Latest News

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

Pooling resources

March 1, 2005

[MMC-IMG=1371-A=Left] The government’s push for higher density housing is enabling the greenbelt to be preserved, and even added to. Those pining for five-bedroom homes with swimming pools should move to Tuscany or Florida, suggests Will Howie

product round-up

March 1, 2005

Homes for life

March 1, 2005

Amendments to Parts M and B of the Building Regulations, relating to disabled access and fire safety, are in the pipeline for 2006. Fiona McWilliam talks to the housebuilding industry about the changes, including the introduction of Lifetime Home Standard

Industry solutions

March 1, 2005

Tim Palmer talks to Bave Baker, chief executive of Robust Details Ltd, and housebuilders about the industry's successes in developing compliant constructions for Part E

Insulate and ventilate

March 1, 2005

The industry has grappled with the ratcheting up of standards for Parts L and E. But there are more changes on the way to thermal and sound insulation requirements, along with an associated update to Part F's ventilation standards. Tim Palmer talks to sup

All change: Parts A, C && P

March 1, 2005

Paul Wheeler outlines the latest changes to Parts A, C and P of the Building Regulations, which came into force in December and January. These relate to structure, site preparation and electrical installations, and Part C is driving innovation in on-site

Hope for co-operation

March 1, 2005

[MMC-IMG=1359-A=Left] Building Regulations minister Phil Hope wants to reassure the industry that he understands its concerns over the number of changes that are in the pipeline. He tells Allison Heller why he is determined to balance the costs and confli

Iron rule

March 1, 2005

High quality architectural ironmongery can add strong visual impact to homes. Tim Palmer talks to suppliers about how housebuilders are spending more on this