a driving source and remedy to sustainability, energy efficiency, and community well-being. By ensuring that new homes are equipped to meet the challenges of the coming decades, we are laying the foundations for a more resilient and sustainable future.

 

Planning departments hit hardest by staff shortages

Planning departments are facing the worst workforce shortages, with eight out of 10 experiencing recruitment and retention issues, new research has revealed ahead of the budget.

The District Councils’ Network (DCN) has warned that workforce shortages at the local level caused by strained budgets could undermine the Government’s housebuilding plans.

In a survey of England’s district councils, the DCN found that 84% of planning departments were struggling to recruit and retain staff.

The poll, which had responses from 80 local authorities, also revealed that building control (49%) and housing and homelessness services (31%) faced personnel shortages.

The DCN’s research also revealed the scale of extra spending caused by wage increases.

The organisation’s members on average had to budget an additional £881,000 each in extra pay for 2024-25 – an increase in 5.2% across the district council sector as a whole.

They have also budgeted for further rises of 3.3% in 2025-26 and 3.1% in 2026-27.

Cllr Jeremy Newmark, DCN’s finance spokesperson, commented that cuts have left services ‘increasingly threadbare’ which has meant the burden on remaining staff has grown.

‘Local government is about place leadership and driving change in communities and it should offer prospective staff a rewarding career – but at the end of the day unless we get adequate funding that allows departments to function properly and staff to be paid fairly we will see more of our workforce leave to more lucrative roles elsewhere.’

Source: LocalGov