Features

The latest news, features, comment and analysis of the UK housebuilding market covering policy, regulation, planning, technology, new developments and products

Planners talk back

Sept. 1, 2006 Feature

Developers’ views on the planning system are well known, but a recent survey turned the tables. Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) president Clive Harridge reports from the other side

New growth under the microscope

Sept. 1, 2006 Feature

The government’s plans for the Thames Gateway are under serious scrutiny. Chris Windle wades into the debate over a series of recent reports that have questioned the validity of its growth policies

Digital dividend

Aug. 1, 2006 Feature

Integrated home technology is becoming a major marketing ingredient for housebuilders. Andrew Leech looks at the options for optimising your homes

Interior journey

Aug. 1, 2006 Feature

While interior trends are constantly changing, the importance of quality fittings and fixtures remains paramount. Tim Palmer assesses the sector’s latest offerings

Theme park life

Aug. 1, 2006 Feature

Some have branded Berkeley’s Holborough scheme in Kent Disneyesque. But the distinctive New England style timber frame homes are selling like hotcakes, reports Steve Menary

Quality streets

Aug. 1, 2006 Feature

As NHBC celebrates its 70th anniversary, its Pride in the Job competition continues to encourage higher standards in housebuilding. As this year’s top 400 site managers are announced, Melissa Blamey looks at why a Pride in the Job Award is still the one to win.

Face to face

Aug. 1, 2006 Feature

Recognising the growing need to “to capitalise on opportunities in affordable housing,”Galliford Try has created a new post – affordable housing director. STEPHEN TEAGLE explains his role

The return of social housebuilding

Aug. 1, 2006 Feature

The government is talking of restarting a social housebuilding programme of the kind not seen for years. Mark Smulian reflects on how the mixed communities agenda will demand developer involvement this time around

Once a winner

Aug. 1, 2006 Feature

Chris Windle revisits a Housing Design Award-winning scheme 15 years after it walked off with the trophy. So has Wimpey’s Northumberland Village in Monkseaton lived up to the hype?

HIP Hooray

Aug. 1, 2006 Feature

The government’s decision to scrap compulsory home condition reports has elicited a mixed response from various corners of the industry. Chris Windle investigates